Avoiding the '11 Edge and MyFord Touch..

[dk0r]

I had a 2011 Edge LTD built last month which is now awaiting my pickup but after reviewing this forum I have decided to back out of the deal and here is why:

 

1.) The loss of essential instrument gauges: Speedometer locks up, fuel, RPM and other instrument gauges disappear.

Ford released service bulletin notifying dealerships not to replace parts as the entire driver gauge cluster will have to replaced with a yet released cluster. Replacements are projected to be available in the 'second quarter', whenever that is.

 

2.) MyFord Touch instability: General system instability, smart/cellphone incompatibility/bluetooth issues, slow voice command recognition, inconsistent voice recognition and batch commands.

 

-Here is an example of what I mean by slow and inconsistent voice recognition:

To change the temperature, you press the voice button, wait for the system to tell you to speak and then say "Climate. Sixty Seven Degrees".

Now wait a few seconds for the system to hopefully recognize your command. If it does, it will reply with "Climate, Sixty Seven Degrees. Is this correct?".

You say "Yes", again hoping that the system recognizes your voice command, and your temperature may then be set.

 

Despite this common task of changing temperature requiring one too many confirmations and delays for my liking, you will see in the next example that this is as good as it gets:

 

-Here is an example of inconsistent voice batch commands:

To change the fan speed, you press the voice button, wait for the system to tell you to speak and similar to the previous example you then say "Climate. Increase Fan Speed". The system will not recognize your command. You try again (and again). Same thing, no recognition.

 

Although entering into the climate menu and changing the temperature can be done with a single 'batch' command ("Climate. Sixty Seven Degrees"), this cannot be done with fan speed.

 

In order to change the fan speed you must do the following:

Press the voice button, wait for the system to tell you to speak and then say "Climate".

Now wait a few seconds for the system to hopefully recognize your command. If it does, it will reply with "Climate menu. Say a command".

Now say "Increase Fan Speed" and without requiring confirmation as in the previous example, the fan speed may increase, that is of course, if the system recognizes your command...

 

So we see here inconsistency in confirmation requirements and what I am calling 'batch commands' between similar climate functions. I simply cannot see myself using any of the voice recognition features of this vehicle on a daily basis as the system is sluggish and frustrating. I also had trouble with sms readback, syncing contacts and making phone calls with my HTC EVO 4G. Also, the bluetooth handoff with my EVO was problematic: When the EVO was connected via bluetooth and I left the range of the car and returned, often the system would not automatically reconnect to my device via bluetooth. Oh, and let's not forget the broken clocks that cannot keep time!

 

3.) Unresponsive touch screen: You'll find out upon demo that this is not your smartphones touch screen. It's overly insensitive and could instead be described as a 'push screen' with a second delay between each time you push the screen and when the system recognizes that push.

 

4.) AWD vehicles 'clunking' when shifting: This was occurring on 2010's, not certain if this has continued with the 2011's.

 

5.) Wind/whistling noise due possibly to inconsistent manufacturing of driver side mirror.

 

6.) No locking fuel door: The capless fuel system is great, but the door needs to lock with a switch to open it from within the car.

 

Please post if you see any errors or have counter information.

 

Finally, let's take a moment to congratulate Consuelo, a MyFord Touch System Engineer, who was recently promoted to corporate sales:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LP9YBIsbX4&feature=player_embedded

Edited February 17, 2011 by dk0r

[MrHappy]

Just out of curiosity, what is the purpose of your post? These issues are being discussed elsewhere and in many cases are resolved or greatly minimized. In the case of no locking fuel door that would not have changed since you ordered the vehicle.

[JusDaFax]

dkor,

 

You have a bad case of forum fever. :fan: By reading all these posts and fixating on the problems a few people have had, you've lost perspective. You also do not understand the basics of how the vehicle works. I have a 2011 Ford Edge Limited AWD with the 302A package and I can tell you, it is amazing,

 

1st, the voice commands. Yes, you can go through all those commands to change temp or fan speed. But you can also just press the fan speed or temp buttons on the console too. You can also make changes to the climate system with the d-pad on the steering wheel or through the MFT. If fact, just about every command you give with your voice, you can accomplish the same thing with hard controls. Since I've owned the car, I've found there are some functions that are easier with hard controls and some that are easier with voice commands. The point is, you have options you just don't have with other cars in this price range.

 

2nd - the gage thing. I've been on this forum for five months now and I've only seen one guy with this instrument gage problem and two others who have completely lost their MFT. If your looking for a new, completely redesigned car with cutting edge features that doesn't have some warranty issues with a few of their cars, your going to be looking a long time. Look at Toyota, for years the most reliable car on the road. Even they have had warranty issues.

 

I don't have the wind noise issue, it doesn't "clunk" when it shifts and I think the fuel door rocks. If your worried about someone stealing your gas, look closer, the system has anti-siphon control.

 

I have to say, I haven't found a cell phone that works with all the advertised features of MyFord Touch. However, I have a Droid X and the Bluetooth works great, voice commands for the phone are flawless, phonebook system is very good and media streaming is awesome. I wish it worked with text messaging and the contact photos uploaded, but those are pretty minor.

 

It sounds like you've made your mind up, so I won't try and convince you further. However, do me a favor. Once you find your replacement for the Edge, reply to this post and let me know what it is. I want to know if there is a car out there that meets your standard.

[ThinLine]

Well put justdafax. I think dikor just had to vent. If Ford gets all the bugs out of this system, it will be the most cutting edge technology on the road. There is a reason my pops told me to NEVER buy the first year vehicle of a new model/technology.

[wilsons66604]

I have had many issues and am one of those forum members that is not a member of the general population.

I bet if that poster checked forums for his other options, he will see a list of issues as well.

(just not sure there will be as many. Nothing else has this cabin tech)

[Edgieguy]

I wouldn't give up my edge for anything I'm quite happy with it. in fact were so happy with our edge and my ford touch that we just purchased a 2011 ford explorer for my wife.

 

after receiving the car I set "my temp" and left it alone never touched it again. Best of all, I just say my temp on and it's all set up.

 

I've never had a wind noise inside the car only quiet.

 

and as far as my transmission goes I can't believe how smooth this thing shifts.

 

my advice? Go buy a toyota venza

Edited February 18, 2011 by Edgieguy

[Zeratul's Black Ballz]

I concur!!

Edited February 18, 2011 by Zeratul's Black Ballz

[tenstepn]

I wouldn't give up my edge for anything I'm quite happy with it. in fact were so happy with our edge and my ford touch that we just purchased a 2011 ford explorer for my wife.

 

after receiving the car I set "my temp" and left it alone never touched it again. Best of all, I just say my temp on and it's all set up.

 

I've never had a wind noise inside the car only quiet.

 

and as far as my transmission goes I can't believe how smooth this thing shifts.

 

my advice? Go buy a toyota venza

 

 

Copy that! now that Microsoft updated their software, I am a satisfied customer! My Ford dealer took REALLY good care of me when my Edge was getting the update as well!

[i20sailor]

I must say that I can't blame dkor. I wish I had never gotten this Edge. I came out of a Mazda CX-9 that I drove for 90K miles without any issues.

 

Now that the software is upgraded, the MFT is tolerable. I still find the extremely slow response, especially after start-up, very anoying. The voice control is very inconsistent and I usually give up and use manual input..

 

I don't have any wind noise or drivetrain clunk issues. Driveability is very good.

 

The intermittend software issues continue though and the overall quality of the vehicle is marginal. There are aleady various squeeks and rattles, the right blinker stopped working for a while, the nav keeps loosing the GPS signal, the center screen does not dim correctly at night, etc, etc, etc.

 

I don't understand all the owners on this forum that just accept the poor quality of this vehicle.

 

I also don't understand the overall love for MFT. Yes, when it actually works, it has some very nice features but I feel that it goes a few steps too far and is very distracting to use while driving. I really miss normal buttons for key functions.

[akirby]

I don't understand all the owners on this forum that just accept the poor quality of this vehicle.

Perhaps the majority of owners simply aren't having any of the issues that you've encountered and that's why they're happy.

[Edgieguy]

I must say that I can't blame dkor. I wish I had never gotten this Edge. I came out of a Mazda CX-9 that I drove for 90K miles without any issues.

 

Now that the software is upgraded, the MFT is tolerable. I still find the extremely slow response, especially after start-up, very anoying. The voice control is very inconsistent and I usually give up and use manual input..

 

I don't have any wind noise or drivetrain clunk issues. Driveability is very good.

 

The intermittend software issues continue though and the overall quality of the vehicle is marginal. There are aleady various squeeks and rattles, the right blinker stopped working for a while, the nav keeps loosing the GPS signal, the center screen does not dim correctly at night, etc, etc, etc.

 

I don't understand all the owners on this forum that just accept the poor quality of this vehicle.

 

I also don't understand the overall love for MFT. Yes, when it actually works, it has some very nice features but I feel that it goes a few steps too far and is very distracting to use while driving. I really miss normal buttons for key functions.

 

 

Which buttons don't you have? I have buttons to turn on AC and climate functions,fan speed, radio, radio sound, volume and tuning... The only traditional button that's inside the touchscreen menu is for the seat heaters. I have the Sony interface by the way, which you may or may not have.

 

My Sport got a thorough eyeballing before i took it. My salesman laughed at me. I went through everything! Quality looked fantastic. If it hadn't I wouldn't have signed for it, or for that matter plunked down another $40k on a matching Explorer.

 

Sorry to hear you're so unhappy with a new vehicle

[i20sailor]

Perhaps the majority of owners simply aren't having any of the issues that you've encountered and that's why they're happy.

 

Maybe, but there is plenty of people having issues and accepting them because they feel Ford is "leading edge" with the technology. Ford would never accept that excuse from one of its suppliers.

[i20sailor]

My car was also pretty perfect when I picked it up. I've had it for just over 4 month now and at this point I'm just curious what will not work when I get in the car next. Unfortunately, its all intermittend which makes it very difficult to get fixed.

[akirby]

Maybe, but there is plenty of people having issues and accepting them because they feel Ford is "leading edge" with the technology. Ford would never accept that excuse from one of its suppliers.

 

So what's the choice? You either keep the vehicle and trust that Ford will fix the problems or you get rid of it.

 

Or you can pitch a fit on an internet forum which doesn't do anything or help anybody.

[wilsons66604]

Microsoft has nothing to do with it.

Right. Microsoft suppled only the Operating System then a team of Ford interns wrote the MyTouch software :shades:

Edited February 19, 2011 by wilsons66604

[akirby]

Right. Microsoft suppled only the Operating System then a team of Ford interns wrote the MyTouch software :shades:

 

Contractors. Interns probably could have done a better job.

[blankster]

Coding was probably done in India where we at my company are beginning to learn goss incompetence is rampant. But in the eyes of American business - They are cheaper than American Workers so they must be better.

Edited February 19, 2011 by blankster

[moreheads]

FWIW, I've had my 2011 Edge Limited for a couple of months and haven't had any issues with it. Everything works as expected and, yes, the touch screen could be more responsive but I wouldn't call that a deal breaker. I took it in for a couple of recalls (body control module and software upgrade) and they didn't have to change out the body control module and the software upgrade went off without a hitch.

 

All in all, I'm pretty happy with my choice.

Edited February 19, 2011 by moreheads

[akirby]

Coding was probably done in India where we at my company are beginning to learn goss incompetence is rampant. But in the eyes of American business - They are cheaper than American Workers so they must be better.

 

Reasonably sure the coding was done here, just with contractors rather than employees.

[blankster]

Reasonably sure the coding was done here, just with contractors rather than employees.

 

 

OK Indian contractors here on H1B visas.

[akirby]

OK Indian contractors here on H1B visas.

 

I understand your frustration and deal with the same issues you deal with but I don't think that type of comment is necessary here.

[dk0r]

Engadget.com --SYNC's second version off to a buggy start, Ford fixes with Ctrl-Alt-Delete

[dk0r]

OK Indian contractors here on H1B visas.

 

:yup:

[blankster]

I'm a consultant in the industry for 35 years and have seen this all too many times. Microsoft is one of the largest violators. The good news is that the US DOJ is starting to take notice.

Edited April 4, 2011 by blankster

[jamers1]

I have a Job #1 2011 Edge and while I love the vehicle I am far from fully satisfied with the MFT. Especially coming off the 2008 Edge which had Navigation. The 2008 Nav touch screen response was very snappy if not instant for most functions. Plus that system did many similar functions as the new MFT. I don't know if the root cause of the MFT slow response time is the result of poor code writing or slow processor speed (or both) but compared to what I was used to in the 2008 model the 2011 MFT is very frustrating at times. The touch sensitivity has a distinct lack of confidence when touching the controls. Sometimes I touch and nothing happens and other times it responds only after a 2-3 delay. That's no way to control a system. Also, sometimes I put it in Reverse right after I start and am ready to backup of the rear-view camera isn't ready to display. I have a wait a few more seconds for it to catch up or even have to move it to Park and back to get it to respond. Call me impatient but I don't want to wait to back up. BTW, I have ver 2.4.

 

As a side note, I also have a 2011 Explorer due to be delivered this week. It was loaded with MFT ver 2.7. I'm guessing based on the owner comments on the Ford Facebook page that I will have a similar experience as in the 2011 Edge. I really hope Ford can make some significant improvements on MFT performance.