Service bulletin TSB-16-0086

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

The communication, as NHTSA indexes it (as of 2026-10-19)
Type	Service bulletin
NHTSA id	10078974
Published by NHTSA	2016-08-29
Manufacturer's number	TSB-16-0086
Manufacturer's date	2016-05-24
NHTSA component	ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

NHTSA's summary

SOME 2017 ESCAPE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 1.5L GASOLINE TURBOCHARGED DIRECT INJECTION (GTDI) ENGINE AND BUILT ON OR BEFORE 5/11/2016 MAY EXHIBIT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P164C STORED IN THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) MEMORY WITH AN ILLUMINATED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, LACK OF POWER AND/OR NO AUTOMATIC ENGINE RESTART AFTER AN EXTENDED STOPSTART EVENT.

The document

No address for NHTSA's copy can be built for this communication. Ask the dealer for it by the manufacturer's number.

Components

Electrical system, Engine, Software

Trouble codes named

P164C

Vehicles listed
FORD ESCAPE	2017

Listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned: the document says which.

Recalls for the same vehicles and component
16V617000	2016-08-24. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

A recall listed here may apply to some of the same vehicles. Only the manufacturer can say whether it applies to one vehicle.

Other bulletins for the same vehicles and component
SSM 50375	2021-12-27. Service bulletin. Some 2016-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit a condition where the navigation voice prompts are inoperative after a SYNC map update. This may be due to an incomplete installation of the SYNC map software. If possible, using the original USB that installed the update, reperform the update and verify the navigation voice prompts have returned. Multiple reboots are expected when this update is being performed. Verify the Installation Is Complete message displays in the touch screen. If the original USB is not available, go to website https://syncnavigation.com/ford/home or https://syncnavigation.com/lincoln/home to download the files once more for the affected vehicle. For further map update support, reference the FAQ section on these websites.
TSB 20-2255	2020-09-02. Service bulletin. Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F150/Focus/CMAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/ Transit Connect/Mustang, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019 Escape/MKC/Flex/MKT/Taurus/Transit/Expedition/F-Super Duty, and 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure.
TSB 20-2165	2020-06-05. Service bulletin. Some 2017-2019 Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine and all-wheel drive (AWD) may exhibit a bump or clunk from the rear drive unit (RDU) when turning at low speeds and parking lot maneuvers. This may be due to the software in the powertrain control module (PCM). To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the PCM.
SSM 47041	2018-06-11. Service bulletin. Various 2016-2017 vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience a touch screen that does not respond to any input. Using the Professional Technician Society (PTS) website > OASIS tab > SYNC version, verify the vehicle SYNC software version. If the vehicle is at version 2.2 please update the module to the latest software level. After the software is updated make sure you shut the vehicle off, open the door for 2 minutes, then turn the key back on before testing the touch screen. If the software is at a later version than 2.2, proceed with normal diagnostics in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 415-00. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the Service Labor Times Standards (SLTS) manual.
SSM 47211	2018-05-21. Service bulletin. Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 version 2.2 software may exhibit a blank screen after attempting to exit Valet mode. SYNC software updates are now available under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If update is available, refer to WSM Section 415-00 and update APIM software. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the SLTS manual.
SSM 46848	2017-10-21. Service bulletin. Some owners of 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience inoperative mobile device navigation applications. Mobile device navigation via AppLink requires SYNC 3 version 2.3 or higher for Apple iOS users. Mobile device navigation via AppLink is not currently available for Android users. SYNC 3 software upgrades to support these apps are not currently available, do not attempt any repairs at this time. Engineering is investigating, monitor OASIS for updates. SYNC 3 software upgrade to support these apps is not a warrantable repair per the Warranty And Policy Manual, Section 3, Warranty Coverages SYNC.
SSM 46834	2017-10-21. Service bulletin. Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles with SYNC 3 may exhibit an intermittent blue or black screen. Check for SYNC software update under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If update is available refer to WSM, Section 415-00 and update APIM software. After Installation Complete pop-up appears, remove USB flash drive and install into IDS tool to update Ford database. Perform a complete ignition cycle by turning the key off for 5 minutes which is critical for a successful installation. If no updates are available or a blue or black screen is present after an update refer to WSM, Section 415-00 for diagnosis or SYNC 3 intermittent blank screen GSB for tips. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the SLTS manual.
SSM 46813	2017-10-21. Service bulletin. Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 version 2.2 software may exhibit a blank screen after attempting to exit Valet mode. To recover the screen, perform a complete ignition cycle (key off, open and close the driver's door then wait 5 minutes). The SYNC software version of the vehicle can be confirmed via OASIS. Do not attempt any repairs at this time. Engineering is investigating; Monitor OASIS for updates.
SSM 46702	2017-08-25. Service bulletin. Some 2016-2017 Ford/Lincoln vehicles SYNC 3 may exhibit an intermittent blank screen. Check for SYNC software update under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If update is available refer to WSM, Section 415-00 and update APIM software. During the update process the SYNC status bar shows Updating System Software for approximately 30 minutes. After Installation Complete pop-up appears, remove USB flash drive and install into IDS tool to update Ford database. Perform a complete ignition cycle by turning the key off for 5 minutes which is critical for a successful installation. If no updates are available or blank screen is present after an update refer to WSM, Section 415-00 for diagnosis or SYNC 3 intermittent blank screen GSB for tips. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the SLTS manual.