2016 Ford Escape transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

• Recall 22V413000Jun 10, 20222,925,968 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) · POWER TRAIN:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/ROD

  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.

  Risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.

  Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 9, 2026MIElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11763197 · source
2. Filed Jul 22, 2026173,000 miMITowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11752034 · source
3. Filed Jul 21, 2026ORTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11751842 · source
4. Filed Jun 21, 2026OHEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11745490 · source
5. Filed Jun 18, 2026NJEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11745045 · source
6. Filed Jun 4, 202699,000 miDETowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light and depressing the accelerator pedal, there was a clanging sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle then started to work as intended before coming to a complete stop at the second traffic light. The contact stated that once the traffic light turned green, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle rolled backwards. The contact was informed by her husband to…

   NHTSA complaint #11742168 · source
7. Filed May 1, 2026WIEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   I am the 2nd owner of my 2016 Ford Escape 1.6L ecoboost, my aunt and uncle were the original owners. Between us we have every maintenance record of every on time and professionally performed requirement the Escape has needed and it ran beautifully. Then, in February 2026 the idle started to get a bit rough and I was preparing to put in the OEM sparkplugs when 3/28/26 the engine overheated, I was stranded on the side of a 45 mph street waiting for it to cool so I could move…

   NHTSA complaint #11735017 · source
8. Filed Apr 14, 2026GATransmission & Drivetrain

   2016 Ford Escape with 50,000 miles developed transmission fault codes P0741 and P1744, indicating torque converter clutch failure. A transmission fault alert appeared on the dashboard with erratic shifting and slipping while driving, creating an unsafe driving condition. The vehicle was taken to a Ford-certified dealer in Athens, GA, and service charges were paid. Dealer stated no transmission fault was found and confirmed other eligible recalls had been fixed. The dealer…

   NHTSA complaint #11731231 · source
9. Filed Mar 18, 2026MIOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   My car moves when pushed or pulled and the vehicle is off and in park. Additionally, my car does not accelerate over 5 miles per hour and makes a whining noise when trying to drive

   NHTSA complaint #11725259 · source
10. Filed Mar 4, 2026117,000 miKYTowedTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while in a drive-through and attempting to shift into drive to move forward, the transmission remained in neutral, causing the vehicle to jerk. The contact was able to roll into a nearby parking space, and the vehicle came to a stop. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The…

    NHTSA complaint #11721979 · source
11. Filed Mar 3, 2026TNTransmission & Drivetrain

    Transmission suddenly stopped working. Vehicle would not move. Now it’s making a terrible squealing sound and will barely move

    NHTSA complaint #11721736 · source
12. Filed Feb 19, 2026ALTransmission & Drivetrain

    Transmission failed at 83000 miles with no warning or prior issues. I was driving home from work and the vehicle completely stalled out in traffic. Had it towed to a shop and was quoted nearly the cost that the vehicle is worth to have the transmission replaced.

    NHTSA complaint #11719229 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology