Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Power Train — runs 3.5× the fleet median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.
1,033Complaints
4Recalls
32Crashes
10Fires
19Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Power Train (29.4% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Power Train complaints here are 3.5× the median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.
2 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 4 rest on owner reports alone.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Power Train
304 · 29.4%
Recalled
Recall 22V413000
Engine
193 · 18.7%
No official action
—
Back Over Prevention
122 · 11.8%
Recalled
Recall 25V695000
Electrical System
82 · 7.9%
No official action
—
Steering
70 · 6.8%
No official action
—
Fuel/propulsion System
61 · 5.9%
No official action
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 1,033 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
In the event of a crash, if the driver's knee air bag does not inflate as intended, the driver has an increased risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY CAR JUST SHUTS DOWN WITH ENGINE FAULT CAR STOPPED RESPONDING MAKING IT A REAL SAFETY ISSUE. I SEE THIS HAS A…”NHTSA complaint 11104288 — filed 06/27/2018 · POWER TRAIN
“TRANSMISSION FAULT ERROR MESSAGE WENT ON TWICE OVER THE COURSE OF 10 DAYS. THEN WE WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE SAME MESSAGE KEPT…”NHTSA complaint 11076817 — filed 03/08/2018 · POWER TRAIN
“REAR END KNOCKING SOUND AFTER AND DURING BACKING UP, ALSO DURING LOW SPEED. THE ELECTRONIC RADIO, SYNC3, AUDIO SCREEN WILL NOT TURN ON IN MILDLY…”NHTSA complaint 11061060 — filed 01/07/2018 · POWER TRAIN
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Escape?
Power train issues are the most-reported category, cited in 304 of 1,033 NHTSA complaints (29.4%), followed by engine (193), unspecified/other issues (138), back over prevention (122). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2016 Ford Escape have?
1,033 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 32 involved a crash, 10 involved a fire, and 19 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2016 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes — 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 17V398000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2016 Ford Escape's reported problems?
2 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
Install CarModelProblemsAdd it to your home screen for one-tap access — no app store.
Install CarModelProblemsTap Share, then Add to Home Screen.