2021 FORD Edge

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

This 2021 model shows concerning reliability, primarily driven by 6 recalls—above the FORD average—centered on the back over prevention.

Key Factor:elevated back over prevention issues

📋Why This Matters

Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Given this model year's elevated concern level, budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Focus Area:general reliability
📊

Expert Analysis

  • 📈
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Warning
  • ⚖️
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (2.8)
    📝
    Summary:

Safety & Reliability Score

38/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-48
Complaint Impact-3.9
Investigation Impact-10

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 FORD Edge

Model Year2021
MakeFORD
ModelEdge
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more →
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jun21
ISSUEFirst Report
Nov22
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

11 complaints (14% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 78 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
6(8%)
🟡Medium
19(24%)
🟢Low
53(68%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 0-20k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 38,784 miles.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 24 of 78 complaints (31% coverage)
0-20k
8 reports (33%)
20k-40k
5 reports (21%)
40k-60k
5 reports (21%)
60k-80k
4 reports (17%)
80k-100k
1 reports (4%)
100k+
1 reports (4%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

POWER TRAINSEAT BELTSBACK OVER PREVENTIONENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Official Safety Recalls (6)

Campaign: 21V011000

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Edge, 2020 Lincoln Nautilus and Ford Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair and Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. An inadequate amount of lubricant in the rear drive unit may cause seizure of the rear drive axle.

Consequence

If the rear drive unit seizes, there may be a loss of drive and/or a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the rear drive unit lubricant level. Axles found to have lubricant at the minimum level will be filled to the full level. Axles found to be below the minimum lubricant fill level will be replaced, free of charge. This recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S02.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 21V377000

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Edge vehicles. The driver's seat belt retractor pretensioner assembly may not function correctly when activated during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

A seatbelt assembly that does not function as intended can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the driver's seat belt retractor pretensioner assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 15, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C13.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 22V151000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Edge vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank or distorted image when the vehicle is in reverse.

Consequence

A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The rearview camera software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S14.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 24V635000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.

Consequence

A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 25V160000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Edge vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 22V-151. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank or distorted image when the vehicle is in reverse.

Consequence

A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S28.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 25V315000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.

Consequence

A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

NHTSA Investigations

2 investigations

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 Edge.

INV-2021-1000🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Edge performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 53,810
INV-2021-1001🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Edge performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 26,065

Consumer Complaints

78 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Edge.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning14%
Acceleration Issues13%
Crash/Accident9%
Stall8%
Jerk8%
Display8%
Blank5%
Accident5%
Safety Systems🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION

Subject: Complaint Regarding Ford Safety Recall 25S28 – Unresolved APIM Module Issue Vehicle Information: Year/Model: 2021 Ford Edge Recall: Ford Safety Recall 25S28 Defect: Rear-view camera and APIM module software malfunction. Summary of Issue: June 2025: Attempted recall repair; dealer stated recall was on hold. August 2025: Received another recall notice but delayed repair since no issues were present. November 2025: Navigation system, CarPlay, and infotainment screen began shutting off. Dealer confirmed these functions are controlled by the APIM module covered under Recall 25S28. December 2025: Vehicle at dealer for ~2 weeks. Dealer attempted software update, then said Ford corporate approved replacing the telecommunications chip on Dec 12. On Dec 16, dealer informed me Ford put the recall on hold again and instructed me to pick up the car without the fix. Current Status: Vehicle still has defective APIM module affecting rear-view camera, Bluetooth, GPS, and infotainment system. Ford corporate states there is no timeline for resolution. Safety concern: Rear-view camera may fail, and infotainment system shuts off while driving, impacting visibility and driver awareness. Requested Action: Please investigate Ford’s repeated delays and lack of remedy for Recall 25S28. Ensure timely resolution and enforce compliance with recall obligations.

Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am a second time owner of Ford cars, it's really concerning to me that for one, they have the reputation of their transmissions being faulty, lastly that this being my second vehicle that I have purchased from them that's having transmission issues. Transmission issues that are identical to each other. The transmission keeps slipping and I've only owned the car going on two years. There should be no reason that I would have to replace it so soon. Just like it was in my 2005 ford Taurus. This is an issue that needs immediate attention and it's a rip off because coming up with 9 thousand dollars to spend to repair something that you can just get a new car with that as a deposit. I am very frustrated with Ford and it really needs to be looked at. From looking at it, many people have had this issue with this particular car and need you to please act on this. Ford can not continue to make faulty transmission in their cars and expect people to pay these high prices for repair. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AND HELP US THE CONSUMER AND SPENDING OUR HARD EARNED MONEY ON FAULTY PRODUCRTS.

Steering/Suspension🔵 Low
SUSPENSION

Splash guard under the vehicle, sometimes also referred to as a diaper, fell down. I reported it to the dealer and was told I didn't need it anyhow. Well, if I didn't need it anyhow why did they put it on to begin with ? I also notice a lot of other Ford vehicles driving down the road with these guards (diapers) hanging down, so it isn't just a me problem it's a Ford problem. After inspecting the guard it is made of such cheap material I don't know how any engineering designer could of thought that these would hold up given the environment under a vehicle. I would also think that this could easily become a road hazard if it were of fallen off going down the road.

Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Screen went black, had to replace the computer behind the screen for 1,500 dollars.

Electrical🔶 Medium
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The vehicle was sluggish to reverse as I left my office but after I left it was operating normally to gas station about 3 miles away. I stopped at gas station to fuel up. After, I started car and it would not go back in reverse. When i shifted from park back to reverse, it moved maybe 5". Was sputtering and clanking. I drove forward maybe 2', while sputtering, jerking, and clanking. I managed to make it home (<3 miles) and on shifting it wanted to stall, and on braking it was sputtering, jerking, and clanking with downshifting. At home, when I put it in reverse, i got an error message "Gear select will engage at low speeds", and as I tried to reverse, the car went FORWARD almost causing me to crash into my house. After several attempts to back up and begin to go out of my drive, it was sputtering and jerking too much so I decided to try to reverse back to the carport, and it would not move. It sits where it stopped.

Safety Systems🔵 Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION

See attached document for complaint.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN

The transmission failed while driving down the road. The vehicle jumped gears while traveling at approximately 30 miles per hour. My husband was luckily able to maneuver it to a safe location, but almost wrecked in the process of it jumping gears while we were accelerating with the flow of traffic. The problem has been confirmed by the Ford Dealer- the transmission failed and has grinded up clutch parts all in it. There were no prior warnings that anything was failing, but we did notice a shudder that day when we would accelerate to around 30-35 mph. Upon research afterwards, we learned that there is a TSB for that exact 8F35 transmission and that Ford refuses to recall the known problem in the 2019 - 2021 Ford Edge. I was so scared for the safety of my family with my 6 year old child in the back seat. A 4 year old vehicle should not need a new transmission. And Ford should not be putting people in danger for a known problem.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN

Car shudders and jerks during acceleration

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The vehicle hesitates when engaging accelerator;shifting roughly,stuttering ,mostly under 50 mph.

Other🔵 Low
LANE DEPARTURE

I bought a CPO 2021 ford edge titanium from lasco ford of Fenton Mi. When purchasing the vehicle the salesperson repeatedly kept saying the car was clean with a clean car fax checked out by their mechanics but did NOT tell me the vehicle has an open safety recall which me and my wife weren’t told or seen on the car fax not to mention the car broke down right away after we left the dealership at 9:30 at night after closing which in Michigan selling a CPO vehicle with an open safety recall and not telling us is illegal if they checked the vin prior to selling is the vehicle they would have known. I felt that they misled me on the car also doing everything they can to not let me test drive it

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2021 FORD Edge?

Yes, the 2021 FORD Edge has 6 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT, SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR, BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION.

Is the 2021 FORD Edge safe to drive?

The 2021 FORD Edge has 6 recalls. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2021 FORD Edge has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local FORD dealer.

📊Year-over-Year Context

📉Elevated Activity

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows declining reliability trends, largely due to new back over prevention components introduced in this generation. Recall frequency increased 50% versus the 2020 version.

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Back over prevention

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm back over prevention recalls are complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all back over prevention recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaigns:22V15100025V16000025V315000
2

Power train

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm power train recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all power train recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:21V011000
3

Seat belts

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm seat belts recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all seat belts recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:21V377000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your FORD dealer to verify recall completion status.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 6 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your FORD dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediately—recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Request full service history and documentation of all recall completions.
  • Consider whether adjacent model years (2020 or 2022) show better safety metrics.
  • Budget for thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on known problem areas.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.