What 1,037 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Escape Gas

Coolant leak into cylinder head. Upon start up a cloud of white smoke came from the exhaust.

NHTSA ODI 11687256

According to Cleburne Ford, my 2016 Ford Escape had a coolant leak that makes the engine malfunction and they quoted me a price for a new engine installation. My safety had been impacted because now I don’t know when my engine will stop working but I need a car to get to work. An independent mechanic I took it to told me he could not find a leak or see anything wrong with it, but of course he isn’t a Ford dealership employee. I had a check engine light to which then I contacted Cleburne Ford and they were able to diagnose it and give me the bad news.

NHTSA ODI 11683012

I was driving the car and I was having issues with it shutting off when I was driving the car it shut off in the middle of me driving and it just wouldn't move after that until a tow truck driver came and gave me a jumpstart that happened a number of times, but in the middle of traffic was the worst and very dangerous when my kids are in the car

NHTSA ODI 11682577

The engine light came on so we took it to a mechanic. The diagnostic said "coolant leaking in cylander 1". We were told the engine was allowing coolant to leak into it (because of a design flaw known to Ford) and the only option was to completly replace it. That engine is no longer being manufactured and Ford won't help me in any way. My car has less than 70,000 miles on it and is undriveable. Total engine failure due to head gasket leak.

NHTSA ODI 11674565

We have 2016 Ford Escape Ecoboost 1.6L that has the very same issues as in the recall for the car but our vin number was not included in the recall. This car was taken to the Ford dealership for all services, recommend services, oil changes. I have all the receipts for this. In August of 2023 I took the car in for oil change and they said everything passed inspection. Copy of record to follow. Then in October of 2023 the transmission had error code and had to be towed to dealership. Was told transmission had to be replaced. Fords cost took to another transmission shop they verified transmission needed to be replaced. Paid 4,000 for it to be done. Then in December of 2023 another light came on in the car...check engine light...car again had to be towed to Ford dealership...this time engine needed to be replace at the cost of nearly 10,000 dollars...and then the most recent issue....turbocharge has blown seals with oil leak as told before...but not a totally different reason..for engine problems so with oil leak also need manifold replacement..these 2 things $6,140.50 plus the $17,755.88 for transmission and engine repair would cost $23.896.38. Something needs to be done about this Escape. I do not know why it was not included in the very limited recall that Ford issued for this call. But, it seems very obvious that it should be. The car new was $28,300.00. Please help....this car is in need of being replaced by Ford not repaired at this point since not included in the originally recall when as you can see certainly should have been. Let me know if there is anything that can be done by yall to help solve this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11670037

Eco boost failure recommended replacement referred to a Ford dealership for service 1500.00 to 2000.00 for replacement

NHTSA ODI 11669959

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera was turning on and off continuously while driving. The contact stated that the failure was causing a distraction while driving. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera was inoperable while reversing. Additionally, the infotainment system was inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under recall, and a case was filed. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

NHTSA ODI 11669449

a couple of years ago my car started having problems when accelerating, it would not accelerate or almost get to stall without warning, a couple times I got the message " engine fault - service now" . I took my car to the dealership and they could not find the root cause because the message would disappear when turning the car off and on again, therefore they could not reproduce the issue but my car had this same episode 3 times over the past 8 years without resolution from the dealership. finally a few days ago the issue came back but this time the message is not going away after turning off the car, I used a code reader and the error code reads: P0236. I am trying to get an appointment at the dealership to have my car looked at and finally have the repair done. but I believe my ford escape should be part of recall No. 14V495000 for Ford Escape MY 2013-2014 along with other Ford escapes model year 2016.

NHTSA ODI 11667579

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The dealer recommended that the engine be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ODI 11660318

Coolant was found in cylinders causing engine failure and needing to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11658766

Head gasket failure, coolant is leaking into the engine causing combustion and potential fire

NHTSA ODI 11656280

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, the vehicle became hard to shift into gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact's daughter took the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the canister purge valve, valve cover, oil pan gasket, engine, and turbo needed to be replaced. The contact had received an unknown recall notification for the transmission. The contact authorized the canister purge valve to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 119,500.

NHTSA ODI 11656418

Engine 1.6l needs replaced with less than 100k miles because of coolant leaking into cylinder causing misfire, only fix is a new engine for 8k! Serviced every 3000k miles by the local ford dealer

NHTSA ODI 11653975

The coolant leaked into the engine causing it to seize up while on the highway. The engine is completely shot and needs to be replaced. I have since found out this is an ongoing and known issue with the Ford ecoboost engines. Ford refuses to address this issue. I was told it was my spark plugs and water pump, which i had both replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11652990

While diving the vehicle hesitates. I have had it checked and it seems that the turbo is bad. After speaking to others this seems to be an issue with this vehicle. With the electrical issues, my back up camera, radio, speakers, navigation all do not work. Also while driving my flashers will randomly flash and my speedometer as well as my RPM gage will go crazy. While driving down the road my speakers blared white noise so loud that it almost caused me to wreck because it scared me so badly. I had to have the fuse taken it in order to get it to stop.

NHTSA ODI 11651611

Service engine warning came on/ tester indicated low pressure fuel system. On 02282025 the lower pressure fuel senor(Part#BU5Z*9F972*B was replaced at Landers Ford/Collierville, TN. On [XXX] Service engine warning came on. I contacted the dealership, and was advised to bring it in to get checked. Tester indicated that cylinder #4 was not working. So part# BM5Z*12029B (NS COIL A) and Part# CYFS*13Y*RCX(100 SPARK) were both ordered and replaced. When I went to pickup Mr car on [XXX], it was missing very bad. I was told that Anti-freeze was shooting into the motor, and that the motor was not repairable, and that I could replace it or trade my car in. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11651614

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. The oil warning light was illuminated with an abnormally loud whirring sound. The contact then turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle started working properly. On another occasion while driving into school parking lot, the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact struck the curve and the vehicle drove onto the grass and came to a stop. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with internal gear failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 148,611.

NHTSA ODI 11650465

On October 16, 2022, I purchased a 2016 Ford Escape from the Stowasser Buick GMC car lot. I have had numerous problems with this vehicle since the beginning. On November 1, 2022, I took my car to their service department because it was running poorly. The mechanics worked on my vehicle and returned it to me. However, on January 8, 2023, I had to take my vehicle back to Stowasser shop because it was again running poorly. This time, they had to install a new motor. At that time, my mileage was 49,000, but when the vehicle was returned to me, it had 75,000 miles on it. I asked why the mileage had increased so significantly, but they kept changing the subject and never provided an answer. When I went to pick up my vehicle, the salesperson who sold me the vehicle whispered to me that my vehicle needed new tires badly. I feel this was something the dealer should have addressed. I had not put many miles on my vehicle for the tires to be so worn. On January 18, 2023, I had to put new tires on this vehicle, which cost me $756.00. It was difficult for me to come up with this money, but I had no choice if I needed reliable transportation. I had traded in my older vehicle because I needed transportation, I could count on in my retirement years. On October 2, 2024, I needed new brakes, which were badly worn down. This expense cost me $900.00. The mechanic told me the oil level was very low and asked if a red light had come on to warn me. I said, "No, there was no sensor light." If it had not been for the thoroughness of my mechanic, I would have driven off with no oil in the engine. Right now, my car is parked because another senor light came on and I was told that it is the catalytic converter. I am distraught because I trusted Stowasser that they would take care of me because they knew I was retired and needed a reliable vehicle. I have lost my job, exhausted my unemployment benefits, and now live on Social Security. I cannot afford to fix this lemon of a car I was sold.

NHTSA ODI 11650477

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle shuddered abnormally with the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11649714

Our 2016 Ford Escape had a check engine light come on and populated a code for a #4 cylinder misfire. I took it to the mechanics shop and he found that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinder and the engine would need to be replaced. He had knowledge of finding this issue in the past. The car only has 58000 miles on it and has had all of its regular maintenance. It seems Ford is aware of these issues yet doesn't do anything about it. absolutely terrible to not stand behind the equipment that they charge a premium for. This puts families at risk when these things die with such low mileage stranded them on highways or God knows where.

NHTSA ODI 11649826

While I was driving, suddenly check engine light pop up. After investigating and troubleshooting by mechanic it shows need to replace Evap canister purge valve. Vehicle has just 68000 miles and this component should not be failed this early in life cycle.

NHTSA ODI 11648572

Coolant leaked into my engine, causing engine failure and the need to be replaced at a cost of close to $10k. This is a known issue that the mechanic had seen several times, with a class action lawsuit ongoing and many cases know for the 2013-2019 Ford Escapes. It is not under recall or warranty. Only 70,000 miles on my car. Feel like I've been penalized even though I took good care of my car. This was Ford's fault as it was a defect in their car and yet I am the one that is out $10k. This should be under recall, I feel like I got taken advantage of by Ford. Please consider making Ford put a recall on this, so the consumer (me and many others) rightfully gets the value that they paid for. I am pretty angry, and think a right to be. The company (or person) that makes a mistake should be the one who takes responsibility for it. This is the rule of law we operate under in this country, and why it is such a great country. In the case of this known engine coolant leak for 2013-2019 Ford Escape, it is Ford's fault but I am getting penalized for it. This goes against the basic principles of our country. I'm angry for myself and many others who have had this issue, and have been taken advantage of by Ford. Please force them to do the right thing and put a recall on this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11640964

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. In addition, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that a mobile mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a low-pressure fuel rail failure. The contact was informed that the low-pressure fuel rail needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with turbocharger failure. The contact was informed that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

NHTSA ODI 11637939

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled while depressing the brake pedal. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while the vehicle was stopped, the vehicle was idling rough, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the vehicle received undisclosed repairs; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

NHTSA ODI 11635906

Antifreeze leaks in cylinder, Ford says need to replace engine only 75k on the engine.

NHTSA ODI 11633885