RoadVitals

2025 Ford Bronco Sport Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
38
Latest Sep 16, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
5

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Engine919.1%
  • Powertrain (other)714.9%
  • Driver assistance612.8%
  • Airbags510.6%
  • Suspension36.4%
  • Electrical36.4%
  • Steering36.4%
  • Brakes36.4%
  • Seat belts24.3%
  • Body & structure24.3%
  • Visibility12.1%
  • Fuel system12.1%
  • Interior & seats12.1%
  • Other / unspecified12.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated. Upon returning to the residence, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V122000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the recall repair was performed; however, the failure returned two days after the repair. The failure continued for several weeks, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer; however, the dealer failed to duplicate the failure. A technician stated that the failure was likely due to the excessive hot climate in which the vehicle was being driven and that the hesitation was normal vehicle operation. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact informed the manufacturer that he did not feel safe driving the vehicle. The contact was then informed that the vehicle did not qualify under the Lemon Law, and the contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 6,900.

NHTSA ID 11764363 · filed Sep 15, 2026

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 ID 11752473 · filed Jul 23, 2026
All 9 reports naming engine →

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Vehicle was taken to Bowen [XXX] ([XXX]) for a transmission rebuild under RO #XXX, following repeated transmission failures. Dealer performed a complete teardown and rebuild of the transmission (replacing clutch components, seals, gaskets, fluid, reprogramming solenoids), and the repair order states the vehicle was road tested after repair with no DTCs present and "operating as designed." Vehicle was picked up on XXX at 11:20 AM. Approximately 24 hours later, on XXX at approximately 3:49 PM, while the vehicle was stationary, the instrument cluster displayed a "Shift System Fault, Service Required" warning, and the vehicle would not shift into any gear other than Park. The vehicle had to be towed by Ford Roadside Assistance back to Bowen [XXX] (tow reference #XXX). This is part of a pattern of recurring transmission-related failures on this vehicle since purchase, resulting in the vehicle being out of service for a substantial period across multiple repair attempts. A shift system fault rendering the vehicle undriveable in park-only mode, occurring within 24 hours of a certified "repair complete" transmission rebuild, raises serious concerns about the reliability and safety of the transmission system in this vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11764593 · filed Sep 16, 2026

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 ID 11752473 · filed Jul 23, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving downhill on the freeway with the adaptive cruise control engaged, the transmission independently shifted into neutral, the vehicle lost power, and failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and shifted back into drive. The contact exited the freeway, and the vehicle was towed to a dealer. The contact stated that the word “CANCEL” in orange was displayed on the instrument panel, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The engine had seized but was operating under reduced power.

NHTSA ID 11763116 · filed Sep 9, 2026

1. The Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) module and/or the front passenger-side suspension components failed, causing a complete loss of steering control and an un-commanded, continuous violent pull to the right. Yes, the vehicle and all malfunctioning components are completely intact and available for immediate inspection upon request. 2. Safety was put at extreme risk during highway speeds. The vehicle violently and continuously swerved directly toward the right-hand passenger side. There were 5 total occupants in the SUV, including my daughter-in-law and my three young grandchildren. My [XXX] granddaughter was strapped in a car seat directly next to that right passenger door, placing her in the immediate impact zone of a high-speed crash hazard. I had to physically fight the locked steering wheel with extreme physical force to prevent a catastrophic collision. 3. Not yet. The incident just occurred on XXX, and the vehicle is fundamentally unsafe to operate. It is currently parked and waiting to be transported via a professional flatbed tow truck to Murgado Ford of Chicago for a full mechanical and software diagnostic teardown. I have not yet contacted the dealership because they were unavailable on August 1 and closed on XXX 4. No. The vehicle is currently parked in a safe location in front of my home and has not yet been touched or inspected by any outside parties, police, insurance representatives, or the manufacturer. 5. No. There were absolutely no warning lamps, error messages, dashboard lights, strange noises, or any other symptoms prior to the failure. This catastrophic loss of control happened completely out of nowhere at highway speeds, and nothing like this has ever happened to this vehicle before. Crucially my lane keeping assist feature was manually turned off when this happened, meaning the vehicle overrode the settings to violently pull me to the right. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11754307 · filed Aug 2, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owned a 2025 Ford Bronco Sport. While the contact’s brother-in-law was driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle crashed into the rear of another vehicle, causing the vehicle to flip over and slide between 50 and 75 yards. During the crash, the Forward Collision Avoidance system failed to activate, and the front driver’s side air bags did not deploy. The driver was later taken to the hospital and treated for a concussion and arm and leg abrasions. A Police report was filed at the scene, and the vehicle was towed away and later deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,500.

NHTSA ID 11753571 · filed Jul 29, 2026

I was in a car accident on the front/side of the drivers side of our ford Bronco sport. The steering wheel airbag did not deploy. But all other side airbags did.

NHTSA ID 11748474 · filed Jul 6, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Both front lower control arm ball joints on my 2025 Bronco Sport failed prematurely at approximately 13,000 miles. Upon removal, both ball studs showed heavy corrosion and clear evidence of water intrusion past the factory boot seals. One boot's upper metal retainer was visibly deformed, allowing water into the joint. This level of corrosion should not exist on a vehicle this new and indicates a defective component or seal, not normal wear. I have retained both failed parts and have photographs documenting the condition. This is the same component covered under Ford's active do-not-drive safety recall 26S36 (NHTSA campaign 26V-340) for front lower control arm ball joint defects on 2021–2026 Bronco Sport vehicles. My VIN is not included in that campaign, but I experienced failure of the identical safety-critical component. I am reporting this so NHTSA is aware the defect may extend beyond the current recall population. When I brought the vehicle to my local Ford dealer and requested inspection under the new vehicle warranty, the service department refused to inspect the vehicle at all, citing a 1.5-inch aftermarket leveling kit. No inspection was performed and no determination was made that the modification caused or contributed to the failure. A leveling kit does not cause water intrusion past a factory boot seal. Because the dealer refused service on a safety-critical component, I replaced both ball joints at my own expense to keep the vehicle safe to drive. I have opened a case with Ford Customer Relationship Center (case CXH-09202228-R9R8V5). No crash or injury occurred, but ball joint separation causes loss of steering control, and I believe this failure mode warrants investigation of vehicles outside the current recall scope.

NHTSA ID 11761381 · filed Sep 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V340000 (Suspension). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the vehicle failed the inspection. The contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 1,800.

NHTSA ID 11751010 · filed Jul 17, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving downhill on the freeway with the adaptive cruise control engaged, the transmission independently shifted into neutral, the vehicle lost power, and failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and shifted back into drive. The contact exited the freeway, and the vehicle was towed to a dealer. The contact stated that the word “CANCEL” in orange was displayed on the instrument panel, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The engine had seized but was operating under reduced power.

NHTSA ID 11763116 · filed Sep 9, 2026

1. The Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) module and/or the front passenger-side suspension components failed, causing a complete loss of steering control and an un-commanded, continuous violent pull to the right. Yes, the vehicle and all malfunctioning components are completely intact and available for immediate inspection upon request. 2. Safety was put at extreme risk during highway speeds. The vehicle violently and continuously swerved directly toward the right-hand passenger side. There were 5 total occupants in the SUV, including my daughter-in-law and my three young grandchildren. My [XXX] granddaughter was strapped in a car seat directly next to that right passenger door, placing her in the immediate impact zone of a high-speed crash hazard. I had to physically fight the locked steering wheel with extreme physical force to prevent a catastrophic collision. 3. Not yet. The incident just occurred on XXX, and the vehicle is fundamentally unsafe to operate. It is currently parked and waiting to be transported via a professional flatbed tow truck to Murgado Ford of Chicago for a full mechanical and software diagnostic teardown. I have not yet contacted the dealership because they were unavailable on August 1 and closed on XXX 4. No. The vehicle is currently parked in a safe location in front of my home and has not yet been touched or inspected by any outside parties, police, insurance representatives, or the manufacturer. 5. No. There were absolutely no warning lamps, error messages, dashboard lights, strange noises, or any other symptoms prior to the failure. This catastrophic loss of control happened completely out of nowhere at highway speeds, and nothing like this has ever happened to this vehicle before. Crucially my lane keeping assist feature was manually turned off when this happened, meaning the vehicle overrode the settings to violently pull me to the right. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11754307 · filed Aug 2, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

1. The Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) module and/or the front passenger-side suspension components failed, causing a complete loss of steering control and an un-commanded, continuous violent pull to the right. Yes, the vehicle and all malfunctioning components are completely intact and available for immediate inspection upon request. 2. Safety was put at extreme risk during highway speeds. The vehicle violently and continuously swerved directly toward the right-hand passenger side. There were 5 total occupants in the SUV, including my daughter-in-law and my three young grandchildren. My [XXX] granddaughter was strapped in a car seat directly next to that right passenger door, placing her in the immediate impact zone of a high-speed crash hazard. I had to physically fight the locked steering wheel with extreme physical force to prevent a catastrophic collision. 3. Not yet. The incident just occurred on XXX, and the vehicle is fundamentally unsafe to operate. It is currently parked and waiting to be transported via a professional flatbed tow truck to Murgado Ford of Chicago for a full mechanical and software diagnostic teardown. I have not yet contacted the dealership because they were unavailable on August 1 and closed on XXX 4. No. The vehicle is currently parked in a safe location in front of my home and has not yet been touched or inspected by any outside parties, police, insurance representatives, or the manufacturer. 5. No. There were absolutely no warning lamps, error messages, dashboard lights, strange noises, or any other symptoms prior to the failure. This catastrophic loss of control happened completely out of nowhere at highway speeds, and nothing like this has ever happened to this vehicle before. Crucially my lane keeping assist feature was manually turned off when this happened, meaning the vehicle overrode the settings to violently pull me to the right. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11754307 · filed Aug 2, 2026

Traveling on I5 SB, near Longview, WA. Vehicle steering whell was jerked from my hands. I blacked out briefly from side window impact. Vehicle rolled over into trees and bushes next to the freeway. When I was able to finally see the vehicle at the tow yard. The Right front wheel assy, had seperated from the vehicle and was placed in the rear area of the vehicle. It had been sheared off in the accident. That is why I suspect a DEFECT. This vehicle line has been cited in several mishaps associated with steering issues, and a recall has been issued.

NHTSA ID 11691015 · filed Oct 2, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Every morning when I back out of my driveway the brakes squeel as if the wear pad indicators have reached end of life. I took this to the dealer and they said this is completely normal

NHTSA ID 11721991 · filed Mar 4, 2026

Brake failure caused a crash. Car was damaged.

NHTSA ID 11682065 · filed Aug 21, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I'm concerned Ford has a defective seat belt buckle and can be a safety issue, causing passengers to forego using the seat belts since the belt tongue cannot be retained in the buckle. I brought my new 2025 Bronco Sport to the dealership i bought it from for failed rear seat safety belt buckles (drivers side and center) and was told it wasn't under warrantee because "there's something stuck in it". I was offered a $700 estimate to replace the buckles. Instead I went home to look at it myself. Drivers side was because the tongue of the belt insert had been bent over 45 degrees. A flathead screw driver freed the tongue, and the buckle was undamaged, and continues now to work great after. The center buckle wouldn't latch a belt tongue. I disassembled the plastic casing, and a white part fell out (in photo its on the seat next to the buckle) ... which turned out to be a broken internal part. The broken part is at the upper end of the spring and attachs to the brown slide at the bottom of the buckle (which activates the buckle switch) and has a pawl that engages the steel pin that extends across the buckle. It broke at the spring interface, and therefore lost function (no spring force to activate the internal latching mechanism).

NHTSA ID 11704970 · filed Dec 14, 2025

I removed a car seat from back passenger seat, closed the door, buckled another child into the rear drivers side , drove to grocery no more than 25mph, as I was pulling into parking spot, car came to hard stop, jerked us, got out walked around the car to find that the rear passenger seatbelt did not retract yet was long enough to get caught under my back tire causing the car to stop hard while foot was in gas. Safety concern, what if we were in the highway going hi speeds? Why are the seatbelts that long that it can get caught under a tire? There is no person that would need that much belt who could even fit in the back of this tiny car.

NHTSA ID 11696743 · filed Oct 31, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My daughter was driving the vehicle. She left home, drove 2 miles to drop someone off, and returned home on a 2 lane road with a 30mph speed limit. Approximately half way home, while travelling approximately 30-35mph, the hood on the vehicle flew open. It shattered the windshield, bent the hood, and because the hood flew so far back, the top of both front side panels were bent back. The last time the hood had been opened was long before to have the oil changed. There were no warning lights about the hood, and the vehicle had been used quite a bit that day, and at speeds higher than it was travelling when the hood flew open, before the incident occured. We are concerned about latch failure.

NHTSA ID 11751483 · filed Jul 20, 2026

The rear right side exterior panel is showing a warping condition that is present without any evidence of impact, damage, misuse or outside/inside influence. The defect adversely effects the body panel by distorting the side body panel noticeably. Given the age of this vehicle and absence of any external damage this should be covered under the manufacturer's warranty as it is a manufacturer issue.

NHTSA ID 11741937 · filed Jun 3, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the sunroof glass shattered. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be inspected; however, the dealer stated that the cause of the failure was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

NHTSA ID 11710488 · filed Jan 12, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

While driving my 2025 Ford Bronco Sport (approximately 14,600 miles), I made contact with an object on the roadway that did not feel like a severe impact. Immediately afterward, the vehicle began leaking fuel from the underside. The vehicle was not driveable due to the active fuel leak and had to be towed to a dealership for inspection. This situation posed a significant safety risk due to the presence of leaking fuel, which could increase the risk of fire or environmental hazard. There were no warning lights, messages, or prior symptoms before the incident occurred. The issue began immediately following the contact with the object. The vehicle has not yet been fully inspected at the time of this report, but it is currently at a Ford dealership awaiting evaluation. Based on the nature of the incident, there is concern regarding the durability and protection of the fuel tank when exposed to common road hazards. A fuel system failure under these conditions may present a safety concern.

NHTSA ID 11733206 · filed Apr 23, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Drivers side: the track the power seat slides back/forth in. Since purchasing the vehicle 4/18/25 I have cut the back of my right leg getting into the vehicle on that track multiple times requiring the bleeding to be stopped and bandaging. At least 5 times to date and I've had the vehicle about a month. I try to be extremely careful getting into the vehicle because I know that piece will cut my leg every time but sometimes, I'm not thinking and inevitably I get cut again but I really shouldn't have to worry about that, it's obviously a design flaw. I also thought I could try to remember to put the seat all the way up when I get out but then it's a pain to get back in and again, I don't think I should have to worry about that either. There should be some sort of cap or something on the end of it do that won't happen. Have included a picture below. Called the Ford part department and they suggested covering that area with tape which WILL work BUT really, it's a new vehicle and covering a part of the vehicle with tape to keep from getting cut by it shouldn't be how to solve the problem. It ruins the aesthetics of the vehicle, and I shouldn't have to do that to begin with. The piece shouldn't be that sharp or should have some time of protective covering over it.

NHTSA ID 11661271 · filed May 15, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

This year does not have a spare tire included. Dealer said we have vehicle help in case of problem. We have many sections of highways here in Idaho that does not have cell service. This is a safety concern in case you are in one of these areas if you have total tire failure. I think a spare tire is needed in these situations. Thank you.

NHTSA ID 11677572 · filed Jul 31, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .