2016 Ford Edge Safety Report

2016 Ford Edge: Excellent Crash Ratings Mask Significant Engine, Brake, and Steering Reliability Issues with Multiple Recalls

838Complaints
7Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
45/100Reliability Score
17Crash Reports
3Fire Reports
19Injuries
Most reported components: Engine (225)Steering (80)Engine And Engine Cooling (73)Service Brakes (65)Power Train (43)Unknown Or Other (39)Visibility/Wiper (23)Service Brakes, Hydraulic (22)Service Brakes, Hydraulic,Service Brakes (19)Structure (18)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Ford Edge

The 2016 Ford Edge presents a mixed safety picture. While it achieved excellent crash test ratings from NHTSA, scoring 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover, its complaint and recall history reveal significant safety concerns. With 838 total complaints, including 17 crashes, 3 fires, and 19 injuries, there are clear patterns of issues that could compromise vehicle safety. The most frequently reported component is the ENGINE (225 complaints), followed by STEERING (80 complaints) and ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (73 complaints). Many engine complaints detail coolant intrusion leading to engine failure, a severe issue. The vehicle has been subject to 7 recalls, addressing critical safety components. These include recalls for 'BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA' due to inverted or blank images, 'SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC' for rupturing rear and front brake hoses that can extend stopping distances, and 'POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION' for a shifter cable bushing that can prevent proper gear engagement. Other recalls cover 'STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM' for potential loss of power steering, 'AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE' for improper deployment, and 'SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP' for ESC malfunctions. The high number of complaints related to brakes and steering directly correlates with these recalls, indicating widespread issues. Several complaints highlight delays in recall repairs due to parts unavailability, leaving owners with known safety defects. The combination of high complaint volume, particularly for critical systems like the engine and brakes, and a substantial number of recalls, suggests that while the vehicle performs well in controlled crash tests, its long-term reliability and component integrity are questionable. The engine coolant intrusion issue, leading to engine replacement in some cases, is a particularly severe and recurring problem not directly covered by a recall for this specific defect, despite numerous complaints.

Reliability Score

The 2016 Ford Edge receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2016 Ford Edge

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Ford Edge:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Coolant Intrusion
Coolant leaks into engine cylinders, often leading to misfires, low coolant levels, and eventually requiring full engine replacement. This is a known issue with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine.		 High Common 70000-90000 miles
Brake Hose Rupture
Front and/or rear brake jounce hoses can rupture, causing a sudden loss of brake fluid and significantly extended stopping distances, increasing crash risk. Subject to multiple recalls (NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V544000, 25V572000).		 High Common variable miles
Rearview Camera Malfunction
Rearview camera displays inverted, distorted, or blank images, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash while backing up. Subject to recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000).		 Medium Common variable miles
Loss Of Power Steering Assist
Corrosion of bolts can cause the steering gear motor to detach, resulting in a sudden loss of power steering assist and requiring greater effort to steer. Subject to recall.		 High Occasional variable miles
Shifter Cable Bushing Failure
The bushing attaching the shifter cable can fail, preventing the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear and potentially causing unexpected movement. Subject to recall.		 High Occasional variable miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Ford Edge:

Engine 26% of complaints

Frequent complaints about engine failure, misfires, and coolant intrusion, often leading to costly engine replacements.

Steering 9% of complaints

Issues with power steering assist loss and general steering malfunctions, including a recall for corroding steering gear motor bolts.

Engine And Engine Cooling 8% of complaints

Specific complaints related to coolant leaks, low coolant levels, and the 'waterfall sound' indicating air in the cooling system, often linked to engine coolant intrusion.

Service Brakes 7% of complaints

Numerous reports of brake failure, extended stopping distances, and ruptured brake hoses, leading to multiple recalls.

Power Train 5% of complaints

Complaints about transmission shuddering, hard shifting, and loss of acceleration, alongside a recall for shifter cable bushing failure.

Back Over Prevention 2% of complaints

Issues with the rearview camera displaying incorrect or blank images, a common complaint and subject of a recall.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Ford Edge

Is the 2016 Ford Edge safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Ford Edge received excellent 5-star crash test ratings across the board, including overall, frontal, and side impacts, with a 4-star rollover rating. However, it has a high number of owner complaints (838 total) and 7 safety recalls addressing critical issues like brake failure, steering loss, and engine problems. While it performs well in crash tests, its reliability and component integrity are concerning due to these widespread issues and recalls.

What are common problems with the 2016 Ford Edge?

The most reported issues for the 2016 Ford Edge are related to the ENGINE (225 complaints), often involving coolant intrusion leading to engine failure. Other common problems include STEERING issues (80 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (65 complaints) with reports of hose ruptures, and POWER TRAIN issues (43 complaints) like transmission shuddering. The rearview camera also has frequent malfunctions.

How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Edge have?

The 2016 Ford Edge has 7 safety recalls issued by NHTSA. These recalls address significant safety concerns such as rupturing brake hoses, loss of power steering assist, shifter cable bushing failure, rearview camera malfunctions, and issues with the driver's frontal airbag and electronic stability control.

Are there engine problems with the 2016 Ford Edge?

Yes, engine problems are the most frequently reported issue for the 2016 Ford Edge, with 225 complaints specifically for the ENGINE and 73 for ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. A common and severe problem is coolant intrusion into the cylinders, particularly with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, which can lead to misfires, low coolant, and often requires a full engine replacement.

Are there brake issues with the 2016 Ford Edge?

Yes, brake issues are a significant concern for the 2016 Ford Edge. There are 65 complaints for SERVICE BRAKES and multiple recalls related to brake components. Specifically, recalls address front and rear brake hoses that can rupture and leak fluid, extending stopping distances and increasing the risk of a crash. Many owners have reported experiencing brake failure or reduced braking effectiveness.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, the 2016 Ford Edge has a concerning number of safety recalls and owner complaints, particularly regarding engine reliability and brake system integrity. Thoroughly investigate all recall statuses and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on the engine, brakes, and steering components.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Ford Edge

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Ford Edge. The data includes 838 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 7 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 17 reported crashes, 3 fire incidents, 19 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Ford Edge an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.