2016 Ford Escape acceleration problems

Filed Mar 23, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · NM

The end of February was driving and I noticed white smoke blowing from my exaust, then my car lost power.

Filed Dec 30, 2025 · Acceleration · MO

My 2016 Ford escape cannot accelerate even I pressed the pedal. It just has 74000 miles but showing transmission issues. It's so dangerous and threaten my life and others.

Filed Jul 2, 2025 · Acceleration, Transmission · MD

The vehicle experienced multiple critical system failures within one week of purchase: Transmission failure (slipping, delayed shifting, and stalling during acceleration) Braking system malfunction (brakes jump or pulse when pressed, inconsistent stopping) Fluid leakage inside the cabin near the gas and brake pedals (believed to be either brake fluid or transmission fluid) The vehicle is currently undrivable and can be made available for inspection upon request. The vehicle became a severe safety hazard while I was operating it with my infant child in the car. The brakes were unresponsive and unpredictable, creating near-miss situations when trying to stop. The transmission failure caused stalling at intersections and hesitation when accelerating, putting me at risk of being rear-ended. The fluid leak near the pedals presents a possible fire hazard or the risk of further brake failure. I feared for my life and my child’s safety. The problem has not been confirmed by a mechanic yet because the dealership, Platinum Auto Sales in Arlington, VA, refused to take the vehicle back or inspect it after I reported the issues. I was dismissed when I returned to report the failures. I am currently seeking an independent inspection, but I want this formally documented as an urgent safety matter. I am in the process of filing reports with the Federal Trade Commission, state consumer protection, and local police regarding fraud and sale of a dangerous vehicle. I can make the vehicle available for inspection by the federal safety agency or a certified safety inspector. There were no warning lights or error messages at the time of purchase. The problems appeared within 24–48 hours of driving the vehicle: Difficulty shifting and hesitation when accelerating began almost immediately Brake issues and pedal fluid leakage appeared by Day 3 By Day 5, the vehicle became unsafe to drive altogether

Filed Feb 28, 2025 · Acceleration, Transmission · 70,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the transmission was slipping. The contact stated that the RPM increased, and the vehicle decelerated. The vehicle was shifted into neutral and pushed out of the roadway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the third gear had an incorrect ratio. The fluid condition was filled with material, and an overhaul of the transmission was recommended. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Filed Jul 23, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · CA

Uncontrollable acceleration increase; Difficult and rough starting; Engine overheating warning lights and message alerts; Coolant empty and no visible leak; Continued loss of coolant; Copious moisture smelling of anti freeze coming from exhaust; Check engine light codes: P1450, P1450 pd, PO302

Filed Apr 15, 2024 · Acceleration · MI

See attached document for complaint

Filed Dec 24, 2023 · Acceleration, Fuel system · WV

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 and speed will continue to decline, speed dropped from 70 mph to 30 is maybe an minute, until you pull over and let the transmission cool down. This is especially hazardous on the interstate if your in faster moving traffic with cars behind you and you can no longer accelerate with no way to signal this to the traffic behind you except the four ways. The problem seems to be the fan to cool the transmission never gets the signal to turn on and cool down the transmission. This is an ongoing issue with this vehicle and has been since I got it, there are also multiple site and forums full of this same year make and model having the same issue.

Filed Aug 16, 2022 · Acceleration, Transmission · 96,000 miles · MI · crash · 2 injuries

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at 25 MPH and coming to a stop at the stop light, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly and crashed into the rear end of another occupied vehicle. The air bags deployed. The contact sustained soreness on the neck and shoulders but did not seek medical assistance. The passenger of the other vehicle sustained injuries but did not seek medical assistance. A police report was filed. The contact was towed to a tow lot. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they did not have the parts for recall repair of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V413000 ( Power Train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000. The consumer stated the repairs were performed on 1/5/22.

Filed Jul 5, 2022 · Acceleration, Steering · TX

I was driving and my car felt like it changed from drive to neutral without any physical prompt on my part. The for escape kept rolling away and I was able to bring it to a parking lot. I was able to turn the vehicle off and tried turning it back on again. It felt like it was changing gears without being touched. It kept trying to move forward and reversing when it was on park. I was scared so I turned the car off and put the emergency break because of the strange shifting between gears that was happening. I had to have the vehicle towed as it is now inoperable. It is at the shop and is currently untouched . A few days later I found found has recalled my vehicle for transmission issues. I am now careless with no help in sight.

Filed Jun 3, 2022 · Acceleration, Transmission · CO

We bought a 2016 Ford Escape on 25 June 2021, from Phil Long Ford in Motor City, Colorado Springs, CO. for approx. $21,000. Mileage was 62,783k. In Aug and Sept 2021, we brought the car back to Phil Long and told them there was a transmission issue that intermittently occurred on highway speeds. When passing there was an extremely rough shift that felt like a car ran into the back of us. This created a safety issue when driving. Phil Long reluctantly test drove the car and said they couldn’t do anything as they didn’t experience the extremely rough shift. This rough shift continued to happen about once every couple of weeks. We brought the car to Transmission Clinic in CO Springs and they confirmed that we needed a new transmission. On 02 June 2022, we paid $4,992 and got the transmission replaced. Transmission Clinic stated they are seeing many issues with Ford transmissions on Ford cars with low mileage. I contend that Phil Long Ford knew this info and should have been willing to help us in Aug/ Sept 2021. I am requesting that Phil Long Ford reimburse us in full or part for the cost of this recent transmission replacement. I believe Ford Motor Company should issue a recall for these poor transmissions.