The Ford Edge has been a best seller since its 2007 release. However, some issues like faulty door sensors and engine failure raise cause for alarm.
The Ford Edge is a mid-size SUV that made its debut for model year 2007. It offers two-row flexible seating for up to five and a spacious cargo compartment, making it an attractive ride for many active families. The standard front-wheel drive gives you confident control through most road conditions. Opt for one with all-wheel drive, which will allow you to power over graveled trails, through muddy ruts, and over snow-covered roads without hesitation.
If this sounds like the type of vehicle you need, learn a bit more about its history of reliability, recalls, and common maintenance challenges before you buy.
What are the Most Common Problems with the Ford Edge?
There are a few Ford Edge problems that you will want your mechanic to look for when considering a used Edge for purchase. The most common complaints include:
- Faulty door sensors in first-generation vehicles
- Corroding bolts on the power steering motor
- Early engine failures that often happen after the original powertrain warranty expires
- Bad assembly of start/stop accumulator in recent model years
- Poor engine compartment design in older models, potentially resulting in high repair costs
Some common issues have been included in recalls issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) while others remain points of contention between owners and the manufacturer.
Door Sensors Remain Continually Illuminated
The 2013 year for the Ford Edge has a number of complaints listed with the NHTSA. The most prevalent is associated with the electrical system. In affected units, the open-door light stays lit even though the door is closed and the automatic locks are engaged. While it is not a safety issue, it is distracting. A bad door latch must be replaced to eliminate the error in the computer.
Power Steering May Fail
The 2016 Ford Edge faced a problem with its steering gear motor. The bolts would reportedly corrode, which could result in the motor coming loose while driving. A sudden loss of power steering while traveling at any speed can make it impossible to control the SUV. A recall was issued in August 2019 for model years 2013 to 2016 to replace the faulty bolts. If you are buying a used Edge, have its recall history run to ensure the repair was completed.
Replacing an Engine After 50K Miles
The most common complaint about the 2015 Ford Edge seems to involve the engine. Drivers comment that the engine light is displayed and when the code is run, it states there is a misfire in the engine for one or more cylinders. Reportedly, the errors often start appearing after the first 50,000-miles. After troubleshooting the error and replacing failed parts that caused the misfire, some owners have had to replace the entire engine when a crack in the case developed.
Also, there are reported instances of the flex plate shattering while traveling at speed. Some owners who have had the plate replaced stated that it failed again after six months to a year. There are no recalls for the flex plate. It can be an expensive repair. In at least one reported case, an owner paid over $7,000 to have everything fixed that was damaged by the failed plate.
Start/Stop Accumulator May Cause a Fire
Every Ford Edge built after the 2014 model year features start/stop technology that shuts off the engine while waiting at a light and restarts when you take your foot off the brake. The start/stop accumulator on model years 2019 to 2020 has been recalled due to loose or missing bolts. If the bolts leak, hot transmission fluid could cause a fire or result in a loss of transmission performance. Replacing the bolt will resolve the dangerous situation.
Water Pump Issues
As cars get older, it is common to replace the water pump about the same time that serpentine or timing belts are changed. The engine compartment design of the Ford Edge with the 3.5L V6 engine can make this repair particularly expensive.
As The Car Wizard notes, in order to change the water pump, you must remove the front half of the engine. What should cost you a couple of hundred dollars can end up costing a couple of thousand.
Is the Ford Edge a Reliable Car?
If you are shopping for a used Ford Edge built after 2011, it is seen as a fairly reliable vehicle by both experts and loyal drivers. Kelley Blue Book gives the 2016 Edge a 3.9 rating out of a possible five stars. The editors especially enjoy the power produced by the available 2.7L V6 engine and a wealth of upscale options such as climate control seats.
Owners that rated their rides at Vehicle History love it even more, awarding the Ford Edge a 4.3 rating out of five stars. Drivers like to comment on its spirited handling, dressy interiors, and smart driver-assist technology that is included in model years 2019 and later. It offers plenty of room for a family of five and their sports gear or shopping bags.
Repair Pal estimated the annual cost of maintenance at $61i when compared to other SUVs in the midsize category.
What is the Best Year for the Ford Edge?
The Ford Edge first rolled onto the scene in 2007. The first generation lasted from 2007 to 2014. It featured the 3.5L V6 engine that is at the base of many common Ford Edge problems.
In 2011, the 3.7L V6 engine was introduced along with the 2.0L inline four-cylinder EcoBoost. The 3.7L V6 proved to be more durable and posed fewer maintenance challenges compared to the 3.5L. The 2.0L delivers an adequate but unimpressive 245 horsepower.
The second generation made its debut for the 2015 model year, which is a year that logs more complaints compared to later years in this generation.
If you are looking to save big compared to buying a new SUV, the 2016 Ford Edge gives you a decent bang for your buck while working out most of the problems associated with the new generation.
The second generation includes Bluetooth technology, available driver-assist features such as blind-spot detection, and lane-keeping control.
Climate-controlled seats in the Titanium or Sport trims fight off the heat of summer days, and automatic temperature control eliminates the need to keep fiddling with the AC.
If you are seeking a newer driving experience while avoiding sticker shock at the dealer, look for a 2018 or 2019 Ford Edge.
Are you buying an older ride? YouTuber Mact Ford Edge offers smart tips on what to look for when considering a 2007 to 2014 Ford Edge. Check out his clip above.
How Long Do Ford Edge Engines Last?
If you ever drove a car manufactured in the ’70s and/or ’80s, you knew it was destined to die by the time that the odometer hit 100,000 miles. In our modern times, new materials and manufacturing methods have turned that end-of-life number into something of a mystery. If the SUV has been well maintained for its entire life, it is possible for the Ford Edge engine to last 200,000 or even 300,000 miles.
However, when on the hunt for a new-to-you vehicle, it is important to do some background checks on the maintenance history before you sign on the dotted line.
If you see a used Ford Edge on a lot or listed online, make sure to run its VIN through Vehicle History to see if it has been through an accident, is up-to-date on oil changes, and/or has had major repair work done throughout its life.
If the original owner never took their Edge in for its recommended maintenance, then the engine could suffer a premature death.
Conclusion: Is the Edge Truly Problematic?
Ultimately, when it comes to known problems and common issues, the Ford Edge ranks right in the middle. If you have an eye on a specific vehicle, bring it to a trusted mechanic to have its door latches, flex plate, water pump, and belts inspected. Check to see that it has been properly maintained. Verify that any open recalls have been addressed.
Once you have a green light for all those items, you can expect a used Ford Edge to perform as well as other mid-size SUVs with similar mileage and age.
Photos: Ford
