2018 Ford Edge Safety Report

2018 Ford Edge: Excellent Crash Ratings Mask Significant Engine and Recall-Related Reliability Concerns

726Complaints
7Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
45/100Reliability Score
16Crash Reports
3Fire Reports
22Injuries
Most reported components: Engine (293)Engine And Engine Cooling (122)Power Train (36)Engine And Engine Cooling,Engine (28)Unknown Or Other (22)Power Train,Engine (21)Electrical System (15)Structure (14)Back Over Prevention (12)Exterior Lighting (12)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Ford Edge

The 2018 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, it is plagued by a significant number of owner complaints and a substantial recall history. With 726 total complaints, including 16 crashes, 3 fires, and 22 injuries, there are clear areas of concern. The most prominent complaint pattern revolves around the engine, accounting for 293 complaints, often related to coolant intrusion and subsequent engine failure. This issue is severe and frequently reported. Recall history is extensive, with 7 recalls issued for the 2018 Edge. These recalls address critical safety components such as the rearview camera (NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000), which can display blank or distorted images, increasing crash risk. Brake system issues are also prominent, with two recalls for ruptured rear and front brake hoses (NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V544000 and 25V544000), which can extend stopping distances. Furthermore, a recall for the shifter cable bushing (NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000) poses a rollaway risk, and another addresses potential electrical arcs from power supply cables, increasing fire risk. The torque converter weld studs failing (NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000) can lead to a loss of motive power. Despite its strong crash test performance, the high volume of complaints, particularly concerning engine reliability and the numerous recalls for fundamental safety systems like brakes and the powertrain, indicate potential long-term reliability and safety challenges. The engine coolant intrusion issue, specifically, appears to be a widespread and costly problem for owners. The combination of excellent crash ratings with significant mechanical and recall-related issues suggests that while the vehicle performs well in a crash, its operational reliability and the integrity of certain components are questionable.

Reliability Score

The 2018 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 2018 Ford Edge

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Ford Edge:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Coolant Intrusion
Coolant leaks into engine cylinders, leading to misfires, rough idle, white smoke, and often requiring engine replacement. Referenced in TSBs 22-2229, 22-2133, and 19-2346.		 High Common 50000-100000 miles
Rearview Camera Failure
Camera displays blank, inverted, or distorted images, reducing visibility when reversing. Subject to NHTSA recall 25V572000.		 Medium Common any miles
Brake Hose Rupture
Rear or front brake hoses may rupture, causing brake fluid leaks and extended stopping distances. Subject to NHTSA recalls 25V544000 (rear) and 25V544000 (front).		 High Occasional any miles
Shifter Cable Bushing Failure
Bushing attaching the shifter cable may degrade or detach, preventing the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear and causing unexpected movement. Subject to NHTSA recall 25V572000.		 High Occasional any miles
Torque Converter Weld Stud Failure
Weld studs on the torque converter may fail, leading to a loss of motive power. Subject to NHTSA recall 25V572000.		 High Occasional any miles
Electrical System Arc Risk
Improperly secured power supply cables at the starter and alternator can cause an electrical arc, increasing fire risk. Subject to NHTSA recall 25V572000.		 High Rare any miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Ford Edge:

Engine 40% of complaints

The most frequent complaints, totaling 293, are related to the engine, specifically coolant intrusion into cylinders, misfires, and subsequent engine failure, often requiring replacement.

Engine And Engine Cooling 17% of complaints

A significant number of complaints (122) are tied to the engine and its cooling system, reinforcing the coolant intrusion issue and related overheating or fluid loss.

Power Train 5% of complaints

Issues with the power train (36 complaints) include problems with the transmission, such as the shifter cable bushing recall and torque converter failures leading to loss of motive power.

Back Over Prevention 2% of complaints

Complaints (12) are reported for the rearview camera system, often displaying blank or distorted images, which is also addressed by a recall.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic 2% of complaints

Brake system issues, including ruptured hoses and extended stopping distances, are reported (14 complaints) and are subject to multiple recalls.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Ford Edge

Is the 2018 Ford Edge safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Ford Edge received excellent crash test ratings (5 stars overall, frontal, and side, 4 stars rollover). However, it has a high number of owner complaints (726 total, 16 crashes, 3 fires, 22 injuries) and 7 recalls, indicating significant reliability and component safety concerns, particularly with the engine and braking system.

What are common problems with the 2018 Ford Edge?

The most reported issues for the 2018 Ford Edge are related to the ENGINE (293 complaints), often involving coolant intrusion leading to engine failure. Other common problems include rearview camera malfunctions (12 complaints), brake system failures (14 complaints), and power train issues (36 complaints) such as shifter cable bushing degradation and torque converter problems.

Are there any recalls for the 2018 Ford Edge?

Yes, the 2018 Ford Edge has 7 recalls. These include issues with the rearview camera, ruptured front and rear brake hoses, a faulty shifter cable bushing, door striker bolts, potential electrical system arcs, and torque converter weld stud failures.

How does the 2018 Ford Edge perform in crash tests?

The 2018 Ford Edge performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star Overall Safety Rating, 5 stars for Frontal Crash, 5 stars for Side Crash, and 4 stars for Rollover.

What should I know about the engine issues in the 2018 Ford Edge?

Many 2018 Ford Edge owners report severe engine problems, primarily coolant intrusion into the cylinders, leading to misfires and often requiring engine replacement. This is a well-documented issue with numerous complaints and related Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs).

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the high number of severe engine complaints and multiple safety recalls, potential buyers should proceed with caution, thoroughly investigate the vehicle's service history, and ensure all recalls have been addressed.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Ford Edge

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Ford Edge. The data includes 726 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 7 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 16 reported crashes, 3 fire incidents, 22 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 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.