My car set a code , and the engine misfired. I took all the necessary steps, but the code reappeared. I have Car Shield, and they are saying its cracked block but refuse to replace the head gasket. My mechanic believes it's the head gasket, so a cracked block seems common in these cars, as does a bad head gasket. What should I do, and whom should I contact to fight Car Shield and Ford?
2016 Ford Escape engine problems
moderate 166 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
166
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
3fires
When does it fail?
Of the 166 engine complaints filed for the 2016 Ford Escape, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 166 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2016 Ford Escape comes with a documented risk of engine failure due to coolant intrusion into cylinders—a defect Ford acknowledged via technical bulletins and class-action lawsuits but has largely excluded from recalls. Expect potential engine replacement ($10,000+) at 50,000–150,000 miles, often out of pocket; throttle body and transmission issues are also common. Many owners report warranty denial and VIN exclusions from recalls despite identical symptoms to recalled vehicles.
The 2016 Ford Escape generates a consistent pattern of engine failures tied to coolant intrusion into cylinders, primarily affecting 1.6L and 2.0L EcoBoost engines. Owners describe white smoke from the exhaust, rough idle, misfiring, and check engine lights that lead dealers to recommend complete engine replacement—at costs of $9,000 to $12,000—even when vehicles have only 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Ford issued technical service bulletins (TSBs 19-2139, 19-2375, 22-2229) confirming the head-gasket and engine-block defect, yet most owner VINs fall outside the limited recall scope, leaving repair costs entirely on the buyer.
Beyond engine failure, owners report electronic throttle body stalls (sudden power loss at any speed), transmission failures at low mileage, turbocharger seal leaks, and one documented engine fire. Several owners cite being excluded from recalls despite matching symptoms of recalled vehicles. One owner experienced automatic limp-mode activation on the highway (speed dropped from 70 to 40 mph without warning), creating safety hazards. Cabin air quality issues—elevated carbon monoxide detected inside the vehicle—are also reported. Warranty denials are widespread; dealerships frequently refuse coverage, citing manufacturing defects or design exclusions. Extended warranties do not cover the coolant intrusion issue. Multiple owners describe frustration after discovering active class-action lawsuits and Ford's apparent awareness of the defect through internal technical bulletins, yet the company declined to initiate broad recalls or goodwill repairs.
Same Ford Escape engine reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Coolant intrusion into cylinders (head gasket/engine block failure)
Coolant leaks into cylinders (commonly #2, #3, or #4) due to a faulty head gasket or cracked engine block. Ford issued TSB 19-2139, 19-2375, 22-2229 for this defect affecting 2.0L EcoBoost engines. Owners report this begins with low coolant warnings, white smoke from exhaust, rough idle, and misfiring, ultimately requiring complete engine replacement.
When: Typically 50,000–157,000 miles; some failures as early as 30,000 miles after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light (codes P0300, P0304, P034); White smoke from exhaust; Rough or rough idle on cold start; Engine misfire and hesitation; Low or rapidly depleting coolant levels; Engine overheating warnings despite normal temperature gauge; Loss of power while driving; Abnormal knocking or rattling from engine
Codes mentioned: P0300 (random misfire), P0304 (cylinder #4 misfire), P034 (cylinder #4 miss), TSB 19-2139, TSB 19-2375, TSB 22-2229, Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; costs $9,000–$12,249 out of pocket for owners. Multiple owners cite Ford denying warranty coverage due to VIN exclusion from recalls. No parts or labor cost covered by Ford in most cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued TSBs (19-2139, 19-2375, 22-2229) acknowledging the issue and recommending long-block engine replacement. However, many owner VINs are excluded from recalls (NHTSA Campaign 26V011000 mentioned but VINs not included). Ford denies responsibility in most cases, referring customers to NHTSA or suggesting goodwill cases (rarely approved). Some owners note Ford knows about class-action lawsuits but maintains limited recall scope.
Electronic throttle body failure
Throttle body malfunction causes sudden loss of power, inability to accelerate, and complete engine stalling, often without warning. Some owners report repeated failures after initial replacement.
When: Early ownership (one case at 9,000 miles); recurring around 26,688 miles and again at 46,476 miles on same vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power at any speed; Engine stalling during acceleration or at stop; No response to accelerator pedal; Engine fault light illumination; Inability to restart vehicle; Check engine light with code P2112; Loss of steering assist (power steering failure secondary to stall)
Codes mentioned: P2112 (electronic throttle body control), Throttle body failure codes
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement costs $400–$1,097. One owner had throttle body replaced twice (Feb 2020 at 26,688 miles, Oct 2024 at 46,476 miles) due to recurrence.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships replace throttle body under warranty when caught early. No evidence of recall or TSB specific to this failure. One case (narrative #39) shows repeated failures with same diagnostic—no systemic fix identified.
Engine stalling and hesitation (fuel system/vapor canister)
Engine stalls or hesitates during acceleration or at highway speeds. One owner reported vapor canister purge valve malfunction with backorder issues. Multiple owners experience intermittent stalls with no diagnostic resolution despite repeated dealership visits.
When: Ongoing from March 2018 onward in one case; another case starting at 50 MPH capability loss
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalling at any speed, including highway (50–70 MPH); Hesitation and spitting/sputtering during acceleration; Inability to accelerate past 50 MPH in one case; Service engine light or check engine light; Engine fault light without clear diagnostic code; Intermittent stalling becoming constant
Codes mentioned: Fuel pressure sensor code (one case), Vapor canister purge valve malfunction, Throttle valve codes (replaced in some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel sensor replacement, throttle valve replacement, and vapor canister purge valve replacement attempted. One owner reported purge valve on severe backorder (>4,000 orders) with no ETA. Multiple dealership visits (3–4 times) without resolution in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No evidence of recall or safety bulletin. Dealerships attempt component replacement but often cannot resolve root cause. One owner reports Ford offering no ETA on purge valve supply.
Automatic limp-mode activation on highway (engine overheat sensor)
Engine control system detects possible overheating and automatically reduces vehicle speed from 70 MPH to 40 MPH without warning or driver control, creating a safety hazard on highways. Temperature gauge shows normal even when limp mode activates.
When: Occurred during highway driving on 6–7% grades in Utah canyon
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden speed reduction from 70 MPH to 40 MPH without driver input; Engine overheating warning message on dashboard; Temperature gauge reads normal despite warning; Loss of vehicle control during highway transit
Codes mentioned: Engine overheat sensor code (not specified by owner)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; owner complaint was about design safety. Ford informed owner that sensor is designed to protect engine and allow driver to reach service facility.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford explained the sensor is intentional for engine protection but acknowledged it is a design point. Ford suggested owner post feedback on Ford social media to engineers. Suggested addressing concern with NHTSA regarding safety of automatic limp-mode activation without warning.
Turbocharger failure and exhaust/air leak
Turbocharger wastegate solenoid fails, and/or turbocharger flange warps and corrodes due to dissimilar-metal bolts, allowing exhaust fumes to leak into cabin. One case involved flange bolts shearing off due to galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals.
When: One case at 87,000 miles; another at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light (code P0247 for wastegate solenoid); Diminished engine acceleration and throttle response; Strong exhaust odor in cabin; Headaches and lightheadedness in occupants from CO/exhaust fumes; Abnormal rattling noise from engine compartment
Codes mentioned: P0247 (Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid B), Low-pressure fuel rail failure code (initially misdiagnosed in one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Turbocharger replacement required; one case cited $6,140.50 for turbocharger and manifold replacement. Dissimilar-metal bolt failure described as engineering defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB evident. One case mentions 'limp mode' design allows vehicle to be driven to service facility but does not prevent long-term catastrophic damage or fire risk.
Engine fire
Complete engine compartment fire while vehicle was parked and engine off. Owner reports no prior warning, coolant leak, or overheating. 1.6L turbocharged engine model cited; owner notes multiple similar incidents with this engine online but no recall issued.
When: After 5–10 minutes of parking in a restaurant lot; vehicle running normally prior
Symptoms owners cite: Entire engine compartment flames visible; No prior warning lights or overheating; No prior coolant leaks reported
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled and towed away by insurance; no repair attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall notice or notification ever issued to owner. Owner researched online and found multiple reports of 1.6L turbocharged engine fires but no manufacturer communication or recall.
Transmission failure
Transmission failure requiring replacement or rebuild at relatively low mileage. One case reports transmission failure at 63,208 miles with no warning; another transmission replacement at 100,000 miles mentioned alongside engine issues.
When: 63,208 miles (no warning) in one case; another at 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not move when pedal depressed at traffic light; No check engine light or warning prior to failure; Transmission stuck or unable to engage
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission rebuild cost not specified in one case; another owner paid out of pocket and now dealing with subsequent engine issues. Transmission failure led to transmission shop diagnosis confirming replacement needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford acknowledged recall exists for 2016 Escape transmissions, but owner's VIN was not included despite matching symptoms of recalled vehicles.
Cabin air quality issues (carbon monoxide/exhaust intrusion)
Strong exhaust smell and elevated carbon monoxide levels detected inside cabin (up to 100 PPM CO; oxygen below 19%). Occurs at idle and while driving, independent of window position or climate control settings.
When: At 76,000 miles in one case; another case unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Strong exhaust odor inside cabin; Carbon monoxide levels 100 PPM (dangerous; OSHA limit is 50 PPM); Oxygen levels below 19% inside cabin; No warning lights illuminated in some cases; Heavy white smoke from exhaust during start-up
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced cabin air filter as suggested remedy; owner reports it did not resolve the issue. Extensive pressure testing performed but no definitive repair found. Dealer suggested regular coolant level checks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership unaware of known issue. No TSB or recall identified. Dealership unable to duplicate failure in shop environment.
Ignition coil and spark plug failures (recurrent misfiring)
Repeated ignition coil and spark plug failures causing misfires, check engine lights, and rough running. Multiple replacement attempts fail to resolve underlying coolant intrusion into cylinders, which is the root cause.
When: January 2021 and February 2021 (two visits within one month); another case with ongoing issues starting at low mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light with misfire codes (P034, P0300, P0304); Engine shuddering and hesitation; Rough idle on cold start; Engine missing or sputtering; Buildup on ignition coil boot
Codes mentioned: P034 (cylinder #4 misfire), P0300 (random misfire), P0304 (cylinder #4 misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs and ignition coils replaced repeatedly ($1,097.31 for initial service including fuel induction service). Subsequent diagnostics revealed coolant intrusion into cylinder, requiring engine replacement instead. Battery replacement ($484) also done during initial visit.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership submitted goodwill case to Ford after discovering coolant intrusion; awaiting response. Service manager told owner car was 'safe to drive' despite pending engine replacement recommendation at 51,158 miles.
Catalytic converter failure at low mileage
Catalytic converter degradation or failure at 40,000–50,000 miles, well below normal service life. Warranty denial cited.
When: 40,000–50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light related to catalytic converter; Reduced engine performance
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership refused to cover under extended warranty. Owner had to pay for replacement out of pocket (cost not specified).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty denial. One owner reports dealership manager performed the repair and was subsequently fired, suggesting cover-up of warranty responsibility.
Fuel door flap issue (no gas cap design)
Vehicle designed without a traditional fuel cap; flap-only design allows fumes to escape and causes unspecified issues. Owner paid $400+ for repair.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Fumes escaping from fuel door area; No actual fuel cap (flap design only)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner paid over $400 for fuel door flap repair; warranty would not cover it.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No coverage under extended warranty despite being a design flaw.
Roof leak
Water leaks through roof into interior, occurring soon after purchase.
When: Shortly after purchase in 2015
Symptoms owners cite: Water dripping into cabin from roof
Repairs/costs cited: Owner took to independent repair shop (not dealer); warranty would not cover. Cost not specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty denial; not covered under standard or extended warranty.
Synthesized from 166 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the heater failed to operate with the check engine warning light was intermittently flashing on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was discovered that coolant was leaking into cylinder #3. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The…
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as a coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while at a stop light, "The engine was overheating" warning message illuminated. The vehicle was taking an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 84,100.
Coolant leaks into engine. Not repairable and requires full engine replacement.
Blown head gasket. Class action lawsuit pending against current issue I am having due to setup of motor and allowing water to sit and deteriorate gaskets. Caused vehicle to overheat while driving. Confirmed by mechanic shop.
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2016 Ford Escape?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 166 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 88 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 63,500 and 109,000 miles, with the median around 86,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 63,500; a quarter make it past 109,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.