2021 Ford Edge: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 92 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the transmission, backup camera, and electrical. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2021- Owner complaints
- 92
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes reported
- 3
- 1 injury
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2021 Ford Edge: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/5
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 2021 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 | 21 mpg |
- The 2021 Ford Edge was sold in two 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 21 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.
Transmission shudder and failure
99,000–118,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Ford Edge, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Transmission26No crashes
Shuddering, jerking and hesitation under acceleration lead these reports, usually below 50 mph. Owners also describe harsh or slipping shifts and sputtering when pulling away from a stop. Dealers often blame the torque converter in the 8F35 automatic. Some cars suffer full transmission failure, including grinding clutch debris, and one rebuilt unit brought the symptoms back. Several failures show up just past the factory warranty and others between 99,000 and 118,000 miles, with repair quotes of $5,200 to $8,000+. A few owners say the car shifted into gear on its own. One got an "AWD temporarily disabled" warning that was traced to the rear differential.
Backup camera16No crashes
The rearview camera goes blank, shows a distorted image or says it is unavailable when the car is put in reverse. The fault comes and goes, so dealers sometimes find nothing wrong. Most of these filings, however, are about waiting for a recall repair. Owners report parts that are not yet available, dealers stalled by missing codes or configuration data, and VINs that drop off the recall list. Several also say the front camera stopped working after an over-the-air camera update.
Electrical10No crashes
A center screen that freezes or goes black is the most common complaint. It takes the cameras, navigation and alerts down with it, and one owner paid $1,500 to replace the computer behind it. Another pattern is a crash sensor warning that also disables adaptive cruise and pre-collision assist. Dealers blame a fractured sensor bracket and refuse warranty coverage. Some owners say the front camera failed after a rear-camera update. Serious single reports include a stall while driving after a "Key Not Detected" message and a car that rolled forward with reverse selected.
Wipers and visibility6No crashes
Most of these reports describe the sunroof glass shattering while driving with no impact, dropping glass into the cabin. It has happened at speeds from 5 to 45 mph. One car had about 800 miles and another about 50,000, so the failure does not track with age. No injuries are reported. In a separate report, the passenger-side mirror came off while the car was traveling at 50-55 mph.
This category holds two separate problems. In one, the front camera stops working after a software update for the backup camera, and the owner relies on it daily for parking. In the other, the sunroof glass shattered suddenly at 25 mph and sent shards through the cabin. That matches the sunroof failures filed under the visibility category.
Brakes31 crash
These reports describe brakes that respond slowly or not at all. In one crash report, the brakes and ABS failed on a slick downhill, the car hit a guard rail, and the brake warning came on only after impact. Another owner's slow stops were traced to a failed brake booster at 25,000 miles, and the replacement part was on back order. A third describes shaking and thumping in a nearly new car, caused by a loose rear caliper.
Lane keeping21 crash
The concern here is lane keeping assistance steering against the driver. In one crash report, the driver steered around a snow drift and the system pulled the car back toward the ditch side of the lane. The driver then lost control and hit a utility pole. The other filing describes no lane-keeping fault. It is a dispute with the selling dealer over a certified pre-owned purchase that broke down right after the sale.
Seat belts2No crashes
Both reports involve seat belts that jam or will not latch. In one, the belts stick in the retractor and a power seat moves on its own. In the other, the front passenger belt stopped latching at about 85,000 miles, and the car stayed unrepaired because the part was on backorder. Two reports do not make a broad pattern. Either fault, though, leaves a seat without a working restraint.
Acceleration and cruise control2No crashes
Both reports describe jerking, shuddering and hesitation when pulling away or accelerating, the same transmission behavior seen in the power train complaints. One case was diagnosed as a failed torque converter. In the other, a coolant flush did not help, and at 71k miles a shop said the transmission needed replacing or rebuilding for at least $7k. Owners worry about being rear-ended when the car is slow to go into gear.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Edge owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Car passed 100,000 and at 104,000 I got a "Service Car Soon" warning with a wrench. About a mile later, the RPMs started revving hard (at 6) so I slowed to 60 mph getting it to 4 RPMs. I drove maybe 100-150 more miles when it died at the Denver Int'l Airport. After hauling it back to Oklahoma, the Kissee Ford dealer in Claremore said that the transmission was blown.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2024
Transmission has gone out with just over 100,000 and will cost $8,000+ to fix! Vehicle is binding/jerking when trying to drive. Online comments appear to indicate Ford is aware of an issue with this vehicle, seems it was not manufactured properly to begin with and consumers were taken advantage of and left in tough circumstances when it fails.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2026
After over the air update to fix rear camera issues the front camera does not operate. The camera is used when operating at slow speeds. When the button is pushed the camera does not come on.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2022
Reverse camera saying not available when car is put in reverse. There is an update for the 2021 backup camera. My VIN is apparently not on that even though it is a 2021 Edge.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2024
After the over-the-air update due to the rear-camera recall, the front-facing camera no longer works after approximately 15 seconds of the car being turned on. Turn on car: front camera is fine. 15 seconds: front camera no longer turns on It is supposed to be operational under 7MPH for corners or parking.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2022
How the 2021 compares with other Edge years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2021 ranks fifth for owner complaints among 7 Edge years, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Transmission26110
- Backup camera167
- Electrical1015
- Wipers and visibility62
- Brakes35
- Lane keeping20
Where the 2021 fits in the Edge's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2021 is the seventh model year of the Edge's second generation (2015–2024).
It includes the 2019 update.
What changed for 2019
- 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.
26V124000Backup cameraMar 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Ford Bronco and 2021-2024 Ford Edge vehicles. The Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) may overheat and shutdown, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended.
Risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: The APIM software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S09. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
25V315000Backup cameraMay 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.
25V160000Backup cameraMar 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Edge vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 22V-151. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank or distorted image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S28.
24V635000EngineAug 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.
22V151000Backup cameraMar 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Edge vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank or distorted image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: The rearview camera software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S14.
21V377000Seat beltsMay 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Edge vehicles. The driver's seat belt retractor pretensioner assembly may not function correctly when activated during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection.".
Risk: A seatbelt assembly that does not function as intended can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the driver's seat belt retractor pretensioner assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 15, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C13.
21V011000TransmissionJan 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Edge, 2020 Lincoln Nautilus and Ford Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair and Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. An inadequate amount of lubricant in the rear drive unit may cause seizure of the rear drive axle.
Risk: If the rear drive unit seizes, there may be a loss of drive and/or a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the rear drive unit lubricant level. Axles found to have lubricant at the minimum level will be filled to the full level. Axles found to be below the minimum lubricant fill level will be replaced, free of charge. This recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S02.
Also looking at these instead of a Edge?
Cars shoppers compare with the Ford Edge, with their own 2021 checklists.
2021 owner complaints, side by side
- Chevrolet Traverse72
- 2021 Ford Edge92
- Hyundai Santa Fe165
- Kia Sorento217
- Honda Pilot358
- Toyota Highlander403
- Volkswagen Atlas540
