Ford Edge Used Buying Guide: Known Issues

• Second- and third-generation Edge model years have been the most troublesome, with problems that include EcoBoost engine flaws and infotainment dysfunction.
• Before you sign on the dotted line, check to make sure your used Ford Edge has received the necessary recall repairs!
• At Banner Ford, we want our customers to drive home in a safe, reliable midsize crossover — and that’s why we only sell high-quality options!

As you head into the used market, keep in mind that common Edge complaints don’t apply to every model year! There are also plenty of SUVs from each era that skated by without suffering these problems. That said, let’s take a look at the Edge’s most frequent customer complaints.

If the check-engine light pops on in your 2015-2018 Ford Edge, get it to your trusted mechanic ASAP. A design defect in these crossovers may allow coolant to leak into their EcoBoost engine’s cylinders. This is a double whammy of an issue, since the coolant in the cylinder can cause engine corrosion, failure, or fire, and losing too much coolant may cause the engine to overheat and blow a head gasket (among other, potentially worse outcomes).

In a 2015-2018 Edge (equipped with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine), you may start to hear something rattling around under the hood. The sound you hear could be a cracked flexplate, so don’t wait to get it checked out! One crack quickly leads to more cracks. Left to its own devices, you could end up with a shattered disc — and a hefty repair bill. The flexplate transfers engine power to the transmission, and your Edge can’t send power to its wheels without it. If your used Edge hasn’t already received a one-time, no-cost flexplate repair, you may still qualify for one. Check with your local Ford dealer for details.

Although the doors aren’t actually ajar, your Edge politely disagrees. This is an issue we see with a lot in the 2011-2013 Ford Edge — a door-ajar warning light that just won’t quit. It’s more than merely an annoying dash light, since other troubles quickly come to light. For example, the doors may refuse to lock when you’re driving, and you won’t be able to use the key fob to lock the doors while parked. Your Edge could even leave the interior dome lights on all night, draining the battery.

Sometimes cleaning the light’s sensor does the trick. But sometimes the switch inside the door-latch mechanism needs to be replaced. Since many drivers report that cleaning is merely a temporary fix, it may pay to skip directly to replacing the faulty module.

In Ford’s early infotainment era, there was MyFord Touch. Suffice to say that this in-dash touchscreen technology wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. Available for the 2011-2015 Ford Edge model years, users have complained about everything from an unresponsive touchscreen to sudden system crashes. Without redundant buttons, these issues meant drivers couldn’t access important features, including the windshield defroster. For 2015, the Edge added redundant physical buttons to the system, making it less frustrating than before. The 2016 Edge introduced SYNC 3, an infotainment interface that delivers actual customer satisfaction.

If your used Edge features this wonky infotainment system, it’s an easy fix — simply upgrade to newer technology! We can order and install the parts you need right here at Banner Ford.

Besides common issues, you should think about recalls. You can use the NHTSA’s convenient lookup tool to see whether a particular used Ford Edge has had all the necessary repairs. Until then, here are a few to keep in mind.

• 2012-2013 Edge fuel leaks: A cracked fuel line or fuel pulse damper may lead to an engine fire. These models aren’t safe to drive without the necessary recall repairs!
• 2007-2010 Edge defective airbags: Because they used defective Takata airbags, these Edge model years were part of the largest recall in American history. If you’re purchasing an Edge from this era, it’s important to make sure these airbags have been replaced.