When it comes to mid-size crossovers, there are only a handful of vehicles more popular than the Ford Edge. This American-made CUV is larger than the equally popular Ford Escape but smaller than the beloved Explorer. However, if you are currently on the market for a 2013 version, you might want to take a minute and go through this article. Here, we will tell you all there is to know about the 2013 Ford Edge problems.
The Edge is a perfect choice If you want to zip around the city easily but yet want to have some practicality. These SUVs have been on the market for a few years. Because of this, older models can be had for a large discount from where they once were. But as you might have guessed, the reliability of older vehicles is questionable.
A decade has passed since the 2013 Ford Edge made its debut. Since then, a number of common problems have been discovered by owners. In this article, we’ll tell you exactly what they are. So, with that in mind, let’s get started!
2013 Ford Edge
Before looking into the most common 2013 Ford Edge problems, we thought of telling you about the history of this popular SUV.
First Generation
Ford unveiled the Edge at the North American International Auto Show in 2006. The model went on sale for the following 2007 model year. The name “Edge” has an interesting origin. Well you see, the name was first used for a trim level of the Ford Ranger pickup truck.
Like most crossovers and CUVs, the Edge is based on the platform of a sedan. Here, the underpinnings were shared with the Lincoln MKX. Initially, there were four trim levels on offer, named SE, SEL, Limited, and Sport.
3 years after its market debut, the Edge received a facelift. This model debuted at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. Several exterior components were updated, including the wheels, bumper, and front facia. The interior got some love too, as capacitive touch controls made their way in, replacing the old-fashioned buttons and switches that were there before. All these features are available in the 2013 Ford Edge too.
The first generation Ford Edge had 3 engine options, starting with a 2.0 liter inline four for the base model. One impressive part of this engine is the turbocharger, which was designed to last up to 10 years. Next up was a 3.5-liter Duratec engine making 285 horsepower along with 253 lb-ft of torque. However, the most powerful engine came with the Sport trim level. This 3.7 liter Duratec was shared with the 2011 Lincoln MKX, and it made 305 horsepower along with 280 lb-ft of torque.
Second Generation
The second generation of the Ford Edge entered the market in 2015. This generation had many upgrades over the outgoing one. The exterior received new headlights, a new grille as well as LED taillights. This new Ford Edge was more spacious than the previous generation too. Additionally, a rear-view camera was also fitted as a safety feature.
Under the hood were several new engine options. A 2.0-liter EcoBoost with a twin-scroll turbocharger was the standard engine. Although it is small, this engine is highly capable. It can be had with an all-wheel drive powertrain and is capable of towing up to 3500 pounds. A 3.5 liter V6 and a twin-turbocharged 2.7 liter EcoBoost V6 are the other two engine options available.
This was also the first Ford Edge model to be sold in the European region. However, only diesel engines with all-wheel drive are sold in these countries. The second generation Ford Edge received a facelift in 2018, bringing with it a vast number of interior and exterior updates. Not only that, the high-performance Edge ST made its first appearance in 2018 as well.
However, no two Ford Edge model years are the same. In the next section, we will tell you about some of the worst Ford Edge years you should probably avoid buying.
Ford Edge Years To Avoid
As of 2022, the Edge has been on sale for more than a decade. During that time, some model years of this crossover have gained a reputation for being more unreliable than others. The most troubled years of the Edge are,
- 2007
- 2008
- 2011
- 2012
- 2013
- 2015
Now, we will tell you in detail about what makes these model years the worst.
1. 2007
The main area of complaint with the 2007 Ford Edge was its transmission. The transmission would shudder and jerk under acceleration. On top of that, engine issues, as well as faulty wheels, were among customer complaints.
The brakes of the 2007 Ford Edge were another point of concern. They had numerous issues, including but not limited to rotor malfunctions, stiff brake pedal as well as the failure of the power brake booster. The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) of the Ford Edge is another component known to have some issues in the 2007 model year. The only way to fix a failed PTU is to replace it as a whole, which takes both time and money.
If you own a 2007 Ford Edge and hear some loud noises from the rear wheels, that is most certainly a sign of bad wheel bearings and hubs. This is another issue that makes 2007 a Ford Edge year you should avoid.
2. 2008
The transmission issues from the previous year carried over to the 2008 Ford Edge as well. These issues usually set in after the vehicle has completed 80,000 to 100,000 miles. Loss of acceleration, sudden stops, noises coming from the transmission, and complete transmission failure are some problems owners have faced with the 2008 Ford Edge.
However, there were issues with some other systems of this crossover too. The internal water pump and the heater are known to suddenly stop working. The brakes would malfunction, and the engine would stall while driving. On rare occasions, the complete engine had to be replaced to remedy the stalling, which is not something you want to hear.
3. 2011
The power steering pump, turn signals, the sunroof as well as the wrench light are systems that are known to malfunction on the 2011 Ford Edge. However, the issue that gave a headache to most owners was the faulty door ajar light.
You see, the door ajar light of the 2011 Ford Edge would stay on, even when the door was shut properly. This was caused by a faulty sensor. The sensor as well as the latch assembly needed to be replaced to remedy this problem.
The 2011 Ford Edge also suffered from jerky acceleration and overheating. If an Edge from this model year was on your shopping list, disregard it now and save yourself a huge headache.
4. 2012
The faulty door ajar sensor remained in 2012, among a heap of other issues. The brakes, transmission, engine as well as interior accessories all had their own problems. On top of that, the battery of the crossover also had a tendency to die after towing. Moreover, the firm brake pedal received some complaints from owners.
5. 2013
The 2013 model year is the main subject of this article, and it is for good reason. Regarded by many as the worst model year, there are several catastrophic 2013 Ford Edge problems that you should know about.
Many issues that were present in the previous model year were present here too. Additionally, this model year was notorious for its battery issues. The crossover’s battery would drain quickly, requiring users to replace it with a new one every 50,000 miles.
The notorious brake booster failure makes another appearance in this model year too.
Other troublesome 2013 Ford Edge problems include the wipers not deactivating, automatic acceleration, shift to park warning light staying on as well as the brakes being unresponsive. There were a number of high-profile recalls for this model year as well. We will inform you about them later on.
6. 2015
The final Ford Edge model year to avoid we will be discussing is 2015. This was the first year of the second-generation Ford Edge. Pioneering models are known to have the most issues, and that was the case here too. The body was leaky and the crossover was plagued by electrical gremlins too.
If you ever decide to purchase a Ford Edge with your hard-earned money, do yourself- and your wallet a favor by avoiding these 6 model years.
Ford Edge Reliability
On the reliability front, 2013 was not a great year for the Ford Edge. Here are the biggest and most significant 2013 Ford Edge problems you should know about.
- Rattling Noises
- Unresponsive MyFord System
- Door Ajar Light Staying On
- Airbag Issues
- Engine Fires
2013 Ford Edge Problems #1 – Rattling Noises
A rattling noise coming from the back of the engine is an issue that is present in most Ford Edge crossovers. This sound is mainly heard on engine startup and is a terrifying noise to hear for most owners.
The source of this unpleasant noise is the flexplate, which is a component found in automatic transmission systems. It helps the transmission to work smoothly as intended. In the Ford Edge, this plate has a tendency to form cracks around the area where the crankshaft and torque converter meet.
These cracks develop over time, causing the rattling noises we discussed. If left untended for a while, the cracked flexplate can shatter leaving you unable to move your car at all. Not only that but if the flexplate shatters it also has the risk of damaging the starter motor, crankshaft seal as well as the Bendix drive. If this happens to your vehicle, prepare to pay a repair bill of around $2000.
2013 Ford Edge Problems #2 – Unresponsive MyFord System
The 2013 Ford Edge is equipped with the MyFord Touch entertainment system. On the surface, this looks like any other state-of-the-art infotainment system you get in modern vehicles. But once you take a closer look at its reliability, the issues with this system become abundantly clear.
Not responding to touch inputs, repeated crashes as well as failing to sync with mobile phones are just the tip of the iceberg of MyFord Touch issues.
Other common problems with the system include the screen turning off and not turning back on, the reverse camera turning off, randomly changing audio sources as well as the SYNC system freezing.
These common issues have contributed massively toward Ford receiving a bad reputation among customers. The company tried to fix the system with a software update, but it is still one of the 2013 Ford Edge problems you should look out for.
2013 Ford Edge Problems #3 – Door Ajar Light Staying On
Now let’s move on to one of the 2013 Ford Edge problems that are more annoying than it is hazardous. The door ajar warning light staying on even when the doors are properly shut is an issue present in Ford Edge crossovers made between 2011 and 2013.
Other than having to go through the eyesore of the warning light on the dashboard, the door ajar issue has some other side effects as well. As the vehicle thinks one of its doors is open, it will keep the dome light turned on permanently. This will easily drain the battery of your vehicle overnight.
Not only that, the doors of the Edge won’t automatically lock while the vehicle is moving. If you are a parent, this issue should massively concern you. Additionally, as this is an electrical issue you won’t be able to lock the car with the keyfob.
2013 Ford Edge Problems #4 – Airbag Issues
Airbags are one of the most important and life-saving safety systems in modern vehicles. Yet, this is another area where the 2013 Ford Edge has some problems.
You see, the Ford Edge used inflators from a company called Takata in its airbag system. These inflators were later found to have a serious safety hazard. Upon impact, the metal canister holding the airbag could rupture and send metal pieces all around the interior of the vehicle. This was a serious issue, as more than 20 deaths were linked to this system.
Luckily, all vehicles with the deadly Takata inflators were recalled and the issue was subsequently fixed. If you are a Ford Edge owner, we are sure that news about the recall gave you a piece of mind.
2013 Ford Edge Problems #5 – Engine Fires
No one wants their car to catch on fire. Sadly for some unlucky Ford Edge owners, this happened right in front of their eyes. Affected Ford vehicles were equipped with 1.5-liter, 1.6 liter, and 2.0 liter EcoBoost engines.
The main culprit behind the engine fires was a coolant leak. You see, the EcoBoost engines had some grooves on the cylinder head and the coolant would leak from these grooves, eventually finding its way onto the gasket seals.
Eventually, the coolant loss would start to overheat the engine, causing catastrophic damage. Overheating has the risk of damaging the pistons as well as the cylinder head. Blue smoke coming from the exhaust (not to mention, blue smoke from exhaust on startup) and engine misfires are tell-tale signs of this problem.
On some rare occasions, the coolant would find its way inside the combustion chamber. This is one of the most dangerous things that can happen inside the engine of a Ford Edge, as it can cause permanent damage. Not only that, coolant entering the combustion chamber is a dangerous fire hazard too.
2013 Ford Edge Brake Booster Recall
Brake booster failures are an issue that is widespread among Ford Edge crossovers of various model years. Sometimes, the diaphragm inside the brake booster can tear up due to adverse driving conditions. If the brake pedal feels spongy or you hear a hissing noise while braking, this is probably the cause. This issue needs to be fixed quickly, as the tear can easily expand.
2013 Ford Edge Brake Problems
The faulty brake booster can cause several problems with the Ford Edge. First and foremost, the braking distance will increase. This means that it will take a longer time for your Edge to come to a complete stop.
The tear in the brake booster will also lower the pressure on the master cylinder of the braking system, requiring you to push harder on the pedal to engage the brakes. Not only that, there is a risk of the brakes completely malfunctioning too.
2013 Ford Edge Transmission Problems
Transmission problems with the Ford Edge usually set in at around 80,000 miles. One of the most widespread issues is the transmission slipping, causing it to engage and disengage gears. Ford Edge models affected by this issue will switch from high gears to low gears without any driver input. This issue can be fixed by changing the transmission range sensor (if you notice a P0705 code).
Shuddering when driving uphill is another common Ford Edge transmission problem. Additionally, the crossover might make thumping noises when driving uphill. These issues are linked to the Power Transfer Unit of the Edge, and replacing that component will make them go away. So, be wary of you notice any OBD codes such as the P0705 code.
The transmission making noises in neutral, leaking transmission fluid, delayed gear engagement, as well as torque converter issues, are some other common Ford Edge transmission problems. If not fixed correctly and in time, these issues will lead to complete transmission failure.
2013 Ford Edge Electrical Problems
Electrical issues are another set of common 2013 Ford Edge problems. The door ajar lights that we previously discussed are the most widespread among them. It can be caused due to many reasons including exposed wires, dome light short circuits, a short circuit in the anti-theft system, or a stuck door switch.
2013 Ford Edge Turbo Problems
Ford Edge crossovers with the 2.0 liter EcoBoost under the hood have the risk of encountering turbo problems, particularly with the boost solenoid. This solenoid is responsible for controlling the wastegate of the turbocharger. It does this with the use of vacuum pressure.
If the boost solenoid goes bad or becomes damaged, the wastegate will open and close improperly. As a result, the turbo will not function as intended, producing either too much or too little boost. Corroded wires, the buildup of dirt, or natural wear and tear may cause the boost solenoid to deteriorate over time.
If you see a sudden decrease in fuel economy, rapid boost pressure changes, poor performance, or a P0299 error code, the boost solenoid should be replaced. Luckily for our readers, the boost solenoid of a Ford Edge only costs around $50. However, fitting the part may be a little tricky for a home mechanic.
Facts about the 2013 Ford Edge:
- The 2013 Ford Edge has a poor reliability rating of 4/10 due to widespread mechanical problems, according to VehicleHistory.
- Common problems with the 2013 Ford Edge include broken electrical sensors, stalling engines, and transmission issues.
- A well-maintained 2013 Ford Edge will last around 150,000 miles, half as long as top-rated competitors like the Toyota Highlander.
- The entertainment technology in the 2013 Ford Edge is similar to other midsize SUVs with decent stereo, optional MyFord Touch navigation, and USB/Bluetooth connectivity.
- Safety technology is better than average with optional blind spot monitoring, rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, and collision warning system.
- Kelley Blue Book prices for the 2013 Ford Edge range from $12,285 to $17,077, making it cheaper than other midsize SUVs, but the high repair costs make it a bad long-term value proposition.
- The Ford Edge has four models for 2013, from the base SE to the performance-oriented Sport.
- The 2013 Ford Edge has three engine options: a 3.5L V6, a more efficient 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged motor, and a 3.7L V6.
- Cargo space is average with enough space for 5-6 suitcases behind the second row of seats, and up to 10 suitcases with the seats folded flat.
- Compared to competitors, the 2013 Ford Edge is not a good midsize SUV choice due to its high number of complaints, according to VehicleHistory.
Verdict
Although the Ford Edge is one of the most popular crossovers on the plant, the reliability of its 2013 model year leaves much to be desired. This model year is plagued with many issues, including brake booster problems, electrical issues, broken transmissions, and turbocharger problems.
If you are in the market for a Ford Edge, we recommend you discard the 2013 model year entirely. Other unreliable model years of this crossover include 2008, 2011, 2012, and 2015. Instead, choose an Edge from 2014 or 2018, as these years are renowned for their long-lasting nature.
FAQs On 2013 Ford Edge Problems
Here are some popular FAQs:
Does Ford Edge Have 3rd Row Seating
The Ford Edge is a top contender in the crossover segment. However, like most of its competition, the Edge lacks a third-row seating option. If you want a Ford SUV with three rows of seats, you’ll have to upgrade to the larger Explorer.
Is The Ford Edge 4 Wheel Drive
4 wheel drive comes as a standard option on all Ford Edge trim levels. This feature makes the Edge one of the most capable vehicles in its segment.
Is A Ford Edge A Good Car
In the sea of midsize crossovers, the Ford Edge stands out as a great, reliable option. But there are some unreliable years, including 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2015.
Where Is Ford Edge Made
The Ford Edge is sold around the world and is manufactured at a number of different assembly plants. The list of countries where the Edge is made includes Germany, Canada, China, Mexico, Belgium, Italy, and the United States. Ford Edge models sold in the US are assembled at the Oakville assembly plant in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.
Is Ford Edge Or Escape Bigger
When compared to the Ford Escape, the Edge is bigger and has more interior room. Additionally, the cargo room of the Edge is larger too. It offers 73.4 cubic feet of storage, compared to the Escape which only has 65.4 cubic feet of cargo space. Both SUVs only come with two-row seating and share similar powertrains under the hood. The choice between the two models ultimately comes down to your personal preference.
