Ford Bronco Sport Complaints (2023)

151 consumer complaints on file.

#11666698June 13, 2025
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact had taken the vehicle for scheduled maintenance and was informed that the rear shocks were leaking and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was bouncing while depressing the accelerator or while driving over a deformation in the roadway. The contact stated that the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662799May 23, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact's mother owns a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a strong fuel odor inside the vehicle while coming to a stop. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 32,800.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653929April 10, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled in the middle of a busy intersection. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. Additionally, while at a stop light with the Automatic Shut Off feature activated, the vehicle drove forward after releasing the brake pedal but immediately shut off. The vehicle was taken to several local dealers who were unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653594April 9, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The bronco sport badlands has a purely cosmetic strip on the dash that is a reflective bright orange. Its like a thin ribbon that travels around the drivers area, when the sun is raising or setting that strip reflects back onto the inside of the windshield blocking vision. It changes depth perception massively and creates a line straight across the drivers field of vision. When the sun is up and clear it just normal reflects and can be blocked with sun glasses or such but the reflection periods absolutely can not. I am not alone in this, reddit, ford forums etc have multiple mentions of this. I have already been hit twice (both accidents other driver at fault) but I believe I could have avoided them with clear field of visions.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11650160March 24, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
TSB 23-2308 Moan Noise In The Rear Brakes when vehicle Is Driven In Reverse (R) In Cold Weather And/Or High Humidity (From Ford). Vehicle also has a grinding noise when driving and turning. Brake rotor and pads. Two dealerships have confirmed the issue and has been "fixed" twice even though the noise is still there after it was "fixed". The dealership turned the brake rotors and replaced brake pads even when they did not need it, and updated parts that includes clips. There are no warnings that appear before, during or after. This is a known issue with Ford on their Bronco Sport models. They are making the consumer pay for the fix even though it is a defect through Ford. I know numerous people who are/have experienced this. It has been ongoing since 3/2024
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649739March 21, 2025
SEATS
Power seat won’t move and is in the furthest position making driving difficult.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648403March 14, 2025
POWER TRAIN
corporate policy complaint. However, a Riata tech did also contribute to the issue. My 23 Bronco sport was manufactured with a transmission problem. I called once, was told it was just the computer still learning. Then at 10,000 miles there was a recall that required bringing the car in, I asked them to check the transmission and they told me the recall computer issue was probably at fault, didn't check the transmission, said it should be fine now. (They had been hacked recently, But their poor cyber security is not my fault.) At 20,000 miles, I brought it in again for routine maintenance. They finally checked the transmission and saw it had major damage. They repaired it for free under warranty. However 20,000 miles of running with contaminated transmission fluid and damaged parts gave me huge concerns about undue wear to the other parts in the transmission and it's long term lifespan. I asked for a full transmission replacement and was told that corporate would never approve it. So I called their customer service department and the customer service department said that they will not extend warranties and that it was Riatas decision not to replace the transmission (from what I understand that was blatantly untrue, it's corporate policy). So now my options are lemon law it (but the car doesn't really qualify for that and they strung me along for 20k miles when lemon law only is valid to 24k miles), or sue ford (yeah like I have the time or energy or resources for that). They refused to escalate to anyone internal who can make decisions, refused to send me a written denial of escalation, refused to do anything but gaslight me (This is customer service, not Riata).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11641111February 6, 2025
ENGINE
The vehicle shifted into NEUTRAL and the Park Break engaged while driving in Eco Mode at 25-30 mph. This incident happened twice prior to the following incident and within minutes apart. Parked and exited the vehicle for about 10 minutes. Entered vehicle, applied the break and ENGINE START button, vehicle did not start. The brake felt hard and the following warnings appeared: SERVICE VEHICLE SOON, CROSS TRAFFIC SYSTEM FAULT, FULL ACCESSORY POWER ACTIVE, PARK AID FAULT, PRE COLLISION ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE, SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC. I exited the vehicle for a few minutes, returned and attempted to start the engine again and it did turn on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640797February 5, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
As soon vehicle is turned off a message is displayed System off to save battery And I will not be able to use any of the telematics, specifically if I try to start the vehicle from the app
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11638089January 23, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE:BODY, POWER TRAIN
Multiple intermittent occurrences of the following- Transmission: Shifts very rough 30-50mph. Excessively noisy. Far worse when weather is cold. Does not respond sometimes when pressing the accelerator. Feels as if the pedal is pushed and the car does nothing. Pulling back your foot and pressing again it goes. Noticed this trying to merge into traffic from a stop, pressing pedal to pass slower traffic at highway speeds. Have had two different Ford dealers look at the problem, neither has been able to diagnose an issue. Have an appointment with Ford dealer to evaluate again (third time) 2nd week of February due to dealer service dept schedule. Have been told to expect to leave the vehicle with them for 3-5 days for diagnosis. Have offered to take service mgr on test drive to show issue but not able to link schedules yet. Dealers have stated they cannot find an issue and have updated transmission software. Does not fix the issue. Electrical/body: Numerous problems with the following: Plugged in phone drops Apple CarPlay regularly or does not always recognize phone. (latest OS from Apple on both devices). Convenience features like seat memory, keyless entry (touch the door handle with key on you, door unlocks) intermittently not working. Rear hatch keyless entry has not worked in almost a year. Stereo system doesn't always display proper data in cluster, on radio screen. Does not always respond to steering wheel channel change button. Ford has updated software multiple times and above (except rear hatch) will work for a while then problems will start back up again. Vehicle has almost 30K miles and was purchased brand new in July 2023. Factory warranty expires at 36K and I do not want to be stuck with an extremely expensive repair if the transmission does go up after the warranty expires.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11635337January 10, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH and attempting to overtake the vehicle ahead, the message "Charging System Needs Service" was displayed. The contact stated that during the first failure, the "Charging System Needs Service" and "Shut the Vehicle Off" messages were displayed. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond, and lost automotive power. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and transferred the contact to NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 21,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11632343December 25, 2024
ENGINE
I have had gas in the oil 3 different times now. I had went over to lafontaine on [XXX] , and they said it was because I was 500 miles before an oil change. I knew that gas and oil didn’t mix so I fought for the car to stay at the dealership and the whole time I was being told I was crazy and not to waste the technicians time after the 2nd time of it being there. I then for the 3rd time went to Ford dealership located in Fenton, and at that time they could not indicate the cause, but told me they sold that car and there was various issues before it got traded in by someone else so just to beware. I am now dealing with my engine shaking and rattling making a really unpleasant sound(I have a video.) and without even pulling out the dipstick all the way I can heavily smell the gas. I had it confirmed by my mom and grampa who works on cars. I then did a buyback dispute and they denied it because it was not in the shop enough times but I could drive it til it dies and then have my warranty replace the motor. This is really bad and it is starting to sound like the engine is seizing out. I took it to Midas in flint and they were not comfortable touching it due to the gas in the oil because it’s basically a brand new car. I need this car to be bought back this is not safe at all and I’m afraid it is going to explode. Also it will not let me add the video of the engine so I will have to email it over INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11631882December 20, 2024
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated while accelerating uphill and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed and failed to exceed 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the dealer refused to service the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not eligible for a buyback. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 13,470.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11631120December 16, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Hello, I wanted to share an issue I recently encountered with my car. After coming back from a hike, my car stalled and took long to start. When it finally did start, the engine light came on, and I was unable to go over 20 miles per hour. I read the code, which indicated a problem with the fuel injectors. I ended up being stranded for about 5 hours in a blizzard until I could get help. I took the car to the Ford dealership, and they diagnosed the issue as a faulty high-pressure fuel pump and sensor, both of which need to be replaced. I purchased this car in 2023, and I’m very surprised that these components are failing so soon. This is not what I expected from a relatively new vehicle. There is a current recal for fuel injectors for my year and model but my car is not on the list.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11627837November 28, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I had the recall done that was suppose to fix the battery signaling the vehicle to shut off, but after I had it done I still got the message to either turn off the accessory power or to restart the engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11626688November 21, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The dashboard and screen when black while I was driving down the highway. I was unable yo see my speed. I found a safe spot to pull the car over to see what was going on and the car would not start again. After jumping the car it still would not start then it had to be towed to ford where they still can’t figure out was wrong.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11626067November 18, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
In September my dad was driving my car in eco mode and the wrench light came on. I got an alert in my ford app that there was a transmission problem and lack of power issue. My dad and husband were in CO at the time with my car. They took it to a dealership and the light had gone off they said it was pulling turbo codes. They drove it back to AR and I took it in the shop and they said nothing was wrong and couldn’t find an issue. I did have the recall for loss of power fixed in May. When the light came on in the car in September there was a noticeable loss of power. I requested the redo the recall but they declined. I have not had a light come back on since then.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11621848October 24, 2024
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was able to start my vehicle in my driveway, without the key. Unknown to me at the time, the key was in fact in my house, in my bedroom, not in my purse, or on my body. But I was able to drive 15 miles without that key. Fortunately the automatic start/stop was engaged, if it hadn't been I could've been stranded at an intersection or worse, had an accident stalled at an intersection. Once the car was turned off it would not restart, it said "no key detected". I was left stranded in someone's driveway until my son drove to my home to retrieve the key. This should never happen, the car should never have been able to start with the key inside my house.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11619470October 12, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have been trying to get my car serviced due to a "recall" that can only be done off island. This requires barge cost (to Maui and back), being present to pick up car from barge and drop off at dealership, time on Maui to allow dealership to remedy the recall, wait at least a week for the barge to return it back to Molokai, and then time to pick up vehicle at the barge once back on Molokai. I have tried to organize with my dealership that is on Maui, and they will not pay for anything but the actual "recall work". My vehicle is a little over a year with only 7800 miles on it. The expense of all of the above and the time needed without a vehicle is not something I can afford (Barge alone is approximately $1500). After several communications with Ford, they told me I had to deal with my nearest dealership, and if still having difficulty getting repairs done at no cost to contact NHTSA.gov. Thank you for any information and help you can provide me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11619327October 11, 2024
SEAT BELTS
See Illustration Overly sensitive driver’s side shoulder restraint resulting in abnormal restraint and the inability to see around the "B" pillar during normal deceleration. When I’m slowing down (from position 3 to 2) with normal deceleration, I’m blocked by trees, buildings, and signs indicated by the hash. Therefore I don’t have visibility of the oncoming traffic until I’ve reached (position 1) @ about 25 mph. That’s about when the harness locks up -- give or take 5mph. If there’s oncoming traffic there’s no issue; once at a full stop the harness releases and I’m on my way. If there isn’t any traffic (thus, no reason to stop); I still have to stop because I’m restrained by now and the “B” pillar blocks any view of potential oncoming traffic. Unlike any other vehicle I've ever driven , I’m unable to lean forward to see around the pillar and make a safe decision to stop or continue into the intersection at (position 0). Imagine you’re following me and have reached (position 1), and you don’t see any traffic so you anticipate that I will keep going but I don’t, I have no choice but to come to a full and complete stop because I don’t know that there’s no traffic. This creates mayhem on the highway and appears that I’m brake checking (or otherwise intentionally irritating other drivers behind me for no reason. This results in road rage and I’m always the culprit since I’m not yielding as the intersection is designed. (this happens frequently at this intersection) If I think about it prior to reaching (position 3 [prior to any significant deceleration]) I will try to lean forward or take hands off the wheel to put slack in the harness so that I’m able to see around the “B” pillar even after the harness locks up. Not only is that not safe, but I’m forced to intentionally override the car’s safety systems increasing the chances of injury if I am in a collision.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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