2016 Ford Escape engine and engine cooling problems
56 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 2016 Ford Escape — 5% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Jul 2, 2026
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel indicated that the engine was overheating. While driving at 35 MPH, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The contact pulled over to the side of the…”
filed Feb 20, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has…
SSM 52335 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 6, 2024
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other Escape years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Escape | 4 | 19% |
| 2024 Escape | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 Escape | 4 | 4% |
| 2022 Escape | 6 | 3% |
| 2021 Escape | 3 | 1% |
| 2020 Escape | 12 | 1% |
| 2019 Escape | 90 | 16% |
| 2018 Escape | 339 | 19% |
| 2017 Escape | 505 | 19% |
| 2015 Escape | 44 | 4% |
| 2014 Escape | 186 | 9% |
| 2013 Escape | 174 | 6% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2016 Ford Escape
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.