I have a 2015 SEL AWD 3.5L. Was going to be my last car. Owners Manual says RDU fluid doesn't need to be changed until 100K miles. So it wasn't serviced.
Now have 80k miles and bearing area of the pinion shaft forward housing emits major grating, grinding noise when using a stethascope device to listen to it. In the cabin it is just a noticeable hum which is load / throttle sensitive.
I took it to a dealer when I was out of town and had the fluid changed. $200+ and only a slight change, possibly wishfull thinking.
Listening to the web I also seem to be facing a $2K waterpump change around 110- 130K miles and possibly a PTU any time now.
It all has me seriously re thinking this Ford thing. My 1st EDGE was a 2008, with same drive train, bought used at 30K miles and driven to 108K miles trouble free.
This "new and improved" version is apparently a mistake.
PS: I use it in the desert south west and pacific coast (when AZ gets too hot), it has not been submerged or off roaded, and doesn't tow anything, only occasionally carries more than 2 people, seldom exceeds 80MPH and has been serviced by Ford dealers on the regular factory suggested schedule.
What gives and what is recommended? Rear Difs used to go 200K mi.