Is there a recall on 2016 Ford Escape transmissions?

The current answer is that there is no ongoing nationwide recall specifically targeting the 2016 Ford Escape’s transmission as of today. Recall status can change, and campaigns can be added or modified after new investigations. To know for sure, owners should verify their exact Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) against official recall databases.

This article explains how to verify recall status for your 2016 Escape, what to do if you’re experiencing transmission-related symptoms, and how recall campaigns differ from other service notifications. It emphasizes checking your VIN with authoritative sources and consulting a local Ford dealer for confirmation and potential repairs at no cost if a campaign applies.

How recall information is tracked and what to check

Recall information is issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the automaker. A recall applies to specific VIN ranges and typically requires repairs at no charge. For the 2016 Escape, owners should verify the exact VIN rather than assuming all vehicles in the model year are affected.

• Check the NHTSA recall database by VIN: Visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls and use the “Search by VIN” tool to confirm any active campaigns on your vehicle.


• Check Ford’s official recall page by VIN: Use Ford’s Owner portal or the Ford recalls page to enter your VIN and view Ford-specific campaigns.


• Contact a local Ford dealer: Provide your VIN or license plate and ask the service adviser to pull the latest recalls and schedule required work at no charge if a campaign applies.


• Sign up for recall alerts: You can register for recall updates by email so you’re notified if a campaign is announced for your VIN.

Being proactive with VIN checks helps ensure any applicable recall work is completed promptly and at no cost to you.

What to do if you notice transmission symptoms

If you’re experiencing transmission-related symptoms in a 2016 Escape—such as hard shifting, slipping, shuddering, or unexpected changes in gear—don’t ignore them. The steps below help determine whether a recall or service action might apply and what to do next.

• Document symptoms: Note when they occur, vehicle speed, engine RPM, and road or weather conditions.


• Check for fault codes: If the Check Engine or Transmission lights are on, record any fault codes shown.


• Check recall status with VIN: Use the official databases described above to see if a campaign matches your VIN.


• Visit a dealer for diagnostic and potential repair: If a recall or service campaign is identified, Ford covers the repair at no charge to you.

Even when there is no active recall, a dealer inspection can reveal issues covered by powertrain warranties or goodwill programs. Keep your service records and stay informed about any new campaigns.

Understanding recalls vs service campaigns

A recall is a legally mandated action initiated by the manufacturer and required by the government when a defect affects safety or vehicle operation. It generally obligates the dealer to perform a repair at no cost to the owner. Service campaigns or Field Service Actions (FSAs) are manufacturer-initiated efforts to address issues that may not meet the formal recall criteria but are nonetheless addressed by the dealer, sometimes at no charge during a campaign window or under existing warranty coverage.

Summary

Bottom line: There is no current nationwide recall specifically labeled as a transmission recall for the 2016 Ford Escape. To be certain, check your VIN in official recall databases and consult a Ford dealer. Remember that recall status can change, and some transmission-related issues may be addressed through service campaigns or warranty programs even when there is no active recall.

How much is it to replace a transmission on a 2016 Ford Escape?

The cost to replace a 2016 Ford Escape transmission ranges from $3,000 to over $7,000, depending on whether you choose a new, remanufactured, or used part, and the labor rates in your area. The total cost includes the price of the replacement part (which can range from around $1,000 for used to over $3,500 for new or remanufactured) and labor, which can be several thousand dollars itself. 
Cost breakdown

• Transmission part:
  • New/Remanufactured: A new or remanufactured transmission for a 2016 Ford Escape can cost between approximately $2,500 and over $3,500, depending on the specific model and engine size. 
  • Used: Used transmissions can be found for prices ranging from about $1,000 to over $2,500, but mileage and condition will significantly affect the price. 
• Labor:
  • Labor for automatic transmission replacement typically ranges from $420 to over $1,500, based on 6 to 10 hours of work. 
  • The total labor cost depends on your location and the shop's hourly rate. 
• Additional costs:
  • Don't forget to budget for other parts that may need replacement, such as the transmission fluid and oil cooler. 

Factors affecting the final price

• New vs. Used vs. Remanufactured: New transmissions are the most expensive, while used transmissions are the cheapest. Remanufactured transmissions are a middle-ground option, often backed by a warranty. 
• Engine and Drivetrain: The specific transmission needed will vary based on your 2016 Escape's engine size (e.g., 1.6L, 2.0L, or 2.5L) and drivetrain (2WD or 4WD). 
• Shop: A dealership is likely to be more expensive than an independent transmission shop. 

Recommendation

• Get quotes from multiple shops for both parts and labor to compare prices.
• Ask about the warranty on the transmission and the installation.
• Consider a rebuilt or remanufactured option, which can be more affordable than a new one, but be sure to research the reputation of the rebuilder. 

Is there a recall on the 2016 Ford Escape transmission?

Yes, the 2016 Ford Escape was included in a recall for a transmission problem where a shifter cable bushing could detach, causing the transmission to be in a different gear than indicated. This risk could lead to the vehicle rolling away unexpectedly, even when the driver thought it was in Park. The recall is for a free repair where dealers replace the shifter cable bushing.
 
This video demonstrates how to perform the recall repair for the 2016 Ford Escape transmission shifter cable bushing: 56sRain City WrenchYouTube · Dec 4, 2022
What to do if your 2016 Ford Escape is affected

• Verify your vehicle is part of the recall: Use your VIN on the Ford recall website or a service like RepairPal to check for open recalls. You can also check the Ford app, as mentioned in this Ford support page. 
• Contact a Ford dealer: The repair must be performed by an authorized dealer and is free of charge. 
• Use the parking brake: Until the recall service is completed, Ford advises drivers to use the parking brake every time they park. 
• Bring the recall letter: If you received a recall letter, bring it with you to the dealer. 

What the recall fixes

• The recall addresses a faulty bushing that connects the shifter cable to the transmission.
• When the bushing detaches, it can cause the transmission to be in a different gear than what the shifter shows on the dashboard.
• The fix involves replacing the bushing with a new one. 

What mileage does the transmission fail in a Ford Escape 2016?

For many Ford Escapes, reaching 150,000 miles without major issues is achievable with regular care. However, as the vehicle approaches 200,000 miles, it's more likely that significant components like the transmission or engine may need repair or replacement.

What is the 2016 Ford Escape transmission warranty?

The Powertrain Warranty covers components such as the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. It begins at the Warranty Start Date and lasts for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first.