2016 Ford Escape Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2016 Escape
5
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (320 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 320 NHTSA complaints
Back Over Prevention complaints Red flag
Test driver-assistance features on the drive and confirm no warning lights stay on. (214 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 214 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (199 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 199 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (92 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 92 NHTSA complaints
Steering complaints Red flag
Check for looseness, pulling, or unusual noise in the steering at low and highway speeds. (71 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 71 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
103 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
4
Air Bags Red flag
In the event of a crash, if the driver's knee air bag does not inflate as intended, the driver has an increased risk of injury.
Power Train Red flag
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.
Back Over Prevention Check
A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
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Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2016 Escape–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Escape have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Escape. The most serious involve Air Bags (17V398000) and Power Train (22V413000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2016 Escape?
The top complaint areas are Power Train (320 complaints) and Back Over Prevention (214 complaints), out of 1121 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Escape?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Power Train, which drew 320 complaints for this model-year.