2016 Ford Escape · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 125owner reports
- 80,000median miles
- $1,097median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 9, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
364 of the 1,127 complaints on this car are about the engine. 125 of those describe misfire.
Tick what matches of 125 reports
Misfire on other Escape years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.
What this problem usually is
These reports start with the check engine light. Many describe the engine running rough or shaking at idle, a P0300-series code, or a catalytic converter code. A worrying number say the light was flashing. Owners often list ignition coils or spark plugs already replaced, and the light coming back afterward.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the spark plugs (12 reports), the ignition coils (7 reports) and the sensor (6 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
All 4 recalls on the 2016 Ford Escape, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Escape
Underhood fires caused by fuel leak. Closed oct 30, 2025, led to recall 25V-467.
Healey brothers ford / open recall sale. Open.
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 27, 2024.
Electronic throttle body malfunction. Closed feb 28, 2014.
Electronic throttle body malfunction. Closed feb 21, 2013.
Engine stalling. Closed aug 31, 2004.
Engine stalling. Closed apr 15, 2004, led to recall 04V-165.
Engine stalling. Closed sep 10, 2002.
None of these investigations covers the 2016 model year.
What owners paid
10 of the 125 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $500 to $9,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 60,000 and 105,000 miles, from the 81 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 7 service bulletins or notices for the 2016 Ford Escape that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025.
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025.
Some 2015-2018 Edge and 2015-2019 Fusion/MKZ/Escape/MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or a runs rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
Some 2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function and/or a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P06A0 in the powertrain control module (PCM).
3 more on the 2016 Ford Escape page.
What owners wrote
“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 25, 2026
“While I was driving, suddenly check engine light pop up. After investigating and troubleshooting by mechanic it shows need to replace Evap canister purge valve. Vehicle has just 68000 miles and this component should not be failed this early in life cycle.”
Filed Mar 16, 2025 · 68,000 miles
“65,000 miles, coolant intrusion into #1 cylinder confirmed by Ford service center. First signs were Check Engine Light, rough idle. Replaced all spark plugs and coils. Check engine light returned the following day with loss of coolant in tank. Engine runs rough and overheats with coolant loss and continued intrusion into engine, endangering occupants”
Filed Oct 17, 2024 · 65,000 miles
“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 Jul 23, 2024
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 125 reports involved a crash and 2 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 267 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 127 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 118 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 94 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 87 reports
- "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 65 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 58 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 49 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 34 reports