Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2016 Ford Escape
The 2016 Ford Escape has four recall campaigns and over 1,100 complaints filed. Buyers should be cautious of issues with the transmission, rearview camera, and engine. Some known issues are recalled but may require close inspection. Limited information is available on less problematic components, so a careful examination is advised.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2016 Ford Escape has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,180 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V011000 Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V695000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V413000 Unintentional Rollaway Due to Detached Shift Cable NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V398000 Driver's Knee Air Bag may not Inflate/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 322 complaints
- Back Over Prevention 259 complaints
- Engine 202 complaints
- Unknown or Other 158 complaints
- Electrical System 95 complaints
- Steering 71 complaints
Of the 1,180 complaints on file, 39 report a crash and 10 a fire; across all 1,180 complaints, owners report 21 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Shifter cable may detach
How to check: Ensure gear changes are smooth and accurate.
Knee airbag may not inflate
How to check: Confirm airbag recall compliance documents.
Rearview camera distortion
How to check: Check camera clarity when in reverse.
Engine block heater coolant leak
How to check: Inspect for coolant leaks or electrical faults.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for any unusual engine noises
Red flag: Persistent knocking sound
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights
Red flag: Transmission warning light appears
- 03
Low-speed maneuvers
What to check: Observe steering responsiveness
Red flag: Steering feels loose or unresponsive
- 04
Reverse gear
What to check: Test rearview camera clarity
Red flag: Camera image is distorted
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth transmission shifts
Red flag: Transmission hesitates or jerks
- 06
Braking test
What to check: Check for smooth and effective braking
Red flag: Brakes feel spongy or fade quickly
- 07
Engine idle after drive
What to check: Look for coolant leaks under engine
Red flag: Visible coolant leak present
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the shifter cable recall been addressed?
- Is there a record of airbag replacement?
- Have there been any engine coolant leaks?
- Has the camera system ever been repaired?
- Are there any outstanding recall repairs?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair history
- Maintenance records
- Vehicle inspection report
- Title and registration
- Airbag system service proof
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2016 Ford Escape at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2016 Ford Escape? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.