Problems · by component

2016 Ford Escape engine and engine cooling problems

57 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Escape cite engine and engine cooling, 5% of all 1,178 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
57
5% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine and engine cooling

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot(H). While inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the coolant level was low. The contact added coolant to the coolant reservoir; however, the failure returned within three days, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where visible leaks were found. The failure persisted, and the contact became aware of a coolant leak coming from the engine and called a mobile mechanic to the residence. The mechanic used an OBDII scanner and determined that the spark plugs, water pump, ignition coils, and thermostat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred 4 miles later while driving. The mechanic was notified of the failure and informed the contact about NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V011000 (Equipment). The contact visited the Ford website and spoke to a live agent and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 173,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 7, 2026Engine and engine cooling, EquipmentODI 11769610
“The contact’s parents owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer because the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that shortly after starting the vehicle there was white smoke coming from the vehicle for approximately 5 seconds. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there coolant was leaking intrusion into cylinder #2, and an issue with the engine block. The dealer recommended that the engine be replaced; however, the contact was informed that the replacement engine was on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 2, 2026Engine and engine cooling, EngineODI 11747911
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel indicated that the engine was overheating. While driving at 35 MPH, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, where the vehicle experienced complete engine failure. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that coolant was leaking into the engine because of a fault in the engine block. The engine needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that it was a known failure with the vehicle and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The engine block failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V011000 (Equipment); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed through an online complaint of the failure; however, the contact was not able to speak with a representative. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 20, 2026Engine and engine cooling, EquipmentODI 11719312
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that there was coolant intrusion in cylinder #3, resulting in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 54,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 2, 2025Engine and engine coolingODI 11684526
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating before the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failure persisted. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant intrusion into cylinder #4 had resulted in engine damage. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 65,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 11, 2025Engine and engine coolingODI 11679861
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion into various cylinders had resulted in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 70,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 22, 2025Engine and engine coolingODI 11675367

Showing 6 of 57 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.