The Edge, Ford’s modern midsize SUV has seen a spike in demand ever since it got its first major facelift in the 2011 model year. But we could not stop ourselves from thinking that Ford has cut a few corners here and there to keep up with the numbers. The huge jump in complaints number points just at that as it is quite a significant increase for what essentially is just a facelift and not a generation update. There are far too many widespread electrical issues that make it a bit too much for comfort, even though the issues themselves are solvable and minor. Is the 2012 Ford Edge as bad as the reports suggest? Should you be spending $27,770 on one instead of popular alternates like the Chevrolet Equinox, the Nissan Murano, the Hyundai Santa Fe, or even the Dodge Durango? Let’s find out.
2012 Ford Edge User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Complaints
- Engine problems- Intermittent loss of engine power (on 3.5L units) coupled with a ‘wrench’ warning lamps has been an issue that has been reported by many 2012 Ford Edge owners. The vehicle either goes into limp mode when this happens or goes into a complete stall. Though the dealers have been made aware of this issue, they were quick to dismiss it in the absence of any error codes and the fact that it could not be replicated. It was later traced to be a faulty throttle body actuator, which when replaced solved the issue. The 2.0 Ecoboost engines are known for turbo and catalytic converter failures as well. Most engine-related issues are fixable and cases of engine replacement are negligible.
- Transmission Problems- Disengagement of the halfshaft can cause a loss of ‘park’ function or unexpected loss of drive on the 2012 Ford Edge. The issue primarily arises due to an error during assembly and this issue has been considered under recall (ID-14V393000) for inspection and replacement if excessive damage is identified.
- Service brake- Loss of brake pressure and soft pedal feel has been one of the most reported complaints on the 2012 Ford Edge as per the NHTSA. The issue was traced to faulty components like the master cylinder and brake booster, which required replacement depending upon the nature of the issue. Some owners also have reported getting a new ABS hydraulic unit as advised by the dealer. Also, the repairs/ replacement costs do not come covered under warranty as reports suggest.
Electric System complaints
- Blank Radio Screen- Electronic issues with the control module on the radio head unit of the 2012 Ford Edge causes it to go blank or lose functionality. Though not as widespread as some of the issues here, it is certainly something to watch out for. Since the problem has been traced to hardware issues, it most probably will require a physical replacement of the module than a software reprogramming.
Structural Complaints
- Door Ajar warning- A faulty door lock sensor on the 2012 Ford Edge causes the vehicle to illuminate the door ajar warning even when the doors have been shut. This is a common problem and the dealers are well aware of this issue. Even though the replacement part is available free of charge for vehicles under warranty, the labor costs are usually levied by owners.
- Power steering problems- Humming noise from the power steering unit during low temperatures is one issue reported by many 2012 Ford Edge owners. The steering is said to become excessively hard to turn especially during low-speed maneuvering and while parking when this happens. Most owners who have come across this issue have reported getting cracked/ leaking power steering hoses that need replacement.
- Power litigate problems- Issue with the liftgate module, driver motor, or struts can cause the liftgate to malfunction on the 2012 Ford Edge. There are no specific failure points here as all three components could invariably fail and the fix is pretty much the replacement of the faulty part(s).
2012 Ford Edge Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
2nd July 2014 |
14V393000 |
Halfshaft disengagement/loss of drive/roll away |
The halfshaft retention circlip may not have been properly installed, and as a result, the halfshaft may move outward and disengage from the linkshaft while driving and without prior warning, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure that the halfshaft is properly retained. If it is not, dealers will replace the linkshaft and also replace the halfshaft if it shows evidence of spline damage, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2014. |
|
2 |
6th January 2014
|
14V002000 |
Fuel leak from cracking in the fuel pulse damper |
The fuel line pulse damper metal housing may crack as a result of an improper manufacturing process, possibly causing a fuel leak that in contact with a hot surface can increase the risk of a fire. |
The dealers will replace the fuel line with one that does not have a damper, free of charge. The safety recall began on February 25, 2014.
|
|
3 |
7th September 2012 |
12V438000 |
Cracked fuel line/ fuel leak |
A cracked fuel line pulse damper housing may result in a combination of fuel odor, weepage, or a continuous leak while the fuel system is pressurized, increasing the risk of a fire. |
The dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on September 27, 2012. |
Should you buy a used 2012 Ford Edge?
Although the Ford Edge has everything that takes to make it one of the best midsize SUVs of current times, the minor and recurring electronic and hardware faults come in like a fly in the ointment. The way that Ford has put quality control in jeopardy for outright numbers is evident in one or more ways here, at more levels than what we would love to see. As a short-term test vehicle, this SUV stands pretty much up there with the best of what this segment has to offer but unfortunately, the long-term ownership has a chance to go south as seen with the noticeable spike in complaint numbers post facelift.
