Problems · by component
2016 Ford Escape electrical system problems
95 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Escape cite electrical system, 8% of all 1,178 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
95
8% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
What owners say about the electrical system
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Ford had a recall for backup camera issues issued 10/13/2025. It’s been almost 1 year and no remedy. What is considered a reasonable timeline for this? Is there any way to expedite Fords process to get the parts in for the recall? Any information you can provide will be helpful. Thank you.”
“Recall under 25SA9 has not been remedied a whole year later. Not having my back up camera has caused safety incidents. And a few damages from things I could not see”
“Rear view camera fails frequently displaying a distorted image or no image with an error message. This creates danger to all parties involved and unnecessary risk to property. Manufacturer issued a recall in October 2025 and has failed to provide a timely repair, they should face reprimand.”
“On July 7, 2026, at approximately 113,080 miles, my 2016 Ford Escape displayed a “Transmission Fault – Service Now” warning. The exact failed component is currently UNKNOWN, but the issue appears to involve the transmission/powertrain and possibly an electrical fault. While driving, I experienced abnormal symptoms including a rotational/squeaking noise from the front-right area and an air-leak/pressure-type noise from the right side. The pressure-type noise could also be heard while revving the vehicle at idle. The Check Engine Light also illuminated. I took the vehicle to an independent repair facility on July 7, 2026. The mechanic documented the symptoms and diagnostic trouble codes and advised that additional electrical diagnosis was necessary to determine the exact cause. The transmission itself has not been conclusively diagnosed as failed, and I am not claiming a specific failed internal component without further inspection. I consider this a serious safety concern because an unresolved transmission or powertrain malfunction could potentially cause improper shifting, hesitation, reduced propulsion, loss of acceleration, or other unexpected vehicle…”
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while in reverse(R) on several occasions, the rear-view camera went black and failed to operate as intended. The contact stated that the radio turned on and off independently, and the screen failed to operate as intended. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.”
“I am filing this complaint regarding a serious safety issue with the rearview camera on my Ford vehicle. My rearview/backup camera does not function properly when I place the vehicle in reverse. The display either shows a blank screen or a severely distorted image, preventing me from reliably seeing the area behind my vehicle. Ford issued a safety recall concerning rearview-camera problems in October 2025. I have contacted Ford/dealership personnel regarding the recall and the defective camera. I have been advised that the replacement part needed to repair my vehicle is not currently available. This is extremely concerning because the rearview camera is an important safety feature that is specifically intended to provide visibility behind the vehicle while backing. At present, I cannot depend on the camera to show me what is behind my vehicle. This creates an increased risk of striking a person, another vehicle, property, or another obstruction that I may not be able to see. The problem is not merely an inconvenience or cosmetic issue. I am experiencing an actual loss of rear visibility while the vehicle is in reverse. Ford has acknowledged the safety concern…”
Showing 6 of 95 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.