Ford Bronco Sport engine problems

329 of the 2,031 complaints filed about the Ford Bronco Sport are about the engine — 100% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2021.

329

Complaints

100%

Share of all complaints

5

Crashes

22

Fires

Engine & Cooling complaints by model year

2021 Bronco Sport 169 51.4%

Median failure at 52,000 miles

Median failure at 46,000 miles

Median failure at 18,000 miles

Median failure at 23,099 miles

Median failure at 11,000 miles

What owners said

2021 Ford Bronco Sport at 11,000 miles Gulf Shores, AL

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle and the vehicle sputtered. The ABS, traction control, engine, seat belt, battery, and other unknown warning lights illuminated, and the messages, "System off to Save Battery - Please turn off to Start Engine", "Charging System Service Now", "Pre-Collision Assist not Available", "Front Camera Temporarily Unavailable", "Service Vehicle Soon", and "Check Brake System" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced and the body control module software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred five months later. The vehicle was taken to another dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The contact stated that fault codes for the battery and alternator were retrieved. The failure mileage was 110,000.

NHTSA complaint #11763559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Ford Bronco Sport at 18,000 miles Burlington, WA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power with the check engine warning light illuminated, and the “Service Vehicle Soon” message displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 18,000.

NHTSA complaint #11763734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Ford Bronco Sport Lawton, OK Fire

ENGINE

My bronco caught on fire while I was driving it down the road. It only had 40k miles on it.

NHTSA complaint #11763504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2026 Ford Bronco Sport Parlin, NJ

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2026 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V548000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11762809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Ford Bronco Sport Concord, NC

ENGINE

My 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is subject to NHTSA Safety Recall 25V467 / Ford Recall 25S76, issued July 16, 2025. Ford states that a fuel injector may crack, resulting in fuel accumulating on top of the engine. Ford further states that liquid fuel or fuel vapor accumulating near hot engine or exhaust components may ignite and result in an under-hood fire, increasing the risk of injury. As of September 2026, more than a year after this recall was issued, Ford's VIN-specific recall website continues to show the recall as incomplete and states: "Parts are not currently available. Ford Motor Company is working to provide parts for this repair." I am concerned that I am being expected to continue operating a vehicle with a manufacturer-acknowledged fuel leak and fire hazard while no final repair is available. I am requesting that NHTSA review Ford's continued inability to provide the remedy for Recall 25V467/25S76 and determine whether Ford is meeting its obligation to provide an effective safety recall remedy within a reasonable period of time. I would also like NHTSA to determine whether additional interim safety instructions or other action is warranted for owners who continue to operate these vehicles while awaiting repair.

NHTSA complaint #11762537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Ford Bronco Sport Jarrell, TX

ENGINE

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle bucks and runs really rough. I believe it has to do with the open recall that has NOT yet been fixed. The fuel MPGs, xxx miles to empty, etc seems to all be affected. The dealer won't do anything about it. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I'd say it's safe to drive, just not riding that great. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? They say and act like nothing is wrong. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? See above, they say nothing is wrong. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No but the issues didn't start until they worked on a repair from us trying to avoid something in the middle of the road and we hit it.

NHTSA complaint #11762057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Ford Bronco Sport Huntington, WV

ENGINE

My 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is subject to Ford Safety Recall 25S76 / NHTSA Recall 25V467 concerning cracked fuel injectors that may leak fuel and create an under-hood fire risk. This recall was issued in July 2025. Approximately 14 months later, Ford still has not made the final repair available for my vehicle. I had Ford’s interim PCM software update performed by an authorized Ford dealer on December 12, 2025. My repair order specifically identifies the work as “Campaign number: 25S76 POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE PCM SOFTWARE UPDATE.” The replacement parts necessary for the final remedy have never been installed on my vehicle. Ford has repeatedly moved the anticipated availability date for the final remedy. I was previously told September 2026. On September 4, 2026, after spending approximately an hour on the telephone with Ford, I was told it could now be October. I am also concerned about the information Ford is providing to owners through its own app. Despite the fact that the final recall remedy has not been performed on my vehicle, the Ford app currently displays a green checkmark and states “0 active recalls.” There is also no unresolved recall shown in my alert history. This creates the impression that my vehicle has no outstanding safety recall even though Ford confirmed to me that the permanent remedy has not been completed and the required replacement parts are still unavailable. I am concerned both about the approximately 14-month delay in providing a final remedy for a defect involving potential fuel leakage and fire, and about Ford’s consumer-facing system representing that there are zero active recalls after completion of only the interim software update. I am requesting that NHTSA review Ford’s continuing delay in providing the final remedy for Recall 25V467/25S76 and the manner in which Ford is communicating the recall status to owners who have completed the interim software update but have not received the final remedy.

NHTSA complaint #11762129 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Ford Bronco Sport Chesterton, IN

ENGINE

Ford cannot fix the fuel injector issue which according to Ford can start a fire in the engine. Now the water pump had to be replaced as it was leaking coolant. No recall. And the front shocks are leaking fluid. The seat belt fix remains as Ford does not have the parts. This is a 3 year old vehicle that has been the subject to several recalls and more recalls by Ford need implemented. I have not gone without a vehicle for over 8 days. And again an engine light is one that Ford is still looking into.

NHTSA complaint #11762229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Ford Bronco Sport Ashton, NY

ENGINE

The Oil pump wet belt, made of rubber, experienced the same premature tooth degradation as under the 1.0L EcoBoost engines that were recalled. Rubber components blocked my oil pump resulting in a failure to pump oil while I was driving. This required me to make an emergency stop on an interstate. I have reported this to Ford and they could care less about the safety concern.

NHTSA complaint #11761819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Ford Bronco Sport at 111,000 miles Sierra Vista, AZ

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2024 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost drive power and failed to accelerate properly. The App notified the driver of the powertrain failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with powertrain failure. The dealer replaced the knock sensor approximately 5 - 6 times but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer, Ed Morse Ford Sierra Vista (100 AZ-90, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635); to be diagnosed, and the knock sensor was replaced. The second dealer had also replaced the engine twice, but the failure reoccurred while driving approximately 70 MPH, and the vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a third dealer, Jim Click Ford (6244 E 22nd St Tuscan AZ 85711). The dealer diagnosed that the fuel system and computer calibration had not been completed and corrected the issue. The following day, the powertrain failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was towed back to the third dealer. The contact was informed that the knock sensors and the powertrain control module needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was still not running properly, and the dealer replaced the engine again. The vehicle was returned to the owner, and the powertrain failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken to the fourth dealer, Fairway Ford (2323 Laurens Rd, Greenville, SC 29607), who replaced the same parts as the third dealer. However, shortly after retrieving the vehicle, the engine lost drive power again. The dealer was contacted, and the dealer then referred the contact to another dealer. After speaking with the manufacturer several times, the contact reached out to the dealer and was informed that the manufacturer instructed the dealer not to make any additional repairs to the vehicle even though the vehicle had an extended warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

NHTSA complaint #11761933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Ford Bronco Sport Walnut Creek, CA

ENGINE

Unresolved/unrepairable safety recall Engine RPM's revving abnormally high without corresponding acceleration; extremely slow and delayed acceleration. Sudden and unexpected jolts or surge of power following periods of inadequate acceleration. Significant difficulty safely accelerating and merging onto a freeway. Loss or lack of expected power when accelerating. Rattling and vibrating at the front of the vehicle when it is hot outside or car is hot. Inaccurate fuel gauge at times when hot All concerns above have been discussed and worked on by Walnut Creek Ford Service Center, California. I was told that the recall remedy is not ready, to drive the car in Sport Mode and that they lowered power in the fuel area. The safety recall concerns me due to the risk of fire and the lack of acceleration is definitely a hazard on the road. There were no warning lights, only the feel of the loss of acceleration. Copies of all documents and service records have been sent for a formal complaint to the NHTSA. They will not be uploaded to this complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11759822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Ford Bronco Sport Kalispell, MT

ENGINE

My vehicle is subject to NHTSA Recall 25V467 / Ford Recall 25S76 for a fuel injector that may crack and leak fuel into the engine compartment, creating a risk of fire. The recall was issued in July 2025 and remains open more than a year later. Ford has provided an interim PCM software update intended to detect a leaking injector and mitigate the fire risk, but this does not replace the defective fuel injectors and the recall remains open. Ford states that a final remedy is still being developed / is not currently available for my vehicle. I am concerned about the length of time this safety defect has remained without an available permanent repair. The vehicle continues to be operated while subject to a known fuel-leak and underhood-fire risk, and I do not have the ability to have the defective components permanently repaired despite the recall having been open since July 2025. I am requesting that NHTSA review the delay in Ford providing the final remedy for Recall 25V467. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I have not experienced a fuel leak, fire, crash, or injury at this time.

NHTSA complaint #11757998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Ford Bronco Sport Patchogue, NY

ENGINE

I purchased a new 2024 Ford Bronco Sport on XXX from Sayville Ford in [XXX]. They failed to disclose an unremedied safety recall (24V-267) on the vehicle that was issued on XXX and still sold me the vehicle. When I went back to them after seeing that there was a recall on the car, they denied the existence of the recall despite me showing them the recall notice on both the NHTSA and Ford websites. Last year there was another safety recall for leaking fuel injectors (25V-467) that I brought my car in for service, and they claimed to have done a software fix. Upon checking the recall checked on the NHTSA website (6 months after service) it lists that the safety recall work was never performed, despite the dealership keeping my car for the entire day and telling me the work was performed. This dealership has been evasive and deceptive when I have confronted them about these issues and should be examined and fined for their practices. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11757676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Ford Bronco Sport Seattle, WA

ENGINE

The vehicle was slowing down after leaving a stop light and within a short distance completely shut down no lights no power nothing wouldnt start to put in neutral so we can get it from the middle of traffic on a 2 lane highway. After about 15 minutes of trying to see what the issues was it turned over and we put the car in gear and pushed ot to the side of the road

NHTSA complaint #11757286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Ford Bronco Sport Yelm, WA

ENGINE

Oil pump solenoid has been replaced 3 times and the vehicle is under 100,000 miles. There is a low oil light illuminates on dash board in addition to acceleration lose and a white smoke coming from under the hood and the back end of the vehicle. The 6th or 7th time this happened the Bronco had to be towed. There were many more problems included in this tow, powertrain failure, engine misfire, loss of power, crackling, popping sound from under the hood.

NHTSA complaint #11756393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Ford Bronco Sport Los Angeles, CA Fire

ENGINE

The bronco sport was being driven, suddenly an gasoline odor was slightly noticed, it was almost dismissed because the intersection the vehicle was currently at has 4 gas stations. The SUV suddenly turned off, alerts popped up on the screen and smoke began to rise from underneath the hood. As the vehicle was exited, the gas odor was noticeable and flames began to shoot from the engine bay. Within a minute the flames had engulfed the whole front end of the vehicle into the interior.

NHTSA complaint #11752828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Ford Bronco Sport Lincoln, NE

ENGINE

Vehicle has had a fire recall for over one year with no remedy or fix available.

NHTSA complaint #11752770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Ford Bronco Sport Standish, MI

ENGINE

Vehicle developed a hum when accelerating on July 5, 2026. Made an appointment with the dealership to have it diagnosed. They could not get me in until July 16, 2026. On July 15, 2026, the vehicle went into limp mode and had to be driven at an unsafe speed to the dealership to diagnose and repair the issue. There are 81,000 miles on the vehicle. The issue turned out to be a cracked catalytic converter. The catalytic converter had previous been replaced in August 2025 due to the same issue at 67,000 miles.

NHTSA complaint #11752443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Ford Bronco Sport Auburn, WA

ENGINE

This is a fourth occurrence related to NHTSA complaints 11749893, 11750183, and 11751201. The vehicle was previously diagnosed and repaired under warranty for the same 'Shift System Fault: Service Required' condition (transmission main control valve body replacement, RO #609213, completed July 21, 2026). Approximately 14 hours after pickup, on July 22, 2026, the identical fault recurred, the Check Engine light illuminated, and the vehicle died while driving. The vehicle was towed to Bowen Scarff Ford in Kent, WA and checked in the same day (RO #609522) for further diagnosis. This is now the second documented repair attempt for the same defect.

NHTSA complaint #11752473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Ford Bronco Sport at 12,000 miles Kingsport, TN

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V122000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.

NHTSA complaint #11752013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Ford Bronco Sport problems