NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The Accessory Protocol Interface Module may overheat and shut down, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
What the fix does
This page covers 12 recalls, 93 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Ford Edge.
21–24 mpg combined
9.8–11.2 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Transmission behavior is the dominant theme in 2021 Ford Edge complaints. Owners frequently describe delayed engagement when selecting Reverse, with the gear indicator flashing before the transmission actually catches. Beyond that, many report harsh or jerky shifting during both acceleration and deceleration, along with an intermittent shudder that owners notice at various speeds. Some describe a knocking sensation that corresponds directly with throttle input and release. The back-over prevention system, which includes the rear camera and related sensors, generates the second-highest complaint volume, with owners reporting erratic or unreliable behavior from those systems. A smaller cluster of electrical system complaints rounds out the picture. The transmission complaints in particular tend to describe symptoms that come and go rather than a single clean failure, which owners note makes the problem harder to pin down during service visits.
93
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Ford Edge has 12 recalls, the most serious being drivetrain and engine issues that can cause a sudden loss of drive power or vehicle control while moving, raising the risk of a crash. The rear drive unit may lack sufficient lubrication, causing the rear axle to seize and leaving the driver without drive power or directional control. On vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost engine, intake valves can break while driving, leading to engine failure and loss of power.
Two recalls address the driver's seatbelt pretensioner, which may either malfunction or be missing components entirely, preventing it from tightening the belt properly in a crash and raising the risk of injury.
Several recalls cluster around the rearview camera, where software errors or an overheating infotainment module can cause the image to go blank, freeze, or appear distorted when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. Prior repair attempts for some of these camera issues did not fully resolve the problem, which is why multiple rounds of fixes are included in the recall count.
At a glance
What can fail
The Accessory Protocol Interface Module may overheat and shut down, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
What the fix does
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will update the APIM software, or the update will be delivered over the air, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The infotainment system can overheat under certain conditions, which may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying when you shift into reverse.
What the fix does
Ford will send you a letter instructing you to visit a dealership to update the accessory protocol image module software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue may prevent the rearview camera image from appearing or cause it to freeze when you shift into reverse.
What the fix does
Ford will send a wireless software update to your vehicle's SYNC system, or you can schedule a dealership appointment for the update.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
What the fix does
The accessory protocol interface module software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A previous recall repair may not have been completed correctly on your vehicle. Additionally, a software issue could cause your rearview camera to show a blank or distorted image.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you instructions to take your vehicle to a dealership, where technicians will update the SYNC 4 module software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank or distorted image when the vehicle is in reverse.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the rearview camera software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Engine intake valves may break during driving, potentially causing the engine to fail and loss of driving power.
What the fix does
Dealers will test the engine and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue may cause the rearview camera to show a blank or distorted image instead of a clear view.
What the fix does
Ford will send a wireless software update to your vehicle or you can schedule a dealer appointment for the update.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank or distorted image when the vehicle is in reverse.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the rearview camera software free of charge, or the update will be delivered over-the-air to your vehicle.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's seat belt pretensioner may be missing internal components, which could prevent it from tightening properly during a crash.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you instructions to visit a dealer, who will replace your driver's seat belt retractor and pretensioner assembly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's seat belt retractor pretensioner may malfunction during a crash, potentially failing to properly tighten the belt and protect the occupant.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's seat belt retractor pretensioner assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear drive unit may not have enough lubricant, which can cause the rear drive axle to seize and stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will check the rear drive unit lubricant level and refill it to full, or replace the axle if lubricant is below minimum.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
