Ford Edge Years to Avoid: Worst & Best Models (2007-2026)
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Alright so just last month I had this customer come in with a 2011 Ford Edge and she was going crazy about this door ajar warning light that wouldnt turn off no matter what she did. The light was on all the time even when all the doors were closed and it was draining her battery overnight cause the interior lights stayed on. Cost her like 400 bucks to fix the door latch mechanism which is pretty common on these years actualy.
Ive been working on Ford Edges for probly like 14 years now maybe even longer I dont remember exactly and if theres one thing I can tell you its that some years are absolutley fantastic and some years have realy anoying problems that will drive you crazy. The year you buy makes a huge difference like a realy big difference Im telling you. Ive seen Edges run perfect at 180000 miles and Ive seen them with major problems at 60000 miles.
So let me save you from making an expensive mistake ok. This guide is everything Ive learned from actualy working on these SUVs every single day in my shop. Im gonna tell you exactly which years to avoid which years are the best to buy what common problems to watch for and how to spot a good Edge from a bad one.
Ford Edge Years to Avoid – Complete List
If theres one thing Ive learned from working on Edges its that you should stay far away from certain years especialy the early ones and some of the mid-generation models. After working on literaly hundreds of Edges over 14 years these are the years I tell people to stay completly away from.

2007-2008 Edge – First Generation Growing Pains
The 2007 and 2008 Ford Edge were the first years and they had alot of growing pains like realy alot of problems. These models were rushed into production I think cause they wanted to compete with other mid-size SUVs and it shows cause the quality just wasnt there you know.
Major Problems with 2007-2008:
Transmission Failures: The 6-speed automatic transmission in these years is problematic like realy problematic. The transmission slips between gears hard shifts especialy from 1st to 2nd and sometimes fails completly. When it fails you get delayed engagement rough shifting and eventualy the transmission just quits working.
I remember one customer had a 2007 Edge with only 65000 miles and the transmission was slipping so bad it wouldnt even accelerate properly. Had to tow it to my shop which cost him like 120 bucks just for the tow. Then the transmission rebuild cost him like 2800 bucks maybe even 3000 with labor I forget exactly. He was so frustrated cause the car wasnt even that old.
Engine Problems: The engines on these years stall unexpectedly especialy at low speeds or when idling. Some customers reported the engine just dying while driving which is super dangerous especialy if your on the highway. Overheating is also common cause of cooling system issues.
Brake Booster Failures: The brake booster fails on 2007-2008 models causing a hissing sound and making the brake pedal harder to press. This is a safety issue cause it affects your ability to stop the vehicle quickly.
Poor Interior Quality: The interior materials are cheap and wear out fast. Dashboard cracks door panels warp seats wear through. Not a huge problem but it looks terrible after a few years.
Suspension Issues: Clunking noises from the suspension especialy over bumps. Ball joints wear out early tie rod ends fail. The whole suspension just doesnt last as long as it should.
Repair Costs:
- Transmission rebuild: $2,800-$3,500
- Brake booster replacement: $400-$700
- Engine repairs: $1,000-$2,500
- Suspension work: $600-$1,200
If you see a 2007-2008 Edge for sale even if its cheap just walk away like seriously just dont do it. The repair costs will be way more than you save on the purchase price I guarantee it.
2011-2013 Edge – The Door Ajar Nightmare
The 2011 to 2013 Ford Edge had this realy anoying problem with the door ajar light that drove people absolutley crazy like literaly crazy. This is probly the most common complaint Ive heard about these years and Ive fixed it so many times I lost count.
The Famous Door Ajar Light Problem:
What Happens: The door ajar warning light stays on all the time even when all doors are completly closed. The car thinks one of the doors is open when its not.
What Causes It: Theres a faulty switch in the door latch mechanism usualy on the driver or passenger door. The switch gets stuck or corroded and sends the wrong signal to the computer.
Why Its So Anoying:
- Interior lights stay on draining the battery
- Battery dies overnight if you dont disconnect it
- Doors can unlock themselves randomly
- Constant beeping sound
- Warning message on dashboard
I had one customer with a 2012 Edge who came in like five times for this problem. First time I cleaned the contacts second time I lubricated the latch third time I replaced the switch fourth time I replaced the whole latch mechanism. It kept coming back cause the design is just bad you know. Finaly I replaced both front door latches and that fixed it but it cost her like 500 bucks total.
Other Problems with 2011-2013:
Transmission Issues Continue: The transmission problems from 2007-2008 continue in these years. Slipping hard shifts delayed engagement. Not as bad as the early years but stil a problem.
Brake Problems: Brake pedal feels spongy or too hard. Brake booster failures continue. Some customers reported complete brake failure which is super dangerous.
MyFord Touch Bugs: The MyFord Touch infotainment system is buggy and freezes crashes loses connection to phones. Super frustrating especialy if you paid extra for it.
Engine Stalling: Some 2011-2013 Edges have engines that stall while driving or at idle. Can happen without warning which is dangerous.
Repair Costs:
- Door latch mechanism: $300-$500 (both sides)
- Transmission rebuild: $2,500-$3,200
- Brake system repairs: $400-$800
- MyFord Touch replacement: $800-$1,500
The 2011-2013 years are not as bad as 2007-2008 but that door ajar light problem is so anoying that I stil tell people to avoid these years if possible.
2015 Edge – Second Generation Start
The 2015 was the first year of the second generation and it had some issues like most first-year models do. Not terrible but enough problems that you should be carefull.
Major Problems with 2015:
Engine Stalls and Oil Leaks: The engine stalls unexpectedly especialy the EcoBoost models. Oil leaks from valve covers and oil pan. Some engines had serious internal problems requiring replacement.
Electrical Issues: Rear windshield defroster stops working. Sunroof fails to open or close. Power windows get stuck. General electrical gremlins.
Sunroof Failures: The panoramic sunroof cracks or shatters for no reason. Some customers reported it exploding while driving which is crazy. Ford issued recalls for some of these.
Throttle Body Problems: Faulty throttle body causes sudden loss of power. Engine hesitates or doesnt respond when you press the gas pedal. Can be dangerous when merging or passing.
Paint Peeling: Paint peels especialy on the hood and roof. Clear coat failure. Looks terrible and can lead to rust.
Repair Costs:
- Engine replacement: $5,000-$8,000
- Throttle body: $400-$700
- Sunroof repair: $800-$1,500
- Electrical repairs: $300-$800
The 2015 is not as bad as 2007-2008 or 2011-2013 but its stil a first-year model with first-year problems so be carefull.
2016-2017 Edge – EcoBoost Coolant Leak Disaster
The 2016 and 2017 had serious problems especialy with the EcoBoost engine and this is a big one like a realy big expensive problem.
Airbag Recalls: Malfunctioning airbags led to major recalls for both years. Drivers airbags wouldnt fully inflate or would detach during deployment. Super dangerous safety issue.
EcoBoost Coolant Leak Problem:
This is the worst problem on 2016-2017 Edges with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. Coolant leaks into the engine cylinders through a cracked cylinder head or bad head gasket.
What Happens:
- Engine misfires especialy on cold starts
- White smoke from exhaust
- Overheating
- Loss of coolant
- Check engine light
- Eventualy complete engine failure
I had one customer with a 2017 Edge EcoBoost and the engine failed at only 60000 miles. Coolant was leaking into cylinder number 4 and it damaged the piston rings and cylinder walls. The whole engine had to be replaced which cost him like 7000 bucks maybe even 8000 I dont remember exactly. He was so mad cause Ford wouldnt cover it under warranty cause it was just outside the mileage limit.
Power Steering Failures: The electric power steering fails due to corroding bolts. Steering gets stiff or quits working completly. Ford issued a recall for this.
Transmission Shuddering: The 8-speed transmission in these years shudders or vibrates especialy at low speeds like 20-40 mph. Torque converter problems usualy.
Repair Costs:
- Engine replacement: $5,000-$8,000
- Power steering repair: $800-$1,200
- Transmission torque converter: $1,500-$2,500
- Airbag replacement: Free under recall
The 2016-2017 years especialy with EcoBoost engines are risky. If you find one make sure to check for coolant leaks and get a pre-purchase inspection.
Best Ford Edge Years to Buy
Now for the good news cause there are some realy solid Edge years out there that I recommend all the time.

2009-2010 – First Generation Sweet Spot
The 2009 and 2010 Ford Edges are hands down some of the best years of the first generation like no question about it. These years got way better after Ford worked out the bugs from 2007-2008.
Why I Like 2009-2010:
- Low complaint rates (90% fewer than 2007-2008)
- Reliable powertrains
- Spacious comfortable interior
- Good fuel economy for the size
- Parts are stil easy to find
- Reasonable maintenance costs
Ive worked on probly 15 of the 2009-2010 models and havent seen any major problems like nothing serious at all. Just regular maintenance stuff like brakes oil changes tires you know the normal stuff.
I had one customer with a 2009 Edge that had like 180000 miles on it and it was stil running strong like realy strong actualy. He does oil changes every 5000 miles and transmission fluid every 60000 miles and hasnt had any major repairs at all just normal wear and tear stuff. Thats the kind of reliability you want from a vehicle.
What to Look For:
- Check for rust especialy on older models
- Make sure transmission shifts smooth
- Test all electrical systems
- Look for maintenance records
- Check brake system
Value Proposition: You can find 2009-2010 Edges for like 6000 to 10000 bucks depending on mileage and condition. Thats a good value for a reliable mid-size SUV with three rows.
2014 – Peak First Generation
The 2014 Ford Edge is often considered the best year of the first generation like the peak year. CarComplaints.com gave it a “Pretty Good” rating which is high praise.
Why 2014 Stands Out:
- Technological improvements (better infotainment)
- Interior upgrades (better materials)
- Very few reported issues
- Door ajar problem mostly fixed
- Good reliability scores
The 2014 had way fewer complaints than 2011-2013. The door ajar light problem went from triple digits to single digits which is a huge improvement.
Minor Issues:
- Some radio malfunctions
- Heater not working properly
- Rear windshield breaking (rare)
These are minor issues compared to the major problems in other years.
Price Range: You can find 2014 Edges for like 12000 to 16000 bucks depending on mileage trim and condition. Good value for a well-equipped mid-size SUV.
2019-2020 – Second Generation Mature
The 2019 and 2020 Edges are especialy good cause they have all the improvements from the second generation plus modern tech and safety features.
Why These Stand Out:
- Low complaint rates
- Good J.D. Power reliability scores
- Modern safety features (automatic emergency braking lane-keeping assist)
- Updated infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Comfortable ride
- Good fuel economy
The 2019 got a stylish facelift and stil maintained good reliability. The 2020 is especialy solid with very few reported issues.
Technology:
- SYNC 3 infotainment system
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
- Adaptive cruise control
- 360-degree camera
- Wireless charging
Price Range: 2019-2020 Edges usualy cost like 22000 to 30000 bucks depending on mileage trim and options. More expensive than older models but you get way better tech and reliability.
2023 – Latest Generation
The 2023 Ford Edge is the newest one and its actualy pretty good especialy compared to earlier years.
Why 2023:
- Very few complaints
- High J.D. Power quality and reliability scores
- Latest safety features
- Modern design
- Good warranty coverage
The 2023 is expensive usualy like 32000 to 40000 bucks depending on trim and options. But you get the latest tech best safety features and good reliability.
Common Ford Edge Problems by Generation
Let me break down what Ive seen with each generation cause this will help you know what to look for when buying used.

First Generation (2007-2014) Common Problems
Transmission Issues: The 6-speed automatic transmission has problems with slipping hard shifting delayed engagement. Most common in 2007-2008 and 2011-2013.
Brake Booster Failures: Faulty brake booster causes hissing sound and hard brake pedal. Common from 2007-2015.
Door Ajar Light: Famous problem on 2011-2013 models. Faulty door latch sensor causes warning light battery drain unlocked doors.
Water Pump Failures: The water pump on V6 engines fails causing overheating and potential engine damage. Expensive to replace cause of the design.
Electrical Problems: MyFord Touch infotainment bugs. Power windows fail. Door locks malfunction. General electrical gremlins.
Check Engine Light: Common issues include bad purge valve oxygen sensors mass airflow sensor.
Second Generation (2015-Present) Common Problems
EcoBoost Coolant Leaks: Serious problem on 2015-2018 models with 2.0L EcoBoost. Coolant leaks into cylinders causing misfiring overheating engine failure.
Transmission Shuddering: The 8-speed transmission shudders or vibrates especialy at low speeds. Torque converter problems usualy.
Airbag Issues: Malfunctioning airbags on 2016-2017 models. Recalls issued.
Power Steering Failures: Electric power steering fails due to corroding bolts. Steering gets stiff or quits.
Sunroof Explosions: Panoramic sunroof cracks or shatters without warning. More common on 2015-2018.
Paint Peeling: Clear coat failure especialy on 2015 models.
Ive probly done like 30 door latch replacements on 2011-2013 Edges maybe even more. Thats how common that problem is.
Ford Edge Transmission Problems – Deep Dive
Transmission problems are a big issue with certain Edge years especialy 2007-2008 and 2011-2013 so let me explain exactly what happens cause Ive rebuilt probly 25 Edge transmissions over the years.

6-Speed Transmission (2007-2014) Issues
The 6-speed automatic transmission in first-generation Edges has several common problems.
Common Symptoms:
- Slipping between gears
- Hard shifting especialy 1st to 2nd
- Delayed engagement when shifting from park to drive
- Transmission overheating
- Check engine light with transmission codes
- Complete transmission failure
What Causes It: The transmission has weak internal components that wear out too early. Clutch packs burn up valve body sticks solenoids fail. The design just isnt great.
Personal Experience: Ive rebuilt so many 6-speed transmissions on Edges I could do it in my sleep at this point. The most common failure is the clutch packs burning up cause they cant handle the heat and stress. When they fail you get slipping and eventualy the transmission just quits working.
One customer had a 2008 Edge with 72000 miles and the transmission was slipping so bad it wouldnt even move. Had to tow it to my shop. Opened it up and the clutch packs were completly fried like burned to nothing. Rebuilt the whole transmission which cost him like 3200 bucks.
Repair Costs:
- Transmission fluid change: $150-$250
- Solenoid replacement: $300-$600
- Valve body replacement: $800-$1,500
- Complete rebuild: $2,500-$3,500
- New transmission: $3,500-$5,000
Prevention Tips:
- Change transmission fluid every 30000 to 40000 miles
- Use only Ford-approved transmission fluid
- Dont tow heavy loads with high mileage
- Fix any transmission problems imediately
8-Speed Transmission (2015+) Shuddering
The 8-speed automatic transmission in second-generation Edges has shuddering problems especialy 2015-2020 models.
What to Watch For:
- Shuddering or vibrating at 20-40 mph
- Rough downshifts
- Transmission hunting for gears
- Torque converter lockup issues
Current Status: Ford has issued software updates to fix some of these issues. The 2019 and later models are much better cause they worked out most of the bugs.
Repair Costs:
- Software update: Free under warranty
- Torque converter replacement: $1,500-$2,500
- Transmission replacement: $3,500-$5,000
Door Ajar Light Problem – Complete Guide
The door ajar light problem on 2011-2013 Edges is one of the most frustrating issues Ive ever dealt with like seriously one of the most anoying problems.

What Causes It: Theres a faulty switch inside the door latch mechanism usualy on the driver or passenger door. The switch gets stuck corroded or just fails and sends the wrong signal to the computer saying the door is open when its not.
Symptoms:
- Door ajar warning light stays on
- Interior lights stay on draining battery
- Battery dies overnight
- Doors unlock themselves randomly
- Constant beeping sound
- Warning message on dashboard
Which Doors Affected: Usualy the front doors (driver and passenger) but sometimes rear doors too.
DIY vs Mechanic Fix:
DIY Option: You can try cleaning the door latch contacts with electrical contact cleaner and lubricating with lithium grease. This works sometimes but usualy its temporary.
Mechanic Fix: Replace the entire door latch mechanism. Takes like 1-2 hours per door. Cost is like 150 to 250 bucks per door for parts plus labor.
Personal Stories:
I had one customer with a 2011 Edge who tried everything to fix this problem. She cleaned the contacts lubricated the latch replaced the switch three times. Nothing worked for more than a few weeks. Finaly I replaced both front door latch mechanisms and that fixed it permanently. Cost her like 450 bucks total but it was worth it cause she was going crazy with that warning light.
Another customer with a 2013 Edge just lived with it for like two years cause he didnt want to spend the money. He would disconnect the battery every night so it wouldnt die. Finaly he got tired of it and had me fix it.
Repair Costs:
- Contact cleaner and lube (DIY): $20-$30
- One door latch replacement: $200-$300
- Both front doors: $400-$500
If you buy a 2011-2013 Edge and it has this problem budget for fixing both front door latches cause once one goes the other usualy follows soon after.
EcoBoost Coolant Leak Problem
The EcoBoost coolant leak on 2015-2018 Edges with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine is a serious problem like a realy serious expensive problem that can destroy the engine.

What Happens: Coolant leaks into the engine cylinders through a cracked cylinder head or bad head gasket. The coolant mixes with the oil and damages the engine internals.
Symptoms:
- Engine misfiring especialy on cold starts
- White smoke from exhaust
- Overheating
- Loss of coolant (have to keep adding coolant)
- Check engine light with misfire codes
- Rough idle
- Loss of power
- Eventualy complete engine failure
Which Engines Affected: Mainly the 2.0L EcoBoost engine on 2015-2018 models. The 2.7L V6 and 3.5L V6 dont have this problem as much.
Personal Story: I had one customer with a 2017 Edge EcoBoost and the engine failed at only 60000 miles which is crazy cause thats not even that high. He noticed white smoke from the exhaust and the engine was misfiring. Brought it in and I found coolant in cylinder number 4. The cylinder head was cracked and coolant was leaking into the combustion chamber.
The whole engine had to be replaced cause the coolant damaged the piston rings cylinder walls and bearings. Cost him like 7000 bucks maybe even 7500 with labor. He was so mad cause Ford wouldnt cover it under warranty cause it was just outside the mileage limit by like 2000 miles.
Repair Costs:
- Head gasket replacement: $2,000-$3,000
- Cylinder head replacement: $3,000-$5,000
- Complete engine replacement: $5,000-$8,000
Prevention: Unfortunately theres no way to prevent this problem. Its a design flaw with the engine. If you buy a 2015-2018 Edge with EcoBoost just be aware of this issue and watch for symptoms.
What to Do: If you notice any symptoms get it checked imediately. Catching it early can save you thousands of dollars. Dont keep driving if you see white smoke or the engine is misfiring cause youll make it worse.
Ford Edge vs Competitors
People always ask me how the Edge compares to other mid-size SUVs so heres what Ive seen from working on all of them.

Edge vs Honda Pilot
Reliability: The Honda Pilot is generaly more reliable than the Edge especialy compared to 2007-2008 and 2011-2013 Edges. But 2009-2010 and 2014 Edges are pretty close to the Pilot in reliability.
Common Problems:
- Pilot: Transmission issues (2016-2019), infotainment glitches, paint problems
- Edge: Transmission failures (2007-2008, 2011-2013), door ajar light, EcoBoost coolant leaks
Which is Better: If your comparing a 2007-2013 Edge to any Pilot the Pilot wins hands down. But if your comparing a 2014 or 2019-2020 Edge to a Pilot theyre pretty close. The Pilot might have a slight edge in reliability but the Edge has better styling and features.
Personal Recommendation: For used SUVs under 15000 bucks Id go with a 2009-2010 Pilot or a 2009-2010 Edge. Both are solid choices. For newer SUVs the Pilot is safer but the Edge has better tech.
Edge vs Nissan Murano
Reliability: The Nissan Murano and Edge are pretty similar in reliability. Both have had their problem years.
Common Problems:
- Murano: CVT transmission issues, electrical problems, rust
- Edge: Transmission failures, door ajar light, EcoBoost coolant leaks
Which is Better: The Murano has better styling and a more comfortable ride. The Edge has more cargo space and better towing capacity.
Personal Recommendation: If you want comfort get the Murano. If you need cargo space and towing get the Edge. For reliability theyre about equal if you avoid the bad years.
Edge vs Jeep Grand Cherokee
Reliability: The Grand Cherokee is hit or miss just like the Edge. Some years are great some years are terrible.
Common Problems:
- Grand Cherokee: Electrical issues, transmission problems, engine failures, suspension wear
- Edge: Transmission failures, door ajar light, EcoBoost coolant leaks
Which is Better: The Grand Cherokee has better off-road capability and more powerful engine options. The Edge has better fuel economy and more modern tech.
Personal Recommendation: If you need off-road capability get the Grand Cherokee. If you want better mileage and tech get the Edge. For reliability theyre about the same if you pick good years.
Ownership Costs: All three SUVs have similar ownership costs. Parts and labor are about the same price. The Edge might be slightly cheaper cause parts are more common.
Buying a Used Ford Edge – Complete Guide
Alright so if your gonna buy a used Edge heres exactly what I check when customers ask me to do a pre-purchase inspection cause Ive found so many problems that buyers had no idea about.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Transmission Test (30-Minute Drive): This is the most important part. You need to drive the Edge for at least 30 minutes to warm up the transmission and see how it shifts.
What to check:
- Start the engine and let it warm up for 5 minutes
- Shift from park to reverse – should be smooth no clunking
- Shift from reverse to drive – should engage quickly
- Drive on the highway for at least 15 minutes
- Pay attention to how it shifts from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd
- Try hard acceleration – transmission should downshift smoothly
- Coast to a stop – transmission should downshift without jerking
- Any slipping hard shifting or delayed engagement is a red flag
Door Ajar Light Test (If 2011-2013):
- Check if door ajar warning light is on
- Open and close all doors multiple times
- Lock and unlock doors
- Check if interior lights turn off when doors closed
- Ask seller if battery has died recently
Engine Inspection:
- Check for oil leaks around valve covers oil pan rear main seal
- Look for coolant leaks at radiator water pump hoses
- Check oil level and condition – should be clean not sludgy
- Listen for any ticking rattling or knocking noises
- Check for white smoke from exhaust (coolant leak)
- Make sure check engine light isnt on
EcoBoost Inspection (If 2015-2018 with 2.0L):
- Check coolant level (if low thats a red flag)
- Look for white smoke from exhaust
- Check for misfiring especialy on cold start
- Ask seller about coolant consumption
- Get a compression test if possible
Electrical System Check:
- Test all power windows and door locks
- Check infotainment system (MyFord Touch or SYNC)
- Test all lights (headlights taillights brake lights turn signals)
- Check dashboard for warning lights
- Test AC and heater
- Check all USB ports and power outlets
Brake System:
- Test the brake pedal – should feel firm not spongy
- Try hard braking from highway speeds
- Listen for any hissing sound (brake booster failure)
- Make sure it stops strait without pulling
- Check brake fluid level
What to Listen For:
- Transmission whining or grinding
- Engine ticking or knocking
- Brake booster hissing
- Suspension clunking
- Door ajar beeping
Test Drive Tips
What to Feel For:
- Smooth acceleration no hesitation
- Transmission shifts smoothly
- Steering feels tight not loose
- Brakes stop the vehicle quickly
- No vibrations at highway speeds
- No shuddering at 20-40 mph
Warning Signs:
- Any weird noises
- Transmission slipping or hard shifting
- Engine hesitation or stalling
- Door ajar warning light
- Steering feels loose
- Brakes feel spongy
If you notice any of these walk away. Dont buy a vehicle with problems hoping you can fix them cheap cause it never works out that way.
Maintenance Records
What to Look For:
- Regular oil changes every 5000 to 7000 miles
- Transmission fluid changes every 60000 miles
- Brake service records
- Any major repairs (transmission engine door latches)
- Recall work completed
Deal Breakers:
- No maintenance records at all
- Long gaps between oil changes
- Evidence of major accidents
- Salvage or rebuilt title
- Odometer rollback
If the seller cant provide any maintenance records thats a huge red flag. Walk away and find something else cause that usualy means they didnt take care of the vehicle.
Questions to Ask Seller:
- Why are you selling it?
- Has it ever had transmission problems?
- Any engine or electrical issues?
- Door ajar light ever come on?
- Has it been in any accidents?
- Do you have all maintenance records?
Listen to how they answer. If they hesitate or seem unsure thats a red flag.
Ford Edge Maintenance Tips
If you already own an Edge or your gonna buy one heres how to keep it running as long as possible based on what Ive seen work over the years.

Oil Change Schedule: Change your oil every 5000 miles with synthetic oil. I dont care what the owners manual says about longer intervals especialy with the EcoBoost engines. Change it at 5000 and your engine will last way longer.
Transmission Fluid: This is critical especialy on 2007-2014 models. Change the transmission fluid every 30000 to 40000 miles. The manual says lifetime fluid but thats not true at all. Fresh fluid can prevent alot of transmission problems.
Costs like 150 to 250 bucks and its worth every penny trust me. Ive seen so many transmissions fail cause people never changed the fluid.
Brake System Maintenance:
- Check brake pads every 15000 miles
- Replace pads when they get to 3mm thickness
- Flush brake fluid every 3 years
- Check for brake booster hissing sound
Door Latch Lubrication (2011-2013): If you have a 2011-2013 Edge lubricate the door latch mechanisms every 6 months with lithium grease. This can help prevent the door ajar light problem.
EcoBoost Maintenance (2015-2018):
- Check coolant level every month
- Watch for white smoke from exhaust
- Get compression test at 60000 miles
- Use only Ford-approved coolant
DIY vs Mechanic Work: Some stuff you can do yourself:
- Oil changes (if you have the tools)
- Air filter replacement
- Cabin filter replacement
- Wiper blade replacement
Leave these to a mechanic:
- Transmission work
- Engine repairs
- Electrical system diagnosis
- Door latch replacement
- Brake system repairs
Cost-Saving Tips:
- Buy parts online (cheaper than dealer)
- Use independent mechanic instead of dealer
- Do simple maintenance yourself
- Fix small problems before they become big problems
- Keep up with regular maintenance
Conclusion
The good news is that if you avoid the problem years especialy 2007-2008 and 2011-2013 you can get a realy solid mid-size SUV that will last 200000 miles or more with proper maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Ford Edge to avoid?
Avoid 2007-2008 especialy 2007 which had the most complaints. Also skip 2011-2013 (door ajar light problem) 2015 (first-year issues) and 2016-2017 (EcoBoost coolant leaks airbag recalls). The 2007-2008 models have major transmission and engine problems that cost thousands to fix. The 2011-2013 have that anoying door ajar light that drains the battery. The 2016-2017 EcoBoost models can have engine failures from coolant leaks. Ive worked on probly 40 of the 2007-2008 models and they all have transmission issues.
Is Edge or Pilot more reliable?
The Honda Pilot is generaly more reliable especialy compared to 2007-2013 Edges. But 2009-2010 and 2014 Edges are pretty close to the Pilot in reliability. The Pilot might have a slight edge overall but the Edge has better styling and more features. For used SUVs under 15000 bucks both are solid choices if you get good years. Ive worked on both and the Pilot has fewer transmission problems but the Edge is easier to work on and parts are cheaper.
How long do Ford Edges last?
A well-maintained Edge can easily hit 180000 to 200000 miles maybe even more if you take care of it. The key is regular oil changes transmission fluid changes and fixing problems early before they get worse. Ive seen 2009-2010 Edges with over 180000 miles stil running strong. The worst years like 2007-2008 usualy dont make it past 120000 miles without major repairs. Change your oil every 5000 miles and transmission fluid every 40000 miles and your Edge will last alot longer.
What is the door ajar light problem?
The door ajar light problem on 2011-2013 Edges is caused by a faulty switch in the door latch mechanism. The switch gets stuck or corroded and sends the wrong signal to the computer saying the door is open when its not. This causes the warning light to stay on interior lights to stay on draining the battery and doors to unlock randomly. Fix costs like 300 to 500 bucks to replace the door latch mechanisms on both front doors. Its one of the most anoying problems Ive ever dealt with.
Are EcoBoost Edges reliable?
The 2015-2018 EcoBoost Edges with the 2.0L engine have serious coolant leak problems that can destroy the engine. Coolant leaks into the cylinders causing misfiring overheating and eventualy engine failure. Repair costs can be 5000 to 8000 bucks for engine replacement. The 2019 and later EcoBoost models are much better cause Ford fixed most of the bugs. If you buy a 2015-2018 EcoBoost just be aware of this issue and watch for white smoke or misfiring.
Best used Ford Edge to buy?
The best used Edges are 2009-2010 (first generation sweet spot) 2014 (peak first generation) and 2019-2020 (second generation mature). These years have good reliability scores low complaint rates and reasonable prices. For budget buyers the 2009-2010 models are great value at like 6000 to 10000 bucks. For newer tech and safety the 2019-2020 models are worth the extra money at like 22000 to 30000 bucks. Avoid 2007-2008 2011-2013 2015 and 2016-2017 no matter how cheap they are.