Lawsuit Investigation Looks into Ford Edge Flexplate Issues

Attorneys working with ClassAction.org would like to speak to anyone who owns or leases a 2015-2018 Ford Edge and had issues with the flexplate or flywheel.

Complaints have surfaced that the flexplate can break or crack unexpectedly, necessitating costly repairs and putting drivers at risk for serious injury should their vehicle suddenly lose power during use. Now, attorneys are trying to determine whether a defect is behind the problem and, if so, whether a class action lawsuit can be filed.

Ford Edge Problems: What Are the Signs of a Broken Flexplate?

Typically, the most obvious sign of a cracked flexplate is a noise coming from the car while the engine is running. Some have described this noise as a knocking, clanking, clicking, grinding, rattling or chirping sound.

A broken flexplate can also allow for metal pieces to become loose – and potentially expelled – if they are not contained within the vehicle. This presents a safety risk to other drivers, as well as pedestrians.

What Could Be Causing the Flexplates to Crack?

It is suspected that the flexplate may be structurally weak and unable to handle the considerable amount of stress and strain it endures during normal vehicle operation. If the flexplate cracks, the part cannot function as intended and the car may unexpectedly lose power, stall or fail to turn back on.

Attorneys have reason to believe that Ford knew or should have known about the flexplate problem from consumer complaints, pre- and post-release testing, information from dealerships and warranty department data. In August 2019, Ford released a technical service bulletin noting a rattling noise in certain 2015-2018 Ford Edge vehicles that was particularly noticeable while the cars were idling. The bulletin stated that “this may be due to a flexplate crack.”

Still, Ford has failed to recall the vehicles, offer a free suitable repair or reimburse vehicle owners for related expenses. 

Ford Edge Drivers Complain of Rattling Noise, Costly Repairs

Drivers who experienced broken flexplates or flywheels in their Ford Edges have submitted complaints to online forums, as well as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A sample of these complaints can be found below [sic throughout]:

Our 2015 Ford Edge recently started a rattle noise when we start the engine. The noise goes away when we start driving and comes back again when we stop in a signal or take turns…dealership told us they think it's a broken flexplate and they gave me an estimate of 6,000$-8,000$ to fix that issue…[After] reading a few other forum articles regarding this issue what I found out it is a very common issue for Ford, which is almost always a manufacturing fault.”
— Kinza K., FordEdgeForum.com

I was driving during my normal routine…when a rattle noise suddenly started. It was not too loud in the beginning, but as I approached the house, the noise started getting louder and louder mostly when idling at stop signs or red lights, for example. The 2015 Ford Edge AWD 2.0 L ecoboost is 4.5 years old and has 66,000 miles. The day after, I took the car to a Ford dealership and was told that the flex plate was broken and so is pretty much everything that is attached to it including the crankshaft, torque converter, and fluid pump and that I would need to replace the whole engine.”
— West Fargo, ND, CarComplaints.com

The Ford Edge has a cracked flexplate and emits a rattling noise and Ford will not address the problem. A cracked flexplate should not happen, let alone at 50K. The vehicle now sounds like a diesel and puts the driver and others at risk. Should the flexplate fail, the resulting damages and injuries could be deadly. This happens are startup and when slowing down.”
— Spokane, WA, CarComplaints.com

At less than 40,000 miles the car started making a very load rattling noise when idling. The next day I took it to the ford dealership. 5 days later they said it was a cracked flywheel caused by an issue with the torque converter.”
— NHTSA ID Number 11204923, Alberta, VA

The flex plate/flywheel has now failed for the 3rd time in less than 2 years. This is confirmed by an authorized ford dealership and still has no recall on this part that is clearly a manufacturer defect. The damaged flex plate has caused my 2015 ford edge to have a terrible rattling noise and causes concern for safety if this part where to break apart while driving causing the wheels or motor to lock up while in motion.”
— NHTSA ID Number 11364639, Fairfield, PA

How Can a Class Action Lawsuit Help?

If filed and successful, a class action lawsuit could help drivers recover money for repair costs and force Ford to find a fix for the problem. Consumers may also be entitled to money for additional damages, such as loss of vehicle value and rental car costs, if applicable.

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