Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Ford Escape owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine, with the engine revving. The contact stated that while turning off the vehicle, the engine was knocking very roughly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for failures with the bearings and the rotors. The contact stated that there were abnormal sounds coming from the bearings. The contact stated that the rotors were rusted, and there was a grinding sound coming from the rotors. The contact believed that the vehicle was a flood-damaged vehicle due to the rust on the rotors, bearings, and underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle's driver's side door had severe rust that was causing the skin of the vehicle to weld onto the outer panel of the door. In other areas of the vehicle, there was severe rust causing the paint to begin to bubble to the point that it was welded to the outer panel of the door. The dealer was not able to repair the rust on the body of the vehicle due to a lack of equipment. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, an abnormally loud sound was coming from the front undercarriage of the vehicle. The contact steered to the side of the road where it was observed that the undercarriage cover was detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the undercarriage cover needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon opening the liftgate, the liftgate started closing unintendedly and struck the contact on the head. There was no injury sustained. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
I have a sunroof and water leaks in and gets the headliner wet on both sides on the area vertically between windshield and front windows. I have had my front windshield replaced to ensure it wasn't a windshield leak from a seal issue. It don't fix the problem. I had my sunroof replaced in case it was that and it didn't fix the issue either. I had the drain tubes for the sunroof flushed multiple times and it didn't fix the issue either. This has been inspected/looked at by multiple auto places and it can not be located to the source of how water keeps getting in. Every time it rains it gets the headliner wet. There is no warning lamp indicating an issue. It is available for inspection should anyone else need to inspect it to try to find the source of why water gets in. It leaves water stains in my headliner. …
The roof rack leaks every time it rains or gets wet car wash etc. Underneath that roof rack mounting hole is the curtain airbag which is soaked every time that happens. The airbag is rusting/staining my headliner and I think based on that tachata recall this would be under the same scrutiny. Concerned about whether or not the airbag will deploy of if it's corroding away each time it rains. I reached out to Ford when the unit was under warranty and no assistance from them. I then tried to take things into my own hands and silicone it but it still leaks. I have no idea how or where anymore. Still assuming the roof rack though
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that there was a leak coming through the sunroof around the trim. The contact stated that the water leaked onto the doors and trunk, and there was mold and mold odor inside the vehicle. The contact and passenger were coughing while riding in the vehicle. The contact's spouse used silicone to close the gaps in the sunroof. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Since purchasing this vehicle there have been many issues. I had purchased the additional warranties also only to have the dealership say they were not covered. First my roof leaked. Had to take to a repair shop through the dealership, luggage racks had to be taken off and welds redone. Next the catalytic converters went bad with only approximately 50,000 miles. Ford would not talk to me and the dealership stated it is not covered under the extended warranty. Somehow I paid minimal repairs but during that time their best mechanic was fired. Next the Continental tires pealed. I had the tire warranty and the dealership would not cover. I called Continental they stated that they knew these tires were bad but yet they were still sold on vehicles! After much complaining and stress all but $400 was covered by Continental. The dealership did very little. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. While driving 45 MPH or more, there was an abnormal whistling noise emerging from the front windshield. Additionally, there was a 3/8 gap between the windshield and plastic trim. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (crossroads Ford of indian trail, 88 dale jarrett blvd, indian trail, nc 28079) where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was performing as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and opened case number: paf-14252656-r9y2c0. The contact was referred to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
Car was parked outside on a very cold day. Came outside to find that the rear window had shattered for no apparent reason. This car was taken to a window service earlier in the fall for a minor maintenance issue as was told by the technician that this was a replacement window. I am only reporting this in that this vehicle is only a 2016, yet the rear window has broken out 2x since its time on the road. In doing some research, there has been past reports of the Ford Escape rear window breaking out for no apparent reason.
Body complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2016 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the body & structure of the 2016 Ford Escape, 2% of the model year's 1,162 complaints. The component named most often is body (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Ford Escape body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2016 Ford Escape, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2016 Ford Escape body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 30,000 miles, and 40% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.