2016 Ford Escape: check engine light

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 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 · KS

Vehicle displayed warning that it was overheating and automatically slowed to lower speed. Pulled over on the highway and turned off vehicle. Check engine light was on and could drive to a safe location and pull over driving at about 20 mph or less. Turned on vehicle again and drove a mile and same thing happened. Dealer determined a turbocharger wastegate solenoid internal failure.

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 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 Jul 2, 2026 · Engine · 58,000 miles · IA

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.

Filed Jun 21, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · OH

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.

Filed Mar 23, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · IL

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rear-view camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the vision of the driver, preventing the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The message "Rear-view Camera Unavailable" was displayed on the screen. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the front passenger’s side seat belt retractor failed to function as intended. The contact stated that after unbuckling the seat belt buckle, the seat belt failed to retract. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. Recently, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. After several attempts, the vehicle was restarted, and there was an abnormal fuel-burning odor entering the vehicle through the A/C vents. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was refueled, and the contact checked the oil dip stick, and the oil level was extremely low. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Mar 11, 2026 · Engine · OH

I bought the 2016 Ford Escape and 2 weeks after the purchase the check engine light came on. I took it to Auto Zone and they said it was a spark plug. I had a full tune up done 2 days after the purchase so I called the garage and they replaced the spark plug. The light came back on a few hours later so I then took it to the Ford dealership and paid over $500.00 to have it fixed, along with the camera glitching. The day I picked up my car the check engine light came back on so I immediately took it back. They re-evaluated it and said that it is a manufacturing defect and that there is nothing they can do unless I want to replace the engine and that there was no guarantee that the new engine would not have the same issue. Apparently there are holes all throughout the engine and the antifreeze is mixing with the oil. I only drove it a total of 6 months before it completely died. Because I bought it from a buy here pay here lot he wouldn’t take it back even though I only had it 2weeks. My extended warranty would not cover the engine because it’s a manufacturing defect and I was stuck with a car note plus full coverage insurance on a car I could not drive. Ford never reimbursed me for the camera glitch that I paid for that is still not fixed and when I called Ford to see if there was anything that they could do to help me they said unfortunately they are in a lawsuit in California over the same issues I was having so no help is available at the time. The craziest part is the clerk at the Ford dealership told me to hurry up and trade it in at a different dealership that’s not Ford owned because I have a “Ford Pass” all Ford dealership can see the history of the car. And let it be someone else’s problem.

Filed Feb 11, 2026 · Engine · KS

Description of Incident: While operating the vehicle, the Check Engine Light (CEL) illuminated. I took the vehicle to an authorized dealership, where a diagnostic scan revealed fault code P0247. The dealership confirmed that the wastegate solenoid has failed. Safety Risk: The failure of the wastegate solenoid prevents the Engine Control Unit (ECU) from properly managing turbocharger boost levels. This results in "limp mode" or a significant reduction in acceleration and engine performance. Furthermore, improper boost regulation poses a long-term risk of catastrophic engine damage, which could lead to a stall or fire while the vehicle is in motion. Additional Information: DTC Code: P0247 (Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid B) Symptoms: Check Engine Light, diminished throttle response. Repair Status: Confirmed by dealership diagnostic and completed.

Filed Jan 22, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · PA

I have a 2016 Ford Escape SE with the Ecoboost engine. I have been experiencing the same issue with misfires in port 4 which also shows an open circuit every time as well for over the past year. The dealership has replaced everything underneath including but not limited to my spark plugs, wires, coils, and even my entire wiring harness. The issue is still happening and they do not know what is causing it. I think my vehicle may fall under the complaint failure FORD currently has on their 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 Ecoboost engines. It has been to the dealership for the same repairs over 8 different times. When is enough actually enough. I have lost power several times in traffic and it's like slamming on my brakes. This is how bad the misfire is. My check engine light has been flashing due to this issue as well as being on solid. Please help or advise.