2021 Ford Edge Safety Report

2021 Ford Edge: Excellent Crash Ratings Mask Persistent Powertrain and Rearview Camera Issues with Multiple Recalls

90Complaints
7Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
3Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
1Injuries
Most reported components: Power Train (18)Back Over Prevention (16)Unknown Or Other (7)Electrical System (6)Visibility (4)Vehicle Speed Control,Unknown Or Other,Engine (2)Power Train,Electrical System (2)Lane Departure (2)Service Brakes (2)Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control,Forward Collision Avoidance (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Ford Edge

The 2021 Ford Edge presents a mixed safety picture, achieving excellent crash test ratings from NHTSA but showing a concerning pattern of complaints, particularly related to its powertrain and rearview camera systems. With an overall 5-star safety rating, including 5 stars for frontal and side impacts and 4 stars for rollover, the vehicle demonstrates strong performance in crash protection. However, the 90 total complaints, including 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury, indicate real-world safety issues that warrant attention. A significant portion of the complaints, 18 out of 90, are directed at the POWER TRAIN, with numerous reports of jerking, shuddering, harsh shifting, and even total transmission failure at relatively low mileages. This is corroborated by a recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V693000) concerning inadequate lubricant in the rear drive unit, which could lead to loss of drive power or vehicle control. Another major area of concern is BACK OVER PREVENTION, accounting for 16 complaints and being the subject of four separate recalls (25V315000, 23V656000, 22V151000, 22V151001) due to rearview camera software errors causing blank or distorted images, significantly increasing crash risk. The vehicle also has a recall for the engine (22V188000) related to potential loss of drive power and a critical recall for the driver's seat belt retractor pretensioner (21V031000) which could increase injury risk in a crash. While the 2021 Ford Edge excels in controlled crash tests, the high volume of complaints and multiple recalls, especially concerning the powertrain and rearview camera, suggest potential reliability and safety shortcomings in daily operation. The repeated nature of the rearview camera recalls indicates persistent software issues. Buyers should be aware of these known mechanical and electronic vulnerabilities despite the strong crash test scores.

Reliability Score

The 2021 Ford Edge receives a reliability score of 65 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 2021 Ford Edge

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Ford Edge:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Transmission/Powertrain Failure
Numerous complaints of jerking, shuddering, harsh shifting, delayed acceleration, and complete transmission failure, often linked to torque converter issues. This is a major safety concern due to potential loss of drive power.		 High Common 30000-118000 miles
Rearview Camera Malfunction
Multiple recalls and complaints about the rearview camera displaying blank, distorted, or frozen images, significantly reducing visibility when backing up and increasing crash risk. This issue has been subject to several software-related recalls.		 High Common variable miles
Engine Loss Of Drive Power
Recall 22V188000 indicates a risk of engine failure leading to a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. While not the most frequent complaint, its severity is high.		 High Occasional variable miles
Seat Belt Pretensioner Malfunction
Recall 21V031000 addresses a defect where the driver's seat belt retractor pretensioner assembly may not function correctly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.		 High Rare N/A miles
Rear Drive Unit Seizure
Recall 20V693000 warns of inadequate lubricant in the rear drive unit, which could seize and lead to a loss of drive or vehicle control, increasing crash risk.		 High Rare N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Ford Edge:

Power Train 20% of complaints

Frequent reports of transmission issues including jerking, shuddering, harsh shifting, and complete failure, often related to the torque converter.

Back Over Prevention 18% of complaints

Numerous complaints and multiple recalls regarding the rearview camera displaying blank, distorted, or frozen images.

Unknown Or Other 8% of complaints

A variety of miscellaneous issues not fitting into specific categories, some potentially related to software glitches or general vehicle performance.

Electrical System 7% of complaints

Complaints related to electrical issues, including infotainment screen glitches and other system malfunctions.

Engine 2% of complaints

Some complaints, supported by a recall, about engine issues leading to loss of drive power.

Service Brakes 2% of complaints

Isolated complaints regarding brake issues, such as ABS rear brake dragging.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Ford Edge

Is the 2021 Ford Edge safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Ford Edge received excellent crash test ratings with an Overall 5-star rating, including 5 stars for frontal and side impacts. However, it has 90 total complaints, 3 crashes, and 1 injury reported, along with 7 recalls, indicating significant real-world safety and reliability concerns, particularly with the powertrain and rearview camera systems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Ford Edge?

The most reported issues for the 2021 Ford Edge are related to the POWER TRAIN (18 complaints), including transmission jerking, shuddering, and failure, and BACK OVER PREVENTION (16 complaints) due to rearview camera malfunctions. Other notable issues include general electrical system problems and engine-related concerns.

Are there any recalls for the 2021 Ford Edge?

Yes, the 2021 Ford Edge has 7 recalls. These include multiple recalls for BACK OVER PREVENTION due to rearview camera software issues, a recall for ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING related to loss of drive power, a recall for SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR, and a recall for POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT concerning inadequate lubricant.

How does the 2021 Ford Edge perform in crash tests?

The 2021 Ford Edge performs very well in NHTSA crash tests, achieving an Overall 5-star safety rating. It received 5 stars for both Frontal Crash and Side Crash tests, and 4 stars for the Rollover test.

Should I be concerned about the transmission in a 2021 Ford Edge?

Yes, there is significant concern regarding the transmission in the 2021 Ford Edge. The POWER TRAIN component has the highest number of complaints (18), with many owners reporting issues like jerking, shuddering, harsh shifting, and even total transmission failure. This is a recurring theme in owner complaints and should be a major consideration.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2021 Ford Edge boasts strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be cautious due to numerous powertrain and rearview camera complaints and multiple recalls; thoroughly investigate service history and consider an extended warranty.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Ford Edge

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Ford Edge. The data includes 90 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 7 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 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.