Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Ford Escape body problems
severe Owners of the 2016 Ford Escape have filed 17 NHTSA complaints about the body, typically surfacing around 40,000 miles at roughly $1,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See body across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
| Model year | body complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Escape | 52 |
| 2013 Escape | 72 |
| 2014 Escape | 63 |
| 2015 Escape | 30 |
| 2016 Escape (this page) | 17 |
| 2017 Escape | 55 |
| 2018 Escape | 15 |
| 2019 Escape | 9 |
| 2020 Escape | 561 |
1injury
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are followed when diagnosing the condition prior to all module replacements and only order modules using
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2020 Escape/Fusion/MKZ, 2015-2018 Focus,2015-2019 MKC, 2015-2020 Edge/F150/Mustang, 2016-2018 MKX, 2016-2019 Explorer, 2017-2020 F-Super Duty, 2018-2020 EcoSport/Expedition, 2019-2020 Ranger/Nautilus vehicles may experience seat pan looseness, lateral movement, or a clunk/thump noise on turns. This may be due to the seat pan track. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to install a reinforcement.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If a trailer hitch receiver is installed on a 2013-2018 Escape or 2015-2019 MKC vehicle equipped with a hands-free liftgate, the hands-free liftgate function will become inoperative. Hands-free liftgate function can be restored by replacing the existing hands-free liftgate actuation upper sensor (14F680), lower sensor (14F680), stone deflector (17779), hands-free liftgate actuation module (14B291), plastic fasteners (N807951S) and screws (W506964) that are required for the factory installed trailer hitch receiver with hands-free liftgate option. Replacement of these parts to restore hands-free liftgate function is not warrantable. Regardless of trailer hitch configuration, the hands-free lif
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2018 Escape, Focus and C-Max vehicles may exhibit a water stained headliner after the vehicle has experienced a water leak from areas such as the roof opening panel, fixed glass, roof rails and roof ditch mouldings. Follow the procedure below to remove the water stains from the headliner after the water leak has been repaired. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners consistently report water entering the cabin through multiple routes—roofs, sunroofs, windshields, and trim gaps—during rain or car washes. Headliners turn wet, mold develops, and interior staining occurs. Windshield replacement, sunroof replacement, and drain tube flushing have not resolved these leaks for affected owners.
The automatic liftgate system closes unexpectedly during cargo loading without button press or motion input, striking occupants in the head and causing concussion-level injuries. The warning beep is too quiet to hear in ambient noise.
Rear door latches fail to engage or hold—doors swing open while driving, refuse to close, or bounce back open after closing attempts. One owner notes the 2016 model was excluded from a recall that covered 2013-2015 Escapes with the identical latch defect.
Additional structural complaints include severe rust at moderate mileage (45,000 miles), rear window spontaneous breakage in cold weather, front undercarriage cover detachment at highway speeds, and tailgate closure failures requiring excessive force or time. Wind noise from the driver door above 55 MPH is reported as annoying, though dealers note other model years have the same issue.
Same Ford Escape body reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Automatic liftgate unintended closure
Rear liftgate closes on its own without user input, striking occupants. Sensor misposition or calibration fault triggers closure during loading or near rear bumper area despite owner following manual instructions.
When: During cargo loading; occurs at parking lot and stationary conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Liftgate closes without button press or kick gesture; Audible warning is extremely quiet; Occupant struck in head causing concussion and neck injury
Repairs/costs cited: Not addressed in narratives; one owner reported dealer unable to determine cause
Roof and body leaks (water intrusion)
Water enters vehicle through roof area, sunroof seals, and windshield seals during rain or car wash. Leak source cannot be located despite windshield replacement, sunroof replacement, and drain tube flushing. Causes wet headliner, mold growth, and interior staining.
When: Ongoing; one case reported for approximately one year
Symptoms owners cite: Water leaks into cabin during rain and car wash; Wet headliner and water stains; Mold and mold odor in vehicle; Occupants coughing in vehicle; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Sunroof replaced; windshield replaced; drain tubes flushed multiple times without resolving leak; one owner applied silicone to sunroof trim gaps
Door latch failure
Rear door latch does not engage or hold. Door swings open while driving or will not stay closed after closing. Latch bounces open when attempting to secure.
When: During driving and stationary use; one case noted 2013-2015 recall for same latch defect on Escape but 2016 not included
Symptoms owners cite: Door swings open during turns; Door will not latch when closed; Door bounces back open after closing attempt; No prior indication door was unsecured
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Prior recall issued for 2013-2015 Escape models with same latch defect; 2016 model not included in recall
Premature body rust and paint failure
Severe rust on driver's side door and other body panels at moderate mileage. Rust causes skin to weld onto outer door panel; paint bubbles and welds to outer panel. Dealer lacks equipment to repair rust damage.
When: At approximately 45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Severe rust on driver's side door; Paint bubbling on body panels; Welding of skin and outer panel
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to repair due to lack of equipment
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure; no repair completed
Rear window spontaneous breakage
Rear window shatters without apparent cause during cold weather while vehicle is parked. Window was replaced once before due to prior breakage. Owner reports multiple past reports of Ford Escape rear window breaking.
When: Cold weather; parked vehicle; second breakage on same vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Rear window shatters with no apparent cause; Occurs on cold day
Repairs/costs cited: Window replaced during prior service
Undercarriage cover detachment
Front undercarriage cover detaches while driving, creating loud noise from undercarriage. Requires replacement.
When: At 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormally loud sound from front undercarriage while driving at 60 MPH
Repairs/costs cited: Undercarriage cover replaced at dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure
Tailgate opening and closing malfunction
Liftgate does not open or close properly. Difficulty achieving full closure, requiring excessive time to secure. Owner reports fear of using liftgate due to risk of battery drain if stuck open.
When: Recurring issue; unknown specific mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate takes over 1.5 hours to close completely; Recurring closure problems; Difficulty achieving proper latching
Driver door wind noise at highway speeds
Wind noise audible from driver door when traveling above 55 MPH. Dealer tested other model years and reported same noise, suggesting possible design issue or seal degradation.
When: At speeds above 55 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Wind noise from driver door at highway speeds; Annoying noise level
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer states other model year vehicles exhibit same noise
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had body trouble with your 2016 Ford Escape?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2016 Ford Escape?
It's a meaningful issue. 17 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,500.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most body failures cluster between 16,000 and 50,000 miles, with the median around 40,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 16,000; a quarter make it past 50,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to body?
No active recalls currently cover body issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Ford/Escape.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.