2021 Ford Edge Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Camera, steering, airbag & structure issues are among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

The 2021 Ford Edge is known for being a family-friendly SUV that fits a tight budget. The automaker claims it is “impressive at every turn.” However, automotive enthusiasts have been vocal about some shortcomings with the model, from the malfunctioning camera and defective steering to the poorly-built structure and failing airbags.

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NHTSA Complaints for the 2021 Ford Edge

Complaint CategoryNumber of Complaints
Unknown Or Other
6
Electrical System
3
Power Train
3
Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly
3
Forward Collision Avoidance: Sensing System: Camera
2
Service Brakes
2
Visibility/wiper
2
Air Bags
1
Back Over Prevention
1
Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking
1

Camera Problems

Since March 2022, there have been 6 complaints to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about camera issues. There is even a recall that potentially affects as many as 78,376 2021-2022 Ford Edge vehicles. This states that a software error may cause the rear view camera to display a blank or distorted image when the vehicle is in reverse. Their warning is that this increases the risk of a crash.

There are also three technical service bulletins from Ford to dealerships relating to various issues. The first, in August 2021 announces the availability of software for “contrast improvements to the analog rear view camera.”  The second in February 2022 suggests that poor circuit connections may be causing problems. The most recent, in June 2022 announces that faulty software is preventing the front camera from turning back on. An over the air (OTA) software update is expected to be released in September 2022.

Camera Complaints (NHTSA)

The first complaint was from an owner in New York who stated simply: “The main screen just goes blank or partially corrupted, so I have no access to the rear camera or main controls on the panel.”

Another lengthy complaint describes in detail the problems experienced while trying to get the camera to work. The irony is that these problems only arose after a camera system update was installed. Three more complaints echo this problem.

An owner from Texas states: “On April 26, 2022 the dealer performed the recall (Ford 22S!4) a software fix to correct a rear camera problem, I was NOT experiencing on my 2021 Ford Edge ST. It took the entire day to do the procedure.” After getting the car back there were what seemed to be temporary problems. But the main issue was that the front camera wasn’t operating as designed. “I brought the vehicle back to the dealer on May 3 2022, and as of the date of this communication, May 27, 2022 they have not been able to correct the problem. I will be without use of the vehicle for one month as of May 31, 2022.”

An owner from Ohio states: “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 7 MPH for corners or (for) parking.”

An owner from Idaho states: “Ford recently responded to a recall concerning the back up camera, and updated the software package. Since that time, the forward camera no longer works. The camera is used daily for parking purposes.”

Problems with the Airbags

Airbags are supposed to be a life saver in the event of an accident. So it is a serious safety issue when they don’t deploy on impact in an accident.

The wife of a 2021 Ford Edge owner was driving 35 MPH when a vehicle abruptly stopped in front of her which caused her to rear-end the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. Neither of them was injured in the accident, but they filed a police report.

“The contact arrived at the scene, tied a strap to the hood of the vehicle, and drove the vehicle home. The contact stated that the forward collision avoidance feature failed to operate as needed on the vehicle. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a dealer where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer had been notified and offered no assistance in relation to the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 400.”

Steering Problems

As a smaller SUV, the Edge should be nimble on the road, easy to maneuver, but that’s not the case. Even the biggest critics are downing the Edge’s steering system.

Here is what Car Indigo had to say, “However, we found the steering to be a bit low on feel and feedback.”

Considering the 2021 Ford Edge didn’t receive any mechanical upgrades from the 2020 models, it’s expected to have the same level of craftsmanship. The 2020 Edge suffered from numerous recalls, such as the inadequate rear lubrication that can lead to the loss of vehicle control and the missing bolts on the start/stop accumulator that are leading to a transmission fluid leak. With defects as glaring as these in previous models, it’s only a matter of time before the 2021 Edge shows its true colors too. It’s truly going to be “impressive at every turn.”

Problems with the Structure

The structure of the 2021 Ford Edge did receive some upgrades that were meant to impress, but that hasn’t happened.

In fact, Car and Driver states, “Cabin fit-and-finish needs polish, nondescript handling, rival SUVs look and feel fresher.”

Again, Ford hasn’t had a strong reputation for building quality vehicles lately. As an example, look at the class action lawsuit from a few years ago that showed some Edge models had a defective door latch assembly that was creating false “door ajar” alarms to go off. Not only did this defect keep the doors from locking, but it also drained the battery in the Ford SUVs. If things continue as they have, Ford is preparing for more lawsuits in the future, as it doesn’t seem that much more effort was put into building the newer Edge lineup. Maybe it should be known as “disappointing at every turn” instead.

A recent complaint to the NHTSA reports an injury caused by the hatchback door striking her on the head. The owner was taking items in and out of the trunk when the hatchback door closed on its own. This happened on four separate occasions when there was only about 500 miles on the clock.

She took the car to the dealer where “unknown software was reprogrammed. However, the failure persisted.”

Your Lemon Law Legal Rights

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Ford pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.

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Brian Jones

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

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