Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Ford Escape powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Ford Escape have filed 314 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 88,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
314
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Escape | 61 |
| 2013 Escape | 381 |
| 2014 Escape | 468 |
| 2015 Escape | 272 |
| 2016 Escape (this page) | 314 |
| 2017 Escape | 369 |
| 2018 Escape | 253 |
| 2019 Escape | 113 |
| 2020 Escape | 219 |
5crashes
1fire
8injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 314 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 Ford Escape, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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 314 powertrain 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.
Powertrain accounts for 30% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
Some 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2018 C-MAX, 2014-2019 Escape, 2014-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles may indicate an incorrect shifter lever position. This may be due to the bushing at the transmission end of the shifter lever cable resulting in a mismatch of cluster and selected gear position. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the bushing and on certain vehicles install the protective cap over the selector at the transmission end of the selector lever cable.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2018 C-MAX, 2014-2019 Escape, 2014-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles may indicate an incorrect shifter lever position. This may be due to the bushing at the transmission end of the shifter lever cable resulting in a mismatch of cluster and selected gear position. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the bushing and on certain vehicles install the protective cap over the selector at the transmission end of the selector lever cable.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2018 C-MAX, 2013-2019 Escape, 2014-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles may indicate an incorrect shifter lever position. This may be due to the bushing at the transmission end of the shifter lever cable resulting in a mismatch of cluster and selected gear position. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the bushing and install the protective cap over the selector at the transmission end of the selector lever cable.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016-2019 Escape vehicles equipped with the 1.6L EcoBoost or 1.5L EcoBoost engines may have missing or damaged dowel alignment pins between the engine and transaxle. When either a new long block or new short block is installed in the vehicle and the dowel pins were found missing or damaged upon disassembly of the original engine, the flexplate (6375) must be replaced. For engine overhauls or other engine related repairs where the engine and transaxle do not require separation, replacing the flexplate is not required. This direction also applies to existing service publication repairs where the engine and transaxle are separated as part of the repair procedure. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM),
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2016 Ford Escape powertrain shows a pattern of failures concentrated in the transmission, engine cooling, and control systems. Transmission problems dominate: owners describe abrupt loss of power, slipping gears, refusal to shift, and complete mechanical failure clustered between 60,000 and 100,000 miles—well within the useful life of a modern vehicle but often past the factory 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Some vehicles fail as early as 48,000 miles; others at 150,000 miles. Multiple mechanics and transmission shops report seeing 4–5 Escapes with identical torque converter and valve body faults simultaneously, suggesting a systemic defect, not isolated wear.
Engine cooling system failures manifest as internal coolant leaks directly into cylinders, detectable by coolant residue on spark plugs and pistons, misfire codes, and relentless low coolant levels despite no external leak. One owner needed a long-block engine replacement at 60,000 miles.
Throttle actuator and control module faults force vehicles into limp mode at low speeds, especially on hills, limiting acceleration to roughly 1,500 RPM. Restarting temporarily fixes the fault, but replacement throttle bodies have failed to resolve the underlying problem.
Shifter and shift cable failures lock vehicles in one gear or prevent engagement altogether. While NHTSA Campaign 22V413 addressed shifter cable bushing degradation, owners report the fix failed or was performed incorrectly, with cable detachment recurring within 1,600 miles of recall completion.
Transmission overheating on highway speeds triggers limp-mode speed reduction and throttle loss, hazardous in traffic. Brake and steering assist can fail when transmission or engine faults trigger protective shutdowns.
Owners consistently report no warning lights before catastrophic failure, making prevention impossible. Dealerships often cannot replicate faults in shop, delaying or preventing diagnosis. Parts shortages from Ford have left vehicles unrepaired for weeks. Ford has refused warranty coverage, goodwill repairs, and recalls for transmission despite documented defects in service bulletins for earlier model years using the same 1.6L EcoBoost engine.
Same Ford Escape powertrain reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Failure - Slipping, No Shift, Loss of Power
Complete transmission dysfunction characterized by delayed or refused shifts, slipping gears, inability to accelerate, or complete loss of motive power while driving. Often occurs without warning lights or with only a delayed 'Transmission Fault' message. Vehicle sometimes won't move from a complete stop; sometimes loses power mid-drive and can coast to safety only if restarted. Affects mileage range from ~48,000 to 150,000 miles, with clustering around 60,000–100,000.
When: 60,000–100,000 miles most common; some as early as 48,000–60,000; some as late as 150,000
Symptoms owners cite: No forward or reverse motion when shifting into gear; Transmission slipping between gears during acceleration; Hard jerking or shuddering during shifts; Loss of power during highway driving at steady speeds; Engine revving but no vehicle movement; Delayed or no engagement when shifting from Park or Neutral; Rough idle in Drive; Transmission overheating and triggering 'Transmission Fault' or 'Service Transmission' messages
Codes mentioned: P0219 (Engine Overspeed), P0729 (Incorrect Gear Ratio 6th), P0735 (Incorrect Gear Ratio 5th), P0731 (Incorrect Gear Ratio 1st), P07AA (Trans Friction Element E), P0741 (Torque Converter Clutch), P1744 (Torque Converter Clutch)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement $3,500–$9,500; torque converter replacement or rebuild $4,000–$5,400; valve body and solenoid replacement; parts frequently on backorder from Ford.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued for transmission on 2016 Escape; NHTSA Campaign 22V413 (Shifter Cable Bushing) is unrelated to transmission failure proper; Ford refuses assistance citing warranty expiration (60,000 miles); Ford Customer Relationship Center denies goodwill coverage despite known torque converter defects documented in TSB 19-2100 (2013–2015 models with same 1.6L EcoBoost engine).
Transmission Shifter / Shift Cable Failure
Shifter becomes stuck, will not move between gears, or shift cable detaches from transmission. Vehicle can be placed in a gear but shifter remains visually in wrong position or becomes mechanically locked. Related to NHTSA Campaign 22V413 (shifter cable bushing degradation/detachment), though failure also occurs post-recall repair. After recall work, cable detachment has recurred within 1,600 miles.
When: Pre-recall: any mileage; post-recall: 1,600 miles after repair (57,200 to 58,900 miles example); another at 48,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter stuck in one position, will not move to other gears; Shift cable detaches from transmission; Shifter position on dash does not match actual gear (e.g., shows Park but car will not park); Vehicle rolls backward or forward when placed in Neutral or Park; Inability to shift from S to D mode while driving; Brake-shift interlock fails; manual override required to release shifter
Codes mentioned: Brake-shift interlock failure messages
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter cable bushing replacement (recall part ~$6.35, labor charged $200–$258); cable reconnection; in some cases parts needed to be sourced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 22V413 issued to address shifter cable bushing degradation; owners report recall repair was ineffective or incorrectly performed, leading to recurrence. One owner reported recall parts were defective or work was incorrect.
Engine Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders
Coolant leaks internally from the cooling system directly into engine cylinders, causing rough idle, misfire, overheating, and catastrophic engine damage. Found evidence of coolant on spark plug insulators and piston crowns. Can lead to hydro-lock or engine seizure while driving.
When: Reported at 60,000 miles; ~3,000 miles post-purchase from used dealer; variable timing
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating with no external coolant leak visible; Rough idle and stalling; Smoke from exhaust on cold start with burnt, electric smell; Constant need to top off coolant (9 gallons over 2 months in one case) despite no external leak; Coolant in radiator reservoir appears low; Engine misfires and cylinder misfire codes on startup; Air bubbles in cooling system even after burping; Shuddering upon starting
Codes mentioned: P0316 (Cylinder Misfire on Startup), P1299 (Cylinder 3 Misfire), P0303 (Cylinder 3 Misfire), P0304 (Cylinder 4 Misfire), B0303, P0217 (Engine Overheat/Protection Mode Active)
Repairs/costs cited: Long block engine replacement (~$13,000); one owner paid for complete engine teardown diagnostic; manufacturers do not provide warranty support after used purchase.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford technician identified coolant intrusion into cylinder 3 and pressure-test confirmed cooling system leak; advised long block replacement as only repair. No recall or warranty extension offered for used vehicles; $200 diagnostic fee charged before inspection.
Throttle Body / Throttle Actuator Failure (Limp Mode)
Vehicle enters limp mode (max ~1,500 RPM acceleration limit) intermittently, usually at low speeds or on hills, sometimes without warning. Check engine light may or may not illuminate. Restarting car temporarily clears fault, but failure recurs. Multiple throttle body replacements have failed to resolve.
When: Early in ownership (within 2 months of purchase; 30,000 miles to 60,000 miles); recurring
Symptoms owners cite: Abrupt loss of acceleration; vehicle limited to ~1,500 RPM in limp mode; Traction control warning light illuminates; ABS warning light illuminates; 'Hill Start Assist Not Available' message; 'Engine Fault Service Now' message; Check engine light may appear intermittently; Occurs most in stop-and-go traffic or on hills; once on interstate at 70 mph; Cold-start after rain can trigger immediate limp mode; Gas smell in cabin when in limp mode; RPM spikes abnormally high then drop
Codes mentioned: P2107 (Throttle Actuator Control)
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement performed twice (two different units) with no success; second dealer found wiring issue but inspection revealed no broken wires; independent shop suspected fuel not reaching all cylinders.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSB or recall issued for throttle body defect on 2016 Escape; first dealer replaced throttle body; second dealer found throttle body circuitry/wiring code but diagnostic was inconclusive.
Torque Converter Failure
Torque converter clutch sticks, slips, or fails completely, causing transmission to overheat, lose pressure, and fail to transmit power. Sometimes accompanied by grinding or abnormal sounds. Multiple shops report seeing 4–5 Escapes with identical torque converter/valve body issues.
When: 50,000–135,000 miles; clustering around 75,000–100,000
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission overheats on interstate driving; Slipping clutch—engine revs but transmission doesn't engage; Hesitation while shifting; Grinding or popping noise from transmission; Burned drum inside transmission with groove damage where surface should be smooth; Transmission fault messages; 'Transmission Fault Service Engine Now' and 'Speeds Reduced To Lower Engine Temperature' messages; Loss of throttle control after overheating alert; Rough idle in gear
Codes mentioned: P0219 (Engine Overspeed Condition), P0729 (Incorrect Gear Ratio 6th), P0735 (Incorrect Gear Ratio 5th), P0731 (Incorrect Gear Ratio 1st), P07AA (Trans Friction Element E), P0741 (Torque Converter Clutch), P1744 (Torque Converter Clutch)
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replacement or transmission rebuild $3,500–$6,000 (AAMCO example: $4,047 including burned drum and valve body work); torque converter components frequently on backorder from Ford; multiple vehicle scenario: one independent shop had 4 other Escapes with same issue in shop simultaneously; one Ford dealer confirmed 5+ Escapes with identical fault in service queue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall; Ford does not recommend transmission service until 150,000 miles per owner manuals; Ford refused assistance citing no known defect; independent mechanics report this is a 'known Ford Escape defect' and common failure point.
Ignition / Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure (P0322)
PCM detects erratic or missing crankshaft position sensor signal, causing abrupt power loss, engine shuddering, and loss of steering/braking assist. Code is active only when fault occurs; does not store in memory, making diagnosis difficult.
When: 14,000–15,363 miles in one case; 12 occurrences in rapid succession
Symptoms owners cite: Complete power loss during acceleration; Vehicle abruptly shakes, loses power, loses steering assist, loses brake assist; Vehicle shudders to a stop; Engine remains running but vehicle cannot move; stumbling on attempted shift from low gear; 'Engine Fault Service Now' message; Hard torquing sound on attempted gear shift; Code does not store in memory; disappears upon engine shutdown
Codes mentioned: P0322 (PCM—Crankshaft Position Sensor Input)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; dealer refuses to diagnose without fault replication; owner printed code from another dealer but leasing dealer stated code printout is meaningless without replication.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer states a process must be followed to fix the problem: the problem must be replicated in shop. If unable to replicate, no action taken. Dealer acknowledges problem is life-threatening and advises owner 'do not drive the car.' Ford Customer Assistance opened formal case but only notifies service manager, providing no solution.
Transmission Reverse/Drive Reversal (Post-Recall Failure)
After NHTSA Campaign 22V413 recall repair (shifter cable bushing), vehicle begins moving in opposite direction from selected gear (reverse selects drive, drive selects reverse), often with grinding sound and grinding/popping noise. Occurs on multiple vehicles post-recall.
When: Post-recall: 4–5 days after repair (135,373 miles in one case)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle moves forward when shifted to Reverse; Vehicle moves backward when shifted to Drive; Grinding sound and popping noise when gear finally engages; Increased RPMs with grinding; No transmission warning lights before fault
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission pump failure diagnosed; tear-down cost $1,600 out of owner's pocket despite extended warranty claim; warranty denied; transmission not repaired in some cases due to cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 22V413 was performed; dealer confirmed vehicle included in recall; dealer later stated transmission failure not covered under warranty due to mileage exceeding warranty limits; extended warranty claim denied.
Transmission Shudder / Rough Shift on Engagement
Vehicle shudders violently when shifting from Reverse to Drive or during low-speed gear engagement, especially when applying throttle. Some owners describe it as feeling like they were rear-ended. Occurs within first few months of ownership.
When: Early in ownership (within 5 months); recurring
Symptoms owners cite: Severe shuddering when shifting from Reverse to Drive; Shuddering and jerking during normal driving; Feeling of being rear-ended on shifts; Lurching forward with loud clunk sound from behind vehicle; Hesitation before gear engages
Repairs/costs cited: PCM reprogramming attempted by dealership (no lasting effect); owner instructed to keep foot on brake and wait for engagement before accelerating (symptom management, not cure).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Hot Line advised dealer to compare like vehicles on lot; testing 2015 and 2017 Escape showed 'both had same issue'; Ford acknowledged internal problem through service network but did not issue recall; dealers instructed to manage symptom rather than address root cause.
Rearview Camera Malfunction / Black Screen
Rearview camera displays distorted, inverted, or completely black image while vehicle in reverse, or camera becomes disabled entirely. Creates safety hazard for reversing. Some cameras produce abnormal noise.
When: Variable; multiple instances within same vehicle cluster; unknown mileage for most
Symptoms owners cite: Rearview camera displays black or blank screen while reversing; Camera image distorted or inverted; Abnormal sound coming from camera; Obstruction of driver visibility while reversing
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed in narratives; parts not available; electrical systems failure diagnosed in one case but not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention) notification sent; parts not yet available to perform recall repair; manufacturer has not provided timeline for part availability.
Liftgate Open/Close Malfunction
Liftgate opens and closes independently without driver input, creating safety hazard.
When: Unknown mileage; post-purchase occurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Liftgate opens independently; Liftgate closes independently; No pattern or warning
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to dealer but not repaired; no parts or diagnostic information provided.
Transmission Fluid Leak into Cabin
Transmission or brake fluid leaks from transmission area into cabin near brake and gas pedals, creating fire hazard and potential brake failure.
When: Within 24–48 hours of vehicle purchase (new to owner)
Symptoms owners cite: Fluid visible near brake and gas pedals inside cabin; Potential fire hazard from fluid accumulation; Possible brake system compromise
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not inspected by any mechanic due to dealership refusal; owner is seeking independent inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership (Platinum Auto Sales, Arlington VA) refused to take vehicle back or inspect it after owner reported failures; owner dismissed and referred to independent inspection.
Vehicle Rollback on Incline (Shifter/Brake Interlock Failure)
Vehicle rolls backward down incline or on level ground when placed in Park or Drive, sometimes with driver inside (serious injury risk). Related to shifter cable failure or brake-shift interlock malfunction.
When: Pre-recall and post-recall; one case before recall announcement (6/22/22); one case after recall (post 8/18/22)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward on level ground while in Park; Vehicle rolls backward down incline when in Drive or Park; Loss of parking brake function or engagement; Brake-shift interlock fails to prevent shift from Park; Driver ejected or struck by vehicle (one case: contact fell and was run over by vehicle)
Repairs/costs cited: Manual brake-shift interlock override used to release shifter and move to Neutral for towing; mechanical repair of shifter cable or interlock performed but parts/procedures vary; one case required tow of 25 miles to independent shop.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 22V413 issued to address shifter cable bushing; one owner contacted Ford dealership pre-recall and was told by service manager they had no parts yet; dealership later claimed vehicle not included in recall despite shifter failure; insurance company's involvement complicated warranty claims.
Transmission Temperature Overheating (Cooling Fan Failure)
Transmission overheats rapidly during interstate highway driving (within minutes), triggering 'Transmission Fault Service Engine Now' and 'Speeds Reduced To Lower Engine Temperature' messages, with throttle cut to near-zero. Transmission cooling fan does not receive signal to engage.
When: Reported at various mileages; ongoing issue throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission overheats at interstate speeds; 'Transmission Fault Service Engine Now' message; 'Speeds Reduced To Lower Engine Temperature' message; Abrupt loss of throttle control; Speed drops from 70 mph to 30 mph in about 1 minute; No method to signal to traffic behind (hazard lights only); Requires pulling over and waiting for transmission to cool; Recurs after cooling cycle
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; issue ongoing; problem appears to be transmission cooling fan not receiving control signal.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall; no TSB; owner states issue is 'ongoing with this vehicle' and notes 'multiple sites and forums full of this same year make and model having the same issue.'
Synthesized from 314 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
I am the original owner of this vehicle. I bought it brand new in 2016 and had all service done by Ford Dealership. I was told to have transmission flushed and serviced at 80,000 miles which I did. I was never advised to have anything done to the transmission before 80,000 miles. On 12/06/2023 with absolutely zero lights on the dash I went to put the car in reverse and it didn’t move. I had the…
Transmition stopped working while driving. Metal parts found and fluid burnt.
Complete loss of power and the transmission just going out, there was no warning or indication that something was wrong with the transmission prior to it going out on the highway. Car has 120K miles on it. It was diagnosed as needing a new transmission, and cooler. The pump may have needed to be replaced as well. But the transmission was pushing fluid out into the engine. If the car was fixed, I…
When driving the car at interstate speeds the transmission overheats after just a few minutes. When this happens it triggers the car’s information system to send a message stating “Transmission Fault Service Engine Now.” Just a moment or two later it sends another message stating “Speeds Reduced To Lower Engine Temperature.” Once that message is received you no longer have any throttle control…
On December 20, 2022, I was driving down a highway exit ramp when my car just stopped accelerating. I managed to exit but the car abruptly and without warning slowed to a crawl. I stepped on the accelerator but the car slowed and then suddenly lurched forward. At the time, traffic was extremely heavy and I could not pull over. It continued to violently lurch forward. Then for the first time the…
2016 Ford escape. Consumer writes in regard to transmission shifter safety recall.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and then lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The mechanic replaced the transmission. The manufacturer…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2016 Ford Escape?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 314 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 187 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 69,397 and 106,000 miles, with the median around 88,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 69,397; a quarter make it past 106,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.