2018 Ford Edge: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 746 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the engine, transmission, and electrical. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2018- Owner complaints
- 746
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes reported
- 16
- 22 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2018 Ford Edge: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/2
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/3
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/3
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/1
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Edge is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2018 Ford Edge. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | AWD, FWD | 23–24 mpg |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | AWD | 20 mpg |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 19–20 mpg |
- The 2018 Ford Edge was sold in three versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Edge that averages well under the EPA 19 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Coolant intrusion into cylinders
50,000–100,000 miles
Rearview camera screen blank
60,000–102,000 miles
Torque converter clutch slipping
60,000–64,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2018 Ford Edge, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Engine469No crashes
Coolant leaks into the cylinders of the 2.0L EcoBoost. This is the dominant complaint by far. The usual first sign is a check engine light with a misfire, a rough start, or coolant that keeps dropping with no puddle under the car. Some owners also report white smoke, overheating, or no cabin heat. A few engines quit at highway speed. Dealers usually call for a full long-block replacement, with quotes as high as $12,000. Failures cluster between about 50,000 and 100,000 miles, and some start earlier. One report is fire-related.
Misfires caused by coolant entering a cylinder are the main pattern here. Cylinder 2 comes up most often. Shops often replace spark plugs or coil packs first, and then the misfire returns. Owners describe rough idle, shaking at startup, white exhaust smoke, milky oil, and overheating. Some engines stall at idle or lose power while driving. Diagnoses include a failed head gasket, a fractured block, and coolant intrusion that requires a new engine. Reported failures run from about 52,000 to 148,000 miles.
Transmission711 crash
Many filings here repeat the engine coolant intrusion problem: misfire codes, coolant loss, and a dealer call for a new engine. Separate transmission complaints describe a slipping torque converter clutch, a wrench light alongside the check engine light, and harsh shifts that slam into gear. That shifting complaint lists 2 injuries. Owners also cite a loud rattle at startup tied to a cracked flexplate under a Ford customer satisfaction program. One crash came from a rollaway with nobody inside, and one new vehicle leaked half-shaft grease.
Electrical301 crash
Batteries go dead overnight. This is the most repeated electrical complaint. Owners go through several batteries, and dealers find no cause. In one fire-related report, the dash lights flickered and smoke came from under the hood. Other reports describe a power liftgate closing on a person and causing injury, doors relocking with the key fob inside, and rearview camera and infotainment screens that go blank or lag. A failed APIM module and water filling the exterior light housings also appear.
Brakes252 crashes
Most of these filings describe a recall repair notice that owners cannot get done because dealers say the parts are not yet available. Owners report few actual brake failures. Those reports describe a stiff or grabbing pedal, a pedal that sinks to the floor, and brakes that quit in a parking lot with a low fluid warning, after which a mechanic replaced the front brake hoses. Two crashes are reported, one after the vehicle slid instead of stopping in heavy traffic. ABS and AdvanceTrac warning lights also appear.
Body and structure16No crashes
The power liftgate drops or closes unexpectedly while people are loading cargo. Owners report blows to the head, back, and wrist, and this category lists 4 injuries. Some gates do not reverse when pushed, and one would not reopen to free a trapped finger. Front doors crack at the door check, sometimes on both sides, and owners say Ford denied coverage. Other complaints cover sunroof glass that cracks or shatters, moonroof trim flying off at speed, rain coming through the overhead lights, and a cracked dashboard near the passenger air bag.
Backup camera15No crashes
The rearview camera shows a blank, black, or white screen in reverse, sometimes with a "Camera not Available" message. Nearly every filing comes from an owner who received a recall notice and is waiting because dealers say the parts are not yet available. Owners say the wait has gone on too long. One owner bumped a parked vehicle's trailer hitch while backing up without the camera. Another says the failure happens only in hot weather. Reported mileages range widely.
Exterior lights13No crashes
The halogen low beams are too dim to light the road at night. This is the most common complaint. Owners say they cannot see center lines in rain or near street lights. Dealers say the lights work as designed, and replacement bulbs do not fix it. Taillights and the liftgate light bar collect water or condensation, which blurs the brake lights. One owner reports a crack in the liftgate light bar with no sign of impact, and another says the spoiler brake light stopped working.
Airbags99 crashes
Frontal air bags fail to deploy in serious crashes. Every complaint in this category involves a crash, and 8 list injuries. Owners describe totaled vehicles from side, head-on, and rear-end impacts where the steering wheel bag stayed put and sometimes only the knee bag fired. Reported injuries include a concussion, stitches, and facial injuries from hitting the wheel. In one case the knee air bag fractured a driver's ankle. A separate report describes bags deploying without warning.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Edge owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
2018 Ford Edge, well maintained, 67k miles. Coolant is leaking into Cylinder 4 through is microhole that can cause the engine to explore. The dealership quoted me nearly $11,000 to fix. The car according to Kelley Blue Book is worth that much. This care should be recalled IMMEDIATELY. There is a class action lawsuit against for for this very problem. It is not safe and ford is totally scamming customers out of money based on a manufacturing defect.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2024
Vehicle was taken in for service after the check engine light illuminated. Upon inspection, it was determined that coolant is leaking into the No. 2 cylinder, requiring a complete engine replacement. This is a serious safety concern, as engine failure can occur without warning. The vehicle is a 2018 model with only 51,159 miles, purchased new from the local Ford dealership, and should not be experiencing a major engine failure at such low mileage.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2025
Ford Edge using coolant, temperature light turning on. Scanner indicates misfiring on cylinder #3. TSB report shows ongoing issue with a cracked cylinder, #3, causing the misfiring and coolant use. Vehicle has only 77K miles on it and maintained by dealership. This is a on going issue that apparently can only be resolved by replacing the engine.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2023
Transmission went to nurteal because it went out at 139k tow to repair shop who stated this the same transmission as escape called ford cs was told there a customer extended warranty placed on my transmission but covered it to 120k I was never notified of this ford said tuff but if it’s the same transmission as escaped they should warranty it
Filed with NHTSA, June 2024
APIM Module needs replacing. Screen keeps going black, does not work after trying to reset. Took to dealer and stated it does not work. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE!! No contols no navigation, cannot adjust heating, defrost and no rearview camera. makes it difficult to drive. Was told screen needs replacing too with this defect. There are many web reports of same issue with ford and they should be responsible for this repair
Filed with NHTSA, January 2023
Driving home from work, I noticed a warning light indicating that the car was overheating. I stopped and realized the coolant tank was empty, so I immediately put some coolant in and continued driving home. The next day, the car wouldn't start, and after I checked the engine oil, it was contaminated with water. I called a Ford dealer for repair, and they don't want to take responsibility.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2025
How the 2018 compares with other Edge years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2018 has the most owner complaints of the 7 Edge years we cover, about 3.7 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Engine46922
- Transmission71102
- Electrical3012
- Brakes251
- Body and structure163
- Backup camera157
Where the 2018 fits in the Edge's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2018 is the fourth model year of the Edge's second generation (2015–2024).
Ford updated the Edge for 2019, so a 2018 does not have those changes.
What changed for 2019 (not on a 2018)
- Revised front grille
- New aluminum-alloy wheel options
- Enhanced exterior and interior color combinations
- New 12-speaker B&O Play surround-sound system
- Improved EPA fuel economy
Recalls to confirm (7)
Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V572000Backup cameraSep 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and May 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.
25V544000BrakesAug 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The rear brake jounce hose may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Risk: A brake fluid leak can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake jounce hoses and adjust brake jounce hoses with no damage present, free of charge. Interim owner letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed September 8, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated April 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S87.
22V413000TransmissionJun 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
20V469000BrakesAug 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture prematurely.
Risk: A ruptured front brake hose will cause a brake fluid leak, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake hoses with the new hoses that have a revised braid material, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S42.
18V612000Door latches and locksSep 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles. These vehicles may have door striker bolts that are shorter than intended. Vehicles with shorter door striker bolts fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components" potentially resulting in the doors opening in the event of a crash.
Risk: If the doors open in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door striker bolts, free of charge. The recall began October 18, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18C06.
18V548000ElectricalAug 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX, 2019 Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. The power supply cables at the starter and the alternator may not have been properly secured, possibly resulting in an electrical arc.
Risk: An electrical arc can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and starter motor power supply cables to verify that they are properly secured, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S25.
18V390000TransmissionJun 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford Edge and 2017 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. On vehicles with 2.0L gas engines and six-speed automatic transmissions, the torque converter weld studs may have been inadequately welded.
Risk: If the torque converter weld studs fail, the torque converter will not be connected to the engine flexplate and the vehicle will lose the ability to move, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque converters, free of charge. The recall began on July 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S16 (S2). Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 17V-427.
Also looking at these instead of a Edge?
Cars shoppers compare with the Ford Edge, with their own 2018 checklists.
2018 owner complaints, side by side
- Nissan Pathfinder74
- Kia Sorento232
- Toyota Highlander242
- Honda Pilot408
- Chevrolet Traverse416
- Hyundai Santa Fe489
- 2018 Ford Edge746
