Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Ford Edge owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal was stiff. The contact applied significant force to the brake pedal and it responded. The contact stated that there was a 10 ft. stopping distance delay when depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle would shut off upon depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the brake booster had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 13N02. Additionally, the contact stated that she was informed at State inspection that the vehicle could not be inspected due to a PCM failure. …
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive and stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact who is a certified mechanic, inspected the vehicle and became aware that the clutch had been damaged from extreme heat. The contact determined that the PTU (Power Transfer Unit) unit was too close to the catalytic converter and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The dealership was contacted; however, the vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle became uncontrollable. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the failure was caused by the transfer case. The contact called an unknown local dealer and was informed that there were no open recalls on the vehicle. The contact was referred to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted and referred her to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the gear shifter was shifted to drive(D) however, the vehicle started to reverse instead. The failure recurred before the contact was able to drive forward. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an advancetrac repair however, the transmission failure was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and suggested that the contact file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 105,050
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was informed that the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
Vehicle stahls about 50% time in reverse when parking mainly, and in forward when parking. Very scary and I have only had this vehicle for 1.5 months. Repairs have been made according to CEL codes; however, the stalling does not report the code, so it occurs over and over. Very scared this will happen and cause an accident. Based on numerous forums who had the same car and instance - it is the throttle body.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ford Edge. While driving 8 MPH, the reverse sensors went off. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was turned off and restarted. When the vehicle was placed in reverse, the instrument panel and back up camera went blank. The contact mentioned that the gear became stuck in reverse and the vehicle rolled into the vehicle in the rear. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed. There were no injuries. The contact turned the vehicle on and off until it became operable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the clutch was not recognizing what gear was selected. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to midwest Kia (8725 w kellogg dr, wichita, ks 67209, [phone]), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,000.
On April 11, 2015, the throttle body assembly on the engine of my 2011 Ford Edge failed while in heavy traffic at highway speed on a 6-lane highway. I was traveling in the inside lane when the failure occurred. There was no power to the engine, and I coasted quickly across 2 lanes to a right turn lane. Fortunately, everyone reacted positively to my emergency flashers as I decelerated. On Monday, April 13, the local Ford dealership repaired the car. After returning home, I checked the internet for information on this failure mode and was surprised to read that Ford had a couple years earlier settled a NHTSA complaint for several Ford models that exhibited the problem my car experienced. The Ford Edge was not part of the settlement. Further research revealed other Ford edges with the same problem as mine. Apparently, Ford won a partial settlement on the throttle body issue. …
My wife and I were driving with our two young children (4-year-old, and six months) our 2011 Ford Edge and without any notice, the car jerked forward and we lost all power in the accelerator. Fortunately, I was able to pull off to the side of the road without getting in an accident, but was almost rear-ended by the car behind me. The power train wrench was flashing and said to consult the manual, so we did. Following the instructions, I shut the car off and restarted it. It took a lot longer to turn over, but it eventually did. We called our dealership and they said that I could bring the car in today (four days later). The Edge did this two more times over the weekend so I googled the issue and found this site. I printed off the first four pages of complaints and took it with me to the dealership. They wouldn't even look at it. …
I was driving, at 40 miles per hour, on a city street. The yellow/gold indicator (a wrench) appeared. The car immediately lost power, going from 40 to 20 miles per hour. This happened in less than one minute. I pulled on to a side street, turned off the engine, and checked to owner's manual. It said :power train malfunction". The instructions said to stop driving and call roadside assistance. I did this. I called Ford roadside assistance and then called the dealership. I wanted to know if it was safe to turn on the car's air conditioning. I was told, "yes" this is safe. The tow arrived 65 minutes later and took the car directly to the dealership. After three days of going over the car, driving it, contacting Ford, the (Ford) dealership could not find the problem. …
Transmission complaints in other Edge years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2011 Ford Edge?
NHTSA has 172 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2011 Ford Edge, 10% of the model year's 1,803 complaints. The component named most often is transfer case (4-wheel drive) (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Ford Edge transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2011 Ford Edge, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 Ford Edge transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 49,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.