First debuting in 2006 as a 2007 model, the Ford Edge is not necessarily a newcomer in the Blue Oval’s SUV range. However, the crossover does have to work hard in order to gain a solid reputation, in the face of some much older and more established nameplates from the brand. The crossover has always operated at the cheaper end of the bracket for Ford, offering more space and performance than the humble Escape, while being careful not to tread on the toes of its bigger brother, the Explorer. Offering seating for five, a sporty ride, and a variety of luxurious amenities, the Edge certainly has a lot to offer – especially considering its sub-$40,000 price point in 2024. However, we want to look back at the Edge’s 17-year back-catalog and establish just how reliable Ford’s favorite crossover is, and what the best years for the Ford Edge are.
Ford Edge History
The Ford Edge made its first public appearance in 2006, dazzling with a striking front facia, and impressing with both a spacious interior, and a somewhat sporting powertrain. While larger SUV offerings from Ford took a distinctly more luxurious or off-roading stance, the Edge went in another direction. It was aimed squarely at urban consumers, with an eye for style, and a taste for both practicality and economy. The Edge offered space for the family, enough power to easily cope with daily life, and an interior smart enough to cope with fierce competition. In short, it did everything you could ask from a crossover, and offered nothing in excess.
As the years and Ford’s Edge progressed, Ford continued to update the platform with a facelift in 2011, a second-generation model for the 2015 model year, and a facelift of the second-gen model for 2019. Each change introduced new engine options, luxurious tweaks to the cabin and, especially noteworthy in the latest generation, sportier trim lines.
Related
Ford Edge Generations: Everything You Need To Know In One Place
Having been on sale for only two generations, Ford’s Edge was good to drive but became irrelevent as it was crowded out by the Escape and Explorer.
It’s the latest 2019 update that really sees the Ford Edge excel, with an updated eight-speed automatic transmission in place of the old six-speed, a notable increase in power for both four- and six-cylinder models, and a dedicated ST trim. While the Edge had been previously available with a Sport trim, the ST packs way more features than ever before, such as a powerful EcoBoost V6 engine, ST-specific body kit, and a more driver-focused interior. It boasts heavily bolstered seats and a leather-wrapped ST steering wheel.
|
Ford Edge: Generations And Key Specifications |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Generation |
Model Years |
Engine Options |
Transmission |
Key Features |
|
1st Gen (U387) |
2007 – 2010 |
3.5-liter V6 |
6-speed automatic |
The stylish crossover was first launched in 2006, sending power to either 2 or all 4 wheels |
|
1st Gen Facelift (U387) |
2011 – 2014 |
2.0L turbo i4, 3.5L V6, 3.7L V6 |
6-speed automatic |
Improved materials throughout the cabin, powerful i4 offered for the first time |
|
2nd Gen (CD539) |
2015 – 2018 |
2.0L turbo i4, 2.7L turbo V6, 3.5L V6 |
6-speed automatic |
First full redesign for the Edge and more power on offer |
|
2nd Gen Facelift (CD539) |
2019 – Now |
2.0L turbo i4, 2.7L turbo V6 (ST) |
8-speed automatic |
All-new ST trim replaces Sport model |
Add CarBuzz to your Google News feed.
Identifying The Best Ford Edge Model Years
Despite a relatively attractive buy-in price just south of $40,000, not everyone is fortunate enough to be considering a brand-new 2024 Ford Edge. With that in mind, we set about establishing which years of the Ford Edge are the most reliable, using external sources such as Car Complaints, the NHTSA, and J.D. Power reliability ratings. These sources will not only provide us with valuable third-party reliability and quality reviews, but also access to other metrics, such as how many official complaints any given year has received, in addition to the number of recalls logged. Likewise, we have also narrowed down the least reliable Ford Edge models, using the same methodology.
In order to ensure there is enough data to work with, we’ve ruled out the 2023 and 2024 model years, so this reliability review will focus on model years 2007 through 2022. The article will highlight the best year for the Ford Edge, and also the Ford Edge years to avoid, when considering one as a used purchase.
2014 Ford Edge
Despite 10 years passing since the 2014 Ford Edge was launched, only three recalls have been issued against the model, while Car Complaints shows 70 complaints. The latter may seem like a lot at first, but consider the Ford Edge has amassed 2,350 complaints in total, and it’s clear that the 2014 model is one of the best Ford Edge years to consider.
The three recalls relate to loss of power and/or drive, via fuel pump failure, a loss of the park function, and a troublesome drivetrain. Annoying, for sure, but not all examples will be affected, and it’s just those three things you have to watch out for when shopping around for a 2014 model. J.D. Power corroborates our theory that the 2014 Ford Edge is reliable, by awarding the Ford a boastful 84 points out of 100 when it comes to reliability and quality.
2019 Ford Edge
For the 2019 model, only two recalls are currently outstanding, and they refer to both the two- and all-wheel-drive variants. The first recall logged concerns safety, as the seatbelt webbing may detach from its anchor point in a crash, so it is imperative to follow up on if you own, or are considering buying, a 2019 Ford Edge. The other recall relates to the potential cause for a transmission leak, so costly if missed.
However, only 26 complaints have been logged by Car Complaints for this model year, and J.D. Power awarded a reassuring 79/100 for matters relating to quality and reliability. Not the highest, but still a respectable score, and just one point shy of the current model year.
2:10
Related
2024 Ford SUVs Ranked: Which One Is Most Reliable?
Which Ford SUV tops the list of the Blue Oval’s most reliable SUV for 2024?
2022 Ford Edge
Perhaps benefiting slightly from a lack of time on the road, the 2022 Ford Edge is affected by just one recall according to the NHTSA. The recall in question relates to a faulty rearview camera image. After spending tens of thousands of dollars on a nearly-new Ford crossover, you’d rightfully be mightily frustrated if this function didn’t work correctly, but at least the NHTSA has no concerns with safety or powertrain matters on the 2022 Edge. As technology develops and once-expensive options like rearview cameras have become commonplace, recalls focused on gadgets like this are becoming more and more frequent.
Most complaints are also related to the Ford’s electrical system, and so it’s quite probable that they are in connection with the troublesome rearview camera. J.D. Power clearly managed to find fault with the car also, awarding 76 out of 100 to the 2022 model year. However, with just one recall and minimal complaints, the 2022 Edge still looks to be an impressively dependable option.
Ford Edge Model Years To Avoid
Whereas other model years have proven themselves as reliable crossovers, these following Ford Edges suffer from excessive and concerning recalls, in addition to numerous complaints logged on both Car Complaints and with the NHTSA. If you’re looking at splashing out on a new-to-you Ford Edge, you’d do well to steer away from these specific model years.
2008 Ford Edge
Standing out for all the wrong reasons is the 2008 Ford Edge. Shamefully boasting two more recalls than the 2007 launch-year Edge, this model year has eight in total, and you wouldn’t want to get caught out by any of the related issues. The NHTSA issued an ‘URGENT: DO NOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE’ warning as you load the list up, the warning relating specifically to rupturing airbag inflators. If this should happen, the worry is that metal fragments may fly at force around the cabin, which, of course, could cause serious harm. Other recalls relate to leaking fuel tanks and insecure wheels. By now, the airbag issue should have been remedied, but you should ensure this is the case if you’re considering this model year.
If you need more reasons to avoid the 2008 Ford Edge, just know that almost 200 complaints are present on Car Complaints’ website – perhaps J.D. Power needs to update the awarded score of 87/100 for matters relating to reliability and quality. Likely true at launch, the passing years have revealed the 2008 Ford Edge as a used car well-worth avoiding.
2017 Ford Edge
A total of six recalls and 88 complaints is nothing to boast about, but they are lower totals than other model years. So, why does the 2017 Ford Edge earn its place on our list of best-to-avoid Ford Edge model years? Simply, Car Complaints points out that the issues experienced are more significant and costly than those affecting other model years. So, while it may technically be more reliable than, say, a 2008 or 2011 model, if you do get struck with an issue, it’s likely to cost considerably more with a 2017 model.
Although the 2013 Ford Edge has the most overall complaints, we rate the 2017 model year as worse.
Of the 88 complaints logged, 50 relate directly to the engine, and Car Complaints also state that issues are more likely to occur at lower mileages with the 2017 model. So, with even low mileage examples not safe from serious powertrain trouble, the 2017 Ford Edge is definitely one to put on the black list.
2011 Ford Edge
Going off of complaints alone, the 2011 Ford Edge is not the least reliable model year to choose from. That title would belong to the 2013 Edge, with an astonishing 652 on record. However, racking up 461 complaints and more recalls than the 2013 Edge, it’s evident that the 2011 model deserves its place on this list. If these complaints teach us anything, it’s that this and the 2013 model are Ford Edge years to avoid.
We need not break down those complaints too much; with 461 on record, it’s fairly safe to assume that just about every aspect of the 2011 Ford Edge could cause you a serious headache. In terms of recalls though, watch out for failing body modules, which can apparently lead to overheating issues and even fires. To put it simply, there are just too many things that could go wrong with the 2011 Ford Edge for it to ever be considered a reliable car.
Related
Ford Has The Most Recalls For The Third Straight Year
It’s still going to take a long time before we see the benefits of Ford’s quality push.
Summary: No Generation Of Ford Edge Is Safe From Trouble
Unusually, headaches seem to stem from every generation of Ford Edge, which means prospective buyers had best be careful when flicking through the classified ads for their next family-friendly purchase. Having said that, pick out one of the models which we’ve highlighted as glowing examples, and there is no reason why the Ford Edge cannot be a genuinely reliable and dependable crossover. No model year of Ford Edge is free of recalls or complaints, so double-check to ensure any and all recalls have been carried out, and always look through the service history for evidence of troublesome electronics and powertrains.