197 of the
1,977 complaints filed about the Ford Bronco Sport
are about the braking system —
10% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2021.
Pre-Collision System warning activated unexpectedly. The vehicle then accelerated by itself unexpectedly and the accelerator/throttle was engaged by itself. Breaks were then hard to push and vertically impossible to slow down. At the time, there was no vehicle or obstruction immediately around the vehicle other than a possible box, or small obstruction in the road. Yes the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Due to the unexpected activation of the pre-collision system followed by unexpected acceleration by itself, caused the vehicle to move unexpectedly and resulted in a collision with another vehicle, creating a safety risk to the occupants of both vehicles. No. The problem has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. No. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or any other party. The police did come to the accident and a police report was filed. Yes. The vehicle's Pre-Collision System warning activated unexpectedly immediately prior to the incident. There were no other known warning lamps or messages before the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated by itself and collided with another vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11757261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a right turn, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle remained at the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200.
NHTSA complaint #11754968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that the daughter had reported that while in a parking lot, the brakes unintendedly engaged, and then the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The driver immediately applied the brakes to stop the vehicle. The contact was able to duplicate the failure while attempting to park the vehicle. The messages "Power Train Malfunction" and "Reduced Power" were displayed, the power train warning light illuminated, and the parking brake warning light flashed continuously. The vehicle was being towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,236.
NHTSA complaint #11742661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The front and rear brake system has repeatedly malfunctioned across at least 7 dealer visits since 2022 on my 2021 Ford Bronco Sport (VIN: [XXX] ). Brake squealing and grinding (particularly in reverse at low speeds) have persisted despite multiple repair attempts. Ford's own SSM 52515 acknowledges engineering was working on a fix and that rotor resurfacing is "not a guaranteed fix." TSB 23-2308 was performed in March 2024 (caliper bushings/guide pins replaced). In June 2024 a dealer verbally confirmed a brake recall was coming in Oct/Nov 2024 and that rotors would be covered — that recall never materialized. Front brake pads were replaced under Recall 21C31 in September 2022 at ~8,797 miles. Front pads and rotors required full replacement again in April 2025 at ~28,833 miles — just 20,000 miles later and well below the typical 50,000–70,000 mile service life — at my out-of-pocket cost of $747. Rear brakes were documented as "in the red" in January 2026 at ~38,000 miles. The vehicle is currently at a Ford dealership. In August 2024, one dealer attributed the issue to driving habits despite Ford's own TSBs acknowledging the defect. Brake wear across both axles is abnormally premature for a [XXX] vehicle. Across brake-related and recall visits the vehicle has been out of service for approximately 30 days. Relevant: TSB 23-2308, TSB 25-2143, SSM 52515 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11736446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brakes moan when reversing at low speeds. Was told it was “normal.” Complete transmission failure—car sputtered and died at the stoplight. Then it would not shift into a gear other than park without dying.
NHTSA complaint #11734693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On March 17, 2026, during an oil change service at Mullinax Ford of Kissimmee, located at 1810 E Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL, I reported several concerns, including a clicking noise, a rough braking noise, and a whiplash-like sensation when engaging Drive. I was also advised that I was nearing the time for a brake fluid flush because the vehicle was around 24,000 miles. On April 15, 2026, I returned to Mullinax Ford for the brake fluid flush. The same concerns were again noted, but I was told the vehicle checked out and that there were no issues with the brakes. I picked up the vehicle after being told it was safe to drive. On my drive home, the vehicle’s brakes locked up on two separate occasions, triggering multiple alarms and creating two near-accident situations. The first time, I nearly struck another vehicle while trying to stop at a traffic light. The second time, I nearly entered moving traffic while trying to stop at a stop sign. I immediately contacted Mullinax Ford. The dealership acknowledged that this was a safety concern, and the vehicle had to be towed back for further repair. This occurred after I was told by management that the vehicle had been personally checked and was safe to drive. Since then, the vehicle continues to have the persistent clicking noise and the whiplash-like engagement feeling, and these symptoms have worsened. I have also reported a separate concern regarding a sunroof leak, but I was advised to call back in a few weeks because the person who handles sunroof repairs was unavailable. We brought it Gary Yeoman’s Palm Bay Ford and they drove the vehicle and feel there might be something wrong with either the brake or transmission.
NHTSA complaint #11734721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have brought the car in both to Marin Ford and Serramonte Ford for a transmission fluid leak. They have confirmed there is transmission fluid pooling under the hood but are either unable or unwilling to repair the source of the leak. Car is still under warranty - hoping they are not waiting for the warranty to expire and for my the car to start failing. The brakes also make a loud whining noise while driving in reverse on my 2022 Bronco Sport. The people at Serramonte Ford in Colma, CA tell me this is standard for Ford Broncos and Escape and there is not a fix. It sounds like a whale call and hard to believe the issue can't be resolved. I have read other complaints saying the saying the same thing and Ford charging $1k once out of warranty to replace pads, etc.
NHTSA complaint #11731000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Every morning when I back out of my driveway the brakes squeel as if the wear pad indicators have reached end of life. I took this to the dealer and they said this is completely normal
NHTSA complaint #11721991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Since my car hit 40000 miles it has had nothing but issues. I've had it in the shop at least 10 times. My brakes went out while driving with my [XXX] old, I've had loss of power, smell of exhaust in the cabin for the last 3 months and dealership says it can't be fixed, yesterday I had complete engine failure while on the freeway. Stalled and wouldn't start back up for 5 min. The dealership has never fully fixed anything but has only updated the computer system. I feel very unsafe in this vehicle. We still owe on this vehicle so trading it in is not an option since its not even worth the down payment I put down. It has a fuel injector recall that can't be fixed yet due to not having the parts available. What are we suppose to do if we can't drive the vehicle and can't buy a new one. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11714165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased my vehicle 6 months ago. I had no prior issues outside of a rough drive or a very slight burning smell from time to time. 12/2025 I found out through my auto insurance that my vehicle had a active safety recall (25S76) so I scheduled with my local Ford to get the temp software PCM update done until the remedy becomes available. Immediately after the software update I started getting a lot of system error codes; keys not detected, airbag fault, Tailgate open (when it wasnt), auto hold system fault, auto start/stop system fault, etc.. During this time I had issues with my break system "softening" like the breaks wanted to go out OR the break peddle locking up on me and being unable to move/drive. Delays in acceleration or spurts of acceleration which was uncommanded. This happened in active school zones making it even more unsafe and dangerous to drive. I took it back to my nearest dealership, and they could not replicate the issues but kept my case open and said to inform them if things changed. Things gradually got worse. I have video recording of my car accelerating without my foot on the peddle and my breaking peddle softening to the point of not working properly as well as hardening and locking up. I have photos of the errors when I was able to safely due so. I have full documentation that is not listed here (due to the amount of words allowed). I took my vehicle back and has been with Frontier Ford in Anacortes WA for 5 days. I have contacted Ford as well. I am unable to get a rental due to both Ford and the dealership both telling me to go to each other for help. I have no update as my vehicle is still in testing. They were able to replicate some of the issues but have no update outside of that. I have no way to work or take my children back and forth to their classes. My Ford dealership said this software has caused similar issues with other vehicles but my issue was a more severe case. I am unsure on how to move forward with this.
NHTSA complaint #11711867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the message "Faulty Battery and Charging System" flashed on the screen, and the vehicle failed to immediately start. The contact stated that while driving later, several messages, including the messages "Faulty Power Steering" and "Faulty ABS" were displayed, and the vehicle suddenly stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V267000 (Electrical System, Power Train), which the contact related the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 56,000.
NHTSA complaint #11701887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
• What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection? The brake system on my 2024 Ford Bronco Sport failed to respond for approximately 2–3 seconds after I pressed the brake pedal. This occurred immediately after freeing my foot from underneath the gas pedal while cruise control was active. The vehicle is available for inspection. • How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle did not slow down when the brake pedal was fully pressed, causing me to enter an intersection while other vehicles were turning. I had to swerve to avoid a collision, but another vehicle entered my path and a crash occurred. The braking delay directly increased the risk of a serious accident. • Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center? UNKNOWN. I have not yet had a dealership or service center attempt to reproduce or diagnose the issue. • Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance, or others? The accident was documented by police and insurance, but the mechanical issue itself has not yet been inspected for cause. • Were there any warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to the failure? When did they appear? There were no warning lights, messages, or prior symptoms before the brake failure. The brakes simply did not respond when pressed. • Description of the incident: While traveling northbound on Sterling Ave approaching Truman Rd, the light turned yellow. I attempted to brake, but my foot was caught under the accelerator due to cruise control being engaged. After freeing my foot, I pressed the brake firmly, but the brakes did not respond for approximately 2–3 seconds. I swerved left to avoid turning traffic and sounded my horn. Another vehicle continued its turn and my front passenger quarter panel struck its rear passenger quarter panel at about 15 mph. The brakes only began functioning after the vehicle jerked from evasive steering input.
NHTSA complaint #11701629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On November 11, 2025, my 2021 Ford Bronco Sport experienced a complete brake system failure while driving. The brake pedal suddenly became extremely hard, and there was no braking power at all. The vehicle had to be stopped using the parking brake. This same issue occurred previously in July 2025, when the brake vacuum booster failed and was replaced at the Ford dealership. The problem has now recurred less than six months later. The vehicle is not safe to drive and is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the brakes failed completely without warning while the vehicle was in motion. If traffic conditions had been heavier, a collision could have occurred. The issue has not yet been confirmed by the dealership for this most recent occurrence, but the same Ford dealer that repaired it in July handled the prior failure. The vehicle will be towed there again for inspection. No warning lamps or dashboard messages appeared before or during either failure. The only symptom was a sudden loss of brake assist and a hard, unresponsive brake pedal. This appears to be a repeated failure of the brake vacuum or brake assist system, which I understand has been part of a previous Ford recall (21C31) affecting 2021 Bronco Sport models. But my VIN number was not included in the Recall. This is my second reporting and needs to be recalled.
NHTSA complaint #11698868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Along with the current unable to be fixed PCM recall, the customer service satisfaction program regarding the drivers side buckle replacement and the replacement of high-pressure fuel injectors that I was told they will only replace if there is an issue because it is not considered a recall. I have had multiple other recalls that were done and several issues that weren't related to recalls. In the first year the bushings were replaced to ease the loud noise when backing up. At 36,0000 miles I had no heat. The water pump failed and was fixed under powertrain warranty. At 41000 miles (just over warranty) the AC stopped working. The condenser failed and was my responsibility to pay. Ford did work out a deal with me on that repair due to all of the other issues I had previously. Currently, my drivers side back seatbelt does not work, the car shudders when driving and recently my forward collision indicator goes off for no reason. I have not reached out to have these items checked yet as I have spent far to much time dealing with Ford. I bought this car to feel safe and confident on the road and I have never felt that. The lack of compassion from Ford for all the money wasted in missed work and repairs because they cannot produce a quality vehicle is abhorrent.
NHTSA complaint #11693134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The transmission and/or shift-by-wire control system appears to have failed. While the vehicle was in motion, the system engaged “Park” and remained stuck in this position. The vehicle immediately became immobilized and could not be shifted out of Park. The vehicle remained locked in Park for 3 weeks. The failure occurred without prior warning and eliminated essential vehicle control functions. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I could not cross the border in a tow truck with a stranger- so I had it repaired in Tijuana at a Ford Service Center. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Ford service facility (Ford Surman BC – Tijuana, Baja California), where technicians confirmed a defect-related failure and performed warranty repairs to restore functionality. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? Yes. An authorized Ford dealer inspected the vehicle and conducted the warranty repair. The manufacturer has been notified of the incident. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning indicators were displayed before the incident. After the uncommanded shift into Park and immobilization, the instrument cluster displayed multiple error messages including “Park Brake Fault – Service Now” and “Pre-Collision Assist Not Available.” Additional context: The vehicle had been serviced at an authorized Ford dealership in the United States less than one month prior to the incident and had fewer than 13,000 miles Vehicle broke down at night with my children in the vehicle. I incurred costs from tow trucks and rentals to get to work the following week. Now with this new Recall and no possible repair for it, this vehicle is extremely unsafe, I have been in communication with Ford and they claim they are going to do nothing about. Please help.
NHTSA complaint #11690184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There is a load moaning sound when backing the vehicle up or making a turn which significantly effects steering and stoping. Ford dealership said that tires were not rubbing body and tie rods were ok. This ford bronco sport only has 25K miles on it and never taken off road. Ford said to live with the sound until it bothered us? They said that it didn't need brakes but a new brake job could possibly fix problem? Independent repair shop said that it wasn't a brake issue but didn't know what the problem was. This load sound must be a defect for this vehicle because others on the web have expressed the same problem but ford has not put out a recall as of this date.
NHTSA complaint #11686962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving with my [XXX] son in the vehicle, the vehicle suddenly shut down completely in the middle of the street at a red light. Nothing was functional and we were unable to move the vehicle out of the street. A tow truck came in 3 hours and towed the vehicle to the dealership. The dealership advised that it was the battery which they replaced. When merging lanes on the interstate with oncoming traffic, the gas accelerator would not accelerate to speed up. I had to step all the way down on it several times until the vehicle was finally able to accelerate. This has also occurred while at a red light and stop sign. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11686526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.