CarComplaints.com Notes: Say what you will about the styling of the Ford Edge, but the bottom line is owners seem to love this vehicle. That is, of course, except in the case of it's dangerous, worrisome and unexplained issues with random engine stalling.
Our data suggests an early defect trend, as owners of the 2007-2008 models have started posting their accounts of what happens when you're driving down the road and the engine just stops. Some at high speed, some at low speed but always a random shutdown of the engine, electrical and power steering.
Time will tell if this becomes a widespread issue, but there's no drying the seriousness of the problem. With that in mind, we're flagging the Edge with our "Beware of the Clunker" rating until the situation improves.
10.0
really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$5,250
Average Mileage:
115,950 miles
Total Complaints:
7 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
new engine (4 reports)
replace engine (2 reports)
repaired engine, replaced internal water pump (1 reports)
When the water pump fails in these 3.5L V6 engines, there is little warning. You may notice a decrease in the anti-freeze reservoir if you are watching under the hood but no BIG warning lights on the dash. The only gauge to watch is the temperature needle, but by the time that is maxed out, the engine is ruined. I like Ford but this was a big cost downer during the holidays.
While heading to work, my wife noticed the car wasn't idling properly, and was making a squealing noise (belt). he parked the car at work. Later that day I switched vehicles. Upon starting the 2008 Edge, I noticed a constant drip of antifreeze from under the front of the vehicle. I popped the hood and checked the level, and there was still water remaining in the reservoir. I started to head home which is 15 minutes away and noticed the temp gauge rising to normal quicker than usual, and the idle was at 500 rpm.
I pulled into a gas station about a mile down the road, and filled the reservoir to full. The temp stayed at the normal spot and all was well, until I was about 5 minutes from home. At this point the engine light came on, and the Edge started losing power. The mechanic shop we use was just a minute away, and so that's where I headed. Just before turning into the shop, the Edge shut off and I lost power steering. Threw it into neutral, and started it up again, and made it to the shop. My mechanic linked in his diagnostic computer, and found the car was throwing codes for timing, and other various sensors. At this point we opened the hood and checked the water level which was still showing in the reservoir, and leaking underneath. It's when we pulled the dip stick that things went south.
As soon as i saw the emulsification of water and oil I said "head gasket", at which point the mechanic said "you wish it was". I was then educated on the terrible 3.5L design that Ford went with, placing the water pump inside the engine, and turning a simple fix into looking for another vehicle to purchase. With 160,000 miles on the vehicle and a $7,000.00 quote for a new engine, and labor, it's not likely we will repair the car. This is why Ford is in trouble, and companies like Hyundai are doing so well. How is it Hyundai can offer a 10 year 100,000 mile warranty, and most American auto manufactures can't get past a 3 year 60,000 mile warranty? The answer could easily be design, and trust in the design?
There's so much negativity to say about this issue but knowing that the manufacturer knew and is allowed to still produce the vehicle with the same engine is still even more heart braking.
I like keeping my money in America as much as possible, but things like this PUSH me right back to the Asian and German auto industry.
Without any warning - no high temp light or any engine light - the water pump failed causing severe damage to the engine because it caused the timing chain to go slack and allowing coolant to get into the engine. This seems to be a known issue with this engine. It very discouraging that Ford is aware of this issue and is not doing anything.
As a long time Ford customer, I will think twice about buying FORD again. I guess there is something to FORD = Found ON the Roadside Dead after all.
- Tim B.,
Ft Worth, TX, US
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
engine blow up due to water pump failure no warning lights
the fact that ford is aware of a problem with the water pump going and leaking antifreeze into the engine oil and blowing up the engine, and not sending a recall out on this problemis is totally ridiculous. our vehicle only had 80,000 miles on it and now needs a new engine. I feel ford has declined in the quality of thier vehicles.
My 08 Edge has an internal water pump. Undoubtedly, it has gone out. The problem is it leaked into the engine. Now the only fix is replace the engine. I contacted Ford. I received an apology for my inconvenience.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
When the water pump fails in these 3.5L V6 engines, there is little warning. You may notice a decrease in the anti-freeze reservoir if you are watching under the hood but no BIG warning lights on the dash. The only gauge to watch is the temperature needle, but by the time that is maxed out, the engine is ruined. I like Ford but this was a big cost downer during the holidays.
- Ron S., Duquesne, PA, US