NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Ford Edge. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
While driving on Sam Houston tollway going 65 mph, I heard a loud explosion scared me and caused me to swerve into the lane next to me narrowly missing the car next to me. I thought I had a blowout I pulled over to the side of the freeway and found it was the sunroof that exploded. This created a serious situation that could have been catastrophic.
Vehicle bucks and jerks while accelerating and transmission shifts harshly causing vehicle shaking and driver distraction . this is a known documented issue with the Ford 8 speed transmission
The transmission has a very bad shuddering at low speeds and under load. I am very concerned when entering an on ramp that the car is not going to get up to speed and cause an accident.
i KEEP GETTING A DASH ALERT THAT THE TRAILER IS CONNECTED WHEN i DON'T HAVE A TRAILER HOOKED UP ALONG WITH A MESSEGE THAT STATES BLIND SPOT &CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT DEACTIVATED, TRAILER ATTATCHED. THIS OCCURRED ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS WITHIN SEVERAL WEEKS
Check engine light came on for a power train malfunction. The problem is a failing torque converter or its control (TCC) causing transmission shudder 65,000 miles
My backup camera has the same issue as the recall for the 2021-2024 Ford Edge. Why is my year not included in the recall?
The transmission keeps shuddering and jerking at low speeds. I have problems driving behind school buses or any slow moving vehicle. The vehicle has a problem when merging onto highways and loses acceleration power due to jerking. I have spoken to 3 separate edge owners who all have the same problem. Some of us can't afford the repairs but these vehicles are still being sold with this known problem.
My 2020 Ford Edge Titanium AWD, with approximately 64,000 miles, recently began exhibiting a brief vibration or shudder when accelerating at low speeds, below 40 mph. The vibration lasts approximately one to two seconds and occurs around the time the vehicle shifts gears under acceleration. The vehicle does not exhibit the vibration while maintaining a constant speed. Prior to this issue appearing, there were no warning lights, messages, or other indicators of a transmission problem. I brought the vehicle to a Ford dealership for inspection and diagnosis. After evaluating the vehicle, the dealership informed me that the transmission needed to be replaced and provided an estimate of approximately 11,000 to install a remanufactured transmission. After receiving this estimate, I contacted the dealership to ask whether any less invasive diagnostic or corrective measures had been attempted before recommending complete transmission replacement. I asked whether a powertrain control module (PCM) reprogramming or transmission fluid service had been performed, pursuant to Tech. Serv. Bul. 21-2389. The service advisor told me he did not see a PCM reprogram listed in the service notes and placed me on hold to confirm with the technician. When he returned, he stated that the technician had not performed a PCM reprogram because it allegedly could have worsened the issue. I was also informed that replacing the transmission fluid could potentially worsen the condition, and therefore it was not attempted. The dealership confirmed that the issue involved torque converter shudder but recommended replacing the entire transmission assembly rather than attempting other diagnostic or corrective steps. The unexpected shudder during acceleration raises concerns about drivability and the potential for the condition to worsen, particularly when accelerating into traffic or from intersections. At this time, the vehicle has only been inspected by the dealer.
Transmission Fluid Leak/Fire Risk (Recall 20S49): Certain 2020 Edge models have missing or loose bolts on the start/stop accumulator endcap, which can cause a leak and increase the risk of fire. Rearview Camera Failure (Recall 20V572000): A common issue where the rear camera may display a blank or distorted image, failing to comply with safety standards. Driveshaft Seizure (Recall 21S43): A potential lack of lubrication in the rear drive unit can cause it to seize, leading to loss of drive and vehicle control. Inoperable HVAC Blower Motor: A potential defect causing the blower motor to fail, which can hinder windshield defrosting. Power train alert not going into park break light issue
My vehicle is a 2020 Ford Edge SEL. I am experiencing ongoing transmission shuddering, jerking, and RPM fluctuations during normal driving. At slow speeds, the vehicle jerks and shudders, making it very difficult to drive smoothly in traffic and when accelerating from a stop. At higher speeds, the RPM gauge jumps while driving, and the vehicle feels like it is slipping or shifting unpredictably. The condition has been getting worse over time. This problem matches the known defect described in Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 20-2081 related to transmission shudder. My vehicle’s year, make, and model match those affected by this known issue; however, my VIN is not included in any recall. The unpredictable jerking, shuddering, and RPM fluctuations create unsafe driving conditions, especially when merging into traffic, turning, or maintaining speed. I believe this is a widespread defect affecting the safe operation of the vehicle and should be investigated by NHTSA for a potential recall. I am submitting this complaint to request that this defect be reviewed for investigation and corrective action.
The transmission shutters and jerks
my 2020 ford edge suddenly started failing to catch the gear when driving, the rpms would rev but the car would not speed up, when it would finally catch, the car would jerk forward. No warning, no heads up, I just got in my car one day and the problem existed. I bought this car new, I am the sole owner and I routinely take it in for upkeep. It has 62,000 miles on it so JUST over the 60k warranty. I took the car to the local Ford dealership who informed me that the torque converter was going out. After looking the issue up online, its was apparent that this is a known issue very common the this year. This is a faulty part that has yet to be recalled. I asked the Ford dealership about this issue and they confirmed that it was a very common problem and they had 2 vehicles currently in their shop for the same problem. The quote to correct this issue is thousands of dollars.
The transmission has completely gone out on my 2020 Ford edge the repair cost is $5500. I should not need a new transmission on a five year-old vehicle. There are several reports on this issue please advise.
Was taken to mechanic shop and then sent to dealership for shudder issue and sound come from rear. Changed rear differential fluid. Problem/sound persisted. Between 25-45 vehicle transmission is cutting out. Awd light, Powertrain lights and brake lights are on and vehicle went in to limp mode at 55mph due to torque converter. Still currently in shop.
Coolant entered into the engine, causing catastrophic failure. There was no warning on the dash of low coolant or anything until it happened. By then, it was too late! This is a known problem by Ford Motor Company, yet they have done nothing to assist owners with repairs by offsetting costs or performing them for free!!
Transmission jumped out of gear when I turned the corner. 2nd Ford edge I own that has done this. 1st car sitting in driveway waiting to get fixed.
Transmission will jerk and have issues shifting, it is causing issues with acceleration and driving. it is distracting and causing fear the car will not make it from point a to b. the car only has 109k miles the transmission should not already be failing.
I bought this car on 12/15 with 97k miles on it, and the second day it started jilting very badly when SLIGHTLY acceleration. Now, I have noticed when I am at a stop light, it takes an additional 2-5 seconds to “Jult” back up to speed while everyone else that was at the light is very much so ahead of me. There were a few times the car didn’t accelerate, and the person behind me almost hit me.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while reversing in a parking lot, the rearview camera image failed to be displayed. The message “Camera not Available” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with the failure of the rearview camera image; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, where it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention). The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.
I take my to the ford dealership one day for oil change. The mechanics do a full multi inspection and find some issues that needed to be fixed, nothing about the transmission and transmission fluid being low or being dark. So I requested to do oil change and a recommended Engine Tune-up. I get my car back. However, about a week or two later I start noticing some shuddering and vibrations in the car when I hit the gas pedal. I take the car back to the dealership. I tell them how I had been there a few weeks back for oil change but after that I started noticing weird movements in the car. So they take the car to do an inspection on it. Then the mechanic/advisor guy says the vehicle needs a new transmission due to a failed torque converter. And he said the new transmission will cost $8700. And he charged me again for the inspection of the car. The vehicle is a 2020 Ford Edge with just 85400 miles. How does a 6 yr old car with less mileage blow a transmission that fast.
Vehicle was purchased CPO ( Certified Pre Owned ) with only 43K miles on the odometer on or about DEC , 7-10 2025. Since purchase of the vehicle it has been shifting, shuddering and tugging between 0-30mph. The vehicle shifts hard and doesn’t catch or change gears fast enough causing the engine to be caught in high RPM.
Safety Defects and Mechanical Failures My 2020 Ford Edge (VIN: [XXX] ) is plagued by systemic safety defects that render it unroadworthy under Pennsylvania law (37 Pa. Code § 301.2).[1, 2] The 8F35 transmission suffers from a documented "shudder" and loss of motive power (TSB 21-2389), creating a high risk of collisions in traffic.[3, 4, 5] Additionally, the vehicle is subject to critical federal recalls: Recall 21S02 (21V-011) regarding sudden rear axle seizure [6, 7, 8] and Recall 20S49 (20V-550) regarding a lethal fire hazard from leaking transmission fluid.[9, 10, 11] The engine also exhibits a design flaw known as "coolant intrusion" (TSB 19-2346), which leads to catastrophic engine failure and hydro-lock.[12, 13, 14] Deceptive Trade Practices and Lender Liability CarMax sold this vehicle as "Quality Certified" without fulfilling the disclosure requirements mandated by the 2022 Multistate Attorney General Settlement.[15, 16] Specifically, CarMax failed to provide the required standalone, signed disclosure form for open safety recalls prior to the sale.[17, 18, 15] Because this transaction was financed through Santander Consumer USA, the lender is derivatively liable for CarMax’s deceptive acts under the FTC Holder Rule (16 C.F.R. § 433).[19, 2] This federal rule allows me to assert all legal claims and defenses against Santander that I have against CarMax, including breach of the implied warranty of merchantability, which overrides any "As-Is" disclaimer when a vehicle is sold in a non-roadworthy condition INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
8F35 transmission problems, poor shifts, jumpy shifts, vibration at 45-52 mph. vibration at 59-61 mph tying to figure out if it needs to stay in 7th gear or change to the final 8th gear. At any speed below 35 mpg the transmission is challenged to understand itself and its purpose on this earth. i am scared to death to drive under 35 mph because the transmission becomes extremely unstable. Up shifting then thinking it made a mistake and violently down shifting then a lazy up shift because the transmission realized it didn't need to down shift in the first place.
While driving my family home, our 2020 Ford Edge displayed sudden overheating. White smoke with a sweet smell was coming from the tailpipe. Looking under the hood afterwards I could verify the coolant reservoir was empty. I refilled it with the recommended fluid and amount, drove it around the block, only for the same thing to happen again. Upon taking it to my local Ford dealership, they have confirmed the ERG cooler has failed and requires replacing, per TSB 20-2234.
Rear hatch closed on my teenage daughters hand and would not open with remote, button on hatch or the button on dash. Her hand was stuck and the only way to get her out was to take a pry bar to open it enough. Thank goodness we were home and I have tools. This could have been much worse.
At approximately 82,000 miles, the vehicle began exhibiting transmission shuddering, hesitation, and harsh engagement at low speeds (under approx. 35 mph). The condition progressively worsened, resulting in jerking and delayed acceleration from a stop, creating unsafe driving conditions in traffic. At approximately 86,000 miles the transmission issues continued to worsen, and I therefore determined the vehicle unsafe to operate and brought it to the dealership for service. Upon inspection, I was informed by the dealership that the vehicle transmission required removal and replacement due to internal faults. These conditions, symptoms and internal faults are consistent with known issues documented by Ford Technical Service Bulletins for the 8F35 transmission used in the 2020 Ford Edge.
The transmission started to fail while driving without any problems beforehand. It caused a huge safety risk while driving in a big city.
Fluid is extremely burnt and has large amounts of metal debris in the transmission, fluid is low with no known leaks, unable to engage in neutral and in park, Shift Solenoid A stuck on, Transmission Friction Element A and E apply Time Range/Performance
My 2020 Ford Edge Titanium experienced a complete transmission failure at just 65,898 miles—less than 6,000 miles beyond the factory warranty. Fortunately, I had purchased a Lifetime Limited Warranty through a third-party provider, American Colonial Administration, LLC. During my research on the 8F35 transmission, I discovered numerous consumer complaints, particularly affecting the 2019–2021 model years. I also reviewed estimated replacement costs, which typically ranged from $5,500 to $9,000. However, the Ford dealership charged $11,596.27 for the replacement. The warranty company covered $9,791.29, leaving me responsible for $1,804.98 out of pocket, in addition to $408 for towing and $421 for a one-week rental car. My vehicle remained in the shop for a total of 33 days, leaving me without transportation for 26 days. I contacted Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan to request cost assistance, given the documented issues with the 8F35 transmission. I was informed that no Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) applied to my situation. I was also told that dealerships are independently owned and operated, which ultimately meant Ford would not offer any help—even though the failure resulted from a known problem with their own product.
At around 82,000 miles my 2020 Egde started started having acceleration issues from 0-40, this was right after my warranty expired. I have kept up with all maintenance since bought new in 2020. No warning lights show on dashboard and took to 3 mechanics, which during diagnostic testing showed only a mis-fire and then was told the torque converter needs replaced which is a few thousand dollars.
The push button start stopped functioning and the car could not be started, leaving me stranded late at night. This problem was inspected by Tamiami Ford, Naples, Florida in April, 2025 and the dealer could not determine the cause or fix it. Meanwhile, the intermittent problem is now frequent and the car is totally unreliable.
The transmission failed abruptly, without any notice or warnings. I had to have it towed to a service shop. When I first tried to drive the vehicle, I was too nervous because the vehicle would not shift so I chose not to drive it for safety reasons. I first towed the vehicle to a shop near my house that concluded I needed a new transmission but they did not repair transmissions. I then had it towed to a transmission shop. Both shops concluded black, metal in the transmission. The manufacturer, the police or the insurance have not been involved. The vehicle provided no warning lamps or symptoms prior to the day the transmission failed in November 2025. My vehicle is only 5 years old and I have had it serviced every 6,000 miles at a Ford dealership. At no time did Ford tell my my transmission fluid was black or needed to be changed. In fact, they continued to tell me that the vehicle was running well. Upon investigation, it appears that the 2020 Ford Edge, 8 speed transmission has experienced the same issue. I also have a 2015 Ford Edge, 6 speed transmission, and I have never had an issue with metal in the transmission. I had to spend just shy of $10,000 to have my transmission, in a 5 year old vehicle replaced.
Component or system that failed or malfunctioned, and availability for inspection The torque converter and transmission system in my 2020 Ford Edge have malfunctioned. The vehicle experiences transmission shuddering/stuttering during normal driving, particularly during low-speed acceleration and gear changes. The vehicle remains in my possession and is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk The transmission stuttering causes hesitation, jerking, and unpredictable power delivery while driving. This creates a safety risk, especially when accelerating from a stop, merging into traffic, or driving at low speeds in congested areas. The lack of smooth and reliable acceleration increases the risk of rear-end collisions or loss of control, putting both myself and other drivers at risk. Confirmation or reproduction of the problem The issue has been consistently reproducible during normal operation of the vehicle. The symptoms have been observed repeatedly and were confirmed by a dealer/independent service center, which identified the torque converter and transmission as the source of the problem and advised that significant repairs or replacement would be required. Inspections performed The vehicle has been inspected by a dealership and/or independent repair facility. The manufacturer has not yet directly inspected the vehicle beyond dealer diagnostics, but the vehicle is available for further inspection if requested. Warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to failure There were no immediate warning lamps at the onset of the issue. The primary symptoms were transmission shuddering, stuttering, and rough shifting, which gradually worsened over time.These symptoms first appeared during regular driving and became more frequent and severe, indicating progressive failure of the torque converter and transmission system.
8F35 Transmission - Shudder/Buck/Jerk While Driving Up To 35 MPH (57 Km/H [XXX] dealership tells me I need new transmission ... and that ford won't help at all online bulletin says a software update can solve this - why has the dealership not done this? no warning lights ever INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
These transmissions fail prematurely. I have experienced major slippage on the highway, particularly when changing lanes in traffic or merging and needing to accelerate quickly. Most of the time it does, but occasionally the car just doesn't move with faster traffic quickly closing the gap. It is VERY scary when this happens, and there have been near misses! In another instance, the car would not go into reverse and ACTUALLY TRIED TO MOVE FORWARD WHILE IN REVERSE!!! I have found posts on forums where others have experienced this issue as well. Ford needs to be forced to issue a safety recall on these cars to have their transmissions repaired.
Transmission shudders and jerks up to 35 or so mph. speeds above are very jerky. took it to my ford dealer. they informed me my transmission was needing replacement. was told faulty tranny . trying to get to anywhere is very scary. very un safe.
I own a 2020 Ford Edge 2.0 Platinum AWD (VIN: [XXX] ). At just over 50,000 miles, the vehicle developed a noticeable shutter in the front area, which was diagnosed as a faulty torque converter in the transmission. This required replacement at a reduced cost of $1,350. Shortly after, around 52,000 miles, the vehicle developed a loud grinding noise in the rear differential area. Initially, the differential lock motor was replaced for $675, but this did not fully resolve the issue. Ultimately, the entire rear differential had to be replaced at a reduced cost of approximately $2,750, including fluids and recalibration. Ford acknowledges that there are known issues with the AWD systems in Ford Edge vehicles, yet refuses to take responsibility or offer assistance. It is unacceptable that a 5-year-old vehicle with only 52,000 miles would require thousands of dollars in repairs to remain safe and drivable. These failures pose a serious safety concern and financial burden, and I urge NHTSA to investigate this recurring issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Brake pedal dropped to floor when applied slight pressure to slow from 30mph to 20 mph, then the car surged no brakes. I finally got car to stop by putting in neutral and engaging emergency brake.
Transmission slipping when accelerating, also shudder when between gears
With no warning signs, I put my 2020 Ford Edge into Drive, but it didn't move; so, I put it into Reverse and it wouldn't move. After a minute, I was able to drive it. The next day, I was able to drive it ~1/4 mile when this sandy, gritty noise happened and the Wrench light came up on the dashboard. I pulled over, then the Check Engine Light came on, so I turned off the car. I turned it back on, and when I put it in Drive, it didn't move, so I put it in Reverse and it didn't move. I had the car towed to a Ford Dealer, who after diagnosis, told me the transmission needed to be repaired @ $8600. My car had 136,000 miles on it when this happened; I always maintained it, including a tune up, with full fluid flush, per the recommended maintenance @ 100,000 miles. I was told by the mechanic that the planetary broke up and went through the entire system, ruining it.
Transmission failure, this is a know issue, that ford wont claim as an issue.
Transmission issuse, jerking and shuttering. Not going in reverse and then not going in park. Transmission needs replaced now.
Rear center seatbelt retractor failed under normal use. The belt locks immediately and cannot be extended, making the rear center seat unusable. There is no accident or collision history. The issue developed over time and is now constant. This is a safety issue because a passenger cannot be properly restrained in that seating position, reducing available seating capacity.
Transmission shudder at 19,000 with Powertrain control module reprogrammed and currently at 40,0000 miles torque converter issue being addressed
Vehicle shutters @ speeds between 30 to 40mph. Had to replace transmission @ 93k miles.
In February 2025 a dash light came on when the vehicle was studdering at 20-40 mph. Firestone said the code was a PRV, so they replaced it (approx $450), had 80k miles. Six months later it's doing the same thing and firestone said it has no codes and it could be alot of things but suspects maybe fuel pump or torque converter as they have seen it alot on the 2020 edge. A week later, I took to another mechanic when a different noise was coming during turns, and they said it was the rear differential for sure and the studdering could be several things. Thye replaced the real differential, $2500, and I replaced the plugs/egition coils which they suggested could be causing it. They also mentioned the torque converter as being a big issue in premature failing for the 2020 edge. The new real differential stopped the turning grind, and the new plugs/coils may be making it run a little better, BUT the studder is still here. A 90k mile vehicle should not be having these major safety issues! Torque converter, says transmission to me, so please investigate. I called a ford dealer because I bought the platinum extra warranty and it was expired. I asked about trade in and they said $6500 because they know the vehicle is a lemon--I still owe $23K!! Feeling stuck and worried about driving on the interstate or at speed anywhere too far from home as it could lock up and create an accident. I feel the industry knows about these failures and Ford does too and should do something.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the Pre-Collision control activation notification failed to display for approximately 2 minutes after starting to drive. The Pre-Collision notification flashed a warning sign with a red wrench informing the driver to See Owner’s Manual. While driving at various speeds, the Forward Collision Avoidance system activated unintendedly, which caused the system to take control of the vehicle. While the system was activated, the accelerator and brake pedals showed great resistance while being depressed and the vehicle was difficult to steer. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,871.
10/2022 2yrs owning and around 50,000 miles the all wheel drive went out due to a sensor thats not protected from the elements and of course not covered under the warranty and $900.00 dollars later they install a new one that wasn't updated in order to prevent this from happening again. 9/2/2025 3yrs later and 88,000 miles now the torque converter is going out which i was told by the ford technician that they have been seeing this alot. Of course my warranty is gone even the extended one that I purchased when I purchased this car new. So to fix this manufacturer's issue will now cost me $4,000 dollars to fix. But I was told the torque converter has been updated so I shouldn't have this issue again. So they know this is a problem which i assume is the reason for the updated converter so why isn't this a recall.
Gear change struggles and shudders during 2nd to 4th gear (18-39 mph) when pressing the gas pedal. Driving in sport mode does help but not for long. This problem disappears when cruise control is activated. Went to workshop and had to replace the torque converter. Several owners report similar problems. I bought this car with a mileage of 103,000 miles and it seems to already have some jerking during gear changes but not as bad. It got worse around 120,000 miles. The safety was not of a concern, but the driving dynamics was concerning since the whole vehicle was shaking during gear changes. I checked the NHTSA website and it this vehicle did not have any recalls so far. Another slightly minor but inconvenient issue is the TPMS sensor malfunction. Most of the time the sensors seem to be working perfectly but every time I drive above 50 mph for at least half an hour the dashboard shows TPMS sensor malfunctioning. After I turned off the engine for at least 15 to 30 minutes and I turn on the engine again. The problem seems to disappear temporarily
I bought the vehicle and have had major mechanical issues with it I have replaced the motor and the full exhaust system I am having powertrain issues as well. I feel as though ford she be held accountable for all of the issues the ford edges have being they all have the same issues this should not be legal. I got this vehicle to help me build my credit and now it's hurting my credit because I can't keep up with the car payments from all the major repairs that I have had to do on a 2020 vehicle. They will not even take my vehicle as a trade so I can get from under the vehicle responsibility this has not been a reliable vehicle at all.