321 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Escape cite power train, 27% of all 1,178 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.
“Complete transmission failure while driving. Gears blew completely apart. Resulting in inability to safely maneuver vehicle out of roadway. Dealership replaced transmission at my expense. No warning or indication of imminent failure.”
“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 stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle sputtered and intermittently lost motive power. The message "Transmission Fault" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact was able to drive to her sister's residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with burnt transmission fluid, and the transmission was replaced with a rebuilt transmission. The contact stated that while driving after the repair, the RPMs fluctuated intermittently and the message "Transmission Fault - Service Now" was displayed. The independent mechanic was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the warranty company of the rebuilt transmission. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 173,000.”
“I was driving home on se stark to go to 60 uh then turn into burnside I was going 30 Mph per speed limit then all the sudden it jerked and slowed down very unsafe when the transmission just went slow and I had no warning or light never came on to say need transmission service. This was mind boggling then I had it towed to the shop and apparently I need a whole replacement for transmission and I’m at 165 k I do maintance and everything .. I know there was a recall abt the power train in 2022 however but I don’t know if it still active bec I am the second owner of this car”
“While driving my car home, my transmission completely gave out. I was trying to get up a hill, and out of nowhere, my car was just revving and was not going anywhere. I tried to turn the car off and back on, but it did nothing. We towed my car to a mechanic and they gave me the unfortunate news that my transmission needed completely replaced or rebuilt. I towed it to a transmission specialist, and they had to rebuild my entire transmission. I was without a car for an entire month and found out from them that this is a major known issue with these car's transmissions and that Ford had known about this issue for a long time and did not do anything. I am out a lot of money and wish I had known about this issue before. I had a few instances of the "bucking" a few years ago but got everything checked and had a clean bill of health at that time. I also have had my check engine light on for 6 years, due to an emissions issue that happens in this car because of the flap on the gas tank instead of a cap. They said the flap isn't always secure and can let out emissions. They said it's expensive to fix and not worth it.”
“My head gasket blew on the escape with only 104,000 miles on it. It cost me $3500 to fix. 5 months later it blew again and I’m being told my engine block is cracked. I’m now being quoted another $3500 to put another engine in it with 90,000 miles on it.”
Showing 6 of 321 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.