139 of the
2,163 complaints filed about the Ford Bronco
are about the transmission —
6% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2022.
139
Complaints
6%
Share of all complaints
1
Crashes
4
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
Persistent highway-speed vibration (45 to 82 mph) present since July 2022, documented at five Ford dealerships between 21,000 and 100,000 miles, and still unresolved and undiagnosed after four years. It is a whole-vehicle shake felt primarily through the seat and from the rear of the vehicle at highway speed, occurring on highways nationwide (documented in [XXX], [XXX], and [XXX]). Wheel and tire causes were controlled for and eliminated: three complete wheel-and-tire set swaps (two on factory stock sets) did not change the vibration; a dealer road-force balance (08/2024) did not resolve it; it persists while coasting in neutral. On XXX an independent facility (Heritage Auto Solutions, [XXX]) road-tested and lift-inspected the vehicle and identified objective anomalies at the rear driveshaft: an abnormal welded balance-weight cluster and visible play at the slip yoke; the facility recommended replacement. The shaft is currently at an independent driveline facility for balance testing; the root cause of the vibration has NOT been definitively confirmed by any facility. That is the safety concern: a sustained, unresolved vibration consistent with a driveline-area defect at 70+ mph, present for four years, with no dealer ever performing an instrumented driveline diagnosis. A driveline component failing at highway speed is a loss-of-control hazard. Ford has issued driveline field actions on this platform (Customer Satisfaction Program 22B27, front driveshaft, noise/vibration; Recall 26V236, transfer-case misalignment, possible loss of drive power). The manufacturer was formally notified in writing of the independent findings on XXX (Ford case XXX) and has not responded as of XXX. Attached: the independent facility's written report and driveshaft photographs. The vehicle is currently out of service. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11751184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2026 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH and depressing the accelerator to make a left turn, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The transmission shifted into neutral, and the vehicle coasted forward. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and activated the hazard lights. The system was reset, and the vehicle was able to accelerate. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate or determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure; however, the dealer contacted the manufacturer and confirmed the dealer's decision of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 617.
NHTSA complaint #11750827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2023 Ford Bronco with 7 speed manual transmission. The transmission started grinding while shifting into 3rd gear and occasionally popping out of 3rd gear. This mostly occurred while upshifting and rarely while downshifting. All other gears are operating as normal. While the grinding problem would pop up occasionally around the 40,000 mile mark, it became chronic at 58,000 mile mark (24Jun2026)
NHTSA complaint #11750266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2022 Ford Bronco 2.7L EcoBoost VIN [XXX] has experienced recurring engine oil pressure failure causing vehicle to enter limp mode limiting speed to 25mph creating an unsafe driving condition. Diagnostic trouble codes P0524 Engine Oil Pressure Too Low and P06DD Engine Oil Pressure Control Stuck Off confirmed. Two failed warranty repair attempts at Lenoir City Ford Lenoir City TN on XXX and XXX. Dealership provided loaner vehicle both times acknowledging vehicle was unsafe to drive. Ford corporate case number XXC is open. Third repair attempt scheduled XXX.” INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11747042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While operating the vehicle under load, the vehicle suffered a sudden and severe loss of engine performance, followed immediately by loud metallic banging from the engine bay. The vehicle lost all power and was immediately disabled (LIMP MODE), presenting an imminent highway safety hazard.The Physical Damage: Subsequent mechanical teardown revealed deep vertical cylinder wall scoring, heavy raw fuel residue in the engine oil pan, and a blown head gasket. Relationship to Active Safety Defect: This catastrophic block failure perfectly mirrors the progressive failure profile of NHTSA Campaign 25V455 / Ford Safety Recall 25S75 (Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure). Internal component degradation in the fuel tank delivery module dropped fuel pressure to the engine. Under turbo boost, this starvation induced an extreme, instantaneous lean-out condition. The resulting low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) exploded and shattered the internal piston rings (the metallic banging), leading to mechanical wall gouging, unburnt fuel wash into the lower crankcase, and a secondary blown head gasket. Request for Action: Ford's current VIN parameters for Recall 25S75 have not yet captured my specific vehicle despite it matching the exact production window, component setup, and catastrophic failure sequence. I am requesting that the NHTSA log this case as clear evidence of consequential engine destruction originating from the 25V455 pump defect, and evaluate whether Ford's recall scope must be expanded to protect other consumers from highway engine failures.
NHTSA complaint #11744448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Incident: While operating the vehicle under high load, the driver received an explicit "Service Engine Soon" powertrain malfunction alert stating: "The powertrain control module lost communication with the vehicle active grill shutter module for a period of time." Immediately following this warning, the engine experienced a severe loss of power, followed by loud metallic banging from the engine bay. The vehicle stalled completely and lost all motive power, creating an imminent highway safety hazard.The Physical Damage: Subsequent mechanical teardown by the dealership revealed terminal block destruction, including deep vertical cylinder wall scoring, heavy unburnt liquid gasoline residue in the engine oil pan, and a blown head gasket.Relationship to Active Safety Defect: This catastrophic engine failure mirrors the progressive failure profile of NHTSA Campaign 25V455 / Ford Safety Recall 25S75 (Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure). In this EcoBoost architecture, the Active Grill Shutter (AGS) module shares critical voltage paths, grounding blocks, and wiring looms with the engine management and fuel delivery systems. The sudden network communication loss is diagnostic proof of a severe voltage drop or electrical short caused by the high-friction fuel pump degradation detailed in Recall 25S75. This circuit failure instantly starved the engine of fuel under turbo boost, inducing an extreme lean-out condition. The resulting pre-ignition forces violently shattered the internal piston rings (the loud banging), which then gouged the cylinder walls, wiped out compression, fouled the crankcase with fuel residue, and blew the head gasket.Request for Action: Ford's current VIN parameters for Recall 25S75 have not yet captured my specific vehicle despite it matching the exact production window, component setup, and catastrophic failure sequence. I am requesting that the NHTSA log this case as definitive evidence of consequential engine destruction originating from the 25V455 fue
NHTSA complaint #11744471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Differential carrier replacement due to metal contmination being found in differential during oil change and a transmission overhaul due to excessive wear of(clutch container, CDF bushing, forward hub and front support bushings). They also noted a sticking valve in the main control on my 2022 Ford Bronco 2.7L V6 when taken in to dealership to evaluate vehichle under warranty due to ongoing intermittent thump/clunking noise when coming to a stop and accelerating from a stop as well as when backing up from a stop and while driving as well, intermittent loud metal slapping sound at speeds over 60 mph, intermittent jerking of vehichle when cycling through gears, unexpected downshift at high speeds. After differential replacement and transmission overhaul due to excessive wear while under warranty, my vehichle continues to experience the same symptoms and problems and feel this is a safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11744346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Bronco. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle depressing the brake pedal, heard a clunking noise and on for second the vehicle attempts to move while in park. The contact mention he could hear clunking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken a dealer to be diagnosed, however the diagnoses was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number:25V164000 (Power Train), however the VIN was not included in the recall The manufacturer was not notified on the failure, and they informed him to take the vehicle to dealer. failure mileage was 2,200.
NHTSA complaint #11738527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My drive shaft/coupling caught fire at the front transfer case. I was able to extinguish it safely. This is the same description as: NHTSA Recall No.: 26V236 Manufacturer Recall No.: 26S26 And the description “ Vehicle 1: 2021-2025 FORD BRONCO‘ includes my vehicle, however, my VIN/license plate number do not show this recall in effect.
NHTSA complaint #11736856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while coming to a stop, the vehicle would unexpectedly lunge forward and hesitate, with no warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that a loud, abnormal rattling noise was coming from the soft top area of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, it was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission software needed to be reprogrammed. The dealer also stated that the soft top failure is a known issue with the vehicle. The vehicle was reprogrammed, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.
NHTSA complaint #11735534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1. Component/system that failed/malfunctioned — Braking system (electronic parking brake and brake control modules) combined with electrical/communication defect preventing storage of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Vehicle available for inspection upon request. 2. How safety was put at risk — Repeated "Park Brake Fault – Service Now" and "Brake System Fault" warnings on dash while driving risk sudden loss of parking brake function, reduced braking, or unexpected behavior (e.g., transmission no-engagement beyond walking pace after cold start), impairing safe stopping/control and endangering driver and others. 3. Problem reproduced/confirmed by dealer — Yes — reproduced/confirmed multiple times by authorized Ford dealer (Town & Country Ford, Evansville, IN) across five visits (invoices attached): active brake faults visible on dash during service, yet "no codes found," "unable to verify," "NP no problem found." Examples: [XXX] (30,113 mi) brake fault while driving; [XXX]intermittent parking brake light, no codes; [XXX] transmission slip and brake fault, no codes. 4. Inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance, or others — Inspected only by dealer. Ford CX team contacted (CRM [XXX] , July 2025) but no further inspection/resolution. No police or insurance inspections. 5. Warning lamps/messages prior to failure and when first appeared — "Park Brake Error Message" and "Park Brake Fault" warnings first documented ~25,722 miles (early visits after [XXX] purchase at 13 miles). No-DTC retention defect prevented earlier alerts/diagnosis. Symptoms escalated (transmission slip, cold no-start die-out, brake faults recurring). 6. Additional notes — Out of service >60 cumulative days; loaner restricted to local driving only when provided. Part of Indiana Lemon Law claim (BBB AUTO LINE Case [XXX]). Due to 10-file/10MB upload limit, core documents attached; additional photos, full invoices, loaner agreement, BBB correspondence available upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.
NHTSA complaint #11722617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while driving a motorhome at an undisclosed speed and towing the vehicle in tow mode, the transmission blew up. The contact pulled over to retrieve sunglasses from the vehicle and became aware that there was an odor of transmission fluid coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who confirmed there was no warranty coverage for the failure. The dealer stated that the failure was due to operator error. The vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 10,642.
NHTSA complaint #11721952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Automatic 10 speed transmission has unpredictable shifting from 1st through 3 gears, offten with long lags between shifts, losing power temporarily, especially from 1st to 2nd gear, and harsh shifting. Sometimes, the 1st - 2nd shift lag happens upon acceleration during merging or in an intersection and that loss of power is critical, requiring an adjustment in throttle position, and when 2nd gear catches, then there is too much power. It is unpredictable. The Bronco has about 35K miles now, but this has happening since day 1. Twice in dealer, twice the tech noted it, and twice the only solution was to clear the adaptive shift control memory. Does not fix the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11719951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I believe my vehicle has suffered a cracked/fractured or broken intake valve on cylinder number 4. There is very low compression in that cylinder. I checked it and it only managed to produce 25psi. I inspected the cylinder with a borescope camera and there is no damage or excessive wear to the piston or cylinder bore. They both look pristine with no signs of anything. I could not see either the intake or exhaust valves on my camera. They are the only pieces of the engine I could not inspect that could possible cause a compression issue. It is my understanding that ford is aware of an issue of this happening on some 2.7 Ecoboost engines?
NHTSA complaint #11717538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I’ve complained to my local Ford dealer about 10-speed transmission issues including to several different service techs. There is a loud clunk and physical movement of the vehicle when shifting from park through to reverse and eventually to drive—it’s the P to R which is most noticeable. I’ve had 3rd party mechanics inspect the clunk, had Ford replace the driveshaft, conducted a trans fluid flush, but the clunk persists. I am concerned that one day, the vehicle will not shift out of park or potentially damage the transmission to an undriveable state outside of warranty. This has persisted for several years. I need Ford to replace the transmission and then conduct research into the issues with the old one once removed.
NHTSA complaint #11715026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Component or system that failed or malfunctioned: The fuel delivery system, specifically the fuel pump, which is subject to an active safety recall. The recall states that fuel pump failure can result in loss of fuel pressure and flow, leading to engine stall. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How safety was put at risk: A sudden engine stall while driving would result in an immediate loss of propulsion and power, creating a significant risk of collision, particularly at highway speeds or in traffic. This creates a dangerous situation for the driver, passengers, and surrounding vehicles due to the inability to accelerate or maintain speed. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center: The defect has been confirmed by the manufacturer through an official safety recall. At this time, there is no repair remedy available. The vehicle has not yet been repaired due to lack of an available fix. Has the vehicle or component been inspected: The vehicle has not yet been physically inspected for this specific failure because the recall remedy is not available. The defect has been acknowledged by the manufacturer as part of the active recall. Warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to failure: At this time, there is no warning indicating when or if the fuel pump may fail. The recall states the failure may occur without warning. No prior warning lamps or messages have reliably indicated when the failure could occur. Additional information: Due to the nature of this defect and the lack of an available repair, I no longer feel the vehicle is safe to operate. The uncertainty of a sudden engine stall has created ongoing safety concerns and financial hardship, as I am responsible for a vehicle that may fail without warning.
NHTSA complaint #11714757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have experienced a loss of fuel pressure/engine stall on several occasions. I am not sure of the specific dates yet I had to add one on this form. There has been a recall since July 2025, for which Ford has acknowledged this increases the risk of a crash yet there is still no resolution. This is unacceptable, I have listed the recall numbers below. Manufacturer Recall Number 25S75 NHTSA Recall Number 25V455
NHTSA complaint #11714845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Front differential mounts are cracking and breaking leading to insecure front differential and damage to adjacent suspension and power train components. This is a significant risk to both the driver/occupants and potentially other vehicles on the road. This problem is appearing with increasing frequency on the Ford Bronco forums to the point that Ford now has a TSB out relating to this known engineering failure. It require an extensive repair including rewelding the mounting brackets. There appears to be inadequate guidance to the repairing dealers, however, as there is a large degree of uncertainty as to how to approach executing the weld repair, according to my dealer, Corwin Ford, in Spokane, Washington.
NHTSA complaint #11712487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving, after a missed downshift that causes engine bogging, the vehicle experiences a loss of engine power. The engine remains running but will not produce usable torque and will not rev above approximately 800 RPM, despite clutch disengagement and selecting the correct gear. Holding the clutch fully depressed does not immediately restore power; instead, after approximately 4 seconds, the engine stalls or cycles/resets, after which normal operation resumes. The condition persists until the vehicle nearly stops, the engine stalls, or the ignition is cycled. This has occurred in traffic and adverse weather conditions and is repeatable.”
NHTSA complaint #11709688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.