Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Ford Edge powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Ford Edge have filed 81 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 59,500 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
81
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Edge | 42 |
| 2013 Edge | 153 |
| 2014 Edge | 48 |
| 2015 Edge | 112 |
| 2016 Edge (this page) | 81 |
| 2017 Edge | 141 |
| 2018 Edge | 74 |
| 2019 Edge | 434 |
| 2020 Edge | 169 |
1crash
1fire
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 81 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 Ford Edge, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 81 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulting in the timing gear breaking and engine damage. Replacement of the bolt is critical to the repair and accurately following the installation procedure in the Workshop Manual (WSM) Section, 303-01 is extremely important. The bolt torque procedure can be found in the crankshaft front seal removal and installation procedure or in the engine assembly procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2015-2018 Model Year Edge, 2019-2020 Fusion and MKZ Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost Engine and 6F35 Transmission Rattle Noise at the Transmission Bellhousing Area Flexplate Cracks REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT Aftermarket torque converters are no longer approved for this program, Ford part number DG9Z- 7902-H is readily available Customers will be mailed a second owner letter in June 2023 Added Attachment IV Mobile Repair Assessment Added Pick-up and Delivery information for Participating Dealers Updated Technical Instructions, Verbal Authorization needed prior to parts being ordered by SSSC
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2015-2018 Model Year Edge, 2019-2020 Fusion and MKZ Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost Engine and 6F35 Transmission Rattle Noise at the Transmission Bellhousing Area â Flexplate Crack In some of the affected vehicles, a cracked flexplate may cause a rattling noise at start up and/or while driving the vehicle. The rattling noise may vary with vehicle operation and is most apparent with transmission in drive at idle speed. Some customers may also feel a powertrain vibration, encounter an inability to start the engine, or experience a loss of motive power while driving.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2016 vehicles equipped with 6F50/6F55 transmission and built on 2-Nov-2015 and through 1-Feb-2016 may exhibit no reverse, 3rd and 5th gear with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0715,P0717,P0756 and/or P2701. This may be caused by the direct clutch cylinder/tone wheel (7F283) inadvertently forcing the snap ring out of position resulting in damage to the direct clutch hub (7G384). Service part (7J250) complete rotating 3-5-R clutch module is now available. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01. For claiming, use causal part 7F283 and applicable labor operations in Section 7 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) manual.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2016 Ford Edge powertrain cluster shows a pattern of critical failures across multiple systems, with the most common and dangerous being flexplate cracking (56,000–127,000 miles) and transmission loss of power (50,000–154,000 miles). Owners describe sudden loss of acceleration, grinding noises, and complete failure with no warning lights. Secondary damage to torque converters and transmission pumps often raises repair costs to $5,300–$7,600-plus.
Engine coolant intrusion into cylinders is another persistent issue, with owners citing misfire codes P0302 and P1316, rough starts, and ultimate engine failure requiring $5,000–$14,000 replacement. Transfer case failures produce burning smells, jerky reverse movement, and grinding during low-speed turns before complete cracking.
Ford's response has been Customer Satisfaction Programs 22N12 and NHTSA Campaign 22V413000, but these limit coverage to specific mileage thresholds (often 120,000 miles maximum). Owners report being denied coverage by 1,000 miles or finding recalls/bulletins (TSB 19-2346, 22-2229, 18-2055, 18-2255) not attached to their VINs. Several owners describe being unable to reach dealerships for diagnosis, facing parts shortages, or experiencing repeat failures even after warranty repair. The timing is typically poor—failures occur just outside coverage windows or after owners have missed time-limited reimbursement programs they were never notified about.
Same Ford Edge powertrain reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Transfer Case Failure/Cracking
Transfer case develops internal cracks, leaks, and eventually fails completely. Owners report strong burning smell in cabin, jerky movement in reverse, grinding noises during low-speed turns, and eventual complete mechanical failure. One case involved the transfer case smoking and becoming undrivable during a test drive.
When: 76,000 miles reported in one case; 56,000 miles in another case involving transfer case explosion
Symptoms owners cite: Strong burning smell inside cabin; Jerky movement while reversing; Grinding/rubbing noises during low-speed turns; Smoke from engine compartment; Loss of power
Repairs/costs cited: Transfer case replacement required; one case involved torque converter and transmission replacement following transfer case failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 18-2057 (cabin odors), TSB 18-2255 (transfer case leaks and driveability)
Flexplate Cracking/Failure
Flexplate cracks and fails, sometimes suddenly while driving, causing loss of power, grinding noises, and inability to accelerate. Owners report rattling noises preceding failure. Multiple owners experienced repeat failures even after repair or warranty service, with secondary damage to torque converter and transmission.
When: 56,000–127,000 miles; one repeat failure occurred at 86,000 after prior repair at 56,000
Symptoms owners cite: Rattling noise from engine/transmission area; Loud grinding sound; Loss of acceleration/power; Check engine light (some cases); Jerking or vibration
Codes mentioned: P0302 (cylinder misfire, in related coolant-intrusion case)
Repairs/costs cited: Flexplate replacement $2,000+; secondary damage to torque converter, transmission fluid pump common. One owner paid $7,600 for transmission replacement after flexplate failure caused internal transmission damage. Repeat failures documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Customer Satisfaction Program 22N12 (flexplate cracks at bellhousing area); limited to vehicles under 120,000 miles. NHTSA Campaign 22V413000 (Power Train). Some owners denied coverage due to mileage exceeding cutoff by as little as 1,000 miles. No official recall; CSP labeled as 'Customer Service Satisfaction' program with expiration dates (e.g., 3/31/23).
Transmission Failure/Loss of Power
Transmission abruptly loses engagement, refuses to shift into gear, or experiences complete failure. In some cases, vehicle loses all power while driving at highway speeds with no warning lights. Owners report sudden loss of acceleration, grinding noises, and inability to move the vehicle.
When: 50,000–154,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power while accelerating; Failure to engage gears; Grinding noises; Jerking and vibration; No warning lights (most cases); Difficulty shifting or gear engagement delay
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement; costs $5,300–$7,600+. In some cases, transmission fluid turned black by low mileage (68,500 miles). Secondary damage (crankshaft, oil pump) common after flexplate failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 22V413000 (Power Train); Customer Satisfaction Program 22N12. One owner cited CSP limit: vehicle over 154,000 miles but customer claims coverage should apply because failure occurred suddenly and prematurely. Some cases involve parts shortage delaying recall repair (Campaign 22V413000 noted as 'parts distribution disconnect').
Engine Coolant Intrusion/Block Defect
Coolant leaks into cylinders due to defective engine block casting or head gasket failure. Causes cylinder misfire, rough starts, loss of coolant, rough running, potential for engine fire, and eventual complete engine seizure or failure. One owner reported engine catching fire.
When: 44,000–101,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light (intermittent or persistent); Cylinder misfire codes (P0302, P1316); Rough starts; Loss of coolant; White/thick smoke from exhaust; Heater not warming up; Engine hesitation
Codes mentioned: P0302 (Cylinder #2 misfire), P1316 (Misfire in first 1000 RPM)
Repairs/costs cited: Long block engine replacement $5,000–$14,000. Owners note that newer engine block design does not exhibit same head gasket/coolant intrusion failure. One owner noted cost approximate to vehicle value ($10–14k).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 19-2346 (EcoBoost coolant intrusion); TSB 22-2229 (coolant intrusion in cylinder). Service bulletin acknowledges issue but Ford initially refused assistance citing out-of-warranty status. One customer reported ford offering extended warranty as 'goodwill gesture' but without cost reimbursement. No official recall for coolant intrusion.
Power Loss/Limp Mode (Unexplained)
Vehicle enters limp mode or loses power during acceleration/merging, with multiple warning lights appearing. Engine continues running but vehicle will not accelerate past 25–35 mph. Symptoms clear by the time vehicle reaches dealership, making diagnosis difficult. Some cases involve stalling on highway at 70 mph with only wrench and 'Hill Assist Not Available' warning.
When: Low mileage to higher mileage; one case at 7,600 miles (only 8 days after purchase)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of acceleration; Vehicle unable to exceed 25–35 mph; Multiple warning lights (wrench, AWD, Hill Assist Not Available); Stalling; Engine running roughly
Codes mentioned: B1111 (ABS Parking Brake, reported in one case)
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed in several cases; issues cleared after vehicle shut down and restarted. PCM reprogramming attempted in one case, but technician noted vehicle could fail again under different conditions.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: PCM (Powertrain Control Module) reprogramming in one case, not replacement. Campaign 22V413000 referenced in some complaints. Some cases have no clear Ford response.
Engine Failure/Complete Power Loss
Engine suddenly loses all power while driving with no warning lights. Occurs at various speeds and highway conditions. Some cases involve complete engine failure requiring replacement; others involve misdiagnosis (vapor canister vs. cracked block).
When: 81,000 miles (just over 8-year ownership window); approximately 500 miles from home
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete loss of power; Engine continues running but no acceleration; No smoke, fluid leaks, or check engine light prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement recommended by both independent mechanic and Ford dealer ($2,400). One case involved misdiagnosis as vapor canister before engine long block crack identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Road Assist declined assistance citing vehicle over 8 years old and 80,000 miles, even though failure occurred just 1,336 miles beyond the 80,000-mile threshold and 14 days short of 8-year mark.
Shifter Cable Bushing Failure
Shifter cable bushing fails, causing gear shifter to seize or transmission to fail to engage. Multiple repeat failures documented after warranty repair and CSP repair under Campaign 22V413000.
When: Approximately 98,000 miles (first and subsequent failures)
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fails to function; Gear shifter seizes; Transmission seized while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter cable bushing replacement. Failure reoccurred twice after repair—once under warranty (Campaign 22V413000) and again out of warranty (owner paid out of pocket).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 22V413000 (Power Train); covered initially under warranty, but failure reoccurred and was not covered on second occurrence.
Flywheel/Torque Converter Failure
Flywheel cracks, breaks, or becomes detached. Causes loud rattling or booming noises, loss of power, and inability to move vehicle. Secondary damage to torque converter and transmission pump common.
When: 56,000–57,000 miles (within or near warranty period)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rattling or booming sound under hood; Loud noise from engine area; Loss of power; Vehicle will not move
Repairs/costs cited: Flywheel replacement; torque converter and transmission replacement often required due to secondary damage. Costs $5,300–$7,600+. One owner noted Ford issued recall for 2017 model with identical parts but refused to cover 2016 model.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 22V413000 referenced. One owner noted Ford issued recall for 2017 models with same parts but refused to extend to 2016 models.
Differential Failure
Differential randomly breaks. Owner reports mechanic indicated this is a known issue for Ford Edge and may be subject to recall.
When: Approximately 95,000–98,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle clunking noise; Vehicle thrusting/not maintaining highway speed consistency; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Differential repair/replacement required. Cost not specified by owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mechanic indicated issue is on Ford/NHTSA bulletin and potential recall candidate. No official recall confirmed.
Unexpected Vehicle Movement (Rollaway)
Vehicle rolls unexpectedly after driver shuts off engine from driver's side and walks to passenger side. Vehicle rolls approximately 20–30 feet, pinning driver under door, running over hand with front tire, and rolling into neighbor's yard.
When: June 2021; vehicle in driveway with engine off
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle begins rolling without any input from driver; Rolls downhill into neighbor's yard
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; vehicle never inspected per owner. Owner injured: broken fingers (two middle fingers), road rash, limited hand function.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 22S43 likely related (owner speculation). No official notification sent to owner.
Transmission Jerking and Acceleration Issues
Transmission jerks, hesitates, and slips while shifting. Vehicle fails to accelerate smoothly or loses power when accelerating. Black transmission fluid at low mileage suggests internal transmission damage or wear.
When: 44,000–98,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Jerking and vibration during acceleration; Transmission slips out of gear or hesitates to shift; Vehicle will not accelerate or accelerates slowly; Black transmission fluid (at 68,500 miles); Failure to shift into intended gear
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid change/flush suggested in some cases; full transmission replacement required in others. One case: $140 diagnostic fee at Ford, then unknown repair costs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented in most cases; Ford quoted $140 diagnostic fee.
Excessive Engine Noise and Misfiring
Engine produces loud rattling, knocking, or grinding noises. Often accompanied by check engine light and misfire codes. Related to cylinder head defects, flexplate cracks, or coolant intrusion.
When: Low mileage to 110,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine rattle/knocking from engine area; Grinding sounds; Check engine light with misfire codes; Engine shaking/jerking on startup
Codes mentioned: P0302 (Cylinder #2 misfire), P1316 (Misfire in first 1000 RPM)
Repairs/costs cited: Varies by cause: short block replacement, flexplate replacement, engine block replacement. Costs $2,000–$14,000+.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 19-2208, TSB 19-2346, TSB 22-2229 referenced. CSP 22N12 for flexplate.
Steering/Handling Issues (Veering/Drifting)
Vehicle veers or drifts to both sides while driving straight, particularly in wet/slippery conditions. No warning lights. Possible ESC/ABS system malfunction.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle drifts or veers without driver input; Uncontrolled sliding/slipping in wet conditions; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; owner indicates recalls/warnings not attached to VIN.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Known issue not attached to owner's VIN per complaint; owner requested recall/warning notifications be attached to VIN for dealership service.
Seal Leaks (Timing Cover, Transfer Case Input Shaft, Axle)
Multiple seals leak at low mileage: timing cover oil seal (MTCS), transfer case input shaft seal (FTCI), and axle seal (FRAS) all leaking on same vehicle.
When: 58,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple seal leaks
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; owner lists the three seal types affected.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Transmission Shift Bushing Failure (Distinct from Cable Bushing)
Transmission shift bushing fails, creating abnormal noise during operation. Related to NHTSA Campaign 22V413000.
When: 68,000 miles; possibly earlier
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal noise while shifting or at rest
Repairs/costs cited: Shift bushing replacement; however, failure reoccurred even after repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 22V413000 (Power Train); repair completed but failure persisted.
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Failure
PCM malfunction causes sudden loss of power and multiple warning lights. One case involved vehicle losing power at red light and only achieving 5 mph.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power; Wrench light; AWD light; Vehicle unable to exceed 5 mph
Repairs/costs cited: PCM reprogrammed (not replaced) per current Ford policy. Technician noted this could happen again.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford reprograms PCM rather than replacing per current policy.
Automatic Acceleration / Unintended Acceleration
Vehicle suddenly accelerates without driver input or accelerates excessively when driver taps accelerator lightly. One case occurred after light tap on accelerator pedal; vehicle quickly accelerated and struck another vehicle.
When: Low mileage (approximately 70,000 miles or less)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates suddenly without throttle input; Excessive acceleration from light pedal input; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in documented cases; one case resulted in minor collision.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Gear Shift Sensor Failure / Battery Drain
Gear shift sensor fails, preventing vehicle from starting. Battery drains despite vehicle being in park, requiring multiple battery replacements.
When: 44,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start; Battery drain while parked; Requires jump start
Repairs/costs cited: Gear shift sensor replaced (first replacement at 44k); required third battery install. Failure noted as common in other Ford models per second dealer consulted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated vehicle out of warranty at 44,000 miles.
Synthesized from 81 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
While driving on expressway at 70 MPH. In traffic engine lost power car started slowing down and would not speed back up. The wrench and the hill assist not available icons were on. Turned on flashers and people behind me gave me room to change lanes and pull to the shoulder. Engine was still running roughly. Hit engine stop button, waited a few seconds tried to restart. It cranked and finally…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2016 Ford Edge?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2016 Ford Edge?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 81 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 37 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 35,670 and 96,000 miles, with the median around 59,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 35,670; a quarter make it past 96,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Ford/Edge.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.