YearToAvoid

2016 Ford Edge Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Caution The 2016 Ford Edge has a Complaint Index of 71 and ranks 6th worst out of 18 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 912 complaints, 7 recalls, and 17 crashes, with engine problems the top complaint area at 45% share.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
71/100
#6 of 18 Edge years
Verdict
Caution
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
912
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
7
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
17
reported in complaints
Fires
3
Injuries
19
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
2014
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
22
19 city / 27 hwy
Injuries / deaths
19 / 0

Top 2016 Ford Edge problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine410 (45%)
  2. Brakes164 (18%)
  3. Steering102 (11%)
  4. Transmission & Powertrain86 (9%)
  5. Other74 (8%)
  6. Electrical System46 (5%)
  7. Visibility & Wipers44 (5%)
  8. Structure & Body34 (4%)
  9. Collision Avoidance & Cameras31 (3%)
  10. Suspension, Wheels & Tires30 (3%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in frontal or side-impact crashes, sometimes leaving drivers unable to reach the brake pedal.
  • Owners describe sudden loss of steering or power while driving, in one case resulting in a collision with a tree.
  • Some vehicles caught fire in the engine compartment or rear tire well area, including one incident while parked and unattended.
  • A newly installed interior fuse box reportedly caused smoke and a burning smell from the ceiling area.
  • Owners report the transmission and gear assembly failing alongside brake problems, in one case causing the vehicle to spin out of control.
  • Traction control and anti-lock brakes reportedly disengaged suddenly in snowy conditions, leading to a curb impact and bent tie rod.
2016 Ford Edge complaints: complaints filed per quarter462016 Q22017 Q42019 Q22020 Q42022 Q22023 Q42025 Q2
912 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2016 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2023 Q3 (46).

2016 Ford Edge recalls

7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 25V572000Sep 3, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras1,456,417 vehicles

    Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.

    Risk: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.

  2. NHTSA 25V544000Aug 22, 2025Brakes499,129 vehicles

    Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The rear brake jounce hose may rupture and leak brake fluid.

    Risk: A brake fluid leak can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake jounce hoses and adjust brake jounce hoses with no damage present, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 17, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S87.

  3. NHTSA 22V413000Jun 10, 2022Transmission & Powertrain2,925,968 vehicles

    Power train:shift linkage/cable/rod

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.

    Risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.

See all 7 recalls for the 2016 Ford Edge →

2016 Ford Edge fuel economy and fuel cost

City
19 MPG
Highway
27 MPG
Combined
22 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,950
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2016 compared with other Edge years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2014Best24382321
2015Good41726721
2016Caution71912722
2017Avoid881,357821.5
2018Caution65824721.5

All Ford Edge years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Ford Edge reliable?
NHTSA data gives the 2016 Edge a Complaint Index of 71, ranking 6th worst among 18 model years, which places it in the Caution category relative to other Edge years.
What is the top problem area for the 2016 Ford Edge?
Engine complaints make up 45% of all reported problems for the 2016 Edge, with a median mileage at failure of 73,000 miles, according to NHTSA.
Does the 2016 Ford Edge have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2016 Edge, covering brakes, steering, airbags, and collision-avoidance cameras. None are do-not-drive recalls.
How does the 2016 Edge compare to other years?
The 2016 Edge's Complaint Index of 71 is worse than the 2014 (24), 2015 (41), and 2021-2024 model years, but better than 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2017, which are rated Avoid.
What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Ford Edge?
EPA rates the 2016 Edge at 22 mpg combined (19 city / 27 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,950.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.