NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Ford Edge Safety Ratings
The 2021 Ford Edge scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 7 recalls, and 93 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Ford Edge has a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100, placing it in the Strong band. This composite score reflects a commendable NHTSA crash-test performance and the inclusion of standard lane departure warning. However, the vehicle's defect record tempers its overall safety assessment, suggesting a solid but not flawless profile for a used SUV.
The 2021 Ford Edge received a 5-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Ford Edge ranks 61 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 84 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 7 |
| Owner complaints | 93 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 61 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Ford Edge?
A two-point decline to 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index places the 2021 Ford Edge firmly in the Strong band, though it marks a slight regression from the 2020 model year's 86. This reduction is primarily attributable to the defect record sub-score, which stands at 10.75 out of 20, the weakest of the Index components. The 2021 Edge accumulated 7 recall campaigns. Among these, three distinct campaigns address software faults within the back-over prevention system, including one to correct an earlier, inadequate repair. An additional recall for engine hard-parts, shared with other Ford and Lincoln vehicles using a specific engine variant, further contributes to the elevated defect count for this model year. Owner complaints total 93, with 28 reports specifically citing Power Train issues, reinforcing the defect record's impact on this year's overall assessment. In terms of crash protection, the 2021 Edge maintains a clear strength, scoring 66 out of 70, supported by its 5-star overall NHTSA rating. Avoidance technology scores 7.5 out of 10; while lane departure warning is standard, forward collision warning remains optional, meaning this safety feature is not guaranteed on all vehicles.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Ford Edge perform in crash tests?
Frontal and side protection ratings for the 2021 Ford Edge reached the highest possible mark in NHTSA's battery of tests, with 5 out of 5 stars awarded in both categories. This contributes to an overall 5-star safety rating. The Edge's rollover resistance, however, presents a relative area of concern, earning 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk for the 2021 Edge stands at 16 percent, with the dynamic tip test recording "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15419
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Ford Edge have any recalls?
Yes, the 2021 Ford Edge carries 7 recall campaigns. Three target back-over prevention software, including one that addresses an incorrect prior repair under campaign 22V-151. One recall covers an internal engine hard-parts concern shared with several Ford and Lincoln models. A fifth campaign involves the rearview camera displaying a blank or distorted image, with a remedy delivered over the air. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE26V124000
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.
Remedy: 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 this recall is 26S09. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
Reported 2026-03-03
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V315000
Risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is avail
Reported 2025-05-09
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V160000
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S28.
Reported 2025-03-14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL24V635000
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.
Reported 2024-08-23
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION22V151000
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The rearview camera software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S14.
Reported 2022-03-11
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR21V377000
Risk: A seatbelt assembly that does not function as intended can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's seat belt retractor pretensioner assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 15, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C13.
Reported 2021-05-24
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT21V011000
Risk: If the rear drive unit seizes, there may be a loss of drive and/or a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the rear drive unit lubricant level. Axles found to have lubricant at the minimum level will be filled to the full level. Axles found to be below the minimum lubricant fill level will be replaced, free of charge. This recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S02.
Reported 2021-01-15
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Ford Edge?
Owners have filed 93 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Power Train (28 reports), Back Over Prevention systems (18), and the Electrical System (13). Alleged incidents include 3 reported crashes and 1 reported fire. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
93 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Ford Edge?
The 2021 Ford Edge has 7 open recalls. Prospective owners should verify that all recall remedies have been completed by a dealer. Multiple campaigns address back-over prevention software. An additional recall addresses engine hard-parts. Owners should confirm the status of all recalls before purchase, using the vehicle's VIN.
- The 2021 Ford Edge Safety Index dropped two points to 84 compared to the 2020 model year's 86, with the defect record sub-score of 10.75 out of 20 being the primary drag on this year's composite.
- Three separate recall campaigns target back-over prevention software on this specific model year, one of which was issued to correct an improperly performed prior repair under campaign 22V-151, making VIN-level remedy verification especially important.
- Forward collision warning is only optional on the 2021 Ford Edge, meaning used examples on the market may not include it. Buyers should confirm the specific vehicle's equipment before purchase if that feature matters to their safety priorities.
- The 2021 Ford Edge earned NHTSA's top 5-star rating in both frontal and side crash protection, but rollover protection scored 4 out of 5 stars with a 16 percent measured rollover risk, the one area where crash performance falls below the overall headline score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Ford Edge places
The 2021 Ford Edge qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Ford Edge safety questions
Was the 2021 Ford Edge crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Ford Edge, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Ford Edge crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Ford Edge earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Edge have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 7 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Ford Edge. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Ford Edge?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 93 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Ford Edge. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Edge years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15419), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Edge 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 61 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.