YearToAvoid

2018 Ford Edge Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Caution The 2018 Ford Edge has a complaint index of 65, ranking 7th worst among 18 model years, with a Caution verdict. Engine problems dominate at 71% of complaints, and the year carries 7 recalls including brake hoses, transmission shift bushings, and starter/alternator cables.

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

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
65/100
#7 of 18 Edge years
Verdict
Caution
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
824
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
7
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
17
reported in complaints
Fires
3
Injuries
24
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
2021
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
21.5
18.5 city / 26.5 hwy
Injuries / deaths
24 / 0

Top 2018 Ford Edge problems

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

  1. Engine585 (71%)
  2. Transmission & Powertrain81 (10%)
  3. Electrical System49 (6%)
  4. Other41 (5%)
  5. Brakes33 (4%)
  6. Collision Avoidance & Cameras28 (3%)
  7. Structure & Body25 (3%)
  8. Fuel System24 (3%)
  9. Visibility & Wipers17 (2%)
  10. Seat Belts14 (2%)

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

What owners report

  • Coolant leaks into the engine, causing the engine to crack or fracture and produce visible smoke.
  • Ball joints separate from the front suspension while driving at low speed, causing the vehicle to turn sharply on its own.
  • Brake pedal fails to fully depress or the vehicle slides instead of stopping when braking hard in traffic.
  • Battery dies repeatedly over a period of time, and dash lights flicker before smoke appears from under the hood.
  • Steering wheel airbag fails to deploy during a rear-end collision.
  • Transmission-related rollaway reported while parked, linked by owners to an open recall.
2018 Ford Edge complaints: complaints filed per quarter802018 Q12019 Q22020 Q32021 Q42023 Q12024 Q22025 Q3
824 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2018 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2024 Q3 (80).

2018 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 2018 Ford Edge →

2018 Ford Edge fuel economy and fuel cost

City
18.5 MPG
Highway
26.5 MPG
Combined
21.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,025
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.

2018 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
2016Caution71912722
2017Avoid881,357821.5
2018Caution65824721.5
2019Caution59766323
2020Good35316423

All Ford Edge years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Ford Edge reliable?
NHTSA data gives the 2018 Edge a complaint index of 65 and a Caution verdict, ranking 7th worst out of 18 model years for this model. Engine issues make up 71% of its complaints.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Edge?
Engine problems account for 71% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 74,000. Transmission & Powertrain issues follow at 10%, and Electrical System problems at 6% with a median failure mileage of 38,600.
Does the 2018 Ford Edge have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2018 Edge, covering the rearview camera, rear and front brake hoses, transmission shift bushing, door striker bolts, and starter/alternator power cables. None are do-not-drive recalls.
How does the 2018 Edge compare to other Edge model years?
The 2018 Edge's complaint index of 65 is worse than 2014 (24, Best), 2015 (41, Good), and 2021-2024 (index 0-18, all Best), but better than 2013 (100, Avoid) and 2011 (94, Avoid).
What mileage do engine problems typically show up at in the 2018 Edge?
Owners reported engine failures at a median mileage of 74,000 miles, according to NHTSA complaint data.

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.