In this thorough guide, I’ll break down all Ford Edge generations, revealing the best years for Ford Edge to buy and the worst Ford Edge years to avoid.
With extensive research from credible sources like NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and VehicleHistory, I’ll provide all the necessary information about Ford Edge’s everyday issues and standout features for potential buyers and enthusiasts alike.
As we go deeper, you’ll discover specifics about different model years, from Ford Edge’s joint owner complaints and recalls to advancements and reliability scores.
Let’s dive right in.
Table of ContentsShow
Ford Edge Generations
The Ford Edge, a mid-sized SUV, debuted in 2006 as a 2007 model. Marking Ford’s venture into the crossover SUV market, this five-seater vehicle quickly caught attention due to its modern design and V6 engine that delivered a promising performance.
Below is a table showcasing its generations from its inception in 2007 to the present day:
| Generation | Best Years |
|---|---|
| 1st generation (U387) | 2007-2014 |
| 2nd generation (CD4) | 2015-Present |
Recognizing the generational shifts and their characteristics could be crucial when deciding on a particular Ford Edge year or model.
Ford Edge Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
Our evaluations of the best and worst Ford Edge years are based on a comprehensive range of factors, including but not limited to:
- Owner-reported reliability (surveys)
- Annual maintenance costs
- Safety ratings
- Consumer Reports reliability scores
- Consumer Reports owner satisfaction scores
- NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints
- Edmunds owner ratings
- JD Power owner ratings
- Kelley’s Blue Book (KBB) owner ratings
- VehicleHistory owner ratings
- Cars.com owner ratings
The subsequent graph presents combined ratings from the sources mentioned above.
Here is a table breaking down our categorizations for Ford Edge’s top, neutral, and worst years.
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st generation (U387) | 2009 2010 2014 | 2008 | 2007 2011 2012 2013 |
| 2nd generation (CD4) | 2019 2020 2022 2023 2024 | 2018 | 2015 2016 2017 2021 |
“Neutral Years” reflects a balanced blend of pros and cons and represents a reliable middle ground.
Notably, some influencing factors, such as NHTSA recalls, cast a shadow over a model’s reliability. A higher frequency of recalls and owner complaints correlates with diminished reliability.
Let’s explore the specifications of the Ford Edge’s best, neutral, and worst years.
Best & Worst Years for Ford Edge 1st Generation (2007-2014)
Introduced in late 2006 for the 2007 model year, Ford Edge’s first generation significantly impacted the midsized SUV segment.
The first year of this generation – 2007 and the initial cosmetic touch-up years – 2011, 2012, and 2013 are the Ford Edge years to avoid, while 2009, 2010, and 2014 are Ford Edge’s finest years for this generation.
The Best Years: 2009, 2010, 2014
With comparatively few NHTSA-reported owner complaints and recalls, 2009, 2010, and 2014 are the finest Ford Edge years of the first generation.
The 2009 Ford Edge had several engine options, including the powerful 3.5L Duratec V6 engine paired with a six-speed 6F50 automatic transmission, providing a reasonable fuel economy at 14 mpg for the city and 29 mpg for highway driving.
The SEL and Limited trims were trendy regarding trim levels, offering advanced infotainment features, premium interiors, and additional safety tech like Ford’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS).
However, the 2010 model, while still being counted among the best years, had some reports of brake issues, specifically a brake pedal that was hard to press.
The 2014 Ford Edge notably received elevated ratings from platforms like J.D. Power, VehicleHistory, and Cars.com.
Its dependability ratings were significantly better than in previous years, boasting advancements like enhanced adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, and improved infotainment interfaces.
The Neutral Years: 2008
The 2008 Ford Edge, generally receiving favorable feedback on platforms like Edmunds and J.D. Power, had its problems.
It continued with the 3.5L V6 engine and offered various trim levels, including the SE, SEL, and Limited.
However, it grappled with challenges like electrical system issues, transmission concerns, and the infamous water pump leaks that troubled its predecessor, the 2007 Ford Edge.
Despite these issues, innovative features, including introducing Ford’s SYNC system in the higher trims and enhancements in safety tech, kept it from being categorized among the worst years.
The Worst Years: 2007, 2011, 2012, 2013
What years should you stay away from a Ford Edge? 2007, 2011, 2012, and especially 2013 are the worst Ford Edge years you should stay away from. Here is why:
The 2007 Ford Edge owners experienced issues with the electrical system glitches, troubling transmission behaviors like shuddering and clunking, and a leaking water pump, which led to complications such as antifreeze mixing with oil.
Some owner complaints necessitated recalls, notably concerning leaking fuel tanks prompted by corrosion.
The 2011 Ford Edge, although presenting a fresh facelift, was inundated with complaints, predominantly surrounding electrical issues such as a faulty door ajar sensor. Owners also reported engine stalling and persistent transmission problems.
Recalls plagued the 2012 Ford Edge. These included risks surrounding fuel leaks for those equipped with the 2.0L engine and improperly installed half shaft retention circlips, compromising motive power.
Was 2013 a poor year for Ford Edge? Not! It has the greatest number of NHTSA-reported owner complaints around various electrical, engine, transmission, structural, and brake issues.
See NHTSA 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013 Ford Edge recalls and complaints.
Best & Worst Years for Ford Edge 2nd Generation (2015-Present)
Launched in 2015, the 2nd generation Ford Edge came forth with a promise to redefine the midsized SUV segment with its modern design aesthetics and revamped technology suite.
Facelift years – 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024 are undeniably the best and most reliable Ford Edge years, while 2015, 2016, and 2017 are the Ford Edge years to avoid in this generation.
The Best Years: 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024
Which Ford Edge year is the most reliable? 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, and the latest 2024 are Ford Edge’s best years in this generation, with excellent ratings from VehicleHistory, Consumer Reports, and Cars.com.
The 2019 Ford Edge, following a significant facelift, was a remarkable leap with engine options like the 2.0L EcoBoost I-4 and the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 for the sporty ST model.
The 8-speed automatic transmission introduced this year ensured smoother rides.
Trim levels such as the Titanium and ST brought forward advanced technological features like the Ford Co-Pilot360 – a suite of advanced safety tech including lane-keeping assist and pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking.
Including an improved infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, it further enhanced user experience.
Enhanced interior features, options for adaptive cruise control with lane centering, and evasive steering assist became hallmarks of the 2020 Ford Edge.
Furthermore, by 2022, Ford’s dedication to innovation was evident with features like a hands-free tailgate, wireless charging, and additional enhancements to the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite.
The 2023 and 2024 models, while building on the tradition of their predecessors, showcased enhancements in fuel efficiency, boasting numbers like 15 mpg for city and 31 mpg for highway driving.
The Neutral Years: 2018
The 2018 Ford Edge, serving as a transitional model before the 2019 facelift, was praiseworthy in its offerings.
Engine options remained steady with its predecessors, and trim levels like SE, SEL, Titanium, and Sport offered a range of features for buyers.
Introducing the SEL Sport Appearance Package, offering a stylish appeal with dark accents and a refined interior, was a highlight.
While the model received acclaim for its comfortable interiors and infotainment upgrades, it also faced some recalls.
Among the significant concerns were detached shift cables, potentially causing unintended gear shifts, and front brake hoses that could rupture.
The Worst Years: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2021
Pre-facelift years – 2015, 2016, and 2017, as well as 2021, are the Ford Edge years to evade.
The 2015 Ford Edge was plagued with significant engine problems. Reports of coolant leaking into the cylinders, which led to hefty repair bills and total engine failures, were frequent.
Additionally, steering and brake issues further marred its reputation. These issues continued to haunt the 2016 and 2017 Ford Edge models.
Recalls were plentiful, with detached shift cables causing potential rollaway, rupturing front brake hoses, and concerns about the steering gear motor detachment leading to the most extreme loss of power steering assistance.
The 2021 Ford Edge, unfortunately, could not rise to the high standards set by its immediate successors. Despite modern upgrades and tech features, it received considerably lower ratings on platforms like J.D. Power, VehicleHistory, and Consumer Reports.
The exact reasons varied, but many attributed it to quality control lapses and recurring mechanical problems from earlier years.
See NHTSA 2015, 2016, 2017 Ford Edge recalls and complaints.
Ford Edge Average Resale Values
Below, we’ve charted the Ford Edge’s average resale values over the years.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our in-depth exploration of the Ford Edge, it’s evident that 2019-2024 and 2014 models are the Ford Edge’s best years and are the ones that we recommend due to their reliability and features.
Based on our findings, which year of the Ford Edge would you individually consider for purchase and why?
Share your insights or experiences with the Ford Edge in the comments below!
