2016 Ford Escape engine problems

Filed Nov 1, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · IL

We've been having check engine light on "Cylinder 2 misfire". We had the spark plugs replaced and the ignition coil replaced, which fixed it for about a month, but it returned. We had further diagnostics done with video into cylinder 2 and found that we have engine coolant leaking into the cylinder. Apparently, this is a known, unrecalled issue from Ford on this engine with the coolant intrusion. Only fix is to replace the motor. Car has about 120,000 miles on it, but well taken care of. Works great otherwise, but with this issue, the engine could lock up or catch on fire on the road.

Filed Oct 28, 2026 · Engine · IA

Was sold a 2016 ford escape that apparently has a known coolant leak issue that is caused by a bad engine block. When I bought the car in 2021 I had to wait two weeks to get the car so they could fix a cylinder misfire issue. Had several issues with it overheating and was told that it just needed coolant added. In 2026 was told that the head gaskets was blown and to repair would cost $9000 at the same ford dealership where I bought it. I had another Authorized NAPA Garage replace the head gaskets for $5000 and with in a week had misfire on cylinder #4 again while on the freeway doing 55 MPH which caused the car to stall on the freeway in traffic! Started investigating the issues to find out that it is a well documented issue with 2016 fords having a bad engine and the only fix is replacement of the engine!

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Engine · 173,000 miles · TN

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 the federal safety agency 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 federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 173,000.

Filed Oct 3, 2026 · Engine · KS

Vehicle check engine light appeared on screen. Appeared that coolant hose popped off. Dealer determined that system had multiple leaks. Replaced thermostat housing, coolant crossover and heater core hoses, replaced degas bottle hose.

Filed Sep 9, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MI

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 behavior while driving in traffic. I contacted Ford regarding the problem and followed up again on July 17, 2026. After receiving no resolution, I contacted Ford again on September 9, 2026. Ford advised me that there was no exact timeframe for when the ASO would contact me and that the ASO may or may not contact me at all. I requested that Ford make a final escalation of the safety concern. Ford confirmed that my escalation and my intention to submit the unresolved safety issue to the federal safety agency were documented under Ford case CXH-08511841-T8X5L4. To my knowledge, Ford has not inspected the vehicle or provided a substantive resolution to the transmission/powertrain concern. I am also concerned that this may not be an isolated maintenance issue. I am aware of other owners reporting transmission and powertrain problems.

Filed Sep 9, 2026 · Engine · TX

Bought car in 2023, one year later engine failure due to overheating from head gasket issue widespread with this vehicle. Replaced engine, and two years later facing identical issue with another engine failure. Unidentifiable coolant leak led to low oil pressure and car shaking on the highway. Will require yet another engine replacement.

Filed Aug 25, 2026 · Engine · KS

It appears the engine has gone bad. Water leaking into cylinders. Car is in shop now. Friendly Ford in Arkansas City, Ks. They may have contacted you.

Filed Aug 19, 2026 · Engine · CA

First the transmission failed on the freeway and was almost squished between a semi and car. I pay thousands to get it fixed and now the engine light is on and the transmission fluid and the coolant are leaking into each other. I can't accelerate very well and they said it can't be fixed only a NEW engine. The mechanic at your dealership said it's a known problem and that there is no recall yet. I'm sorry for the working family this a cost that can not be endured! This is terrible. The car can not accelerate very well for passing vehicles or when entering onto the freeway. It is very much a safety issue and needs to be addressed.

Filed Aug 5, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · MN

Statement in uploaded files

Filed Jul 17, 2026 · Body, Engine · 113,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine, with the engine revving. The contact stated that while turning off the vehicle, the engine was knocking very roughly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for failures with the bearings and the rotors. The contact stated that there were abnormal sounds coming from the bearings. The contact stated that the rotors were rusted, and there was a grinding sound coming from the rotors. The contact believed that the vehicle was a flood-damaged vehicle due to the rust on the rotors, bearings, and underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,000.