NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Ford Edge Safety Ratings
The 2023 Ford Edge scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 18 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
For the 2023 model year, the Ford Edge presents a genuinely competitive safety profile for buyers prioritizing structural crash protection. This is supported by its strong crash-test record, though four recalls and a modest avoidance-tech sub-score temper the overall assessment. The vehicle earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86/100, placing it in the Strong band.
The 2023 Ford Edge received a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100 and a 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Ford Edge ranks 72 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 18 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 72 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Ford Edge?
The 2023 Ford Edge achieved a rare sweep of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's frontal and side crash tests, anchoring a crash protection sub-score of 66 out of 70. This strong performance underpins its overall Safety Index of 86 out of 100, which holds steady from the 2022 model year and maintains its classification in the Strong band. Despite robust passive safety, the Edge's avoidance technology sub-score registers at 5 out of 10. While lane departure warning and forward collision warning are standard, the vehicle's tech suite does not extend to the comprehensive offerings seen in models with higher Index scores. The defect record sub-score stands at 15.25 out of 20, influenced by four active recall campaigns. Two of these are broad software-related actions spanning multiple models. The other two are specific to the Edge: a headlight aim issue affecting 2023 production and a weld defect for the child seat tether anchor. The headlight recall is particularly notable, addressing an active safety system rather than a passive structural component. Eighteen owner complaints have been registered, with a concentration in the Electrical System, indicating a potential area for future scrutiny.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Ford Edge perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Ford Edge achieved perfect 5-star scores in both frontal and side crash tests, contributing to its overall 5 out of 5-star rating from NHTSA. Its rollover performance, while still strong, was comparatively lower at 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk for the Edge stands at 16 percent, and the dynamic tip test concluded with a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17287
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Ford Edge have any recalls?
The 2023 Ford Edge carries four recall campaigns. Two address back-over prevention software affecting a broad range of Ford vehicles including this model. One targets an exterior headlight aim issue specific to 2023 Edge units where the front right headlight may be too bright or incorrectly aimed. A fourth recall concerns child seat tether anchor wire welds on second-row left-side anchors shared with the Lincoln Nautilus. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data for this model year.
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
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS23V596000
Risk: A headlight that is too bright or aimed incorrectly may cause a glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the right headlight assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 9, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C26.
Reported 2023-08-25
CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE TETHER ANCHOR23V198000
Risk: A child that is not properly restrained during a crash can have an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left-side second-row seat back frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 11, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C09.
Reported 2023-03-24
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Ford Edge?
Eighteen owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2023 Ford Edge, including one alleged crash and one alleged injury. These are unverified consumer allegations. The most frequently cited components are the Electrical System with seven reports, followed by Power Train, Service Brakes, and Unknown or Other categories each with three reported allegations.
18 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Ford Edge?
Four recall campaigns have been issued for the 2023 Ford Edge, a notable volume for a single model year. Shoppers considering a used example should ensure all open recalls have been addressed by checking the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool. Issues include incorrect headlight aim and improperly installed child seat tether anchors. Verification of remedy completion with a Ford service center or the selling dealer is advised.
- The 2023 Ford Edge is the final model year produced before Ford discontinued the nameplate, making recall remedy completion at a Ford dealer especially important to confirm since future model support infrastructure may narrow over time.
- A headlight recall specific to 2023 Edge production units addresses a front right headlight that may be aimed incorrectly or emit excessive brightness, a defect directly relevant to nighttime safety for the driver and oncoming traffic.
- The child seat tether anchor recall covers second-row left-side anchor wire welds that may be inadequate, a concern with direct implications for child passenger safety that should be verified as remedied before transporting children.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 is the primary ceiling on the 86/100 Safety Index; the 2023 Edge's standard lane departure warning and forward collision warning do not fully close the gap with vehicles offering a more comprehensive active-safety suite.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Ford Edge places
The 2023 Ford Edge qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Ford Edge safety questions
Was the 2023 Ford Edge crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Ford Edge, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 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 2023 Ford Edge crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Ford Edge have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Ford Edge. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Ford Edge?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 18 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Ford Edge. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Edge years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17287), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Edge 2023.
- 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 72 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.