It would be tempting to think of the Ford Edge as the Goldilocks of Ford’s SUV range. That’s because if the Escape is too small and the Explorer too large, then the middle-ranking Edge could be just right.
However, as with any car it isn’t without its problems. Complaints have included the transmission, dragging brakes and noisy bearings.
But this shouldn’t make you discount any potential Ford Edge purchase, because these issues are eminently fixable, and we can help you do so by sorting it all out yourself.
Go on, invest in a Haynes manual. You only need to buy one once and it’ll be there to help every time you need it to be.
What recalls has the Ford Edge been subject to?
Well, first the good news – the Ford Edge Mk1 has only been recalled around four times (not including recall supplements).
One recall concerned the driver’s-side airbag inflator, which had been found to be faulty and which therefore needed to be replaced.
In a spectacular display of efficiency, the car was recalled again for the passenger-side front airbag to be replaced because, again, it had been found to be faulty.
A separate recall notice concerned the airbag inflator, which could rupture and cause metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants. Somewhat concerning in this litigious world.
Then Ford Edge models sold in (or registered in at the time of the recalls) the salts states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia, were recalled because it was found that excessive salt corrosion could cause a welded seam in the fuel tank to spring a leak, with the attendant increased risk of fire.
What common problems does the Ford Edge have?
Annoyingly, one of the bits you’ll touch on the Ford Edge on every single drive can develop an issue. Yes, the leather cover for the steering wheel is known to work its way loose, which is both uncomfortable and a safety issue.
And if you feel that your Ford Edge has become a bit sluggish away from the lights then you aren’t alone, and it could be the all-too-common dragging brakes that are the problem.
Cold weather tends to make most people feel lethargic and make the joints creak, and the same is true with the Ford Edge Mk1. In temperatures below 15 degrees (-9C), the front axle of the Edge can generate a creaking, clicking noise when the vehicle is turning.
However, while the front end sometimes emits a creaking noise, the rear end can produce a howling noise. Basically, the car sounds like a haunted house. Where the rear is concerned, the wheel bearings are the cause.
Finally, while most problems with the Ford Edge concern stuff outside the cabin, this last common fault affects the interior. That’s because the carpet can come loose, and could potentially cause problems with wrinkling, fouling pedals and so on.
Does the Ford Edge have steering-wheel problems?
Something flapping about in the cabin of your Ford Edge is bad enough, but it’s even worse if that flapping thing is the thing you use to make every single direction change.
It’s a shame but the Edge is vulnerable to some of the leather on its steering wheel separating from the spoke area on the rim.
However, it is easily repairable. All you need to do is to disconnect the airbag and remove the steering wheel from the vehicle, then use adhesive to rewrap the leather around the wheel and stick it fast. This is a job that’s worth taking time over because you don’t want any uncomfortable ridges in the freshly stuck leather.
Steering-wheel removal is full covered in your Haynes Edge manual, so don’t hesitate.
Does the Ford Edge have dragging-brake problems?
There you are at the traffic lights. You look away and by the time you look back they’ve changed to green. Quick! Foot down and… come on, we should be moving quicker than that.
Yup, if you suddenly notice that your Ford Edge is accelerating a little sluggishly, then it could be dragging brakes that are the problem. You might also notice a hot smell.
First of all, raise the car and see if the problem affects all four wheels or just the rears. If it’s all four wheels, then the problem is the BOO (brake on/off) switch at the pedal, which you’ll need to replace.
However, if it’s just the rears that are causing the issue then the likely cause is a park brake cable that has fallen out of adjustment. All you’ll need to do is adjust it so that the brakes are free once more.
The good news is that both of these procedures are well covered in your Haynes Edge manual, so just look up the relevant chapter and dig out the wrenches!
If you want to know how to change the rear brake pads on your Ford Edge, simply watch our FREE video below.
Does the Ford Edge have drivetrain problems?
Well, it can certainly sound like it does when the temperature falls to below 15 degrees (-9C). That’s because the front axle starts to generate a creaking or clicking noise when the vehicle is being turned.
The problem lies with the outer CV joints on both sides, because the grease within them isn’t doing its job properly. The good news is that the inner CV joint on both sides is absolutely fine, so you’ll only need to replace the grease and the CV boot on the out ones. There is a replacement part kit for this job (part number 7T4Z-3A331-B), so it’s just a case of buying the kit, looking up the CV boot replacement procedure in your Haynes Edge manual and getting started.
Does the Ford Edge have wheel bearing problems?
Squeaks come and go, rattles can start at certain speeds and disappear at others, but howl tends to be there any time the vehicle is moving. That’s the case with the Ford Edge Mk1, which can have an issue with either rear hub or wheel bearing.
These can generate a howl that’s there all the time, and only changes pitch depending on how fast you’re going. At low speeds it can sound like something sinister, and at higher speeds more like a soprano (not the mafia type of soprano either).
In short, the bearings can fail, and will need to be replaced. However, this precise procedure is covered in your Haynes Edge manual, so there shouldn’t be anything for you to worry about as long as you take your time and follow each step carefully.
Does the Ford Edge have carpet problems?
A number of owners of the first-generation Ford Edge have commented that the car has suffered an issue in which the carpet comes loose from the front scuff plate panels on either side.
Not only is this unsightly but if the carpet moves too much it could wrinkle, fold up and potentially interfere with the operation of the pedals. And no one needs an errant piece of rug to potentially lengthen their stopping distance or prevent them from going for full throttle.
Ford agrees, and has come up with what it calls a ‘stuffing kit’ (sounds like something you’d do to a turkey to us). The part number is CT4Z-7413048-A. After you’ve invested in that, the Haynes Edge manual can take you through how to refit the scuff plates.