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Engine & cooling

2020 Ford Edge Engine problems

Owners have filed 56 complaints about the 2020 Ford Edge's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 17% of all its complaints, most recently on November 6, 2026. They describe 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
56
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
1
Deaths
0

Engine complaints

Engine & cooling

At the beginning of a 3 hour journey that didn't happen the vehicle started missing in traffic and felt like it was going to die while i was on the highway at 60 mph. I was able to exit and make it to a rural road and the engine died as soon as I applied the brake to stop, making a very dangerous situation if anyone had been behind me. No indicators came up, no codes were given and the engine was not running hot. After letting it cool temporarily the engine started back up and the exhaust became white and smelled...

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of burning glycol. I was able to drive it back to my home where it has been for 3 months getting a head gasket repair. After the repair the conditions continue with coolant getting in to the engine and white smoke billowing out of the exhaust. The Ford service department acknowledged that this is a known engine block failure and I should contact the company. Ford company says there is no program of assistance available to repair the vehicle which at this point will need a new engine to become roadworthy. That's a 6 year old, $45k paperweight that the company takes no responsibility for. For another consumer that has not found the problem yet they need to have warning that the engine will fail and they need to remain vigilant about possibly having to stop immediately at all times.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11776214
Engine & cooling

The engine stalled and started smoking and has no lights to warn me of anything wrong. I was in the middle of a busy street. I had to tow it to the dealership I bought it from and they said the coolant was empty but there were no leaks and no warnings it was low. They said it was coolant intrusion. They said a egr valve and cooler were the problem part it was not covered under warranty. I had to pay 1265 to get it fixed. It's a known issue that should he a recall it's a part that causes safety issues as well as a...

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newer car to be undrivable if not careful. No warning lights or anything is bs. I want this addressed as soon as possible. I could have been rear ended easily. Or my car broke down that I just paid 23000 for supposed to be a good working car. Seems like they did it on purpose.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11774154
Engine & cooling

The EGR cooler failed (TSB 20-2234) in my 2020 Ford Edge ST line on 9/26/26. I started my car and drove down my street and the car began smoking white/gray burning odor from exhausts with a sudden loss of power while driving on a public street. Leading up to this incident and during, no warning engine inicator lights or ANY notifications appeared. Temperature gauge remained at it's normal operating temp, dead center. The tow and independent mechanic confirmed there was no triggering of service lights/overheating...

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warning. The mechanic noticed the loss of antifreeze without seeing a leak. He rulled out a cracked cylinder head and began further diagnostics. It threw a P0301 code as well as a mis-fire code on cyclinder #1. Also a code to cylinder#3. The mechanic's diagnosis was that was this was all a direct result due to the faulty Ford EGR Cooler and explained there was an TSB 20-2234 bulletin. Ford has explicitly acknowledged this engineering defect design flaw. I then found that the NHTSA has an active and elevated investigagion into this massive problem that caused my SUV to become non-drivable, needing a complete new engine-DP 26008. (SUV at 100K like other's) I have all service records as proof on the vehicle as well as the mechanics photos/paperwork. He found the coolant was leaking directly into exhaust reccirulation tracks and into the cylinders now needing new engine. This engine failure caused a sudden loss of power, steering/brakes, no sensors and managed to get to a safe area. I could have caused a caatastrophic crash or injury to other's/myself. I contacted Ford, opened a case number but they are denying any knowledge of the TSB or assistance. I have no vehicle, and out an 8k engine that was due to the negligence of this faulty part. I had it towed to independent mechanic and now will be towing it to the Ford dealership for further escalation as this new growing investigation with the NHTSA. There were NO warning signs nor sensors. It was very scary.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11769312
Engine & cooling

The EGR cooler failed on my 2020 Ford Edge ST Line. On 9/26/26, I started my car and it began smoking white/gray from exhausts and burning odor. Leading up to this incident and during, there was no warning indicators or messages regarding the engine that appearerd. The temperature gauge remained at it's normal operating temperature, dead center. \n\nI had the car towed to a local mechanic. They ran diagnostic & codes on the vehicle and threw a P0301code. The mechanic noticed the loss of antifreeze without seeing a...

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leak, smoke was coming from the car and the car had no \"service engine\" lights appear. He ruled out a cracked cylinder head and began further diagnostics on the EGR cooler. He found the coolant was leaking directly into the exhaust recirculation tracks and straight into cylinder #1. He explained due to Ford's faulty EGR cooler that cracked, draining all the antifreeze directly inside cylinder #1 without triggering a service light or overheating warning. I was told my vehicle would not be driveable and need a complete new engine or replacement. The mechanic notified me that there was a TSB (technical service bulliten) labeled \"TSB 20-2234\" where Ford has explicitly acknowledged this engineering defect in the 2019-2020 design flaw. The mechanic's diagnosis states that the engine failure was entirely a consequential result of the EGR defect, with a vehicle with regular service history.\n\nMy safety was at major risk, as well as the safety of other's. This engine failure includes sudden power loss, loss of steering/brakes, loss of sensors and any ability to handle the car. I would have instantly come to a stop, easily leading to a catastrophic crash or injury to myself/other's.\n\nI contacted Ford, opened a case # and was denied any assistance. I have no vehicle and out 7K engine that was due to the negligence of this faulty part. It is being towed, at my expense to the Ford dealership for further escalation as there is a new defect investigation with the

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11769012
Engine & cooling

I have a 2020 Ford Edge Titanium. Only six years old. It has never been wrecked, flooded or had anything else happen to it. I learned today that it needs a completely new transmission due to a torque converter failure and comes at a cost that is higher than the car is now worth. This is unacceptable in a car this age.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11768374
SuspensionEngine & cooling

Bought car used 4 months ago from Peoria Ford, Glendale. Vehicle overheated on freeway, added coolant- lost all coolant 10 minutes later and white smoke came from exhaust. Ford diagnosed EGR cooler failure, replacement and noted CV joint boot leaking and needed replaced- resulting g on $3200 fix with zero assistance from Dealership or Ford.This issue didn't happen suddenly after 4 months & we believe it was existing prior to the purchase. Read reports of cooler, coolant/ engine issue on 2020 ford edge. These models should be recalled for fix as my daughter was stranded on the freeway at night - safety issue."

Filed Incident Suspension · EngineNHTSA 11767105
Transmission & drivetrainBrakesEngine & cooling

I just bought this vehicle with a broken powertrain, torque converter, and warped rotors. These cars are mechanics special that should only be $2,000. Since it's a 2020 it is being sold for $18,800. It can be repossessed for a crap shoot car. Before this I bought a 2016 Buick Enclave with also a broken torque converter issues. The engineers in car industry have failed. I would rather buy an older pre 2015 mechanics special for $1,200-$2,400, NOT $12,000-$18,800 for a POS drivetrain and transmission. A recall needs to be mandated for all these cars. Stiffing the consumer is unethical. With how our government and economy has been, we have had enough with being stuck with inadequacies.

Filed Incident Power train · Service brakes · EngineNHTSA 11765514
Engine & coolingDriver assistance

VIn number:[[redacted]] case number:[redacted], My [[redacted]] car just 6 years old car and just run around 69000 miles,Coolant leaked into the engine, causing it to fail. Ford is demanding we pay $6,000 for a replacement.We cant accept we need Pay $6000 for replace engine,because Thats problem should don't happened on a 6 Years old car( and just 69000 miles). this issue happened on my car More Than 2 months already ,we don't have a car for drive now,that's so bad. My car send to Mall of Georgia Ford ...

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[[redacted]] And 20 days ago We send a letter to Motor Company Customer Relationship Center [[redacted]] [[redacted]] For ask less Pay for replace engine,Nobody answer me. And About 15 days ago,We be there for ask again,Worker told me the manager will connect me,but until today still nobody Call me back,looks like they all ignore me . How we can get someone can helps Fix this problem...thank you My Email : [[redacted]] Phone number :[[redacted]] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Engine · Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11757953
Engine & cooling

Car stutters, shudders, and hesitates from stopped position. Vehicle does not excelerate smoothly. Safety concern when pulling out into traffic, crossing intersection, or leaving stop. Paducah Ford said it is torque converter and independent mechanic says that as well. Ford issued tech service information concerning shudder for Ford Edge 8F35 transmission and provides a repair procedure for torque converter and output planetary assembly. I am concerned because it may represent a recurring safety related defect affecting other Ford Edge vehicles

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11756196
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

transmission, skipping and shuttering and according to dealership not catching gear occurs during slow speeds. When in drive car will roll backwards and when in reverse car will roll forward. Transmission runs high until gear catches. Engine will then go in to neutral until clutch catches.in according to dealership repair will cost $7000-$11,000. i was told this is unusual. And none of it is covered under warranty

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11748726
Electrical systemEngine & coolingDriver assistance

Complainant: [[redacted]] Vehicle: 2020 Ford Edge VIN: [[redacted]] Current Mileage: Approx. 152,000 miles Target of Complaint: Ford Motor Company / [Don Chalmers Ford] Subject: Request for Goodwill Financial Assistance Due to Documented, Inherent Transmission Manufacturing Defect I am filing this dispute to request financial assistance/cost-sharing from Ford Motor Company for a total transmission failure on my 2020 Ford Edge. While the vehicle is past its standard powertrain warranty, the failure is directly...

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caused by an inherent manufacturing defect that Ford has internally acknowledged and documented. The dealership has quoted $9,000 for a full replacement, an unreasonable financial burden for a known, pre-existing mechanical flaw. The vehicle is experiencing severe shifting difficulties, specifically when attempting to transition the vehicle out of Park into any other gear. A formal diagnostic inspection conducted by the authorized Ford dealership confirmed a total transmission failure. Crucially, the dealership verified that the vehicle's symptoms and mechanical failures match Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 857 / 20-2190 (tel:857%20/%2020-2190). This internal Ford bulletin specifically addresses harsh engagements, shifting faults, and component degradation within this vehicle's transmission model. The dealership initially denied financial assistance because this vehicle's specific VIN is not included in safety recall Campaign 20S47. I wish to clarify that I am not arguing a violation of a safety recall. I understand that Campaign 20S47 is a narrow, VIN-specific safety mandate. Instead, my case rests on the fact that the dealership's own diagnostics verified the exact mechanical failure described in Ford's internal Technical Service Bulletins. A TSB proves that Ford is fully aware of a widespread, systemic manufacturing defect in these units. The exclusion of my VIN from a safety recall does not negate the fact that my vehicle suff INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11745831
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

For over a year, engine shudders/jerks when accelerating. I see this has been a repeated complaint by many for a few years now. How is this not a recall?????

Filed Incident Power train · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11745654
Engine & cooling

Engine died in parking lot, no dashboard lights, smelled sweet, white smoke, dealer said coolant intrusion and engine needs to be replaced

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11735698
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

Transmission Fluid Leak/Fire Risk (Recall 20S49): Certain 2020 Edge models have missing or loose bolts on the start/stop accumulator endcap, which can cause a leak and increase the risk of fire. Rearview Camera Failure (Recall 20V572000): A common issue where the rear camera may display a blank or distorted image, failing to comply with safety standards. Driveshaft Seizure (Recall 21S43): A potential lack of lubrication in the rear drive unit can cause it to seize, leading to loss of drive and vehicle control. Inoperable HVAC Blower Motor: A potential defect causing the blower motor to fail, which can hinder windshield defrosting. Power train alert not going into park break light issue

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11726322
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

The transmission keeps shuddering and jerking at low speeds. I have problems driving behind school buses or any slow moving vehicle. The vehicle has a problem when merging onto highways and loses acceleration power due to jerking. I have spoken to 3 separate edge owners who all have the same problem. Some of us can't afford the repairs but these vehicles are still being sold with this known problem.

Filed Incident Power train · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11723410
Engine & cooling

Coolant entered into the engine, causing catastrophic failure. There was no warning on the dash of low coolant or anything until it happened. By then, it was too late! This is a known problem by Ford Motor Company, yet they have done nothing to assist owners with repairs by offsetting costs or performing them for free!!

Filed Incident Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11714736
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFuel system

Safety Defects and Mechanical Failures My 2020 Ford Edge (VIN: [[redacted]] ) is plagued by systemic safety defects that render it unroadworthy under Pennsylvania law (37 Pa. Code § 301.2).[1, 2] The 8F35 transmission suffers from a documented "shudder" and loss of motive power (TSB 21-2389), creating a high risk of collisions in traffic.[3, 4, 5] Additionally, the vehicle is subject to critical federal recalls: Recall 21S02 (21V-011) regarding sudden rear axle seizure [6, 7, 8] and Recall 20S49 (20V-550) regarding...

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a lethal fire hazard from leaking transmission fluid.[9, 10, 11] The engine also exhibits a design flaw known as "coolant intrusion" (TSB 19-2346), which leads to catastrophic engine failure and hydro-lock.[12, 13, 14] Deceptive Trade Practices and Lender Liability CarMax sold this vehicle as "Quality Certified" without fulfilling the disclosure requirements mandated by the 2022 Multistate Attorney General Settlement.[15, 16] Specifically, CarMax failed to provide the required standalone, signed disclosure form for open safety recalls prior to the sale.[17, 18, 15] Because this transaction was financed through Santander Consumer USA, the lender is derivatively liable for CarMax's deceptive acts under the FTC Holder Rule (16 C.F.R. § 433).[19, 2] This federal rule allows me to assert all legal claims and defenses against Santander that I have against CarMax, including breach of the implied warranty of merchantability, which overrides any "As-Is" disclaimer when a vehicle is sold in a non-roadworthy condition INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11714634
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

Vehicle was purchased CPO ( Certified Pre Owned ) with only 43K miles on the odometer on or about DEC , 7-10 2025. Since purchase of the vehicle it has been shifting, shuddering and tugging between 0-30mph. The vehicle shifts hard and doesn't catch or change gears fast enough causing the engine to be caught in high RPM.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11713804
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

Component or system that failed or malfunctioned, and availability for inspection The torque converter and transmission system in my 2020 Ford Edge have malfunctioned. The vehicle experiences transmission shuddering/stuttering during normal driving, particularly during low-speed acceleration and gear changes. The vehicle remains in my possession and is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk The transmission stuttering causes hesitation, jerking, and unpredictable power delivery while driving. This...

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creates a safety risk, especially when accelerating from a stop, merging into traffic, or driving at low speeds in congested areas. The lack of smooth and reliable acceleration increases the risk of rear-end collisions or loss of control, putting both myself and other drivers at risk. Confirmation or reproduction of the problem The issue has been consistently reproducible during normal operation of the vehicle. The symptoms have been observed repeatedly and were confirmed by a dealer/independent service center, which identified the torque converter and transmission as the source of the problem and advised that significant repairs or replacement would be required. Inspections performed The vehicle has been inspected by a dealership and/or independent repair facility. The manufacturer has not yet directly inspected the vehicle beyond dealer diagnostics, but the vehicle is available for further inspection if requested. Warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to failure There were no immediate warning lamps at the onset of the issue. The primary symptoms were transmission shuddering, stuttering, and rough shifting, which gradually worsened over time.These symptoms first appeared during regular driving and became more frequent and severe, indicating progressive failure of the torque converter and transmission system.

Filed Incident Power train · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11708701
Engine & cooling

While driving my family home, our 2020 Ford Edge displayed sudden overheating. White smoke with a sweet smell was coming from the tailpipe. Looking under the hood afterwards I could verify the coolant reservoir was empty. I refilled it with the recommended fluid and amount, drove it around the block, only for the same thing to happen again. Upon taking it to my local Ford dealership, they have confirmed the ERG cooler has failed and requires replacing, per TSB 20-2234.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11706380
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & coolingFuel system

At around 47,000 miles (April 27, 2024) my car would not move when I put it in reverse to leave my house that day, the engine would just rev and it would not get into the reverse gear. Then warning light came on for the power train so I called the dealership and had it towed to their service department. They said they had to completely rebuild my transmission and it took them almost a month to complete the repairs. (May 6th, while the car was at the dealership , I received several engine warnings from my Ford...

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app. I got my car back from the dealership about 2 weeks later) But immediately after getting my car back from the dealership there were still issues; it's slips gears , especially from drive to first gear and first gear to second gear and the engine will rev for a while and then the entire vehicle jerks when it finally catches the next gear, also it doesn't have enough power for steep inclines , it will just roll backwards while the engine is raving trying to climb the hill. This happened intermittently after the transmission rebuild but has since progressed to be an everyday issue. And I've sent it back to the dealership several times over the last year for them to fix it but it never gets fixed. They keep telling me they did a software update and that should fix the issue, but it doesn't. It's at the dealership again right now because it has gotten so bad that I can't even drive the car. You start the car, put it in drive and it just revs and won't even catch first gear. It now has around 60,000 miles. I'm the only owner of the vehicle and I take excellent care of my vehicles. I just want my vehicle to be drivable and a vehicle that is worth the price that I paid for it. I paid for a brand new vehicle, but what I got is a piece of crap. And not drivable.

Filed Incident Power train · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11701655
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & coolingFuel system

I bought the vehicle and have had major mechanical issues with it I have replaced the motor and the full exhaust system I am having powertrain issues as well. I feel as though ford she be held accountable for all of the issues the ford edges have being they all have the same issues this should not be legal. I got this vehicle to help me build my credit and now it's hurting my credit because I can't keep up with the car payments from all the major repairs that I have had to do on a 2020 vehicle. They will not even take my vehicle as a trade so I can get from under the vehicle responsibility this has not been a reliable vehicle at all.

Filed Incident Power train · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11700989
Engine & cooling

Known transmission issues with 8f35. Car will not safely accelerate, jerks, shudders. No check engine to indicate code. Numerous mechanics refuse to fix it because it is too high of a liability and that Ford knows about this issue but chooses to ignore it.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11698662
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

The push button start stopped functioning and the car could not be started, leaving me stranded late at night. This problem was inspected by Tamiami Ford, Naples, Florida in April, 2025 and the dealer could not determine the cause or fix it. Meanwhile, the intermittent problem is now frequent and the car is totally unreliable.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11698218
Electrical systemEngine & coolingVisibility & wipers

Is cutting out when going, camera is failing, heated mirrors are not working, 10 codes are showing up on mechanics scan tool. Took to ford dealership they disregarded my concern and only changed differential fluid for a weird sound concern that is already on a recall but didn't include this vin and didn't check for any other diagnosis. Been to 3 shops nobody is figuring it out.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11697101

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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