Engine Questions - Very Frustrated

[DrivingontheEdge]

Hi. I’m new here so please have a little patients with me. I will likely flood this forum with questions and hopefully we can get some answers going. Its never my intent to sound ignorant or rude. Thanks. So here goes. I normally buy a model of vehicle that is new to me used, due to maybe not loving it and not wanting to buy brand new spend more money, and then decide its not for me. So 6 weeks ago I was hunting for a vehicle that could check all the boxes and still function for my lifestyle. I also have a 2014 F150 5.0L for big jobs which is likely going to be up for sale soon as I have an old 79 Chevy 1-ton 4X4 for truck duty. After looking at tons of vehicles mostly trying to stick with ford. I have owned every model starting with “E” except the Edge. I gave it a try. I test drove, and purchased a 2018 Titanium. LOVE IT! The ride is refined (at least coming from a guy driving an F150 and a 40 year old 1 ton Chev) The leather seats seem a tick above other leather in different makes. I love the pano roof especially in the great white north, lets a lot of sun in to warm it up. Plenty of cargo room, TONS of back seat room. Love it!  So more to the point, After 3 days of ownership, my MIL came on. The car was running pretty rough but I am old school and know that buying a used vehicle will require a few things to make it “less used.”  My local mechanic who could be a Dodge spokesman actually praised the Edge.  Said its a great vehicle, rarely gets complaints etc. So I discussed replacing the plugs and coils (I know replacing coils is over-kill) He said sure lets do it. So in the meantime, the car was running worse and worse and I decided to bring it back to the dealer. Where, after tests, they determined there was coolant leaking into the cylinders. Ford required them to run a  pressure test, pull the plugs, and even take pics of the inside of the cylinders. They did. The dealer had some kind of certification backed by Ford. Ford seemed slow to respond, but the dealer kept on them and finally got the approval to replace the long block. By an act of God, the dealer had a long block on site. The engine was replaced. Boom. Done. During this time, I researched and found this is a semi-common problem with some 2.0L ecoboost engines. The Service Manager handles all the “big jobs” like this and was extremely awesome (I am a long time customer) and discussed the situation with me explained the factory warranty on the new engine, etc. He explained Ford corrected the design flaw in 2020 and since my new engine was produced in late 2021, the design flaw would be corrected and this engine should not suffer the same catastrophic loss. I find it a miracle that the engine went in the certified warranty period and that the dealership has been so consumer focused (they have always been that way). 

 

Curious to know if anyone has also experienced the same issues. Also curious if this could have any effect on the turbo (Im new to ecoboost engines) or the cat? 

 

The transmission is typical when cold but I know they can be quirky but otherwise seems solid. 

 

My thoughts are just that I bought this thing knowing that using my F150 as a daily with gas prices is just not prudent and having the old 1-ton, I plan of selling the F150. 

 

This Edge is so perfect in every way. Ride quality, fit and finish. Room especially in the back seat. Its not too tall, but not too short. I’m just over-all very impressed and just fishing for some good advice, some answers to my questions and other impressions you all have of the 2015-2018 Edges. I was told 2023 would be the last model year, and if the engine issue truly was resolved, and the consensus is that they are a solid, robust car otherwise, I’d like to buy a brand new 2023 and drive it as long as I can. I really can’t say enough good things about it. Based on sales numbers it seems a lot of people really overlook this great vehicle. 

 

Sorry my post was long. But new here and just wanna get it all out and attract some good advice and answers. Thanks in advance!

[akirby]

Very common problem if you read through the forum.  You should have no issues with anything else but I would have the transmission fluid changed and if it’s AWD get that fluid changed too.

[DrivingontheEdge]

1 hour ago, akirby said:

Very common problem if you read through the forum.  You should have no issues with anything else but I would have the transmission fluid changed and if it’s AWD get that fluid changed too.

The Engine is a common problem? With that? After replacement, are you possibly aware if the “new design” is with out flaws as I have read, and also been told? Would be a real pain in the rear to plan on an engine replacement every 60k miles haha. All sources point to the redesign correcting these issues, so fingers crossed this new engine is bullet proof. 

 

Things like the transmission, yeah I’m a little overboard on those. I typically do a full flush once a year.  $200 buys A LOT of peace of mind, and I know the PTU is a pain to do, but my local shop has a suction tool and said its maybe a quart-quart and a half of fluid and less than a $100 job so again, perfectly fine with that. 

 

The AWD does seem to work flawlessly and very smooth. Everything else upon inspec looks to be otherwise really robust and well built for a mid sized cross over. Was pleasantly surprised by that. 

 

I just pray the coolant intrusion wouldnt have impacted the turbo or cat.  Just more concerned with foreign vapors from the burnt coolant affecting it. 

 

Definitely appreciate the reaponse(s) and solid advice. I’m a forum guy out of being pro-active, not reactive. 

[DrivingontheEdge]

I’m back. Just over a month ago I popped in to say hi. I can’t seem to locate my past thread but this likely warrants a new one. First, I’m very frustrated. I’m a die-hard Ford fan. Have owned most models over the last 20 year+ and have had exceptional reliability. So on my 2018 Edge Titanium AWD, I had the engine (2.0L Eco) replaced under the Gold Certified warranty. It was determined that it was guzzling coolant. They did the leak-down test and covered it under the warranty. They even waived the $100 ded. Yay for me. The dealership has been beyond amazing. I don’t know if its because I am a repeat customer, tip the advisors and techs after every service on this vehicle and others, or if this is just one of those really great dealers maybe a bit of all of the above. 

 

Ok here is where it gets interesting. The transmission has shifted really funky since I got it. So a month and less that 1,000 miles on the new engine (and yes I drove very light and did an oil change *free of charge at the dealer* at 500 miles per the dealer) They also recommended I leave the vehicle for their trans tech to look at when I dropped it off for the oil change. They gave me a loaner. I went on my merry way. Well. Saturday the advisor called me. Said it was between a trans rebuild or replacement. She told me the tech was recommending just a replacement of the trans. So, they will submit the w/o to Ford should be a week. Then she asked if I was sitting down. Then said when the tech started it, the (BRAND NEW ENGINE) was surging, running VERY rough, and rattling and blowing massive amounts of white smoke, so much so when they brought it in, it filled the service area. She said it was CURRENTLY ON A LEAK-DOWN TEST and showed water intrusion!! So now we are looking at ANOTHER engine and a new trans and she did inform me, Ford and the GM of the dealer may end up working with me to swap the vehicle.  I have never encountered such chaos with a vehicle in my entire life!  

 

As Rush Limbaugh used to say “folks, ya can’t make this stuff up.” 

 

I’m not mad. Angry.  Upset. The dealer has been nothing short of amazing. But I’m wondering is anyone else has experienced such a massive amount of issues. IF I should happen to get the vehicle back, is it just going to be a trainwreck? I traded ny F150 in for this vehicle as an interim vehicle until I could order a Mach-E. I LOVE the back seat space, cargo area is impressive. Its one of the best looking crossovers out there, and love all the titanium tech and and features. 

 

Any imput, shoulders to cry on, or words of encouragement would be appreciated. Please be nice, I’m not here to bash Ford or the dealer. Just all that news is making my head spin. 

[akirby]

The original block flaw does not cause failure that quickly.  They botched the new engine install.  Probably messed up the head gasket.

[DrivingontheEdge]

Oh brother. So, I talked to the SA this morning already at 7:30 and now its teetering on lemon law (Minnesota has a VERY strict lemon law on used vehicles) I should have just bought brand new. Lesson learned. The dealership has been tremendous. But this has become a nightmare. I’m trying to work through a cancer dx, run a farm, and build a house and this is just becoming insane. Sorry if some of this is TMI. Just how does a brand new engine fail after 500 miles, and a transmission that has been rebuilt 2 weeks before purchase fail? 

 

You are probably correct. Someone probably botched the job and what makes me nervous is whether or not Ford will approve all the work over from scratch. How many times will they approve $15,000 worth of parts and labor before they say no?

[Odrapnew]

Curious how it's teetering on Lemon Law?

You're on replacement engine #2 and possible new transmission #1, both are separate issues.

Has the vehicle been out of service for more than 30 business days?

 

Also, these issues are showing up beyond 2yrs after original delivery date (at least I'm assuming it didn't sit on the lot for 2 years before being first registered).

I see there is a possible stipulation that you may have a claim, but more difficult.
 

Quote

 

According to MN Lemon Law:

 

1. Four or more unsuccessful attempts to repair the same defect; or,

2. One unsuccessful attempt to repair a defect that has caused the complete failure of the steering or braking system and that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury; or,

3. A car that has been out of service due to warranty repairs for 30 or more cumulative business days.

 

In each case, the initial defect must occur within the warranty period, or two years following the original delivery date, whichever comes first, but the manufacturer’s repair attempts may extend to the end of the third year. Even if your repair history does not fall into one of the above categories, you may still have a lemon law claim, but it will be harder to prove.

 

 

 

Don't get me wrong, it totally sucks what's happening, but it seems a little early to be thinking Lemon Law. Maybe a good-will buy back?

But, if they Lemon it and you get out of it without much money lost, all the better since the issues would probably be in the back of your mind all the time.

[DrivingontheEdge]

Ok. So the dealer bought it back. refunded the deductibles and money I spent on other maintenance items. Did my paperwork with USAA and left in a couple hours with a different vehicle. 

 

Definitely appreciate all the thoughtful responses.