2016 Ford Escape: Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2016 Ford Escape has a total cooling system capacity of up to 9.1 quarts (8.6 liters), depending on the engine.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 6.0 to 9.1 quarts (5.7 to 8.6 Liters)
• OEM Coolant Specification: Ford Motorcraft Orange Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant (WSS-M97B44-D2 specification)
• Coolant Color: Orange
• Coolant Chemistry: Organic Acid Technology (OAT)
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 (pre-mixed)

Capacity by Engine Option

The 2016 Ford Escape was available with three engine options, each with a different cooling system capacity.

Flush Interval

Ford specifies different coolant service intervals based on driving conditions:

• Normal Service: The initial coolant flush is recommended at 10 years or 200,000 miles. After the initial service, the interval is every 5 years or 100,000 miles.
• Severe Duty: For vehicles that experience frequent towing, heavy loads, or extended idling, Ford recommends a flush interval of every 60,000 miles.

How to Refill & Bleed

Properly refilling and bleeding the cooling system is critical to avoid air pockets, which can cause overheating.

1. Use the Right Coolant: Always use a coolant that meets Ford's WSS-M97B44-D2 specification. The pre-mixed Motorcraft Orange coolant is recommended to ensure the correct 50/50 ratio.
2. Fill Slowly: Add the coolant to the degas bottle (coolant reservoir) slowly to allow air to escape.
3. Bleeding Procedure: Unlike older vehicles, modern Escapes do not have a traditional radiator cap or simple bleed screws. The system is designed to be self-bleeding, but air can become trapped. A vacuum-fill tool is the recommended method to ensure a complete, air-free fill. If filling manually, you may need to run the engine with the heater on high and the degas bottle cap loose, then allow it to cool completely and re-check the level multiple times.

Common Cooling System Issues (2013-2019 Ford Escape)

This generation of the Ford Escape is known for a few specific cooling system problems:

• 1.6L EcoBoost Engine Recalls: The 1.6L engine, in particular, has been subject to multiple recalls related to overheating. These issues often stem from a lack of coolant circulation that can lead to cylinder head cracking and oil leaks, creating a fire risk.
• Water Pump Failure: The water pump can fail prematurely, leading to coolant leaks and overheating.
• Coolant Leaks: Leaks can develop from the radiator, hoses, or the coolant reservoir itself. A pressure test is the most effective way to diagnose the source of a leak.

If you are experiencing any signs of overheating, coolant loss, or see a low coolant warning light, it is crucial to have your vehicle inspected promptly.

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