298 of the
2,031 complaints filed about the Ford Bronco Sport
are about the transmission —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2021.
298
Complaints
100%
Share of all complaints
6
Crashes
5
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
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.
I have a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks that I bought brand new. I special ordered it and had it delivered to a dealership in Jacksonville IL. The vehicle has 107,000 miles on it. On XXX while driving to work my car completely quite running in the middle of a busy intersection with cars speeding by us and me and my fiance were both in danger of being hit by multiple Semi trucks, this road leads directly to an industrial park. I had the vehicle towed to the nearest ford dealer who told me the Transmission failed completely. I have read online that this is a known issue with a series of Bronco products that ford has produced. there are endless online forums and from what i can find Ford has not addressed or notified consumers that their product may quit unexpectedly out of no where putting lives at risk. This could kill people. We had just got off one of the most busy interstates in the united states. [XXX] in [XXX] if my car would have quit on I24 its very likely me and my fiance would both be dead and possibly others injured as well. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11763332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I had recalls for body control module and power train control module calibration updates. i took it to my ford dealership on august 12th, 2026 they had it done with within the day i picked it up. within a week after (i don’t drive my car much just to work mostly) i had an error come up on my dash saying the powertrain control had failed and i was unable to put my car in park. i immediately called the dealership they asked me to bring it back in. they ended up giving me a loaner vehicle and was with out my car for 2 weeks before I called and asked for an update. they said they were so sorry the transmission was compromised and i was going to have to pay $11,500 for a new one. I had never had issues with my transmission before bringing it in for my recalls to be addressed. i am still without my car and figuring out what to do next.
NHTSA complaint #11762943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car is failing to pick up speed and shuttering around 20mph to 60mph. Took it to the dealer and they said it’s the transmission. Im currently in talks with dealership about a goodwill repair. I’m at approx 65000 miles and warranty ended at 60000. I previously contacted Ford dealership to complain about the issue before the warranty was up. I was told I would have to pay $149 for a diagnostic on the vehicle so I took it to my repairman and no codes came up. He changed the spark plugs and still it shuttered. So I took it to the dealership and that’s when they told me they think it’s the transmission. There are serveral complaints about this and communications from the manufacturer especially about the shutter and no codes I complained about this when I first bought the car and was told nothing was found. I take care of my vehicle. It’s inspected every year and oil changes and maintenance are done on schedule. I don’t take it to the Ford garage because it is very expensive and a I have a mechanic that I trust. A car with this many miles that is maintained should not need a new transmission and I feel that I my goodwill was paying good money for a car that is not safe to drive. They told me I would have to pay for repairs until I mentioned a goodwill offer. I could see it the car had been driven off road or had a ton of miles but neither of those is true. They gave the car back to me until I hear back from the dealership. They never told me not to drive it. It’s been a week since they diagnosed it. After researching there are several complaints and communications from the manufacturer about this. I can only pray that they will handle this appropriately.
NHTSA complaint #11762406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure associated with the recall. The contact stated that while turning at slow speeds and while turning while in reverse, the vehicle was vibrating and shaking abnormally with a loud grinding sound. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was diagnosed with rear differential failure. The contact was informed that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, and the contact was informed that parts were not available. The contact was concerned that the rear differential failure might cause the vehicle to become inoperable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was 41,000.
NHTSA complaint #11761912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while visiting Florida, the vehicle developed a flat tire. The contact stated that one month later the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the differential was damaged after the dealer had installed an incompatible tire on the vehicle. The dealer confirmed that the failure was caused by the mismatched tire installed on the vehicle. The contact was informed that all four tires needed to be replaced and the differential also needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The differential failure was addressed; however, the tires were not replaced because the contact stated that the mismatched tire installation was a dealer error.
NHTSA complaint #11761653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I first noticed noise from the rear of the vehicle in early July 2026, within days of picking it up from Louisburg Ford following a turbocharger repair completed June 29, 2026. The rear drive unit (rear differential) has since been diagnosed as failing at 82,053 miles, with a repair quoted at approximately $4,000. Ford documented this failure mode in Technical Service Bulletin 23-2335, issued October 2023 and superseded by 24-2185 and 24-2386, identifying the rear drive unit vent hose as an entry point for fluid contamination that destroys the unit. My vehicle is within the affected population — 2022 Bronco Sport Outer Banks with the 1.5L engine, delivered October 29, 2022. In October 2023, when Ford documented this defect, my vehicle had approximately 25,000 miles and was under its bumper-to-bumper warranty. The vehicle has been serviced exclusively at Louisburg Ford since delivery at 11 miles, and the records show the vent hose has never been replaced — the original design remains installed. This vehicle has also required repairs to engine sealing at three separate leak sources, the high-pressure fuel injectors, the exhaust converter, and a complete turbocharger and wastegate assembly, all before 83,000 miles. Ford has offered partial assistance, leaving $1,685 as my share. The vehicle is currently not drivable.
NHTSA complaint #11761212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2026 Bronco Sport Badlands Sasquatch edition with less than three-thousand miles that we purchased brand new had a major transmission failure and was rendered inoperable. The Bronco Sport transmission pan cracked and the gasket failed upon driving home from a routine, ten minute trip to the grocery store resulting in sudden loss of transmission fluid. The transmission fluid blew all over the engine compartment when this occurred The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership where it remains as of today (one week after the incident occurred). The issue has been confirmed by the Ford dealer. There were zero warning lamps or messages, but there was a smell of something burning. When the vehicle was parked, fluid poured out on the garage floor and continued to leak until it was put on a tow truck. We have a case number with Ford and are trying to see if there is an option for Ford to buy the vehicle back or to work with us on replacing it due to the incident and the vehicle being approximately two months old. Had we been driving at highway speed or were further from home, this could have resulted in an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11761016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
I am experiencing severe drivetrain binding and violent shuddering/chatter from the Rear Drive Unit (RDU) during low-speed turns in both directions. The vehicle hesitates and can stop violently on its own while turning. When the vehicle is parked and shut off, it also violently jerks backward, indicating the RDU is binding and storing mechanical tension. This is a significant safety hazard. The symptoms match the current Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB 26-2328 (Chatter/Shudder During Low Speed Turning Events), which supersedes earlier bulletins including 26-2194 and 25-2351. I first reported the RDU issue along with a rear brake noise at the dealership and provided the relevant TSB numbers. The dealership stated the RDU was fine, performed only the brake TSB, and attributed the shudder to the brakes. After the vehicle was released, the RDU symptoms returned approximately 100 times worse within two days. On the return visit the dealership said they could not reproduce the concern and initially documented it as “just a noise.” I have repeatedly asked Ford (case management and Business Operations) whether the vehicle is considered safe to drive or sell in its current condition. I have not received a clear written answer. The original dealership has also refused to give a direct safety answer. I am requesting that this safety-related RDU condition be properly investigated and repaired.
NHTSA complaint #11759471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Both the valve included in Ford's TSB 24-2185 and the clutch pack included in TSB 26-2328 both defaulted in the vehicle, causing debris and metal shavings to accumulate in the RDU which resulted in pitting of the gears and parts. This has resulted in a complete RDU replacement. The vehicle has only 65,700 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11757469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
I am reporting a safety concern involving the transmission in my 2022 Ford Bronco Sport equipped with the 1.5L engine and 8-speed automatic transmission (8F35). I purchased this vehicle new in May 2022 with approximately 6 miles on it. At approximately 83,000 miles, the vehicle displayed a “Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power” warning through FordPass. The notification stated that a transmission clutch had not applied within the expected amount of time and warned that I may experience limited functionality, including unavailable gears. I took the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealership, All Star Ford Denham Springs, for diagnosis. On August 4, 2026, the dealership informed me in writing that the vehicle has an internal transmission failure and metal in the transmission fluid. The technician determined that the transmission requires complete replacement. I was subsequently quoted approximately $13,000 for the repair. I am concerned that an internal transmission failure of this nature could result in reduced propulsion, unavailable gears, abnormal shifting, or loss of vehicle mobility, particularly if the failure occurs while the vehicle is being driven. Thus being it did fail in the middle of a highway with the gas pedal no longer working. The car was then towed to the dealership and would not even go into neutral to remove the car from the trailer I am requesting that NHTSA review this failure and determine whether similar transmission/clutch failures are occurring in other 2022 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with the 8F35 transmission and whether this represents a broader safety defect. Ford has previously issued Customer Satisfaction Program 22B38 involving certain 2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with the 8F35 transmission. That program described a manufacturing issue involving a transmission clutch component and a potential long-term durability concern. I understand that my vehicle has not been confirmed to be included in that program
NHTSA complaint #11755823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am reporting a safety concern involving the transmission in my 2022 Ford Bronco Sport equipped with the 1.5L engine and 8-speed automatic transmission (8F35). I purchased this vehicle new in May 2022 with approximately 6 miles on it. At approximately 83,000 miles, the vehicle displayed a “Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power” warning through FordPass. The notification stated that a transmission clutch had not applied within the expected amount of time and warned that I may experience limited functionality, including unavailable gears. I took the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealership, All Star Ford Denham Springs, for diagnosis. On August 4, 2026, the dealership informed me in writing that the vehicle has an internal transmission failure and metal in the transmission fluid. The technician determined that the transmission requires complete replacement. I was subsequently quoted approximately $13,000 for the repair. I am concerned that an internal transmission failure of this nature could result in reduced propulsion, unavailable gears, abnormal shifting, or loss of vehicle mobility. Which it did in the middle of a airline hwy in baton rouge, La I am requesting that NHTSA review this failure and determine whether similar transmission/clutch failures are occurring in other 2022 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with the 8F35 transmission and whether this represents a broader safety defect. Ford has previously issued Customer Satisfaction Program 22B38 involving certain 2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with the 8F35 transmission. That program described a manufacturing issue involving a transmission clutch component and a potential long-term durability concern. I understand that my vehicle has not been confirmed to be included in that program, and I am not claiming that it caused my failure. I am providing this information because of the similarity to the clutch-related warning and subsequent internal transmission failure diagnosed in my vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11756077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE SPUTTERING BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR. RECALL IS STILL NOT RESOLVED REGARDING COMPUTER UPDATE AT THIS TIME AND DEALERSHIP SAID NO CODE NO REPAIR FOR OVER A YEAR. NOW I MUST REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT THE ISSUE MANY TSB ISSUED FOR THE POWERTRAIN ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11754758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.