This page covers 4 recalls, 985 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Ford Escape.
23–26 mpg combined
9–10.2 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
The 2013 to 2016 Ford Escape received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. The model earned four stars in frontal crash protection and rollover resistance. In side crash testing, the Escape achieved five stars, as did the side pole test. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a significant redesign occurs, so this assessment covers the entire 2013 to 2016 range.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2016 Ford Escape draws the bulk of its complaints around the powertrain and engine, with a notable cluster around the backup camera system. Powertrain complaints are the most common, with owners frequently reporting transmission hesitation, shuddering, and rough or delayed shifting. Engine complaints center heavily on coolant intrusion, owners describe coolant leaking internally, leading to white smoke from the exhaust and, in a number of cases, complete engine failure, often at relatively modest mileage. The backup camera is the third most-reported area, where owners describe the display flickering, cutting out entirely, or showing a distorted image while reversing, which limits rear visibility. A smaller but recurring thread involves the passenger seat sensor triggering an airbag warning light, with owners reporting the warning illuminates when a passenger is seated and that dealer diagnosis has not always resolved it.
985
Total Complaints
32
Crash-Related
10
Fire-Related
16
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Ford Escape has 4 recalls, the most serious being a shifter cable bushing that can degrade or fall off entirely, leaving the transmission unable to engage the intended gear and potentially causing the vehicle to roll in an unexpected direction.
Vehicles equipped with the optional engine block heater face a separate fire risk: the heater can crack, leak coolant onto its own electrical components, and short circuit when plugged in. The driver's knee airbag is also affected on certain vehicles, where the inflator was assembled without the gas-generating material needed to deploy the bag, meaning it may not inflate in a crash and leaves the driver's knees without the cushioning the system is designed to provide. Finally, the rearview camera can display a distorted, flickering, or completely blank image when the vehicle is in reverse, cutting off the driver's view of what is directly behind the vehicle while backing up.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine block heater may crack and leak coolant, creating an electrical short circuit when plugged in.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the block heater or install a threaded plug and remove the electrical cord.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera may show a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when you put the vehicle in reverse.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rubber bushing connecting the shifter cable to the transmission can wear down or come loose, potentially affecting shift control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the worn bushing and install a protective cap over the cable bushing at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's knee airbag module lacks the inflator gas material needed to deploy properly during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's knee airbag module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
