Clunk when baking out of a parking spot (FIXED: SSM 49769)

[Outlook214]

I bought a new leftover 2020 ST with brake package in April. The day I drove it home I stopped for a drink. While backing out of the parking spot and turning to the right, I noticed a clunk/thump, felt like I ran over something. I didn't think much of it. Over the next few weeks, it did it intermittently and at first I didn't connect the dots that the wheel had to be turned sharply. It felt like a transmission slipping and then grabbing. Called and scheduled service, and dealer suggested a PCM (possible) reprogram for transmission shift concerns. 4 days before appointment, I realized it was directly related to wheels turned so I called and gave great detail as to how to duplicate the problem. I drove down to wait on the repair. The dealer never verified the concern, but reprogrammed PCM to latest calibration as I waited almost 3 hours. The adviser then asked if he could go for a ride with me to verify the fix. Voila! It does it backing out of the spot. He apologizes and says he wasn't given an accurate description, but he says it's the viscous coupler per a "TSB", they are on back order, he'll order it and call me. Okay, no problem I just want it fixed. He calls 2 weeks later and say's to drop it off, Ford wants them to change the fluid first. The dealer is 1 hour 20 minutes away so this is a pain, but I need it fixed. They give me a loaner and send me on my way. 2 days later they call and say it's fixed. I go pick it up and it does it backing out of parking spot. At this time the service advisor says the tech has yet to figure out how to duplicate the concern, but he definitely feels it. He's going to go back to the "TSB" and will schedule me in once parts arrive. Now, my 3rd trip down I drop it and leave in a loaner. I try telling the advisor that it really feels like it's coming from the front, but I understand it's AWD and this can be deceiving. He assures me it's the rear viscous coupler, he's seen it numerous times on Escapes. 3 days go by and I never hear from him so I call. Mind you, he said it was a 2 hour repair. The guy claims the coupler is not serviceable on the ST and he's ordering a whole rear diff. While I may be wrong, I looked it up and it definitely list a coupler part number for the Edge 2.0, 2.7 and Escape all the same. Anyhow.....10 days and a new diff later and the advisor assuring me it's fixed ( they received a diff with a damaged seal??)!! I get my Edge and for the first time it didn't do it backing out of their lot. Wow!! It's fixed. Until the next day it does it backing out of my drive. Needless to say, it's time for another dealer which sucks because I kind of need that loaner, but I also need my Edge fixed and I have no faith in the parts changers at my buying dealer. The vehicle will make this slipping thud, sometimes pretty loud clunk 95 times out of 100 when backing up, wheels turned sharp ( seems worse turned right ) under light load, noise happens when you let off gas. So the dealer lied as no such TSB exist. The repair order does reference SSM: 49769/49571. Neither repair order mentions a PCM reprogram, it simply says no concern duplicated at this time. So my 3 hour wait was just a lie?? Anyone else experience this issue with their Edge? Any Ideas. It really does feel like a clutch pack type grab and release. Does the ST have a limited slip transaxle for the front wheels? It sure feels and sounds like it's coming from the front. I have found viscous coupler issues on Escape forums that describe a very similar noise /feeling but the all say it's clearly coming from under rear cargo area. Sorry for the long winded post, thanks for any help.

[dajo2012]

I don't hear a clunk by my 2020 when backing up feels like it connects and disconnects.  It is not a sharp thud by does feel not normal and something not experienced with any other car or truck.  Car has done this since new and now have app 12,000 miles.  Have not had any other issue with  the transmission. Have not mentioned this to a dealer, figured it would get blank looks and we never heard of this before.  Maybe should pursue this with dealer.      

[Outlook214]

Today the car would not go into Drive after stopping and placing it in park then back into drive to access my parking garage at work. The indicator light flashed several times and a message came up "place vehicle in park". It took several attempts from P to D for it to actually engage. I held up traffic into the parking garage.  What an embarrassment. $50k vehicle with 3,000 miles. Ford customer service is involved and actually advised against taking it back to the original dealer and they (Ford cust service) are only seeing one documented visit to the dealer. So far I'd have to say customer service was great and they said they will be involved from now until the Edge is properly repaired. Fingers crossed......?

[circatee]

Good luck with it all. Keep us posted. Most frustrating, I am sure... 

[Outlook214]

Yeah for sure. Working with a new dealer on Wednesday, will post back when it's fixed. My money is some of the problem is a front axle. The not going into drive has only happened one time so hopefully an unrelated fluke. ?

[Outlook214]

On 6/18/2021 at 3:14 PM, dajo2012 said:

I don't hear a clunk by my 2020 when backing up feels like it connects and disconnects.  It is not a sharp thud by does feel not normal and something not experienced with any other car or truck.  Car has done this since new and now have app 12,000 miles.  Have not had any other issue with  the transmission. Have not mentioned this to a dealer, figured it would get blank looks and we never heard of this before.  Maybe should pursue this with dealer.      

 

update: "New" dealer fell thru, see post below, so we had to contact original dealer. Manager paid us a visit to ride with me to duplicate concern, was very apologetic about previous appointments. He thinks it's tires binding AWD. What tires do you have? I have the 21" P-Zero Summer only tires and the dealer is fighting with Ford now to replace them with an all season. Their theory is the tires are directional and essentially it's causing the AWD to "bind up" when backing up and turning. It does seem worse on really hot days when the tires are more "sticky". While I am not completely doubting their diagnosis, it would seem odd to me that people in southern states don't constantly complain for one, and two, that this AWD system isn't less transparent. That's supposed to be the purpose of the ATC coupling is to prevent this. So while I am not 100% this will ever be completely eliminated by all season tires, it does seem way less pronounced on cooler or raining days when the tires have some slip. I will update again when the car goes BACK to the dealership. Been a loyal Ford guy my whole life, but man, I am losing faith in this company. For what it's worth, our previous SEL 2.0L never had these binding issues so I am not sure if the ST just has a more "aggressive" AWD programming or what???

Edited August 16, 2021 by Outlook214

[dajo2012]

We have the summer tires also.  It looks like they may make 18,000 and now have 12,000. That is an interesting theory on the tires, they probably ride a little stiffer also.  

[enigma-2]

On 6/17/2021 at 7:15 PM, Outlook214 said:

While backing out of the parking spot and turning to the right, I noticed a clunk/thump, felt like I ran over something. I didn't think much of it. Over the next few weeks, it did it intermittently ....

My MKX did this. Felt like a brake grabbing and then breaking free. Took it to the dealer and they greased something on the back brakes. Hasn't done it since. Said it was related to rust or corrosion. 

Edited July 24, 2021 by enigma-2

[Outlook214]

Update: So the new dealer fell thru. Actually he promised a loaner, but then was having trouble providing one due to the reduced inventory. Understandable. But he just completely stopped communicating with me. He would say "call me in 2 weeks, we should have a loaner back". But he just stopped returning calls. So we are back to the purchasing dealer who's 1.5 hours away. They have been great in assisting us this time, even picking our vehicle up and dropping it off. However after over 40 days in the shop total, mainly for this clunk, but a few other minor issues too, they are saying that the other ST on their lot does the exact same thing. They are going to swap wheels/tires with a non ST to try and verify the theory. To me it's crazy that if this is "normal", that more people, especially in southern states, don't complain. It's a pretty loud thud sometimes, other times much more subtle, but it'll do it 100 times out of 100. It's also unacceptable IMHO that Ford can't make a more transparent AWD. I mean, my AWD is engaging while I back up on a hot summer day. Why? There should be a software revision to fix this. Clearly it was missed in R&D. Again, assuming this is the AWD/tires causing a binding. I am just baffled by it. When we get the Edge back the end of this week, we're likely shopping it for a Grand Cherokee. We love the thing aside from the clunk/thump. I have been a Ford guy my whole life. But after my last 2 Ford's having crazy issues and a less than average dealer service network in my area, we think it's time for a change.  I'll update if anything changes, but it looks like we are stuck with this "normal" condition.

Edited August 9, 2021 by Outlook214

[onyxbfly]

Sounds like a possible lemon law/ dealer buy back is in order.  Dealers don't like either term, but at the point its not an issue with what they like, its an issue of doing right by you.   I think you might be eligible. I suggest looking into the local laws in your area.

 

I know you said you're located in the south, but it would be helpful if your included your location. We might have a forum member who can point you in the right direction of a reputable shop that can give you a second opinion. Or someone may have experience with dealer buy backs / lemon law issues in your area.

 

I don't know if this option is available to you or not. My brother recently had some warranty work done at a Lincoln dealership. He said it was one of the best warranty repair experiences hes ever had with his 2015 sport.

[Outlook214]

On 8/11/2021 at 3:59 AM, onyxbfly said:

Sounds like a possible lemon law/ dealer buy back is in order.  Dealers don't like either term, but at the point its not an issue with what they like, its an issue of doing right by you.   I think you might be eligible. I suggest looking into the local laws in your area.

 

I know you said you're located in the south, but it would be helpful if your included your location. We might have a forum member who can point you in the right direction of a reputable shop that can give you a second opinion. Or someone may have experience with dealer buy backs / lemon law issues in your area.

 

I don't know if this option is available to you or not. My brother recently had some warranty work done at a Lincoln dealership. He said it was one of the best warranty repair experiences hes ever had with his 2015 sport.

 

Sorry, I mentioned owners in southern states should be constantly complaining if this clunk is normal due to tires, I am actually in PA, about 1 hour from State College. The purchasing dealer, who is roughly 1.5 hours away, used to have a great service department. I am beyond frustrated. Have chronological emails of manager giving different dates that parts arrived and or were installed. Vehicle was in for 3 issues. They have put 173 miles on it (thanks Ford Pass) and I will be surprised if anything is truly fixed. Ford cust service rep was left a voicemail last Wednesday, to which she is supposed to respond in 24 hours per her voicemail greeting, and yet here we sit on Monday still waiting to hear from her. We're going to see what we can get on trade (KBB Says $42k, carvana and carmax offered $33k and $34k ) as there's potentially a significant sales tax break if we can get close to KBB. Obviously we can't let it go for $33k, it is 4 months old with 6,900 miles and it stickered for $52k. If the trade thing isn't doable, we're gonna look at buy back/ lemon law. I am not holding my breath as Ford will probably tell us to go pound sand. Likely stuck driving it this way for another few years. My Bronco order is getting cancelled by Ford due to issues with the hard top. I will be contacted by dealer in September to replace/edit my order and switch it to a 2022 Bronco order. Well, needless to say, no thanks, somebody else can have that Bronco and my place in line. Very frustrating to say the least.

Edited August 16, 2021 by Outlook214

[Outlook214]

Update 300: First, dealer says it's FINALLY truly fixed. Said there have been several reports of this clunking issue on 2020 ST's and Ford just released some new SSM's (hoping they're are on repair order)one of which was to reprogram the new rear diff. because they changed some parameters. Get it back tomorrow, so fingers are crossed. Ford customer service is an absolute joke. Our case rep will not return calls, her mailbox is now full ( we only left her 2 messages so no it wasn't that ? ). Tried a new rep who could only tell us they can't do anything but try to get a hold of the original case rep and "make a note in our file". A customer service manager was supposed to contact us this morning, but nothing. I hope the vehicle is fixed, we truly love everything about it aside from the fact that it feels like someone is hitting the front end with a 5lb sledge when you back out and turn. I do have a new perspective on Ford however and I will be moving to another brand in the future. And I am a 3rd generation loyal Ford guy, but enough is enough. Thanks for all the input, Ill update later in the week and include SSM numbers in case anyone else has this happen. 

[smjayman]

My 2020 ST has been doing that backup turn clunk since new. I sort of cared and sort of didn't, but if a reprogram actually fixes it, I'll line up to go get it. If/when this gets resolved please let us know what the fix was so that I don't have to play guessing games with the local dealership.

[Outlook214]

8/25 Update: I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried..... Dealer shuttle driver was on the way to return my vehicle (last week), when wife got a call from service manager saying that Ford tech line called and said it needed a new ACM module for the Radio/Screen that they replaced (just one of several issues with this thing) or it would ruin the new screen too! So, they turned around and headed back! Fordpass did show they were about 30 minutes from my house (at this point I don't believe one word coming out of the service departments mouth). Manager said he'd touch base on Thursday, the part should be there in the morning and it was a simple change out. Nothing from dealer Thursday (or otherwise), but on Friday I got a Fordpass notification that a restraint system fault was detected!! WooHoo!! The hits keep coming. Wife emailed manager late Saturday and as of this message at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, we have no heard from him, Ford rep or the Cust. service manager who was to call us last week. It is beyond sad what Ford has become. Our pretty new ST has been in the shop for about 45-50 days out of our 4.5 month ownership. Ford customer "service" cares even less than the dealer service department. I can't even get mad at this point, just frustrated/disgusted.

Edited August 25, 2021 by Outlook214

[Outlook214]

Dealer must be watching this thread. About 3 hours after my post yesterday they called to tell me it's finished. Said the restraint code was due to them having to unhook the module to replace the ACM thus requiring a reprogram. Told me it was done since Monday but they were too busy to call. The service manager has been off sick all week. I mean, you name it, they got an excuse. I just hope we actually get it back today and it is really fixed. I'll update this reply when it comes home.

 

EDIT: Vehicle is home. Initial report is clunk is gone. I will take extended test later. SSM 49769 "Program AWD Module to latest calibration".

3 other issues: (as I described them to service)

1.) Radio screen freezing occasionally not connecting to phone(s):  Verified, replaced APIM and ACM (Fixed? Time will tell)

2.) Tin clicking/pinging sound from front of vehicle, both sides when turning wheels pulling into parking spot or coming to stop, faint "marble in a can sound". Can be duplicated by turning wheel left and right with vehicle running in park: Replaced both outer tie rods and aligned vehicle, verified repair. (Not fixed, same noise heard it while driver was pulling in. Easy to verify with back and forth motion on wheel. Did not think I got 2 "dry" tie rods. Sounds like it's something lightly tapping backing plate of rotor, I will investigate when it's no 95* outside.

3.) Annoying rattle from rear passenger area or moon roof. Noise changes with moon roof sun screen being closed vs open: Verified rattle upper midship of upper portion of interior. Found Right rear seat belt top anchor cover rattling. Installed felt verified repair. ( Not repaired. A 5 minute road test with my wife in the back, verified it is the metal bar that runs across the back of the moon roof above the shade. Noise goes away if you put any pressure on the bar.) 

 

So there you have it. Meatloaf said 2 out of 3 aint bad. I guess it's 2 out of 4 in this case. I am relieved the clunk seems to be gone. It didn't do it in 4 attempts. I could get some level of clunk 99/100 times so I am pretty sure it's fixed. The service manager told my wife the SSM was just released last week. A quick search on the web tells me it was published May, 03, 2021. I just don't understand the need for dishonesty. We're pretty frustrated that we had a new rear diff and new tie rods and alignment performed on our brand new $53k car for no reason. The rattle is mind boggling that they said they verified it and that it was repaired. A normal person couldn't drive this 10 minutes without being annoyed. I have a fix in mind and will post a separate thread later, with pics if I get it solved.

Edited August 26, 2021 by Outlook214
Update

[txaggie]

Thanks for the update Outlook214 !

 

[WWWPerfA_ZN0W]

SSM 49769

SSM 49769_2019-2021 Edge Nautilus with AWD may exhibit a noise vibration chatter shudder grind bind from the rear of the vehicle during low speed turning events_reprogram.pdf

[Outlook214]

Yeah it definitely fixed it. As far as the backing and turning thump/clunk that is. A simple reprogram.

[txaggie]

21 hours ago, Outlook214 said:

Yeah it definitely fixed it. As far as the backing and turning thump/clunk that is. A simple reprogram.

 

Stopping by this evening to have mine done, hopefully I will have the same success to report!

[krazyrail]

??

Edited December 15, 2022 by krazyrail
Update

[Outlook214]

On 12/21/2021 at 3:35 PM, krazyrail said:

I just got a 2021 edge ST has about 1400 miles on it .I have clunking when backing up right only but it's coming from the front.Do you think it's the same thing or maybe something else?I forgot no big brake package on it i have all season tires.

 

My clunk at times felt like it was in the front, other times the rear. Makes sense since it was the AWD binding. It was likely magnified by the sticky summer performance tires in our case, but that doesn't mean you can't have the same problem. If your's is happening when you're turning your wheels and backing up, I would definitely ask your dealer about SSM 49769 as it applies to 2021 Edges as well. It fixed mine for sure. 

Edited February 14, 2022 by Outlook214

[krazyrail]

??

Edited December 15, 2022 by krazyrail
Update

[larrylee]

My 2019 ST has developed an almost sub woofer thump since ford reprogramed the transmission a month ago. It was just once in a while to began with, but now I here it more often, and rarely am able to feel it. Happens mostly in reverse but sometimes when leaving a stop sign. Super deep thump, like a bawling ball hitting the back of a padded trunk. I am sure it won't make a sound if I take the crazy problem to ford. Thats why I am posting to see if anyone else is hearing this thump. I would swear it the sub woofer, in the back.   Larry 

[enigma-2]

About the only thing that comes to mind was discussed here before. One person reported the dealer found it was the "ptu clutch". They repaired his and no more thump.

Fwiw, I think most cars have a solf thump when backing up. (Mine included).

When I shift into reverse, I wait a second or two for everything to settle down and get rearranged. (Kind of like when I stand up). 

 

This is a good article on Ford transmissions. My guess is the reprogramming is a compromise and a soft thump is going to pass an normal. (But I'd at least talk with the Service Manager- not the guy at the counter who makes reservations).

Edited May 8, 2022 by enigma-2