Last updated: 2026-05-13

2021 Ford Edge
RELIABILITY SCORE: 69/100 (GOOD)

2021 Ford Edge Reliability Report

The 2021 Ford Edge scores 69/100 ("Good"). With 7 recalls and 92 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

7

Complaints

92

Complaint Rate

10.8per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$611

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,500–$2,850

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity65/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact63/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity83/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • POWER TRAIN (26)
  • BACK OVER PREVENTION (16)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

2021 is 2 years after the 2019 facelift refresh.

  • Year 7 in the Second generation (CD539; 2015) (2015–2024).
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • 2nd generation Edge (US).

What this means for buyers

Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.

2015: Second generation (CD539; 2015) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2019: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2021: This Model Year

2021 is 2 years after the 2019 facelift refresh.

Should You Buy the 2021 Ford Edge?

At 69/100, the 2021 Ford Edge lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2021 is 2 years after the 2019 facelift refresh.

Owners log 92 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to power train (26). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2022 Ford Edge, which scored the same. See also the 2020 Ford Edge for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
  • +5-star NHTSA crash rating

Cons

  • Above-average recall count
  • POWER TRAIN: Transmission shuddering, jerking, and hesitation during acceleration (26 complaints)
  • BACK OVER PREVENTION issues reported (16 complaints)
  • 1 fire incident reported in owner complaints

Compare 2021 Ford Edge With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 7 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • POWER TRAIN (26)
  • BACK OVER PREVENTION (16)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

7

recalls on record

The 2021 Ford Edge has 7 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

10.8

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 17.5

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

3

Crashes

1

Fires

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2021 Ford Edge Recall Details

7 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Ford Edge. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

26V1240002026-03-03

BACK OVER PREVENTION

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.

Consequence

A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

25V3150002025-05-14

BACK OVER PREVENTION

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.

Consequence

A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

25V1600002025-03-14

BACK OVER PREVENTION

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2021 Ford Edge? Check its history first

Every 2021 Ford Edge has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2021 Ford Edge NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 15.5%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (None)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Ford EdgeRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$611

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

Ford Edge Resale Value

The Ford Edge is estimated to retain about 57.3% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.

This benchmark covers the Ford Edge model overall and is not specific to the 2021 model year.

Value Retained
57.3%

after 5 years

Depreciation
42.7%

over the same period

Listings Analyzed
323

U.S. used-car listings

Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.

Explore Ford Edge depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.com

2021 Ford Edge Example Repair Prices

National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.

Common repair costs and price estimates
RepairEstimated Cost
Cabin Air Filter Replacement$60 – $81
Oil Pressure Sensor Replacement$173 – $224
Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir Replacement$324 – $420
OBDII Drive Cycle Test$61 – $90
Emission System Diagnosis & Testing$61 – $90
Noise Diagnosis$122 – $179
Pre-Purchase Car Inspection$183 – $269
Head Gasket Replacement$2,855 – $3,801
Exhaust Manifold Gasket Replacement$431 – $614
HVAC Blend Door Actuator Replacement$195 – $241

Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

21–24 MPG

Running cost: $3,100–$3,450/yr

Fuel + repair

19–21 city / 25–29 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Edge FWD 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd212924$2,500
Edge AWD 2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)202823$2,600
Edge AWD 2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd212823$2,600
Edge AWD 2.7L 6-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)192521$2,850

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Ford Edge.

  • Test transmission for shuddering and jerking at 30-40 mph

  • Check rearview camera for blank or distorted images

  • Inspect brake system for delayed response or ABS issues

  • Verify infotainment system functionality and screen responsiveness

  • Ensure torque converter is functioning without hesitation or noise

  • Confirm all seat belts latch and extend properly

  • Check for any unresolved recall repairs, especially related to the APIM module

2021 Ford Edge Common Problems by Component

92 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

26
16
11
10
18
POWER TRAIN (26)BACK OVER PREVENTION (16)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (11)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10)VISIBILITY (4)SERVICE BRAKES (3)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)SUSPENSION (2)Other (18)

POWER TRAIN

26 complaints

Owners report frequent issues with the power train of the 2021 Ford Edge, primarily involving transmission shuddering, jerking, and hesitation during acceleration. Complaints commonly describe these symptoms occurring around 30-40 mph and often note that the problems persist despite attempts at repairs, such as reprogramming the PCM or replacing the torque converter. Many issues appear to arise between 70,000 to 118,000 miles, with some transmission failures occurring even earlier. Safety concerns are highlighted, with instances of unintended gear shifts and loss of motive power, posing potential risks of loss of control. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission issues and the associated repair costs.

26 complaints total

BACK OVER PREVENTION

16 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Ford Edge frequently report issues with the rearview camera, including intermittent blank screens and distorted images when the vehicle is in reverse. These problems often occur alongside failures of the infotainment screen, which may glitch or go blank, sometimes while driving. Complaints suggest these issues typically arise around 15,000 to 60,000 miles. No crashes or other safety incidents are reported, but the inability to reliably view the rear camera can increase the risk of a back-over incident. Many owners experience delays in recall repairs due to parts unavailability, which could be a consideration for potential buyers.

16 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

11 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Ford Edge frequently report issues related to the APIM module, affecting the rear-view camera, Bluetooth, GPS, and infotainment system, with some mentioning unresolved recall repairs causing prolonged dealership visits. Complaints commonly describe malfunctions with the camera systems, including black screens and intermittent failures, particularly after recall updates. Transmission problems are also noted, with reports of slipping occurring within two years of ownership. Safety implications are evident as one report involves a crash where the forward collision avoidance feature allegedly failed, and another describes a vehicle fire linked to brake issues. The mileage at which these issues occur varies, with some reported as early as 4,500 miles.

11 complaints total1 crash1 fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

10 complaints

Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2021 Ford Edge, primarily involving screen malfunctions and sensor problems. Complaints frequently mention the infotainment screen going black or freezing, affecting the use of cameras and GPS, often requiring costly repairs. Additionally, multiple owners describe issues with the crash sensor and cruise control, including fractured sensor brackets and intermittent sensor warnings. These problems appear at varying mileages, with some reported as early as 10,000 miles. Safety implications include potential loss of critical safety features like collision avoidance systems and unpredictable vehicle behavior, such as unintended acceleration when reversing.

10 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Ford Edge report issues with the service brakes, including slow brake response and brake system failure. Multiple complaints describe symptoms such as delayed stopping, failure of the ABS system to engage, and loose brake components, with one report indicating a crash due to brake failure on slick roads. These issues appear in vehicles with mileage as low as 25,000 miles and even in a two-week-old vehicle. Safety implications are significant, as the failure to stop effectively can lead to collisions, as evidenced by the reported crash. Potential buyers should be aware of these brake-related concerns, especially given reports of parts shortages for necessary repairs.

3 complaints total1 crash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Ford Edge report issues related to the vehicle's transmission, specifically mentioning jerking, shuddering, and hesitation during acceleration. These symptoms are attributed to problems with the torque converter and have led to diagnoses that recommend replacing or rebuilding the transmission. Complaints typically arise around the 71,000-mile mark, with one owner noting the need for significant transmission repairs within four years of ownership. Safety concerns are highlighted as the hesitation in gear shifting raises the risk of rear-end collisions. Buyers of used 2021 Ford Edge models should be aware of these transmission issues and consider the potential for costly repairs.

2 complaints total
LANE DEPARTURE (2 complaints)

LANE DEPARTURE

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Ford Edge report issues with the lane keeping assistance feature. One complaint describes a situation where the system attempted to correct the vehicle's path during snowy conditions, leading to a loss of control and a crash into a utility pole. This incident suggests a potential safety risk when the feature is used in adverse weather, as the system may not respond appropriately to road conditions. No specific mileage range is mentioned, but the presence of a crash highlights a significant safety implication for potential buyers to consider, particularly in regions with frequent snow or ice.

2 complaints total1 crash
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

2 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Ford Edge report issues with seat belts, specifically mentioning problems with jamming and failure to latch. One complaint describes seat belts that are jammed and will not extend, alongside an unrelated issue of the electric component of the chair moving independently. Another report highlights a front passenger seat belt that fails to latch, with the owner noting the vehicle's mileage at approximately 85,000. These complaints suggest potential safety concerns due to seat belts not functioning correctly, which could impact occupant safety in the event of an accident. Buyers should be aware of these issues, especially in higher mileage vehicles, as parts may be on backorder, delaying repairs.

2 complaints total
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Ford Edge report issues related to engine misfires and excessive coolant consumption, often linked to coolant intrusion in cylinder #3 and head gasket leaks. Symptoms include engine misfires upon starting and, in one case, a complete vehicle stall while driving at 60 MPH due to a fractured serpentine belt. These issues have been observed at unknown mileages and as early as approximately 8,000 miles. Safety implications include potential vehicle stalling, which may pose risks if occurring at high speeds. Buyers should be aware of these reported engine issues when considering a used 2021 Ford Edge.

2 complaints total
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

2 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Ford Edge report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, specifically related to the front camera malfunctioning after a software update intended for the rear camera. Complaints frequently mention that the front camera stops working following the update, which was performed as part of a recall. The timeline for these issues often begins shortly after the update, with one owner stating the vehicle was unusable for nearly a month as the problem remained unresolved. Safety implications are noted, as the malfunctioning front camera affects the ability to see obstacles ahead, potentially increasing the risk of collisions. This information is particularly relevant for potential buyers considering a used 2021 Ford Edge, as it highlights a recurring issue with the forward collision system that may impact vehicle safety.

2 complaints total

When Do 2021 Ford Edge Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

70,000–118,000 milesTransmission shudder
15,000–60,000 milesRearview camera failures
25,000–30,000 milesBrake system failures

Best & Worst Ford Edge Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Ford Edge Years to Buy

The best Ford Edge year is 2024 with a reliability score of 76/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2023 (74/100) and 2022 (69/100).

Ford Edge Years to Avoid

The worst Ford Edge year is 2018 with a score of 57/100, primarily due to engine (315) issues.

Ford Edge Reliability Score Trend

Ford Edge reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 72/100 compared to 60/100 for older years.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Ford Edge reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201857/100Mixed
201960/100Good
202064/100Good
202169/100Good
202269/100Good
202374/100Good
202476/100Good

Ford Edge Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202476/100+2Good238
202374/100+5Good416
202269/1000Good5113
2021(selected)69/100+5Good792
202064/100+4Good4272
201960/100+3Good3687
201857/100Mixed7746

2021 Ford Edge Common Questions

10 questions from 2021 Ford Edge owners.

temporary shaking and check engine light on for brief period

shaking and check engine light on for brief period, now is fine, no shaking and engine light is off....what should I do at this point Started today

VisitorMar 31, 2026

Heater only blows hot when on high

Heater only works on high temp

VisitorMar 16, 2026

Charging

My very dead battery is on charger and the parking lights are flashing quickly - why?

VisitorMar 5, 2026

Brakes

When I step on the brakes sometimes it makes a loud beeping noise. What is that? More than a month

VisitorJul 31, 2025

Leak on the rear drivers side

Leaking coming from breaks in rear drivers side 1

VisitorJul 23, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Ford Edge reliable?
The 2021 Ford Edge has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 69/100. It is reasonably reliable with 7 recalls and 92 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Edge?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 Ford Edge include: POWER TRAIN (26 complaints), BACK OVER PREVENTION (16 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (11 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10 complaints), VISIBILITY (4 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Edge have?
The 2021 Ford Edge has 7 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2021 Ford Edge expensive to maintain?
The 2021 Ford Edge should have average maintenance costs for its class. With a reliability score of 69/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2021 Ford Edge without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

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Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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