2016 Ford Escape Problems: 4 Known Issues
2016 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2016 Ford Escape has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Shift Cable Bushing Degrades and Detaches — Vehicle Can Roll Away in "Park" (Recall 18V471 / Ford 18S20, and 22V413) ($0-$0 repair) and AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating, Fluid Leak, and Failure ($300-$1,800 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $40 to $1,800. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
2016 · SE · 1.5L EcoBoost I3
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All 4 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls34 recalls
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
TIRES
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150, 2018-2020 F-250, F-350, and 2019 Escape vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2017 Ford Escape Titanium and SE vehicles manufactured October 5, 2015, to May 12, 2016. The settings for the closing-force of the power-operated windows may allow the windows to close on an object such as a body part and injure it before the windows auto-reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Escape vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 16V617. The power-operated windows may exert excessive force when encountering an object, before they automatically reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Ford Escape problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2016 Ford Escape has 4 documented issues. Documented issues include: Shift Cable Bushing Degrades and Detaches — Vehicle Can Roll Away in "Park" (Recall 18V471 / Ford 18S20, and 22V413), AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating, Fluid Leak, and Failure, Liftgate Latch Failure — Will Not Open or Close. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Escape reliable?
The 2016 Ford Escape has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Shift Cable Bushing Degrades and Detaches — Vehicle Can Roll Away in "Park" (Recall 18V471 / Ford 18S20, and 22V413) and AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating, Fluid Leak, and Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford Escape problems?
Repair costs for known Ford Escape issues range from $0 to $1,800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Shift Cable Bushing Degrades and Detaches — Vehicle Can Roll Away in "Park" (Recall 18V471 / Ford 18S20, and 22V413), typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2013-2019 Ford Escape Shift Cable Bushing Degrades and Detaches — Vehicle Can Roll Away in "Park" (Recall 18V471 / Ford 18S20, and 22V413)?
The plastic bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission on the shift lever end degrades and can detach from the transmission. When it does, the transmission can be in a gear state different from what the shift lever and PRNDL display indicate. The dangerous case i… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2019 Ford Escape AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating, Fluid Leak, and Failure?
On 3rd-generation AWD Escapes (primarily 2.0L EcoBoost AWD), the Power Transfer Unit (the right-angle gearbox that sends torque to the rear axle) holds only about one quart of fluid that Ford labels 'lifetime,' yet it runs continuously and runs hot. The fluid degrades and the uni… Repairs typically run $300-$1,800. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2019 Ford Escape Liftgate Latch Failure — Will Not Open or Close?
The 2013-2019 Escape power liftgate latch assembly frequently fails, causing the rear hatch to either not open, not close properly, or pop open while driving. The latch mechanism corrodes internally and the micro-switch fails, particularly in humid or salt belt environments. Ther… Repairs typically run $40-$350. Severity: medium.
What is the 2015-2021 Ford Escape P0011 — Intake Cam Timing Over-Advanced from Sticking VCT Solenoid?
P0011 indicates intake cam timing outside the commanded range. Ford SSM 49821 identifies small debris sticking a VCT solenoid as one possible cause on applicable 2015-2021 vehicles, not a diagnosis from the code alone. Repairs typically run $100-$450. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.