I think this might have happened last year as well, but whenever I start my 2016 1.6 Escape in my garage around 0°F, the Hill Assist Not Working message flashes. I understand what Hill Assist is, and I’ve seen this flash occasionally when starting the car before. However, for the past few weeks, it’s been showing almost every time when it’s very cold, whether in my garage or parked at work.
Is this just a fluke or something normal that happens in the cold?
I also have the 2016 1.6L. Last March was the first time I saw the Hill Assist flash, right after filling up my tank, and it wasn’t particularly cold outside (about 50°F in New Mexico). Right after the Hill Assist Not Available message, the car went into limp mode. It turned out to be the throttle actuator (P2107). Maybe you’re just experiencing a fluke, or it might be worth looking into. It was an affordable part and an easy fix overall!