Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 5% | — |
| 2023 | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2020 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2019 | 2 | 0% | 3,000 miles |
| 2018 | 16 | 2% | 6,000 miles |
| 2017 | 14 | 1% | 50,000 miles |
| 2016 | 10 | 1% | 27,000 miles |
| 2015 | 9 | 1% | 60,000 miles |
| 2014 | 12 | 3% | 3,000 miles |
| 2013 | 196 | 8% | 46,000 miles |
| 2012 | 86 | 8% | 51,000 miles |
| 2011 | 195 | 11% | 54,000 miles |
| 2010 | 19 | 3% | 55,000 miles |
| 2009 | 14 | 5% | 80,000 miles |
| 2008 | 69 | 6% | 79,000 miles |
| 2007 | 41 | 4% | 56,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated that he had noticed a crack in the rear tail light bar located at the top edge of the hatchback liftgate. The contact stated that he had not hit any objects and had not noticed any impact marks. The contact stated that the crack was located in the middle of the tail light bar. The contact stated that when it rains the hatchback tail light fills with water and the contact was concerned that the water intrusion could lead to a short circuit. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear tail light assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated that when the vehicle was purchased, she noticed water inside the taillights. The contact notified the salesperson at the dealer and was informed that the taillight did not need to be replaced. The taillight was replaced by an independent mechanic. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 71,990.
I bought this car used from Honda Dealership. It had 84,000 mileage on it and since then. The headlights are so dim and I can't see you have to drive with high beam on every time I go at night I've changed almost we like 56 different types light bulb, but still nothing still worst. If I used one for the manufacturer one it's nothing it's literally dark outside. I can't see nothing and another problem is as the ball joint since I bought it I took it from my first oil change when they did the inspection on the car they told me one of my passenger side ball joint was loose but that time I didn't have money to repair it because it was almost $5000 they said and I was like I don't have the money. I'm a college student so and recently my car wheel is to the left side more. …
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at various speeds, the engine failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was repaired under warranty. While at the dealer, the contact asked the dealer to check the rear assembly light because there was water inside the rear light. The vehicle was inspected, and it was diagnosed that the seal behind the light had detached. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the dealer had fractured a plastic piece while inspecting the vehicle. The contact noticed water and debris floating inside the rear lights. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Edge. The contact stated that upon visual inspection, he observed condensation build-up within both the driver's and passenger's side taillights that could severely reduce night-time visibility. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 95,000.
Prior to taking delivery of this car (new, March 2017) the selling dealer replaced the tail/back-up light assembly on the tailgate because it had moisture in it. After I had the car for about 3 months the moisture came back and I called the dealer. They said it was a know problem and they would get back to me when they had the part to fix it. They never called me and I forgot about the problem. In October 2024, a neighbor told me my right back-up light was out. A couple of weeks later I went to my mechanic to have the bulb replaced. He told me that both back-up lights were out and they were non-replaceable LEDs. The entire light assembly must be replaced before I can get a state inspection sticker. The list price of the unit from Ford (only available from Ford no aftermarket part made) is $1,257.57. The car only has 48,206 miles on it. …
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact's husband observed condensation in the rear gate light bar. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the taillight assembly needed to be replaced because of a broken seal. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the taillight assembly needed to be replaced due to a broken seal. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Edge. The contact stated that there was condensation in the rear exterior light housings. The contact stated that the condensation had increased significantly over time. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a common failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Related recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Headlights
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Edge vehicles. The front right headlight may be too bright or aimed incorrectly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the right headlight assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 9, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
NHTSA investigations
Door Ajar Warning Light Always On
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on September 28, 2016 based on allegations that the door ajar light located on the instrument cluster stays on all of the time even when all doors are closed and fully latched on 2011-2013 model year Ford Edge vehicles.When the light is illuminated continuously, vehicle occupants cannot be certain if any of the doors are properly latched.Reported…
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Edge years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2013 (196), 2011 (195), 2012 (86), 2008 (69) and 2007 (41) model years. Headlight complaints make up 8% of all complaints for the 2013.
Is there a recall for Ford Edge headlight problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 23V-596 (headlights, Aug 25, 2023). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Edge headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles; 45% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the tail lights (7 mentions), followed by the brake lights (3).
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.