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 2021 Ford Edge owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while accelerating, the vehicle jerked and went into low-power mode. While at a stop, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle surged forward. After using the phone charger, the phone charger overheated. The contact unplugged the phones. The contact stated that the steering wheel was hot to the touch. There was an abnormal burning odor detected. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the failure was related to the turbo-eco boost and engine. The sensors, valves, brackets, and hoses were replaced, but the failure recurred. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions and making a turn, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact added that her husband did donuts continuously and observed the sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the sound in the rear axle was coming from the left rear differential. The mechanic stated that the rear differential fluid had been leaking oil for a while and that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with Manufacturer Recall: 21S02. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH on a decline, the RPM increased quickly; however, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the transmission and ABS control module. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be either rebuilt or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 38,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal banging and slamming sound coming from the vehicle while turning right or accelerating from a stop. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V011000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was contacted; the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 78,491.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at speeds above 30 MPH, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating and shuddered abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who replaced the spark plugs; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the torque converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under an Extended Warranty coverage related to the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering, and the transmission was slipping while driving approximately 0-50 MPH. No warning lights were illuminated. The transmission fluid was flushed and refilled every 20,000 miles. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Edge. The contact stated while stopped at a car wash, the vehicle independently shifted out of neutral into reverse, without warning. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 19,000.
My 2021 Ford Edge SEL with 22,000 miles on it, bought new less than 2 years ago, would intermittently show a warning notification on the dash saying "AWD temporarily disabled". The car drove different when the warning came on. It was slow to accelerate and more difficult to turn. It happened twice in a span of 2 months. I brought it to the dealer and they diagnosed it as a "faulty rear differential". They told me this is a known Ford issue and directed me to a service bulletin put out by Ford regarding this issue stating Ford is aware. My car did not have normal warning signs- no noises, no vibration, no smell, and I would have never known something was wrong if the warning didn't pop up those two random times. I was told if the equipment failed while driving, the car could've seized up and wouldn't move. …
I am filing this complaint regarding a serious transmission issue with my 2021 Ford Edge. The vehicle exhibits shuddering and hesitation during acceleration, which presents a potential safety hazard in daily driving conditions. I brought the issue to a Ford dealership, and they confirmed that the problem is either a defective transmission or a failing torque converter. Despite the vehicle being relatively new and not yet paid off, I have been told that repairs may not be covered under warranty, potentially leaving me with thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs. This issue is deeply concerning, not only because of the financial burden but also due to the apparent pattern of similar problems in previous model years of the Ford Edge, which leads me to believe that Ford may have been aware of this design or manufacturing defect and failed to resolve it in newer models. …
My 2021 Ford Edge has experienced ongoing transmission issues for an extended period including delayed engagement into Reverse, flashing gear indicator lights before Reverse engagement, harsh/jumpy shifting during acceleration and deceleration, and intermittent shuddering. The vehicle previously required a torque converter replacement performed by a Ford dealership, however the symptoms continued after the repair. Today, while driving on the highway, the vehicle experienced repeated loss of power and hesitation while attempting to accelerate and maintain speed. During one highway merge, the vehicle failed to respond normally while accelerating and I was nearly struck by a semi-truck because I could not safely match traffic speed. Shortly afterward, while exiting the highway, the vehicle suddenly jolted violently and began making loud grinding noises accompanied by severe shuddering. …
Related recalls
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Edge, 2020 Lincoln Nautilus and Ford Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair and Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. An inadequate amount of lubricant in the rear drive unit may cause seizure of the rear drive axle.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the rear drive unit lubricant level. Axles found to have lubricant at the minimum level will be filled to the full level.
Transmission complaints in other Edge years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2021 Ford Edge?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2021 Ford Edge, 33% of the model year's 114 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2021 Ford Edge transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 21V-011 (driveshaft, Jan 15, 2021). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2021 Ford Edge transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
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.