2023 Ford Bronco Sport transmission & drivetrain problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
20 owners have reported transmission & drivetrain problems with the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport, 13% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 25,000 mi.
- Transmission & Drivetrain complaints
- 20
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Related recalls
- 2
- Median mileage
- 25,000 mi
Specific components reported
Transmission & Drivetrain covers: transmission shifting, slipping, axles, driveshaft, transfer case.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Power train | 20 |
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints across Ford Bronco Sport years
Mileage when the problem appeared
Related recalls
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-267. The body and power train control modules may fail to detect a change in the 12-volt battery state of charge.
Risk: An undetected low battery charge can result in a loss of electrical accessories such as hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will recalibrate the body control module and power train control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 23, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S26.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles. The body and power train control modules may fail to detect a change in the 12-volt battery state of charge.
Risk: An undetected low battery charge can result in a loss of electrical accessories such as hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will recalibrate the body control module and power train control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 4, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S24.
What owners say
- Filed Sep 27, 2026OHDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
Vehicle had turbo,All wheel drive module and transmission all go out at once at 106,000 miles. Vehicle was well maintained and taken care of.
NHTSA complaint #11767286 · source - Filed Jul 24, 2026VATransmission & Drivetrain
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle’s drivetrain or all-wheel-drive system appears to be malfunctioning. During turns, the vehicle runs rough, feels as though it is binding or shuddering, and becomes harder to accelerate. The exact failed component has not yet been diagnosed. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request, and I have a service appointment scheduled in approximately two weeks.…
NHTSA complaint #11752642 · source - Filed Jun 8, 2026LATransmission & Drivetrain
My vehicle is currently experiencing drivability issues including: * Wrench warning light with “See Manual” message, * Hesitation during acceleration, * Intermittent reduced engine power, * Prior fuel odor concerns, * Unsafe acceleration response while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11742816 · source - Filed Jun 1, 2026FLCrashElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
On May 15, 2006 I was turning slowly into a parking space perhaps 3 to 5 miles an hour. My vehicle suddenly surged forwarded and accelerated on its own. I hit a wall. No warning lights appeared. No crash warning or any beeping of any sort. My car had a recall for the fuel injector. In October 2025 Ford sent out someone to adjust the software at my home. I do not believe a tube was ever inserted. Witnesses reported I was going slow and the car accelerated. I eat at the…
NHTSA complaint #11741370 · source - Filed May 28, 2026FLTransmission & Drivetrain
My vehicle makes a horrible noise when I’m driving and making a turn. According to a mechanic shop I took my vehicle to, the RDU vent hose that was put on by the manufacturer is highly susceptible to get clogged and drawing in outside moisture causing this horrible noise. The mechanic stated that they have seen this issue with other Ford Bronco Sport vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11740719 · source - Filed May 17, 2026TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
On or about December 2025, the vehicle began emitting strong fuel/exhaust fumes through the air conditioning vents during operation. The fumes were noticeable inside the passenger cabin and created concerns of toxic exposure and possible fire risk. The condition was reported to an authorized Ford dealership, Hacienda Ford, which retained the vehicle for inspection for approximately two months. The dealership acknowledged concerns involving the fuel system/fuel injectors and…
NHTSA complaint #11738392 · source - Filed May 4, 2026TXElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
I was driving on the highway and my car started making a lot of noise. I got a notice “The Engine system has detected a fault.” Then another notification saying 4 wheel drive was disabled and then my car stopped running, leaving me stranded in the middle of the highway. My car would start, but it would not go into any gear. When I tried putting it in gear, I got a notification that said “Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Speed Your Malfunction warning is on because your…
NHTSA complaint #11735518 · source - Filed Apr 27, 2026ARTransmission & Drivetrain
2023 Bronco Sport had its serpentine belt replaced in February of 2026 because it was loose causing my engine to overheat. I had to have it towed because I was sitting on the side of the road. Then in April of 2026 the Bronco started making horrible loud clanging sounds and jerking when it was put in gear. Towed again to the shop. Now I am told this 3 year old car needs a new transmission. Doing research i have found that several Bronco owners have the same problem. Why does…
NHTSA complaint #11734146 · source - Filed Mar 4, 2026MIEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
The fuel injectors are failing, the vehicle smells of gasoline fumes in the cabin if the vehicle and we are now getting check engine lights due to emissions which I contribute to the failing fuel injectors which have been under recall for quite some time now and Ford does not seem to want to fix this issue. They can only tell us they do not have a fix yet at this time. My understanding this is a very dangerous issue as the vehicle can catch on fire due to this malfunction. I…
NHTSA complaint #11722064 · source - Filed Dec 31, 2025ORTransmission & Drivetrain
Transmission jerking or not shifting into gear and intermittent park in reverse shifting inoperable. Also, my car has been in the shop.Under warranty repair for most of the last four months. , we are still required to make payments on a vehicle.And cannot even transfer insurance from that vehicle to another temporarily.Because of the sales contract. The service manager recently told me that our eight speed ecoboost transmission is a one of thousands of transmissions that…
NHTSA complaint #11708005 · source - Filed Sep 3, 2025ORTransmission & Drivetrain
Transmission violently jerks when shifting making it unsafe to even drive. Severe uneven shifting. RPM fluctuations exacerbate the problem ( since a normal automatic transmission will naturally shift upon acceleration at specific intervals, but not this one). Also would not shift into Park or reverse. We finally had to have it towed to the shop. This is a 2023 Ford Bronco sport and should be recalled. The transmission is a severely flawed and unsafe design.
NHTSA complaint #11684701 · source - Filed Jul 23, 2025PATransmission & Drivetrain
I purchased the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport brand new, since then there have been at least 3-4 recalls on it. The catalytic converter had to be replaced and now the transmission needs to be replaced. This vehicle, Ford Bronco Sport, has had issues that i feel Ford has been negligent in addressing through recalls. The vehicle has been in a Ford garage for 3+ months waiting on repairs to the transmission. Research has shown that there are lawsuits about these transmissions that…
NHTSA complaint #11675630 · source
Other 2023 Ford Bronco Sport problem areas
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (59)
- Electrical System (38)
- Engine (38)
- Other / Unknown (19)
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (10)
- Brakes (10)
- Visibility & Wipers (10)
- Seats & Seat Belts (6)
- Suspension (5)
- Wheels & Tires (4)
- Airbags (3)
- Steering (2)
- Acceleration & Cruise Control (2)
- Body & Structure (2)
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology