2017 Ford Edge Safety Report

2017 Ford Edge: Excellent Crash Ratings Undermined by Numerous Engine and Brake System Recalls and Complaints

1229Complaints
8Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
45/100Reliability Score
24Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
26Injuries
Most reported components: Engine (467)Engine And Engine Cooling (189)Power Train (82)Service Brakes (61)Engine And Engine Cooling,Engine (42)Unknown Or Other (39)Power Train,Engine (34)Service Brakes, Hydraulic (31)Service Brakes, Hydraulic,Service Brakes (24)Engine,Engine And Engine Cooling (20)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Ford Edge

The 2017 Ford Edge presents a mixed safety profile. 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, a significant number of owner complaints and recalls point to concerning reliability issues, particularly with the engine and braking systems. With 1229 total complaints, 24 crashes, 1 fire, and 26 injuries reported, the real-world safety experience may deviate from its strong crash test performance. The most common complaint patterns revolve around the engine and braking systems. The 'ENGINE' category alone accounts for 467 complaints, with 'ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING' adding another 189. Specific issues include coolant intrusion into cylinders, leading to misfires and engine failure, a known design flaw in the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. Braking issues are also prevalent, with 61 complaints for 'SERVICE BRAKES' and 31 for 'SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC'. Several recalls directly address these brake concerns, including rupturing rear and front brake hoses that can extend stopping distances. The vehicle has been subject to 8 recalls, many of which are critical safety-related issues. These include recalls for rearview camera malfunctions (increasing crash risk), rupturing brake hoses (increasing crash risk), shifter cable bushing detachment (leading to unintended vehicle movement), torque converter weld stud failure (loss of motive power), improperly welded windshield headers (reduced structural integrity in side impacts), and driver's frontal airbag not fully inflating (increased injury risk). The high number of recalls, especially those related to fundamental operational and safety components, suggests underlying design or manufacturing weaknesses. The fact that some recall parts are still unavailable, as noted in several complaints, further exacerbates the safety risk for owners.

Reliability Score

The 2017 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 2017 Ford Edge

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Ford Edge:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Coolant Intrusion / Engine Failure
Coolant leaks into engine cylinders (specifically Cylinder 4), causing misfires, overheating, and often requiring full engine replacement. This is a known design flaw in the 2.0L EcoBoost engine (referenced in Ford TSB 19-2346).		 High Common unknown miles
Brake Hose Rupture / Brake Failure
Rear and front brake hoses may rupture prematurely, leading to brake fluid leaks and significantly extended stopping distances, increasing the risk of a crash. This is covered by multiple recalls (NHTSA Campaign Numbers 25V544000 and 25V572000).		 High Common unknown miles
Shifter Cable Bushing Detachment
The bushing attaching the shifter cable may detach, preventing the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear or causing it to move in an unexpected direction, even when parked. This is covered by a recall.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Rearview Camera Malfunction
The rearview camera may display an inverted, distorted, or blank image, reducing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash. This is covered by a recall.		 Medium Common unknown miles
Torque Converter Weld Stud Failure
Weld studs on the torque converter may fail, disconnecting it from the engine flexplate and causing a loss of motive power. This is covered by multiple recalls.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Driver'S Frontal Airbag Malfunction
The driver's frontal airbag may not fully inflate or the cushion may detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. This is covered by a recall.		 High Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Ford Edge:

Engine 38% of complaints

The most significant issue is coolant intrusion into engine cylinders, leading to misfires, overheating, and often requiring engine replacement. This accounts for a large portion of the 467 ENGINE complaints.

Engine And Engine Cooling 15% of complaints

Related to the engine issues, many complaints involve the cooling system, specifically coolant loss due to the aforementioned coolant intrusion problem.

Power Train 7% of complaints

Issues include shifter cable bushing detachment leading to unintended vehicle movement and torque converter weld stud failures resulting in loss of motive power.

Service Brakes 5% of complaints

Complaints frequently mention brake failure, extended stopping distances, and the brake pedal going to the floor, often linked to rupturing brake hoses.

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 3% of complaints

Rearview camera displaying blank, inverted, or distorted images, hindering safe reversing.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Ford Edge

Is the 2017 Ford Edge safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Ford Edge received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, and side, 4-star rollover). However, it has a high number of owner complaints (1229 total) and 8 recalls, many addressing critical safety components like brakes, engine, and airbags. While it performs well in controlled crash tests, real-world reliability and safety are significantly impacted by known defects like engine coolant intrusion and brake hose ruptures.

What are common problems with the 2017 Ford Edge?

The most reported issues are related to the ENGINE (467 complaints), primarily coolant intrusion leading to engine failure, and SERVICE BRAKES (61 complaints), often involving brake hose ruptures and loss of braking ability. Other common problems include power train issues like shifter cable detachment and torque converter failure, and rearview camera malfunctions.

Are there any recalls for the 2017 Ford Edge?

Yes, the 2017 Ford Edge has 8 recalls. These include critical issues such as rupturing rear and front brake hoses, shifter cable bushing detachment, torque converter weld stud failure, rearview camera malfunctions, improperly welded windshield headers, and driver's frontal airbag not fully inflating.

How does the 2017 Ford Edge perform in crash tests?

The 2017 Ford Edge performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 5 stars for frontal crash and side crash tests, and 4 stars for the rollover resistance test.

Should I buy a 2017 Ford Edge?

Given the numerous critical recalls and a high volume of complaints, particularly concerning engine and braking system failures, potential buyers should exercise extreme caution. Ensure all 8 recalls have been addressed, and be aware of the prevalent engine coolant intrusion issue that can lead to costly engine replacement. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is highly recommended.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, the 2017 Ford Edge has significant reliability concerns, especially with engine and brake failures, backed by 8 recalls and over 1200 complaints. Ensure all recalls are completed and be prepared for potential costly engine repairs due to known design flaws.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Ford Edge

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Ford Edge. The data includes 1229 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 8 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 24 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 26 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 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.