2022 Ford Bronco Sport

On January 31, 2024, The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE24002) to investigate loss of motive power allegations in model year (MY) 2021 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. Consumers reported a loss of engine power accompanied by complete electrical system failure either while driving or after stopping at a traffic light or stop sign. The vehicles generally could not be restarted, and the incidents were commonly diagnosed by dealerships to a failed 12-Volt (12V) battery. On April 12, 2024, Ford issued safety recall 24V-267 covering 456,565 MY 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Sport and MY 2022-2023 Ford Maverick vehicles. The recall addressed loss of motive power resulting from sudden degradation of the 12V battery during the drive cycle. The recall remedy consisted of software updates to the body control module and the powertrain control module. The updated software aimed to provide warning to consumers when the battery is failing and inhibit certain vehicle functions which can lead to loss of motive power incidents. Additionally, Ford removed the existing 12V Enhanced Flooded Battery (EFB) as both a service component for the subject vehicles and original equipment for newly built Bronco Sport vehicles (during MY 2024 production), replacing it with a more robust absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery. The same AGM battery had been incorporated into Ford Maverick production in late 2022. Following recall 24V-267, ODI received loss of motive power complaints in vehicles that had previously received Ford’s software-based remedy. Consumers reported that they did not receive warnings related to the 12V battery or the vehicle’s electrical system before the loss of power. On November 15, 2024, ODI opened Recall Query (RQ24014) to assess the effectiveness of the 24V-267 recall remedy. On January 19, 2025, Ford issued recall 25V-019 covering 272,817 MY 2021-2023 Bronco Sport and MY 2022-2023 Ford Maverick vehicles. The new recall addressed the same hazard as 24V-267 but required replacement of the existing 12V battery with an AGM battery as the remedy. Ford reported that following the opening of RQ24014, it evaluated several field-returned 12V batteries, and determined that EFBs produced by battery supplier Camel potentially contained internal manufacturing defects causing loss of motive power. Ford further concluded that the software updates provided in the 24V-267 recall remedy were unable to detect battery failures quickly enough to avoid loss of motive power. Vehicles previously within the scope of recall 24V-267, but outside of the scope of recall 25V-019, are equipped with EFBs produced by a different battery supplier (Clarios). When recall 25V-019 was issued, Ford had not identified any Clarios EFBs exhibiting the same failure mode as the Camel EFBs. In light of Ford’s recall action, ODI is closing this Recall Query. The agency will continue to monitor loss of motive power complaints in Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with Clarios EFBs and reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

On April 11, 2024, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (“ODI”) opened this Recall Query (“RQ”) to investigate the adequacy of, including various safety concerns associated with, the remedy program in recalls 22V-859 (filed Nov. 18, 2022) and 24V-187 (filed Mar. 8, 2024). The vehicle population associated with these recalls includes certain MY 2020-2022 Ford Escape vehicles and MY 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. The safety defect in each recall involves high-pressure fuel injectors that are susceptible to cracking, allowing liquid fuel and fuel vapor to migrate onto hot surfaces within the engine compartment potentially resulting in underhood vehicle fires. The remedy programs described in recalls 22V-859 and 24V-187 are identical and involve both a software component and a hardware component. Specifically, Ford developed an updated engine control software designed to detect a pressure drop in the high-pressure fuel rail, provide instrument cluster messaging to the driver, invoke a strategy to disable the high-pressure fuel pump, derate the engine output, and lower the temperatures of possible ignition sources within the engine compartment. Additionally, Ford would install a tube into the engine’s cylinder head drain hole to shunt spilled liquid fuel past the various hot surfaces within the engine compartment and ultimately discard the spilled liquid fuel onto the roadway. ODI identified various safety concerns with this remedy program, which, among other things, notably did not include repairing or replacing the defective part and potentially did include the introduction of new safety defects (like fuel spilling near the spark plugs and fuel spilling onto the public roadway). NHTSA opened this investigation to evaluate these concerns with the remedy program, including whether the vehicles were still susceptible to underhood fires even post-remedy. As described in more detail in the Additional Summary posted simultaneously with this resume, ODI conducted a thorough investigation that included analyzing data and other materials received in response to two Information Requests, as well as inspections of post-remedy vehicles that experienced an underhood fire. ODI and Ford worked to identify and locate vehicles that experienced post-remedy fires and conduct joint vehicle inspections. ODI’s investigation also prompted Ford to initiate a more in-depth evaluation of the defect, including Ford’s conducting component level testing of high-pressure fuel injectors. ODI met with Ford on several occasions throughout this investigation to jointly conduct certain of these described tasks and to discuss test results. A collateral issue surfaced as a result of this investigation: in March 2025, Ford realized that despite relevant repairs having been recorded as successfully completed, approximately 33,576 vehicles subject to recalls 22V-859 and 24V-187 did not have the software component of the remedy program installed correctly. Thus, on March 27, 2025, Ford filed a new related recall (25V-165) for these vehicles, notifying NHTSA and the public that they were still at risk of experiencing an underhood vehicle fire due to cracked fuel injectors despite the consumer having had their vehicle remedied pursuant to one of the two earlier recalls. In June 2025, Ford committed to implementing a new remedy program to repair the vehicles. On July 11, 2025, Ford documented this commitment in a new recall filing (25V-467), which explains that Ford’s upcoming remedy program will involve proactive replacement of all high-pressure fuel injectors within the recall population. In view of the recall action taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Recall Query, which was opened given NHTSA’s concerns that the initial remedy programs of the software to detect the pressure drop plus installation of the drain tube did not constitute an adequate repair. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.

On January 31, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE24002 to investigate allegations of loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2021 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. At that time, ODI had received 31 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs), with consumers commonly reporting a loss of engine power accompanied by complete electrical system failure which occurred either while driving, or after coming to a stop. The investigation revealed that MY 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Sport and certain MY 2022-2023 Ford Maverick vehicles are equipped with a 12V enhanced flooded battery (EFB), which may experience an abrupt failure during a drive cycle. The failure is the result of an internal corrosion issue, which is influenced by long exposure to high under-hood temperatures. If the sudden loss of 12V battery voltage is not detected by the vehicle’s battery management sensor, the vehicle can experience a loss of power event without providing any warning to the driver. Following a loss of power due to battery failure, the vehicle may be without all 12V accessories including hazard lights and typically will not be able to be restarted. In its March 2024 response to ODI’s information request, Ford provided 367 customer complaints (including field reports, lawsuits, and legal claims) and 1005 warranty claims relating to the alleged defect. When combining ODI and manufacturer failure report data, there are 1,368 unique VINs represented across MY 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. One of the VOQs submitted to NHTSA reported a minor rear-end collision resulting from a loss of power event. Included within Ford’s complaints were a reported single-vehicle collision and a vehicle fire which occurred following a loss of power event at a traffic light (fire cause and origin was not determined). Additionally, across ODI and manufacturer data, there were 12 allegations of either acid leaking from the 12V battery or smoke emitting from the battery area within the engine compartment. On April 12, 2024, Ford submitted recall 24V267 for MY 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Sport and certain MY 2022-2023 Ford Maverick vehicles (total population 456,565). The recall remedy provides updated calibrations to the body control module and powertrain control module. Ford indicated that the update will result in improved detection of 12V battery state of charge during drive cycles and will provide notification to the driver if the battery significantly degrades while driving. Additionally, Ford has replaced the EFB with an absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery as both a service component for the subject vehicles and as original equipment for Bronco Sport vehicles with production dates beginning in mid-March 2024. The warranty claim rate for peer vehicles equipped with an AGM battery is substantially lower than that for the subject vehicle population. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

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 ID

11756393

Incident

Mar 14, 2026

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 ID

11756077

Incident

Aug 1, 2026

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 ID

11755823

Incident

Aug 1, 2026

TRANSACTION FRAUD & SYSTEM BYPASS:The vehicle was purchased from an authorized franchise dealer in January 2026. Following an investigation, it was discovered that the dealership's finance desk executed a "split-paperwork" scheme to override an automated delivery compliance hold. The dealership utilized my actual 2.0L Badlands VIN on banking documents, but electronically transmitted a completely different, lower-trim 1.5L engine VIN to my insurer (USAA) to issue a clean delivery binder. This intentional data manipulation was used to knowingly bypass active safety recall alerts.SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:In March 2026, while traveling on Hands Mill Road, the front suspension suffered an unexplained, catastrophic failure, resulting in an immediate, total loss of steering control. The vehicle veered off the roadway and impacted a concrete barrier at high velocity. The mechanics of this failure exactly mirror the structural anomalies detailed in federal NHTSA Recall 26V340000 (Ford Recall 26S36) regarding lower control arm ball joint separation.CRITICAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE:During the high-velocity impact, the primary occupant safety restraint systems completely failed to perform. The driver’s side seatbelt failed to lock, and zero front or side airbags deployed. This total safety mechanism failure directly resulted in a severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and permanent new-onset seizures, confirmed via clinical EEG by the Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital and currently managed via Keppra 3x/day.FORENSIC EVIDENCE PRESERVATION:High-definition video evidence exists, captured 10 days prior to the crash, documenting the seatbelt retractor in a pre-existing state of mechanical failure (dangling/failing to recoil). The vehicle has undergone only minor exterior cosmetic repairs; the failed suspension components, broken seatbelt modules, and un-deployed airbag sensors remain fully intact and forensically preserved as physical evidence inside my garage for immediate federal safety ins

NHTSA ID

11755073

Incident

May 18, 2026

has been 1 year since recall was initiated for the fuel cap crack with no recourse. we do not feel safe waiting longer for this fix and would request compensation from ford to sell the car.

NHTSA ID

11754903

Incident

Jul 16, 2025

There have been no issues, however it has been a year with no parts available and this sounds like a major potential safety concern if it could start a fire.

NHTSA ID

11754386

Incident

Aug 3, 2026

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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the “Service Engine” warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that the dealer had previously replaced a rubber hose on the vehicle to prevent a fire. The dealer was contacted about the recall repair and confirmed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

NHTSA ID

11753718

Incident

Jul 16, 2026

Mileage

37,000 mi

I've had a Blindspot warning light alert, told by dealership this is an electrical issue, after a web search, I see this is a common and known issue for Ford, yet no recall has been issued. I also have another know, common powertrain issue with my rear differential. The vehicle makes noise when turning, unstable when driving. The vehicle is less than 5yrs old and under 60k miles. Both issues are safety issues and could cause an electrical fires or vehicle stalling. I am scheduled for a 2nd inspection on 7/31 and hopefully repair.

NHTSA ID

11753350

Incident

Jul 16, 2026

This bulletin supersedes 26-2194. Reason for update: update the Parts list to correct a part description " Loctite 638", update the claim quantity for the drain/fill plug, update the claim quantity of the wheel hub bolts (Corsair) and limited the parts list for Edge/Nautilus to only the rear drive unit fluid. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit all of the following conditions:  Shudder chatter condition, most noticeable at low speeds turning  No relevant diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) present This may be due to internal rear drive unit (RDU) fluid contamination.

NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 26E04 Certain 2021-2025 Model Year F-150, Maverick, Mustang, Ranger, Expedition, Bronco Sport, Explorer, Bronco, Navigator, and Aviator Vehicles Powertrain Control Module Software Update

Some 2020-2026 Corsair/Escape, 2021-2026 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2026 Maverick vehicles equipped with an 8F35 transmission may exhibit a shudder condition, most noticeable at speeds below 60 mph (100 km/h), with no relevant diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). Sometimes, this may be perceived/felt as an engine misfire. This may be due to the torque converter. If Pinpoint Test K: Torque Converter Clutch Operation in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01 > Diagnosis and Testing > Diagnosis by Symptom directs to replace the torque converter, remove and replace the torque converter and torque converter seal. Refer to WSM, Section 307-01 > Removal and Installation > Torque Converter Seal. Remove the main control valve body. Refer to WSM, Section 307-01 > Removal and Installation > Main Control Valve Body. Overhaul and thoroughly clean the main control valve body. Refer to WSM, Section 307-01 > Overhaul > Main Control Valve Body. Reverse the removal procedure to reassemble the transmission. Install the transmission. Refer to WSM, Section 307-01 > Installation. For claim

2020-2026 Explorer/Escape/Corsair, 2021-2026 Bronco Sport/Bronco, 2022-2026 Maverick, 2024-2026 Mustang/Ranger/Nautilus vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L EcoBoost engine may require removal of the turbocharger wastegate control actuator linkage for various reasons. The Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-04 Fuel Charging and Controls - Turbocharger - 2.0L/2.3L EcoBoost > Removal and Installation > Wastegate Control Actuator Linkage service procedure been added. In addition, the wastegate actuator rod (9E408), associated retention springs (9342) and retaining clips (00817) have been released as lower-level components to complete the repair without replacing the entire turbocharger wastegate actuator assembly.

This bulletin supersedes 25-2346. Reason for update: add Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles and add labor operations to repair the rear right/left carpet area. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a condition where the carpet is loose or torn near the front/rear scuff plate trim panel. This may be due to the carpet tearing at or near the retainer hole.

Certain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model Year Corsair and Escape, 2016-2024 Model Year Explorer, 2019-2020 Model Year Fusion, 2016-2018 Model Year Focus RS, 2022-2024 Model Year Maverick, 2016-2019 Model Year MKC and 2019-2024 Model Year Ranger Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L Engine and Engine Block Heater System Block Heater Replacement