2022 Ford Bronco Sport Electrical Problems

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

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

Fuel system issues. Current recall has been since July of 2025 with NO FIX AVAILABLE. Engine light has been on and off for two months now with mobile app giving warning but there is no way to fix the issue as of now, and not since the Recall was issued almost a year ago. Bronco has not started up again on multiple occasions after getting fuel. Also has a very strong smell of fuel vapor/fuel at every deceleration or stop making it hard to breathe inside vehicle, as well hurting our chest and head to inhale inside the cabin of vehicle. Bronco is beginning to cut out while driving and/or when coming to a stop. We have a small child and are in fear of a serious malfunction or fire, and are concerned of the fumes we are constantly ingesting while driving vehicle. That on top of the risk of car cutting out at a bad time or catching on fire while driving is causing us to want to trade it in/get rid of it but we need a vehicle to get back and forth to work and get our child to school. We need something done to get a different vehicle that’s safe for our family/child. I am a disabled veteran that feels helpless with my wife and child using this vehicle every day. I’m scared for their safety more than anything else.

NHTSA ID

11744018

Incident

Jun 14, 2026

The vehicle is experiencing powertrain performance issues, including a persistent stutter, vehicle shuddering, and erratic RPM jumping while driving at 45-55 mph. These symptoms began immediately following the latest software flash in January 2026 and have progressively gotten worse. An Independent mechanic and a transmission specialist have inspected the vehicle and are unable to resolve the issue because no diagnostic trouble codes are being generated. There is a safety and engineering concern that the continuous reprogramming of the PCM & BCM has altered the vehicle’s operations outside of its initial factory design parameters. The vehicle has suffered an immediate drop in performance and fuel economy. In June 2026, I received another notification about Recall 25S76, not being completed yet by Sam Leman Ford. After several attempts to reach someone, I called an authorized secondary Ford dealership, Heller in Bloomington, who pulled the VIN data and stated they could not verify if the 25S76 recall was properly completed by the original servicing dealer. It seems as if there is a tracking failure on the manufacturer's side. While she stated there were notes by a service tech for mobile repair, the fact that I got another notification about the same recall’s intermediate repair not being completed, that signified to her it may not have been. Heller Ford stated the only way to know, is to attempt a 4th PCM reprogramming. If the manufacturer rejects the warranty reimbursement, the cost of the diagnostic labor hours will be billed to me. Consumers should not be held financially responsible for verifying faulty manufacturer documentation, nor should software patches be used as a substitute for replacing a physically defective, fire-prone component. By allowing the manufacturer to alter the vehicle's electrical and powertrain architecture rather than mandating a hardware replacement, consumers are left driving vehicles with degraded performance and an active hazards.

NHTSA ID

11743680

Incident

Jun 12, 2026

I need to open a safety case for my vehicle. I am concerned with my vehicle. Car was having trouble starting on 4/16/2026 while parked at home giving a "full accessory power active" error. I called Ford and I was told it could be a battery issue. Triple A was called and help was dispatched. The Triple A representative did not jump start the battery and instead gave directions to power up the car back up with no electrical current necessary. Car started after trouble shooting it and it was tested through the night just like Triple A directed. The following day on 4/17/26 the car had no issue starting and all was normal. While testing the vehicle it started to produce a strong burning rubbery smell. I opened the hood and there was a leaking sound followed by a light smoke and leakage near the battery. A video was taken if needed. The smell was extremelly strong and I am reporting this safety concern as the VIN associated with the vehicle currently has an unrepaired recall with no available remedy yet by FORD - 25V467. The safety risk associated with this recall number is fire under hood due to possible injector crack that could lead to fuel accumulating on top of the engine. I want this issue recorded as I am concerned with the safety of my family.

NHTSA ID

11731991

Incident

Apr 16, 2026

Rats are attracted to the soy based wire coating. They ate every coating off every wire in the entire car, which cost a fortune to fix! I want a new car without that wire coating. I shouldn't be responsible for this mess! It's a known problem. My car is spotless! No food or drinks allowed. The guy who fixed it said he had never seen anything like it, and was shocked at the damage because at first glance my car looked brand new. He also stated most of the damage probably happened when it sat in a field waiting on the computer chip before I purchased it. Either way its absolutely ridiculous to take such good care of a car and have THIS going on!

NHTSA ID

11727907

Incident

Feb 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, several unknown warning lights flashed on the instrument panel and then disappeared. Additionally, there was a soft, audible chime coming from the rear of the vehicle, and the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth systems activated the connections despite no known devices being present. The contact was concerned about the electrical system inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.

NHTSA ID

11722119

Incident

Apr 10, 2025

Mileage

40,000 mi

The car sputters when fuel is added but will drive. Went to get it checked out. Ford said it was spark plugs and a canister purge valve stuck. Got it looked at for a second opinion and they said the plugs were fine and the note saying the canister purge valve was stuck, but the canister purge valve was operating fine. Second opinion said it was throwing a transmission fault code. Possibly solenoid somewhere or an issue with the PCM, TCM or BCM. Then the car started shifting really hard, getting stuck in gears and shutting off. I had to get it towed to my house. I’m thinking there’s a bad PCM, TCM or BCM in this model and it just hasn’t been mentioned yet. Historically, Ford says it’s the spark plugs often and other issues and take several times to fix the issue. Last time it has a shut off problem, they tried two different things before replacing a solenoid somewhere and it lasted for a while up until now. Seems like they can’t really determine what’s wrong with it even after paying for the professional diagnostic fee

NHTSA ID

11714603

Incident

Jan 8, 2026

The car's OBD (on board diagnostic) is not functional. This means that if a check engine light comes on it's impossible for the mechanic to know why. This means the car can never complete a state inspection and more seriously if there's an electrical problem, could result in a fire. I took the car to a Ford dealership and they verbally told me that lots of Ford cars are having this problem and that it is a manufacturing problem, not a specific problem only with my car. They want anywhere from $1600 - $4000 to repair/reprogram the OBD. They told me that they've done this "repair" for many customers and it's a manufacturing problem. In my opinion this should be a recall, not a repair customers have to pay for, most importantly because it could be dangerous bc mechanics can't access the car info if the check engine light comes on, and also the car can never be inspected which is not the fault of the car owner.

NHTSA ID

11705981

Incident

Dec 18, 2025

I am reporting a premature transmission failure on my 2022 Ford Bronco at approximately 85,000 miles. The vehicle required a full transmission replacement after experiencing internal transmission failure described by a Ford service manager as “something came apart inside the transmission.” The dealership quoted $13,000 for transmission replacement. Independent transmission specialists quoted approximately half that amount, indicating the dealership pricing is inflated. A major drivetrain failure at this mileage is abnormal and suggests a manufacturing defect. This issue renders the vehicle unsafe and unreliable and occurred far earlier than the expected life of a transmission. I am concerned this represents a systemic defect in Ford Bronco transmissions and request this complaint be documented and investigated.

NHTSA ID

11703414

Incident

Nov 14, 2025

I went to start my car it did not start but repeatedly kept trying to start itself over and over the car locked up completely i couldn't push the brake or anything it wouldn't stop it disappeared from my app..the car cranked itself repeatedly until it caught fire and electrical smoke was rolling i had to call the fire department i was parked at a dayhab for special needs had to run and have them to remove all of the special needs people in wheelchairs and or with other adaptive equipment had to run into another office building and tell them to remove their vehicles i had a serious worry that this could have hurt or even killed people they at the ford dealer that has had my car 21 days said it's the starter no way the starter just went nuts for no reason we had to call the fire department and everything they replaced the battery which my understanding has recall 24s24 which says causes glitches either someone is blaming a starter for something other than that

NHTSA ID

11690883

Incident

Sep 10, 2025

I bought my vehicle brand new and have received several recall notices and have had to have repairs done for common issues not featured in recalls but maybe service bulletins. I have had the water pump replaced 2x in the last 2 years Rear differential replaced completely linked to the recalled issue. PCM software is being recalled for the second time in 2 years. I’ve have owned exclusively ford and this model has been a near nightmare. I get my cars serviced regularly so it’s definitely not due to lack of maintenance but instead seems as if the 2022 bronco sport model was tainted from the manufacturer.

NHTSA ID

11672645

Incident

Apr 2, 2022

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle slightly hesitated while depressing the start button. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V019000 (Electrical System). The contact scheduled an appointment to have the vehicle serviced; however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be kept overnight for the repair. Due to other commitments, the contact was unable to leave the vehicle overnight and declined the services at that time. The contact then stated that while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle shut off with the parking brake warning light flashing on the instrument panel. The contact was left stranded in the middle of the road, activated the hazard lights, and was able to restarted the vehicle, and drove to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle had since failed to start with an unknown service message flashing on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

NHTSA ID

11668532

Incident

Jun 20, 2025

Mileage

32,000 mi

Break stated feeling a thumping while driving, not breaking, ABS sensor came on dashboard. Car stated giving me a collision warning, pre-collision not available, hill assistant warning, Blind spot detection with cross traffic, and service advance tracking. ABS sensor is faulty. My car is stuck on slippery mode, it’s hard to turn, electrical system is faulty. Goats is not working, I can’t turn options on or off. And it became hard to steer. I had the battery recall done. Left from dealer and they assured me that this will fix the issue. It came all back about 30 seconds after I left the dealership.

NHTSA ID

11666547

Incident

Jun 11, 2025

Vehicle locked up while driving. Has a new battery already. Full aux electrical function is fine but after shut down while driving will not restart, shift out of gear, roll or steer. All electrical works fine. To tow onto flat bed, had to drag the tires.

NHTSA ID

11666435

Incident

Jun 11, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle while reversing. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was due to the electrical system, and that the rear brakes and rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

NHTSA ID

11661108

Incident

May 14, 2025

Mileage

23,000 mi

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V019000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer made the contact aware that the cause of the failure was undetermined. The dealer performed an interim recall repair however, the contact discovered that the VIN was no longer associated with the recall even though the recall remedy was not available. The contact was transferred to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 47,500.

NHTSA ID

11656831

Incident

Feb 14, 2025

Mileage

47,500 mi

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Low voltage fault detected" message was displayed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V019000 (Electrical System); the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 41,000.

NHTSA ID

11656288

Incident

Apr 16, 2025

Mileage

41,000 mi

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11656253

Incident

Apr 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V019000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle started to lose power. The contact came to a stop at a traffic light, and the vehicle failed to restart immediately. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact then took the vehicle to the dealer and the vehicle was diagnosed with battery failure. The battery was replaced after being at the dealer for two days. On another occasion, while the vehicle was outside the residence, the vehicle was difficult to start. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The battery was replaced a second time; however, the failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle lost power and was not able to move forward. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11655865

Incident

Jun 15, 2024

Mileage

8,000 mi

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that the was scheduled for service; however, the vehicle failed to start and was jumpstarted. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated and the message “Powertrain Malfunction - Reduced Power Fault” was displayed. The contact received NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V019000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle remained at the residence and had not been driven since the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 41,955. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11655804

Incident

Apr 18, 2025

Mileage

41,955 mi

I was trying to park my vehicle and it started blinking and saying park is not available, vehicle is not in park. Place the park brake before exiting the vehicle. I was on a downward slope, so I found an area where it was flat and tried to restart my vehicle, but it was doing the same thing. I had to go to work, so I parked my car and placed the brake on. Later I went out on lunch and the car wouldn't start. I had to call a tow truck because Ford refused to come tow my 2022 Ford Bronco Sport or give me a loaner. The next day after Ford replaced my battery, they told me my car now had transmission issues that were not there before I had a dead battery. I know there is a recall on the 12v battery, but a remedy has not yet been issued and many customers are suffering. I asked about the recall or my warranty and I was basically laughed at because I have too many miles on my car. Why is a vehicle manufacturer able to continuly sell recalled vehicles and leave lives at stake for a recall that can end up killing someone?

NHTSA ID

11655664

Incident

Apr 15, 2025

To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Subject: Complaint Regarding Ford's Handling of Battery Recall (Recall 25S02 / 24S24) Dear NHTSA, I’m writing out of growing frustration and serious concern over how Ford is handling, or rather, not handling, the battery recall affecting my 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. My vehicle is part of the battery recall (25S02 and 24S24), which clearly states that affected batteries could swell, fail, or even lead to power loss. That’s exactly what’s happened to mine. The battery in my vehicle is swollen and defective, and now the car won’t start at all. It’s not just an inconvenience, it’s a safety issue. I’ve called several local Ford dealerships trying to get the battery replaced, but none of them have helped me. I’ve also reached out to Ford’s customer service line multiple times, and I’ve been given the runaround every time, told to call a dealer, told it’s not covered, or simply dismissed. Plus, they told me that I should contact the NHTSA to lodge a formal complaint. It’s incredibly frustrating to be stuck like this when there’s an active recall for this exact issue. The battery is visibly swollen, and I’m worried this could become dangerous if it continues to degrade. At this point, I feel like Ford is ignoring its responsibility to fix a known safety defect, and I’m left without a working vehicle, and no clear path forward. Please look into this. I don’t believe I’m the only one experiencing this issue, and the fact that Ford is refusing to replace a clearly defective part under an open recall is unacceptable. Vehicle VIN: [XXX] Phone: [XXX] Email: [XXX] Thank you for your attention. Sincerely, [XXX] Sanford, NC INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11655322

Incident

Apr 9, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact jump-started the vehicle and drove back to the residence. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the message "Charging System Service Now" was displayed on the instrument cluster. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the 12-Volt battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V019000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

NHTSA ID

11654422

Incident

Mar 30, 2025

Mileage

37,000 mi

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11654038

Incident

Mar 17, 2024