FordEscape2016Overview/ford/escape/2016/base/

2016 Ford Escape

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2016 Escape.

Body SUV

The 2016 Ford Escape is a compact SUV that occupies a middle position in the model's reliability trajectory, having recorded 1,034 owner complaints with four recalls issued—most frequently in the powertrain category. Positioned between the model's worst complaint year in 2013 (2,743 complaints) and its best year in 2000 (5 complaints) across the 2000-2024 span, the 2016 Escape represents a period of moderate performance concerns relative to the model's historical complaint pattern.

Model year202620252024202320212020201920182016

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 960 · 590 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 960 · 590 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP235/55R17, P235/50R18OEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length178.7 in
Overall width72.4 in
Overall height66.1 in
Wheelbase105.9 in
Curb weight3777 lb
Track (front / rear)61.4 / 61.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)57/43

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Escape of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.2 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.20 sec — 2016 SE 2.0 EcoBoost
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2016SE 2.0 EcoBoost 2.0L Turbo I-47.20 sec15.40 sec240 hpFWD
2017Titanium 2.0 EcoBoost 2.0L Turbo I-47.10 sec15.60 sec245 hpAWD
2017Titanium 2.0 EcoBoost 2.0L Turbo I-47.30 sec15.70 sec245 hpAWD
2017SE 2.0 EcoBoost 2.0L Turbo I-47.60 sec16.00 sec245 hpFWD
2017S 2.5L I-49.10 sec16.90 sec168 hpFWD
2017SE EcoBoost 1.5L Turbo I-49.20 sec16.90 sec179 hpFWD
2017Titanium EcoBoost 1.5L Turbo I-49.20 sec16.90 sec179 hpFWD
2017SE EcoBoost 1.5L Turbo I-49.60 sec17.10 sec179 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine 80W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque the oil drain plug to 18.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity9.0-11.8
Brake FluidDOT 4
Differential Gear Oil80W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity2.4 qt
Engine Coolant Capacity11.1 qt
Engine Coolant Capacity9.7 qt
Engine Coolant Capacity9.2 qt
Engine Coolant Capacity11.1

Engine torques

Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts1st step:
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts14.7
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head BoltsInstall new studs: 12.5 ft/lbs; 2nd step:
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts13.3
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head BoltsInstall new studs: 12.5 ft/lbs; 2nd step:
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug18.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug18.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Rear Wheel Hub98.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap.035 in
Spark Plug Torque11 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap.051 in
Spark Plug Torque9 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.50-1.70 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity4.50 oz
Standard BCI Group Number960
Standard BCI Cranking Performance590 cca

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum55-72 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)55-72.5 psi

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque21
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 129; Rear: 46
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.059; Rear: 0.059 in
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: .906; Rear: .354
Maximum Rotor Runout.002

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Steering Track (Rod End) Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
166.0
Front Wheel Hub — tightening sequence 1 stages
159.0 ft. lbs., 9059 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
113 ft. lbs., Step 2: 45 degrees, Step 3: 4513 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Use new bolts coated with clean engine oil. Tighten all bolts to finger tight then continue on with the following procedure.

15.17 ft. lbs.5.17 ft. lbs
211.0 ft. lbs.11 ft. lbs
341.0 ft. lbs.41 ft. lbs
490 degrees90 degrees
590 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Use new bolts coated with clean engine oil. Tighten all bolts to finger tight then continue on with the following procedure.

15.17 ft. lbs.5.17 ft. lbs
211.0 ft. lbs.11 ft. lbs
333.0 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
490 degrees90 degrees
590 degrees90 degrees
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
111 ft. lbs., Step 2: 18 ft. lbs., Step 3: 22 ft. lbs., Step 4: 9011 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
122 ft. lbs., Step 2: 37 ft. lbs., Step 3: 45 degrees, Step 4: 4522 ft. lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 74 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect)
Every 20,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 100,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 100,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Timing Belt (replace) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2016 Ford Escape sits at a relatively quiet point in its generation's federal record. After the 2013-2014 model years posted the highest complaint and recall activity of this generation—2,743 complaints/18 recalls and 2,068 complaints/16 recalls, respectively—the 2015 and 2016 models both settled near 1,033-1,034 complaints, with 2016 carrying only four recalls and zero open investigations. Complaints then more than doubled to 2,627 for 2017, suggesting 2016 was the calm before a later-cycle spike. Within the 2016 data, the largest reported complaint categories are power train (258), back-over prevention (125), engine (107), and unknown/other (95), plus 32 crash-related and 10 fire-related complaints, though the federal record does not specify root causes. Compared with the generation's peak trouble years, 2016 looks comparatively stable, but the elevated TSB count (176) and notable power train/engine complaint volume mean a pre-purchase inspection and recall check are warranted. Overall, the 2016 model year is a comparatively reasonable used Escape choice within this generation, though not without some mechanical question marks.

4
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
176
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
1,034
Owner complaints
32 involved a crash · 10 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 1,034 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train258
Back Over Prevention125
Engine107
Unknown Or Other95
Steering59
Engine & Engine Cooling45
Fuel/Propulsion System35
Electrical System33

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 4 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

17V398000Air Bags:Knee BolsterReported 26/06/2017

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Ford Escape vehicles. The driver's knee airbag modules installed in these vehicles were produced without the inflator gas generant material, and, as a result, the air… Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace driver's knee air bag, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at…

22V413000Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl)Reported 10/06/2022

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… 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 176 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
SSM 546012026-02-23Electrical SystemFord and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory…
TSB 25-25702025-11-26Electrical SystemThis article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles…
SSM 543662025-11-11Power TrainSome 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic…
SSM 531762024-11-26Unknown Or OtherSome 2013-2016 Escape vehicles may exhibit an ABS warning indicator with diagnostic…
SSM 530402024-10-10Unknown Or OtherWhile performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Escape. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

Does the 2016 Escape have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.