VehicleVerdict

2016 Ford Escape airbags problems

The 2016 Ford Escape has 23 airbags complaints filed with NHTSA — 2% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

23

Airbags complaints

2%

Share of year

11

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Airbags complaints by year

Related recalls

17V398000AirbagsJune 26, 2017 · 3 units

Defect

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 bags may not inflate properly in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

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.

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 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C11.

Common questions

How many airbags complaints does the 2016 Ford Escape have?

NHTSA has 23 complaints about the 2016 Ford Escape airbags — 2% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2016 Ford Escape airbags?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the airbags: 17V398000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.