Home · 2016 Ford Escape Gas · Complaints

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

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (1,037)Crash / fire / injury (45)Transmission & drivetrain (316)Engine (193)Backup camera & sensors (153)Electrical system (86)Fuel system (70)Steering (70)Engine & cooling (56)Speed control (32)Wheels (32)Airbags (23)

45 of 1,037 complaints match · crash/fire/injury only · clear filters · page 1 of 2

May 16, 2026Backup camera & sensorsCrash

The rear backup camera is malfunctioning; I researched vehicle recalls and found Ford does not have a remedy for this recall. This puts my family in a dangerous situation when backing the car up. I have damaged the vehicle while driving in reverse and lucky to have not sustained injury from this occasion. Why has Ford not come up with a remedy and has not been held accountable.

NHTSA ODI 11738327

Apr 17, 2026Backup camera & sensorsCrash

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that when in reverse, the back-over prevention camera would display a distorted or black screen intermittently. While reversing from an angled parking space downward, due to the failure of the back-over prevention screen, the contact was unable to view the rear of the vehicle and ended up crashing into the passenger door of another vehicle. There were no injuries sustained or medical attention required. The passenger door of the impacted vehicle was damaged. The police were not contacted, and no police report was filed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.

NHTSA ODI 11731775

Dec 17, 2025Backup camera & sensorsCrash

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera became inoperable and crashed into an unknown Pontiac. The bumper was damaged, and there was no insurance coverage. The contact received the recall notification letter for NHTSA Campaign Number 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention) after the crash. A police report was filed. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment or fires. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,345.

NHTSA ODI 11705633

Apr 15, 2025AirbagsCrash2 injuries

The contact's wife owned a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 45 MPH on the right lane and merging into the left lane, another vehicle violently crossed several lanes, causing the front of the vehicle to crash into the front driver's side of the other vehicle. The collision was mentioned to be a severe front-end impact, and the air bags did not deploy. The contact's wife sustained head, knee, stomach, chest, and neck injuries that required medical attention. The other vehicle's occupant received medical attention as well via the emergency room, but the injuries sustained were unknown. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a garage and then taken to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.

NHTSA ODI 11654729

Mar 22, 2024WheelsCrash

The front driver side tire went flat. When a friend tried to remove lug nuts it was discovered that the lug wrench supplied by Ford with the vehicle would not fit over 3 of the 5 nuts. In a youtube video search from home I discovered that Ford had applied a metal coating to the outside of the lug nuts that in time tends to swell and prevents a socket from from going over the lug. Several videos showed people using hammers to force a larger socket over it and using an impact hammer to get the lugs off. Some took 20 mins. to remove. Since our lugs could not be removed on the roadside, a can of FIX-A-FLAT and a short drive on the near flat to a service station allowed them to get the car to a safe place for the night. The next day a call to the SERVICE MANAGER at Dick Hannah Ford dealership in Sandy Oregon (503-809-4711) was no help and he said he had never heard of this before. I called a local outlet (Estacada, Or.) (503-210-5111)of regional tire repair company Les Schawb Tires, and the manager there told me that he sees this all the time. He even completed my description of the problem with added details. He says that he has been recommending the complete removal of all lugs on any trucks or cars that come in with these lugs for years. He is saving all the lugs that come off of my car and has agreed to attest to the facts of what he finds and his past experience with this issue. I will keep the lugs if you would like to inspect them. No one was endangered in this incident. It happened on a dry day in the early afternoon just miles from a friends home. But I can't believe that no one has ever found themselves in a dangerous situation with a flat tire that can't be replaced with the very tool that FORD has provided in their vehicle for doing so. No warning has been issued, no recall initiated, and FORD keeps putting these useless tools in cars and trucks letting people believe that they will work. Several Youtube videos have documented the issue.

NHTSA ODI 11578935

Aug 29, 2023AirbagsCrash

I was driving at 50mph and a car pulled out infront of me. I had no option but crashing into them. The impact was in the front end of my vehicle causing enough damage to total the vehicle and the airbags did not deploy. The insurance aduster did look at the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11541342

Nov 22, 2022SteeringSuspensionElectrical systemCrash

I crashed car because is park according with transmission and car still moved and hit fence, I contact ford for this incident and still waiting someone contact me. So I decide lawsuits against Ford

NHTSA ODI 11494642

Oct 29, 2022SteeringSuspensionEngineCrash

INGINE LIGHT/SUSPENSION LIGHTS WENT ON. CAR JERKS AND SHAKES ON THE ROAD AND PULLS TO THE RIGHT MAKING IT HARD TO KEEP THE STEERING WHEEL STRAIGHT

NHTSA ODI 11491459

Aug 22, 2022SteeringEngineFuel systemCrash

Jerking, unwanted jolting, locked up steering

NHTSA ODI 11480532

Aug 22, 2022Transmission & drivetrainCrash1 injury

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Prior to receiving the notification, the contact stated that while driving out of a parking lot, she reversed and parked the vehicle to look for something. The contact opened the driver's side front door to exit the vehicle when the vehicle inadvertently rolled backward and she fell face first onto the ground. The vehicle ran over the contact's knees and crashed into a fence by the wall, then came to a complete stop. The contact chased after the vehicle and parked it in a parking space. The contact received medical attention for a sprained right ankle, a hematoma on the left knee, and tissue damage to both knees. No police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11480607

Aug 18, 2022Transmission & drivetrainCrash1 injury

This is an additional incident in reference to Case ID 11472499 reported 7/6 about Manufacturer Recall Number 22S43, NHTSA Recall Number#22V413. On 6/22/22, BEFORE the recall was announced, my car was in Park, began to rolled backwards in front of my home, hitting my mailbox, and ending up in a utility pole in my neighbors yard. I discovered the recall while waiting for my car to be picked up and towed to a local body shop. I contacted my insurance agency, the tow was canceled, and rescheduled to be picked up and taken to local Ford Dealership for diagnostic tear down. Many delays later, my car was finally there, and within hours, the service manager called and advised that he was unable to duplicate the accident, nothing was wrong with my transmission. Note: NOT the reason my car was there. I asked him if he had at least checked out the shifter bushing. He answered they did not yet have the part, he would call when it was available, and I could bring the car back. He then proceeded to inform my insurance company that diagnostic tear down was inapplicable because my car was not included in the referenced recall. Fast forward to 8/18/22 (TODAY)... returned my rental, having to pay $1500 out of pocket, above insurance allowance. Pick my car up at the body shop (not a ford dealership, so not authorized to do anything other than collision repair), driving for 5 minutes and ABS, Traction control and System check message shows on dash. Message reads "Hill assist not available". Thankfully, I was able to get home. All lights blinked on and off the entire drive home. Once in my driveway, shifted to park, but it was not showing in the "P" position. It is now sitting useless, as no matter what gear you put the shifter in, it will not move. I am without a vehicle, without a rental, and no help from Ford. I would like reimbursement for all monies paid, and something to drive until affected parts are available.

NHTSA ODI 11480085

Aug 16, 2022Transmission & drivetrainSpeed controlCrash2 injuries

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at 25 MPH and coming to a stop at the stop light, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly and crashed into the rear end of another occupied vehicle. The air bags deployed. The contact sustained soreness on the neck and shoulders but did not seek medical assistance. The passenger of the other vehicle sustained injuries but did not seek medical assistance. A police report was filed. The contact was towed to a tow lot. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they did not have the parts for recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 ( Power Train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000. The consumer stated the repairs were performed on 1/5/22.

NHTSA ODI 11479550

Aug 11, 2022AirbagsCrash1 injury

The contact stated that he was seated in the front passenger seat of a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle owner was driving thru a stop sign at approximately 5 mph, another vehicle crashed into the passenger side of the vehicle. The contact stated that none of the air bags were deployed. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure. The contact stated that the driver did not sustain any injuries but was suffering from mental issues from the crash. The passenger sustained injuries to his left toe and ankle as well as lower back which required medical assistance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact’s residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The contact stated that he was awaiting an official inspection from the insurance company. The contact stated that photos were sent to the insurance company and they deemed it a possible total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 104,577.

NHTSA ODI 11478791

Aug 5, 2022Transmission & drivetrainCrash1 injury

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while shifting the gear shifter to Reverse(R) out of a parking space, the vehicle inadvertently drove forward over two curves before crashing into two vehicles and then rolled backward and crashed into a third vehicle. Additionally, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle while the brake pedal was depressed. The air bags were not deployed upon impact. The contact sustained back pain from the collision; however, no medical attention was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a body shop and was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. Prior to the failure, the dealer was contacted but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11477795

Jul 6, 2022Transmission & drivetrainCrash1 injury

Cranked car to leave, left running to run back in my home for a forgotten item. As I’m walking toward my home, my car started rolling backwards. I ran try and stop it as it was only moving 1-2mph. Hit my mailbox and started veering right towards a light pole and utility box in neighbors yard. I was able to get to it after falling twice, got the door open, but by that time, it was too close to the pole. I let go to avoid injury and the driver side door hit dead center of the light pole. The car is not drivable now. The door was smashed forward, hinges were busted, and door was flat against left front fender.

NHTSA ODI 11472499

Jun 15, 2022Parking BrakeCrash

The contact owned a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was in the park position on top of a hill and after they returned approximately a short time later they returned finding the vehicle rolled down the hill and crashed into a tree. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. A police report was not filed. There were no injuries. The dealer was not informed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11469376

May 20, 2022EngineFire

The contact owned a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, there was smoke coming from the hood to the windshield. The contact pulled over and there were flames entering the vehicle. The fire department extinguished the fire. There were no injuries reported. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away since it was not driveable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,681.

NHTSA ODI 11465384

Feb 14, 2022Crash

The contact owned a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated when attempting to park, the steering wheel locked and the engine accelerated independently fast. As a result, the contact crashed into a curb, over a snow-bank, down the ditch, and came to a stop crashing into a tree. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The vehicle was totaled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11451854

Jan 19, 2022LightsFire

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact noticed that there was a burn mark and a bubble in the front driver’s side fog light. The contact stated that heat from the bulb melted the cover. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11448067

Nov 22, 2021Fire

Vehicle caught fire while sitting in my driveway after being driven 30-45 minutes prior. No prior issues with the vehicle. No warning lights or messages while driving vehicle home. Drive home from work was approximately 1 hour drive time. I heard car horn blowing and looked outside to find car engulfed in flames. Local fire dept and police responded. Claim filed with insurance company who towed vehicle to salvage lot the next day. Car deemed a total loss.

NHTSA ODI 11441350

Sep 7, 2021Transmission & drivetrain1 injury

I had driven my vehicle normally until one day I put the car into Park and it continued to roll forward. The shifter was stuck in park and would not move, but my dash indicated the vehicle was in Nuetral. The cable between the shifter and the transmission was damaged. Prior to this the sun roof has stopped working and my backup camera started malfunctioning as well. This is after I had to get the fuel injector replaced and the turbo replaced before that.

NHTSA ODI 11431965

Jun 3, 2021Crash

HAD THE CAR IN TO GET THE FRONT BUMPER, PASSENGER BLINKER LIGHT AND THE BLACK PANEL REPLACED. UPON THE BODY SHOP GETTING THE PARTS PREPPED AND GETTING THE CAR STRIPPED DOWN THEY FOUND THE ISSUE WITH THE CROSS MEMBER CONNECTIONS BEING RUSTED THROUGH. HE CALLED ME TO COME LOOK THINGS OVER BEFORE CONTINUING WITH THE WORK.

NHTSA ODI 11419473

Apr 1, 2021Crash

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 8 MPH, THE BALL JOINT FRACTURED CAUSING THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE TO DETACH. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE REAR ENDED A VEHICLE ON THE STREET. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE BALL JOINT AND CV AXYL NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE'S NO RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THEIR VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000.

NHTSA ODI 11405932

Mar 10, 2021Electrical systemFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE LOCAL DEALER SOUTH BAY FORD LOCATED AT 5100 ROSECRANS AVENUEHAWTHORNE, CA 90250 WHEN THE CENTER CONSOLE PHONE CHARGER SUDDENLY CAUGHT ON FIRE DESTROYING THE VEHICLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. NO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.

NHTSA ODI 11400222

Mar 3, 2021EngineFuel systemFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TURBOCHARGER WAS LEAKING AND THEY NEEDED TO REPLACED THE TURBOCHARGER, FUEL LINE AND FUEL GASKET. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,805.

NHTSA ODI 11398969

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Working with the data? Download all 1,037 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 18, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2016 Ford Escape Gas verdict →