Head-to-head reliability
FORD Explorer vs FORD EDGE
How the FORD Explorer and FORD EDGE compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
FORD Explorer vs FORD EDGE: The Explorer averages 476 complaints per year with structural issues like cracked stabilizer arms, while the Edge averages 502 with engine problems like overheating. The Edge has more engine complaints (1785) and brake issues, while the Explorer has more recalls (165). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Explorer or FORD EDGE more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Explorer
The Ford Explorer, over the past decade, has been a frequent subject of owner complaints, averaging nearly 476 per year. The most common issues revolve around structural problems, such as cracked stabilizer arms and trim pieces blowing off, which can lead to safety hazards and additional damage. Powertrain and engine complaints are also significant, with owners reporting transmission failures, engine misfires, and even complete replacements. These patterns suggest that while the Explorer offers utility, it may demand more frequent repairs and attention to structural integrity.
FORD EDGE
The Ford Edge has a slightly higher complaint rate, averaging about 502 per year, with a heavy emphasis on engine and powertrain issues. Owners report engine overheating, seizing, and backfiring, as well as transmission problems and unexpected vehicle movement. Brake system complaints are also notable, including warning light illumination and stalling. This indicates that the Edge may have serious mechanical vulnerabilities that could affect reliability and safety.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Explorer | FORD EDGE |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4,758 Better | 5,021 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 165 | 54 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 129 | 113 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 475.8 Better | 502.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 160 | 125 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
FORD Explorer
- 01STRUCTURE1,169
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER956
- 03POWER TRAIN868
- 04ENGINE552
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM465
Owners report cracked stabilizer arms causing rattling and knocking in the front wheel well, and A-pillar moldings blowing off, which can crack the windshield and pose a hazard to other drivers.
Some Explorers have rolled while parked on a slope even with the parking brake engaged, and others have experienced transmission and water leak issues, indicating potential safety and reliability concerns.
There are reports of the vehicle stopping unexpectedly and the parking brake auto-engaging, along with powertrain warning lights that persist, suggesting possible transmission or drivetrain defects.
Engine misfires and hesitation during acceleration have been reported, with spark plug replacements not resolving the issue, pointing to deeper engine problems.
“Around 20,000 miles, I took my vehicle to the dealer due to rattling and knocking in the front right wheel well and it was discovered the stabilizer arm was cracked. Received the vehicle back, and approximately 1000 miles later, there is rattling at the front…”
“The A piller molding on BOTH sides of the windshield has been blown off. When blown off it cracked the windshield. This resulting in a hazard to drivers around but also the fuel economy of the car.”
FORD EDGE
- 01ENGINE1,785
- 02POWER TRAIN1,116
- 03SERVICE BRAKES615
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING578
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER473
Owners report engine backfiring, overheating, and seizing without warning lights, which can lead to sudden breakdowns. Water accumulation in the footwell after rain is also a concern.
There are reports of abnormal sensations in the accelerator pedal and the vehicle lunging forward when turning off, even after pressing the brake, indicating potential transmission or throttle issues.
Brake warning lights illuminate, the vehicle stalls, and the steering becomes firm, which could compromise control. One incident involved cruise control not disengaging after hitting a large object.
“The contact owns a 2024 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a backfire coming from the engine. The contact stated that the engine overheated and seized. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that failu…”
“The contact leased a 2023 Ford Edge. After a rainstorm, the contact discovered water accumulation in the footwell of the front driver’s side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where parts of the interior of the vehicle were removed to dry out…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
FORD Explorer — 165 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
The risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the image processing module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 25, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2023. O…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement…
The risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles. The right-front lower fastener connecting the steering knuckle and strut may be loose or missing.
The risk: A loose or missing connection between the knuckle and strut can cause improper tire alignment, resulting in a steering pull or require increased steering effort. Additionally, the brake hose may contact the tire and become damaged, resulti…
The fix: Dealers will inspect the fasteners, and tighten or install them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 08, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
The risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S23. This recall expands a…
FORD EDGE — 54 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Edge and Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. The child seat tether wire welds on the second-row left-side seat back frame may be insufficient, which can reduce the seat's ability to properly restrain a child during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to…
The risk: A child that is not properly restrained during a crash can have an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left-side second-row seat back frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 11, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C09.
The defect: 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…
The risk: A headlight that is too bright or aimed incorrectly may cause a glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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. Ford's number for this recall i…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Ford Bronco and 2021-2024 Ford Edge vehicles. The Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) may overheat and shutdown, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended.
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The APIM software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for th…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Ford Bronco and 2021-2024 Ford Edge vehicles. The Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) may overheat and shutdown, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended.
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The APIM software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for th…
Buyer analysis
FORD Explorer or FORD EDGE: which should you buy?
The Ford Edge has a slightly higher complaint rate per year (502 vs. 476) and more engine-related issues, while the Explorer has more structural complaints. In practice, the Edge may require more frequent engine and brake repairs, while the Explorer may need attention to body and suspension components.
Key differences
- Explorer has more structural complaints (1169) vs. Edge (not in top 5), with issues like cracked stabilizer arms and trim blowing off.
- Edge has significantly more engine complaints (1785) vs. Explorer (552), including overheating and seizing.
- Edge has more brake complaints (615) vs. Explorer (not in top 5), with reports of stalling and firm steering.
- Explorer has more recalls (165) vs. Edge (54), but Edge has more complaints overall.
- Inspect the front stabilizer arms for cracks and check the A-pillar moldings for secure attachment.
- Test the parking brake on a slope to ensure the vehicle does not roll, and check for any powertrain warning lights.
- Check for water leaks in the front footwells, especially after rain, and inspect the engine for signs of overheating or backfiring.
- Test the brakes for any warning light illumination or stalling, and ensure the cruise control disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic inspect the suspension and structural components on the Explorer, especially the stabilizer arms and trim.
- On the Edge, check the engine cooling system and look for any signs of overheating or water intrusion.
- Test drive both vehicles at various speeds, paying attention to transmission behavior and brake response.
- Review the recall history and ensure any open recalls are addressed before purchase.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic to identify potential issues.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | FORD Explorer | FORD EDGE |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 19 | 42 |
| 2023 | 102 | 18 |
| 2022 | 255 | 125 |
| 2021 | 407 | 102 |
| 2020 | 1184 | 302 |
| 2019 | 287 | 739 |
| 2018 | 715 | 786 |
| 2017 | 1678 | 1304 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific FORD Explorer or FORD EDGE in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Explorer vs FORD EDGE
- FORD Explorer total complaints
- 4,758
- FORD EDGE total complaints
- 5,021
- FORD Explorer total recalls
- 165
- FORD EDGE total recalls
- 54
- FORD Explorer avg complaints/year
- 475.8
- FORD EDGE avg complaints/year
- 502.1
- More reliable overall
- FORD Explorer
- FORD Explorer top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- FORD EDGE top complaint area
- ENGINE