2016 Ford Escape
Common Problems
Ranked from 447 federal NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
38 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 2
Rearview Camera Malfunction
126complaintsHigh severityElectricalRearview camera intermittently displays a black screen, distorted image, or fails to display at all.
$250–$800est. backup camera replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 3
Back Over Prevention System Failure
57complaintsMedium severityElectricalBack over prevention system, including rearview cameras, intermittently fails to display images or alerts.
Related recall: 26V011000
- 4
Transmission Failure
32complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission suddenly stops working, causing the vehicle to become unresponsive or stall, often requiring multiple replacements.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 22V413000
- 5
Engine Misfire
21complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine misfires, leading to poor performance and potential overheating issues.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 6
Engine Overheating
20complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine overheats due to coolant leakage or other cooling system failures, potentially leading to engine damage.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 7
Coolant Intrusion into Engine Cylinders
15complaintsHigh severityEngineCoolant leaks into engine cylinders causing overheating and engine failure.
Related recall: 26V011000
- 8
Steering Malfunction
12complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering becomes difficult to operate, often accompanied by a warning message indicating a default condition.
- 9
Transmission failure leading to loss of motive power
12complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission fails unexpectedly, causing the vehicle to lose motive power and stall.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 22V413000
- 10
Transmission Issues
8complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission has multiple failures, including complete failure and repeated need for repair or replacement.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 22V413000
- 12
Check Engine Warning Light Illumination
6complaintsLow severityEngineCheck engine warning light illuminates due to various issues such as misfires, coolant intrusion, or sensor failures.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 13
Gear Shifter Malfunction
6complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe gear shifter fails to function correctly, often shifting into unintended gears or failing to shift at all.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 22V413000
- 14
Transmission Jerking and Hesitation
6complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission jerks and hesitates during shifting, often leading to loss of power and stall.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 22V413000
- 15
Transmission Malfunction
6complaintsMedium severityTransmissionTransmission shifts incorrectly or fails to provide power, leading to vehicle stalling or unexpected behavior.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 22V413000
- 16
Engine Stall and Loss of Power
5complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine unexpectedly stalls or loses power, often without warning, leading to difficulty in driving and potential loss of control.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 17
Transmission fault light indicating transmission issues
5complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission fault light illuminates, indicating potential transmission problems.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 22V413000
- 18
Accelerator Pedal Malfunction
4complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe accelerator pedal fails to respond as expected, leading to unexpected deceleration or failure to accelerate.
Related recall: 22V413000
- 19
Check Engine Light On Due to Coolant Leaking into Cylinders
4complaintsHigh severityEngineThe check engine light illuminates due to coolant leaking into the cylinders, causing engine misfires and potential engine failure.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 20
Coolant Intrusion into Engine
4complaintsHigh severityOtherCoolant has leaked into the engine cylinder, causing significant engine damage and requiring expensive repairs.
- 21
Power Train Issues
4complaintsMedium severityTransmissionIssues with power train, such as transmission faults and loss of power, occur without prior warning.
Related recall: 22V413000
- 22
Rearview Mirror Glitch
4complaintsLow severityElectricalThe rearview mirror or camera malfunctions, displaying an incorrect or incomplete image, which can be distracting.
Related recall: 26V011000
- 23
Steering Assist Failure
4complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe power steering assist fails, making it difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at higher speeds or in tight spaces.
- 24
Wheel Lug Nut Swelling
4complaintsMedium severityOtherThe wheel lug nuts swell and become difficult to remove, preventing proper tire maintenance.
- 25
Check engine light on with multiple codes
3complaintsMedium severityElectricalMultiple engine-related issues trigger the check engine light, often with multiple error codes.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 26
engine coolant leakage
3complaintsMedium severityFuel systemEngine coolant leaks into the engine causing white smoke and potential engine failure.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 27
Engine misfire leading to unexpected shutdown
3complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine misfires, causing the vehicle to unexpectedly shut down and stall while driving.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 28
Engine Shuddering and Shaking
3complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine shudders and shakes during acceleration or starting, often accompanied by a coolant odor.
Related recall: 26V011000
- 29
Transmission Failure Without Warning
3complaintsHigh severityTransmissionTransmission suddenly fails without prior warning, leaving the vehicle inoperable.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 22V413000
- 30
Backup Camera Malfunction
2complaintsLow severityElectricalBackup camera intermittently stops working, causing poor visibility during reversing.
$250–$800est. backup camera replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 31
Coolant Intrusion
2complaintsHigh severityFuel systemCoolant enters the engine cylinders, causing engine failure and requiring extensive repairs.
- 32
Engine Misfire Due to Coolant Intrusion
2complaintsMedium severityEngineCoolant leaks into cylinders causing engine misfires and requiring engine replacement.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 33
Engine Misfire Due to Internal Coolant Leak
2complaintsHigh severityEngineCoolant leaks into the engine causing misfires and overheating.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 34
Engine Overheating Due to Coolant Leak
2complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine overheats due to coolant leakage, causing the check engine light to illuminate and potentially leading to engine failure.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 35
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls at idle, especially in cold weather, due to a malfunctioning stop-start system.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 36
Intermittent Start-Up Issues
2complaintsMedium severityEngineVehicle fails to start or starts intermittently, leaving the car stuck in places.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 26V011000
- 37
Power Steering Failure
2complaintsMedium severitySteeringPower steering stops working, leading to difficulty in controlling the vehicle.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 38
Unintended Rear Door Closure
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe rear liftgate closes unexpectedly without any action from the driver, posing a safety risk.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.