NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Ford Escape. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not available. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact stated that after his wife placed the gear shifter in park, the gear shift indicator showed that the vehicle was not in park. The contact stated that the parking brake was engaged. VIN tool confirms part not available. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
2016 FORD ESCAPE. CPONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO LOSS OF ENGINE POWER.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 5 MPH, and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact coasted to the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
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 unavailable. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the message “Transmission Fault - Service Now” was displayed. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started to decelerate. The vehicle then lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over hover, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.
It had a recal on transmission bushing.We never had problems till they did th recall while driving we felt like a chain type thing snap pulled in to Walmart and had no gears.So we had it towed to Varney Ford they did a diagnostic and never got paper work ex ept that everything was good example,tires oil etc and said it was the transmission. They wanted 7 grand to fix it we had it towed to a garage in Canaan. I called Ford 4 times they said it was not under warranty and could not help. They also said tow it to a Ford place that would have been the 3rd. place towed. There was never any information light to check motor no signs and symptoms of any trouble. When I called Darlings they said I Have to take it to a Ford Garage before they would even know if they could help. I do not know how they diagnosed it if it was through a plug in or trans oil check etc.2 Tows and no help lucky no one got hurt or dead. Since all people are having problems why are they not fixing their problem? It only has 113 thousands miles and is well taken care of. I have talk to a few Ford Garages that said I should have had a light or signs which We had zero. Then one asked did we check the transmission oil. Hello dude its encased and you cannot check it .Like what's going on with this supposed mechanic? Beyond this AlI I get is the run around and told by the Ford people its not a recall on the transmission of the Ford Escapes 2016.
2016 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS MADE TO VEHICLE RELATED TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 22V-413.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH uphill, the transmission started slipping. The contact coasted the vehicle to a flat surface where the failure was self-corrected temporarily; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact coasted the vehicle to a safe area where the transmission completely failed. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission had failed due to metal shavings in the transmission filter. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired by a certified mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.
All tire lug nuts swollen.
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 driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration and lost motive power with the transmission warning light illuminated. Additionally, the transmission failed to recognize the intended gear and the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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
I received the recall on my car for the transmission shifter cable in July. When I went to get my oil changed in August I had asked about getting it fixed. However they just highlighted the portion that said parts aren’t available until 4th quarter. Moving forward on Sept 21, my shifter cable broke. I didn’t know that was the problem and brought it to the closest car mechanic due to safety. I never received any mail or notification that the parts were in stock yet but surprisingly Ford had it in stock to ship to the Expert Car Care my care was at. If I had known I could have fixed it this issue would have been avoided. I’m requesting a reimbursement for the amount I paid to get it fixed. I have a copy of the receipt. Thank you.
Transmission has or is going out. For a few months now I have noticed on and off how difficult it is to shift gears and for a while now, when my car is in Park, I absolutely have to use my emergency brake or it will roll out of my driveway and has almost taken me and my granddaughter with it a few times. Then 3 days ago, all these warning lights pop up on my dash when going down the interstate and my vehicle will no longer run over 50mph. My car has already been inspected by Adesa Auto techs today. Then my daughter discovered this new safety recall for the Transmission Shifter Cable Bushing Damaged or Missing, and the description of issues caused by this was almost spot on to what mines been doing. I am in a bad way without my vehicle currently as I commute about 1 1/2 hrs one way for work.
While driving my 2016 Ford Escape my steering became hard to turn and a steering fault light came on the dash. I was able to make it home but the car is very hard to turn which is very scary and unsafe. The car only has a little over 100,000 miles on it and we have already replaced a transmission at around 90,000. I don't think buying another Ford is in our future due to all the issue we have experienced and at our cost. I called the dealer to address the issue and they are 3 months out so how do I get out and back to work with the issues that I am facing?
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 after parking the vehicle, the vehicle rolled away. The contact applied the parking brake and was able to stop the vehicle from rolling. Additionally, the doors would inadvertently lock and unlock. 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 111,345. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle decelerated and failed to exceed 4 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled, and eventually the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle; however, the engine seized again. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and the failure was linked to a recall that was performed on the vehicle in 2022. The vehicle was towed to the residence. In addition, the vehicle had been parked and inoperable since. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that in 2022, a recall notification for the power train was received. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the recall repair was performed, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact stated that in 2022, when the initial failure occurred, a case was filed and then closed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The contact was advised to ask NHTSA about approving the unknown recall to be performed again because of the recurring failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,362.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for routine maintenance and NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) recall repair. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact shifted through all the gears. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. Several days later the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
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 unavailable. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the transmission failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that she was able to coast safely off the highway. The contact stated that she had not noticed any warning lights. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Transmission just stopped working without any notice. Won’t move anymore
2016 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 22V-413. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT A LOCAL SHOP PRIOR TO BEING NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED THE CONSUMER'S REQUESTED DUE TO IT NOT BEING REPAIRED AT A DEALER.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, she shifted the gear shifter into drive(D) to move forward however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed and instead rolled backwards. The vehicle was turned off and restarted however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,252.
My coolant leaked into the cylinders of my engine causing a complete engine failure. When this occurred, there was no warning lights, indicators or check engine notices to notify me that there was a problem with my engine. I was driving down the street & white smoke started billowing out of the back of my car. I was able to make it home but had to have it towed to the dealership. This is a known issue with Ford, with a current lawsuit pending, due to the design of the engine. I have been advised that there are technical bulletins distributed within Ford and the dealer acknowledged there was nothing I could have done to prevent this from happening. My engine was already replaced due to the same defect when it had 34,000 miles on it. This was covered under warranty and the engine was replaced at a Ford dealership. The first time this happened, I was traveling on the freeway and my lights and power completely shut down while I was driving at night and my engine almost started on fire. I also had no warning lights, overheating or check engine notices when that happened. It now has 94,500 miles. This means I have needed 2 engine replacements for the same defect in less than 100,000 miles. The Price Ford dealership in Turlock, CA has quoted me $10,600 to replace the engine, which I am responsible to pay, and advised me to call corporate when I told them of the lawsuit. Ford's Corporate Office advised me that there isn't anything they can do because there isn't a recall issued yet, even though this a known documented issue of their defected engine design.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while in a parking lot, the gear shifter failed to shift out of the park(P) with the "Transmission Default, Service Now" message appeared on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to his residence. The dealer had been notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The transmission has started to jerk/skip while driving. Sometimes it jumps and lurches forward suddenly as if suddenly catching the next gear
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started overheating. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and waited until the vehicle cool down and added coolant to the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NTHSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.
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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle independently shifted to a higher gear and the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the "transmission fault, repair immediately" warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to move while in reverse(R). The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle jerked forward and then quickly decelerated. The contact shifted the vehicle into neutral and was able to pull over. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that she would receive a call back. The failure mileage was 111,000.
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 the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the gear shifter intermittently failed to shift out of park(P). The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while reversing, the back over prevention camera screen went blank. The message "Rearview Camera Not Available" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the rearview camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 73,000.
While sitting at a stop light the electric power assist warning light came on and I lost all power steering. I tried turning the car off and on several times to reset system but had no effect. It is extremely hard for me to steer and impossible for my wife If this had happened while the car was in motion an accident could have occurred. This car is a 2016 with approx. 50,000 miles and has been immaculately maintained and in like new condition. This is a known error with fords electric steering assist on many models and a recall needs to be implemented on this year and model. This a quite an expensive burden placed on owners of an almost new vehicle.
While driving on the highway transmission suffered a sudden complete failure, with no warning signs. Leaving me stranded in the middle of the highway had to have police block off road to get me to a safe place.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Powertrain) however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that after he parked the vehicle, he placed the gear shifter in park however, the gear shifted to reverse. The contact then stated that he placed the shifter back in park to check under the hood of the vehicle when he noticed that an unknown part had popped off and the bushing was missing. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact notified the dealer of the failure however, the contact was informed that parts were unavailable to remedy the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when they turned on the vehicle, the steering assist fault warning message displayed. The power steering had failed and the vehicle was now operating with manual steering only. The contact had made an appointment with the dealer however the vehicle had not been seen as of yet. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 17,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The contact stated that on numerous occasions, while driving at undisclosed speeds, the transmission failed to shift as needed. The contact stated that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Neither the local dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the issue. VIN tool confirms part not available. The failure mileage was unknown.
2016 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS MADE RELATED TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 22V-413.
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.
Backup rearview camera unavailable during parking while backing in.
To Whom It May Concern: I am the owner of a 2016 Ford Escape and received a recall notice in July of 2022. The notice stated that the issue is: “On your vehicle, t may be possible the transmission shifter cable bushing is damaged or missing.” My vehicle has 97,000 miles on it. On Monday, August 8, I was driving on Interstate 480E. All of sudden my car began driving erratically and went from 70 mph to 60 mph and down to 40 mph with it feeling as though it was going to stall. Fortunately, I was able to move over two lanes and get it on a berm and immediately turned it off and activated my hazards. I called the Garfield Heights, Ohio, Police Department and was told I would be sent a police cruiser for safety reasons. I also called a tow truck since I was about 30 miles from my home. I had the car towed to Lakeside Certified Auto, 38525 Lakeshore Boulevard, Willoughby, Ohio. The technician that inspected the vehicle called to tell me that the transmission had a broken clutch and that it would be extremely expensive ($5,500 for a used transmission with 60,000 miles or $6,500 for a remanufactured transmission with a 3-year unlimited mileage warranty) repair. I have had an Extended Warranty on my vehicle which (unfortunately) had expired in May 2022. I am sending this email just to see if I am covered for this unfortunate occurrence. I can only be thankful that my car did not stall on the freeway and that I did make it to safety. The alternative is unthinkable! Thank you for your time and consideration.
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.
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.
While driving transmission suffered a sudden complete failure, with no warning signs. Car had to be towed to local service station. Mechanic verified transmission was bad from original manufacturing, i.e., bad transmission from the factory
Shifter slipped as I was shifting into drive, felt loose and not "set". I was able to drive, but when I parked, the shifter locked into Park . It became apparent that car was actually stuck in Neutral, even though display showed park. I was able to drive into a parking lot and stop safely. Had car towed to mechanic, who confirmed there is a recall on my car for this issue related to bushings with these symptoms. Found recall notice in mailbox the very next day, which confirmed that Ford was not able to repair my car until an anticipated date of 4th quarter 2022. Mechanic was able to procure parts for repair at cost of $794.05. Instructions on recall notice direct me to file a complaint if I believed that Ford was not able to repair car in reasonable amount of time. Car was undriveable until repair was made, I am requesting to be reimbursed for the repair.
2016 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE COSNUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED SAFETY RECALL 22S43/ 22V413.
I pulled into a walkway access and a passenger got out and closed the door. I shifted the gear shift to reverse and backed up so I could proceed to my left and shifted the gear shift to Drive but, the vehicle went backward. Sitting there with my foot on the brake I turned the key off. I was unable to put it in Park until pushing it to a better position and removing power to the fuse box rather than searching for the fuse that got it. While in Park the reverse lights were on, so I was not able to start; I had it towed to a mechanic because it was stuck in reverse. The next day I learned the mechanic was unable to get information from the modules and it needed to be transported to the local dealership. I have now missed 2 nights of work and the Dealership estimates the 23rd for completion but is not providing a rental nor loner; so poor manufacturing on good faith purchase is complaint here. Additional info - I did hear clicking on the interstate from forward in the vehicle and a brake light bulb went out between receiving the safety notice and the breakdown. I'm not sure I recall the rear video for backing was on or off. I recall an incident last winter while sliding on ice and a semi was in a slide toward me that with the wheels locked in breaking it died when shifting to reverse; it's safer if it does shift because cars can spin on ice into oncoming traffic and I've kept the oncoming traffic lane free before.
Back up camera just stopped working then my radio went out a week later. It seems this needs to be made a recall since another car owners are having the same issues I am. APIM may need to be resolved.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the transmission was previously replaced. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle was unable to restart immediately. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal while turning on the vehicle to correct the failure. Additionally, the vehicle made abnormal sounds and would shake and then stall while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that there was as an abnormal audible alarm sounding inside the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) but was informed by the dealer that the recall repair would not fix the failure with the vehicle. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced and was given an estimate for repair. The contact disputed the diagnosis and believed that the failure was related to the vehicle's computer system. The manufacturer was notified of the recall and was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000. The contact stated that the dealer that the vehicle was purchased from was aware of the defect beforehand.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera failed to display the rearview of the vehicle correctly. The image appeared upside down or was flashing the image quickly. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was not able to find the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,547.
Transmission light coming on (service now). First started 7/29/2022 this was the first time a diagnostic was done 8/4/2022 by a certified transmission shop was advised this is a pre-warning of greater problem. Was told that this issue occurs in Ford Escapes, Fusion etc.
Recvd a recall letter in July '22. No part available yet!!?? Come on! This is serious! The transmission shifter cable bushing is damaged, or worse yet, missing??!! I call that critical! When will this be fixed!!!??
The transmission begin to go out. It would not drive even though the car was running when we stopped at a stop light. Also an transmission fault error came on.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026