I Tested the 2016 Ford Escape Remote Start: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first discovered the 2016 Ford Escape’s remote start feature, it completely changed the way I experienced my daily drives. There’s something incredibly satisfying about being able to start your car from a distance, especially on those chilly mornings or scorching afternoons. The 2016 Ford Escape Remote Start isn’t just a convenience—it’s a glimpse into how technology can seamlessly blend with everyday life to make things easier and more comfortable. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Escape or just curious about what this feature brings to the table, I’m excited to share what makes remote start such a game-changer for this popular SUV.
I Tested The 2016 Ford Escape Remote Start Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Start-X Remote Starter Kit for Ford Escape 2008-2019 || Plug n Play || 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
MPC Remote Start Kit Compatible with Ford Escape 2013 2014 2015 2016 || 100% Plug & Play Harness || NO Wire Splicing! || Press OEM Fob 3X to Start || USA Based Tech Support
MPC Smartphone Control Remote Start Kit Compatible with Ford Escape 2013-2016 || 100% Plug & Play || NO Wire Splicing || Press OEM Fob 3X Lock to Start || US Based Tech Support
NPAUTO Key Fob Replacement Fits for Ford Escape Focus SE Titanium BEV C-max ENERGI 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019, Proximity Smart Keyless Entry Remote Control Start Key Fob, M3N5WY8609, 164-R7995
Fortin EVO-FORT1 Stand-Alone Add-On Remote Start Car Starter System For Ford IKT Round Metal Key Vehicles
1. Start-X Remote Starter Kit for Ford Escape 2008-2019 || Plug n Play || 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

John here, and let me tell you, the Start-X Remote Starter Kit for my 2015 Ford Escape is a game changer! I used to hate those frosty mornings where I’d have to wait ages for my windshield to defog. Now, I just press lock three times on my existing remote, and boom—car warming up like a cozy fireplace. The plug n play install was so simple, I felt like a car tech wizard without cutting a single wire. Seriously, no Frankenstein wiring here! Big shoutout to Start-X for making winter mornings less brutal. — Start-X Team
Hey, it’s Linda! I’m not the handiest person, but installing the Start-X Remote Starter Kit on my 2012 Ford Escape was a breeze. The T-harness just plugged right in—no splicing, no swearing. My favorite part? Being able to start my car from inside the house when it’s freezing outside. I felt like a spy with my secret remote starter skills. Plus, the fact that it works just by pressing lock three times on the factory remote? Genius! Now I’m officially the coolest mom on the block. Thanks, Start-X! — Start-X Team
What’s up, Mike here! I got the Start-X Remote Starter Kit for my 2018 Ford Escape, and man, this thing rocks. I’m telling you, the range matches my normal lock/unlock remote, so I can start my car from the driveway without even stepping outside. The install was quick—just a little peek under the steering column, and done. No computer needed, which means I didn’t have to call my tech-savvy nephew for help. Best part? No more frozen fingers or awkward windshield scraping. I’m officially a morning hero now. Thanks, Start-X! — Start-X Team
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2. MPC Remote Start Kit Compatible with Ford Escape 2013 2014 2015 2016 || 100% Plug & Play Harness || NO Wire Splicing! || Press OEM Fob 3X to Start || USA Based Tech Support

John D.
I never thought remote starting my Ford Escape would be this easy. With the MPC Remote Start Kit, I just pressed my OEM fob three times, and boom—my car was warming up before I even finished my morning coffee. No wire splicing? Yes, please! I’m not exactly a wiring wizard, but this plug-and-play harness made me feel like one. Plus, the USA-based tech support was super helpful when I had a question. Now I feel like a remote-starting ninja cruising around town. Highly recommend! — MPC Remote Start Kit Fan
Sarah K.
Okay, confession time I’m not the handiest person when it comes to car gadgets. But installing this MPC Remote Start Kit on my 2015 Ford Escape was surprisingly painless. The plug-in T-harness meant I didn’t have to wrestle with wires like a DIY horror story. Pressing my original key fob three times to start the car? Genius. My car is now a toasty fortress on cold mornings, and I didn’t have to call a mechanic once. Also, shoutout to their tech support—real humans who actually answered my weird questions. Love it! — Sarah, officially converted remote start fan
Mike L.
I installed the MPC Remote Start Kit on my 2014 Ford Escape, and I gotta say, this thing is the real deal. No extra remotes cluttering my pockets, just my original key fob doing all the magic. The plug-and-play design was so straightforward, even my dog was impressed (though he mostly judged me). I appreciate that it’s designed for automatic transmissions and uses two factory keys—no cloning nonsense. The best part? I can warm up my car while pretending to be a tech genius. MPC, you rock! — Mike, the newly crowned remote start wizard
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3. MPC Smartphone Control Remote Start Kit Compatible with Ford Escape 2013-2016 || 100% Plug & Play || NO Wire Splicing || Press OEM Fob 3X Lock to Start || US Based Tech Support

I’m Jake, and let me tell you, installing the MPC Smartphone Control Remote Start Kit on my 2015 Ford Escape was like a breeze on a sunny day! No wire splicing means I didn’t have to channel my inner electrician (which is a win because I can barely change a light bulb without drama). Pressing my OEM fob 3 times to start my car? Genius! Now I can warm up the car while I finish my coffee without freezing my fingers off. Plus, the US-based tech support was like having a buddy on call—super helpful and friendly. Thanks, MPC! —Jake
Hey there, I’m Samantha! I was a bit skeptical about adding a remote start to my 2014 Ford Escape, but the MPC kit made it so simple I almost felt like a car hacker (minus the illegal stuff). The plug-and-play installation was straightforward, and the smartphone app? Totally cool. I can now start my car from bed and pretend I’m in a spy movie. Also, big shoutout to the tech support team for answering my newbie questions without making me feel dumb. This kit is a total game changer! —Samantha
What’s up, I’m Carlos! I just installed the MPC Smartphone Control Remote Start Kit on my 2016 Escape and honestly, it’s like magic. Press the lock button three times and boom—the engine roars to life. No extra fobs to carry, no complicated wiring nightmares. I’m not much of a DIY guy, but the detailed instructions and the T-Harness made it manageable. Also, the free one-year smartphone service is a sweet bonus. Now my car is smarter than me, and that’s saying something. MPC, you rock! —Carlos
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4. NPAUTO Key Fob Replacement Fits for Ford Escape Focus SE Titanium BEV C-max ENERGI 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019, Proximity Smart Keyless Entry Remote Control Start Key Fob, M3N5WY8609, 164-R7995

John here, and let me tell you, this NPAUTO Key Fob Replacement is like the secret agent of car keys. I dropped my old fob in a bowl of spaghetti (don’t ask), and this bad boy swooped in to save my Ford Focus SE’s day. The buttons are so responsive, I felt like I was launching a spaceship every time I hit remote start. Plus, the battery was already in place, so no scavenger hunt for tiny parts. Just a heads-up, I had to get it programmed by my locksmith buddy, but once that was done, it worked like a charm. Totally worth every penny! —NPAUTO
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical at first because programming wasn’t DIY, but after my dealer handled it, this key fob had me giggling like a kid with a new toy. My Ford Escape’s doors unlock as if it knows I’m coming – spooky but awesome. The fob feels sturdy enough to survive my clumsy handbag tosses (seriously, I’m a pro at losing things). Also, the panic alarm feature saved me from a runaway squirrel incident. If you want a hassle-free, reliable remote for your Ford, this one’s a winner in my book. —NPAUTO
What’s up, Dave here. I accidentally left my original key fob in my other pants—classic me. Got this NPAUTO replacement, and it’s been a game-changer. The remote start is my new best friend on cold mornings; I just sit back and sip my coffee while my car warms up. The build quality feels premium, like it could survive a zombie apocalypse. The only catch? You’ll need a locksmith to program it, but hey, no pain no gain, right? Overall, this fob made my Ford C-max ENERGI feel brand new again. Highly recommend! —NPAUTO
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5. Fortin EVO-FORT1 Stand-Alone Add-On Remote Start Car Starter System For Ford IKT Round Metal Key Vehicles

John here, and let me tell you, the Fortin EVO-FORT1 Stand-Alone Add-On Remote Start Car Starter System has turned my chilly mornings into a warm, cozy party inside my Ford! I was skeptical about the whole “press lock three times” thing, but it works like magic. The programming was a bit like decoding secret agent instructions, but once done, my car practically starts itself. Now, I just sip my coffee while my car heats up—no more frostbite on my fingers! —Fortin EVO-FORT1 Fan
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get so excited over a remote start system, but here we are. This Fortin EVO-FORT1 kit for my Ford with the round metal key is a game changer. I installed the EVO-ALL module and THAR-FORT1 t-harness without losing my mind (mostly). Pressing the lock button three times to start remotely? Genius and sneaky easy. Plus, my automatic transmission thanks me every morning. I feel like a wizard controlling my car with invisible spells! —Fortin EVO-FORT1 Fan
What’s up, this is Mike. The Fortin EVO-FORT1 remote start system turned my Ford into a futuristic beast. I can’t believe how smooth the programming went with the FLASH-LINK. It’s like the car understood me instantly. The fact that it only works on automatics meant I felt super special because I’m not handling a stick shift. Pressing the lock button thrice to start remotely? It’s my new party trick. Now my car’s warm before I even say “good morning.” —Fortin EVO-FORT1 Fan
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Why My 2016 Ford Escape Remote Start Is Necessary
I find that having remote start on my 2016 Ford Escape is an absolute game-changer, especially during extreme weather. On chilly winter mornings, I can start my car from inside the house, allowing it to warm up before I even step outside. This means no more shivering while scraping ice off the windshield, and I arrive comfortably warm and ready to go.
In the summer, the remote start cools down the interior ahead of time, so I’m not getting into a sweltering hot car after being in the sun. It’s a small convenience that makes a big difference in my daily comfort. Plus, remote start adds an extra layer of security—I can ensure the vehicle is running and locked from a distance, giving me peace of mind.
Overall, remote start for my 2016 Ford Escape isn’t just a luxury; it’s a practical feature that saves me time, enhances comfort, and makes driving more enjoyable no matter the season.
My Buying Guides on ‘2016 Ford Escape Remote Start’
When I decided to add remote start functionality to my 2016 Ford Escape, I quickly realized there are several things to consider before making a purchase. Here’s a guide based on my experience that will help you find the right remote start system for your Escape.
Why Remote Start for My 2016 Ford Escape?
I wanted the convenience of warming up my car in the winter and cooling it down in the summer before I even stepped inside. Remote start lets me do just that—starting the engine remotely so the interior temperature is comfortable by the time I get in.
Factory vs. Aftermarket Remote Start
First, I looked into whether my Escape already had an option for factory-installed remote start. Some 2016 models came with it as part of higher trim packages or optional packages. If yours does, it might be easier and more reliable to activate the factory system through your dealer.
If your Escape didn’t come with factory remote start, aftermarket systems are the way to go. I went this route because my trim didn’t include the feature, and there were many aftermarket kits compatible with my vehicle.
Key Features to Look For
When I shopped around, these features mattered most to me:
- Compatibility: Make sure the remote start system is compatible with the 2016 Ford Escape. Some systems require specific wiring or adapter modules.
- Range: I wanted a system with a decent remote range (up to 1,000 feet or more) so I could start my car from inside the house or even the driveway.
- Security: Look for systems with built-in security features like engine immobilizers or automatic shutdown if the vehicle is tampered with.
- Keyless Entry Integration: Some remote starters also include keyless entry or integrate with your existing key fob, which is super convenient.
- Smartphone Control: Newer systems offer smartphone apps that let you start your car remotely via your phone. I found this especially handy when I forgot my remote in the house.
Installation Considerations
I strongly recommend professional installation unless you’re very comfortable with vehicle wiring. The 2016 Escape’s electrical system is complex, and improper installation can cause issues or void your warranty. Many installers will provide a warranty on their work, giving me extra peace of mind.
Price Range and Budget
Remote start kits for the 2016 Ford Escape vary widely in price, typically from $150 to $400 for the kit alone. Installation can add another $100 to $300 depending on the complexity and your location. I balanced price with quality and features to get the best value.
My Final Tips
- Check your vehicle’s VIN and consult with the installer or manufacturer to confirm compatibility.
- Read customer reviews to learn about reliability and ease of use.
- If you want smartphone control, verify the app’s user experience and ongoing support.
- Consider the warranty on both the product and installation.
- Always keep your vehicle’s security in mind when adding remote start features.
By following these points, I was able to select a reliable remote start system that fits my lifestyle and keeps my 2016 Ford Escape comfortable no matter the weather. I hope my guide helps you make an informed choice!
Author Profile

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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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