With its distinctive hunchback shape, the Ford Edge is a crossover SUV with an appealing design. However, its reliability may be cause for concern. The model debuted in 2007, and second-year issues include leaking fuel tanks, random stalling, transmission failures, and melting taillight sockets.
Key Points
- The 2008 Ford Edge has eight recalls and two investigations from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Drivers have reported problems with fuel leaks even after a pair of recalls was launched to address these issues.
- Additionally, the Edge has a poor reputation for transmission and on all-wheel-drive versions, transfer case reliability.
- Multiple reports of melting taillight bulbs and sockets have been reported, though fires seem to be rare.
- All things considered, the 2008 Edge may not be the most reliable choice among older five-seat crossover SUV models.
2008 Ford Edge Has Been Recalled Eight Times to Address Airbag and Fuel Tank Issues
Eight recalls may apply to the 2008 Ford Edge, though as many as three-quarters of those issued by the NHTSA relate to airbag inflators. Like millions of other older models, the 2008 Ford Edge was subject to the extensive Takata airbag inflator recall.
An exceptionally well-publicized effort to replace airbag components in vehicles fitted with potentially faulty inflators likely means many 2008 Edge models have been fixed. As recently as early-2022, however, drivers complained to the NHTSA about replacement airbags not being made available to dealers.
Two separate recalls – one in 2008 and one in 2014 – addressed problems with fuel leaks.
The first recall included inspection and potential replacement of fuel tanks in just a handful of 2008 Edge models, but the 2014 recall covers far more vehicles. At fault are seam welds that may degrade due to corrosion. However, Ford only recalled vehicles registered or originally sold in certain Midwestern and Northeastern states where road salt is used regularly.
Even after the supposed fix, owners continued to complain about fuel leaks, including both gasoline and fumes. Some have noted that they cannot safely fill the tank more than halfway or leaking fuel will occur.
The Edge’s eight recalls and nearly 1,100 complaints exceed the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe, two models often cross-shopped against the Edge.
Random Stalling Issues and Electrical Faults Plague the 2008 Ford Edge
The NHTSA has logged over 1,000 complaints about the 2008 Edge, and almost half relate to airbag issues.
Additionally, Car Complaints rates the 2008 Edge a “Clunker” based in part on complaints from vehicle owners about engine stalling, which can be attributed either to a faulty electrical system or a bad automatic transmission.
A user on Vehicle History praised their Edge, though he noted, “I have already replaced the transmission and I feel it skipping again.”
The NHTSA notes additional complaints about dashboard lights illuminating unnecessarily as well as engine stumbling or outright stalling. Additionally, some owners have noted that all-wheel-drive components can fail, which could lead to a loss of traction on slippery or snowy terrain.
Replacing either the transmission or any major all-wheel-drive components such as the rear differential or power take-off transfer case, which distributes power to the rear wheels, can be costly enough to potentially exceed the vehicle’s value.
Owners also report that the taillight bulbs can overheat, which may lead to melted sockets and potentially a fire. Replacement taillights cost less than $60, though some owners say that even the aftermarket components can be problematic.
Two NHTSA Investigations Reveal Complaints About Suspension and Tire Parts
Following complaints from vehicle owners, the NHTSA has opened two investigations into the 2008 Edge. The more critical of the two looked at front suspension lower ball joints, which may not have been properly attached at the factory.
The NHTSA concluded that most failures would have occurred early in the vehicles’ lifespans and as a result, the government did not press Ford to recall the 2008 Edge.
Tire valves that may leak air also came under fire, though by now these valves will have been replaced on nearly every 2008 Edge simply due to their age.
2008 Ford Edge Earned Good Marks for Safety When New
According to the NHTSA, the 2008 Edge scored a perfect five-star overall crash-test rating. The IIHS was similarly complimentary, rating the 2008 Edge a Top Safety Pick.
All versions of the 2008 Ford Edge should have similar reliability, though drivers who don’t necessarily need AWD ought to consider a FWD model to negate concerns about faulty transfer cases. And, it is critical to ensure that the Takata airbag recall has been performed.
Overall, though, the 2008 Edge is not likely to be the most reliable choice among a competitive set that includes the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Nissan Murano.
Photos: Ford
