What 330 owners told NHTSA about the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport Later Release

On [XXX], the vehicle overheated during a commute, resulting in a blown radiator cap and an empty engine coolant reservoir. Coolant levels had been properly maintained up to that point. The following day, engine coolant was again low, though no visible leaks were found. On April 12, I requested warranty service but was told “services aren’t rendered on Saturdays” despite the service department being open. An appointment was scheduled for April 14 to inspect the overheating damage and address recall #25502. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) When I arrived on April 14, I was denied service due to the department being “backed up and understaffed.” I expressed concern about further driving the car in its condition, but Service Advisor Bill Crovo insisted it was safe to drive and denied my request to leave the vehicle on-site. I was also not offered a complimentary vehicle or alternative transportation. On April 17, I called to escalate the matter. The General Service Manager, Chris Gagnon, not only dismissed my concerns but stated he could refuse service on a vehicle that is clearly under active warranty coverage. This is not only unprofessional — it is illegal under Massachusetts consumer protection law. At this point, I was forced to seek help from other dealerships, one of which advised me to pressure the selling dealership to fulfill its obligation. I called back, and Mr. Gagnon assured me the issue would be handled. The vehicle was taken in on April 18, and the water pump was replaced. On April 24, I picked it up and drove just 21 miles before the engine began making an unfamiliar noise and the coolant reservoir was, once again, empty. I got the vehicle towed to a different dealership, Salem Ford in New Hampshire. The second dealership confirmed — in writing — that the first dealership skipped a critical step during the water pump replacement, directly causing the continued issue.

NHTSA ODI 11659083

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the O2 sensor warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the failure was diagnosed with a failed O2 sensor. The contact was informed that the O2 sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the O2 sensor had been ordered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil change and the contact was informed of a coolant leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was put up on the lift by the contact who is an independent mechanic. The contact performed an inspection of the vehicle and became aware that the coolant pump, catalytic convertor, and serpentine belt had failed. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failures were confirmed. The contact was informed that the catalytic convertor, coolant pump, and serpentine belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact was informed that the repairs were not covered under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

NHTSA ODI 11657560

On April 8th 2025 our vehicle went into "limp mode" for the third time in 6 months. The previous incidents were part of an active recall and we're repaired by a does dealership. This time it is supposedly the failure of a fuel pump sensor causing the issue (per ford service diagnosis) which they say is NOT covered by fords recall nor is it covered under any warranty and must be paid for out of pocket. This repeat occurrence has caused our vehicle to stall in traffic not just when at stops but also just when turning or pulling onto streets or highway. This has happened while crossing busy streets putting the lives of our family at RISK MULTIPLE times. Ford refuses to pay for rental vehicles while our vehicle has been in repair for this issue and also while the vehicle is in an unsafe condition to drive. This also causes undo hardship for our family as we are not able to pay for a rental vehicle for extended amounts of time while our vehicle is in an unsafe state. I am highly concerned that Ford is trying to "wash their hands" of this vehicle and avoid true remedy the overwhelming evidence of problems of these vehicles. I have included the previous invoices for the recall repairs that caused this. I have not yet received the invoice for the repair being done currently as of 4/17/2025 .There are additional safety issues we've encountered with the "safety features" of the vehicle that i will be submitting separately.

NHTSA ODI 11655264

I start my car and can’t even get a mile without the service engine light coming on saying engine is over heating & that my coolant is over temperature. I’ve brought this to the dealership 3 times now and all they have done is reset my codes because they can’t figure out what’s wrong with it. That is not fixing it. I have two kids under two and I feel like this is incredibly dangerous thing to be playing with.

NHTSA ODI 11652483

There has been a strong exhaust smell in my vehicle. It is worse with the heater on. I have had to go to the doctor because the headaches and sleepiness while driving had gotten so bad. I have taken it to the dealer for them today they can’t smell It. My eyes are constantly bloodshot from the fumes. You can even smell them out side the car it’s so bad. I will not take my kids anywhere in it now.

NHTSA ODI 11651212

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that the battery had drained. The vehicle was jump-started. While driving 60 MPH in traffic, the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V019000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer informed the contact that the battery switch was on backorder until September. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 32,691. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11649516

Engine coolant light came on, dial was all the way on H. Water pump ended up having a leak. This is an ongoing issue with Bronco Sports 2021-2024.

NHTSA ODI 11648363

On or around 17 May 2024, spouse was driving child to daycare. Residential speed limit was 35 mph, when dashboard alerts "Power terrain, Hill Assist, Backup Camera, Front Camera, 911 Service, Please Service Now, Shift System Fault, Parking Brake INOP" illuminated and parking brake was applied by vehicle without owner input. Upon pulling into parking lot and turning off vehicle and restarting, vehicle cleared all faults and indications. Scheduled service immediately, service center implemented recalls 22S73, 24S24, and replaced faulty gateway module and reprogrammed software, additionally test drove vehicle 5 miles without duplication of discrepancy. Upon return of vehicle, on approximately 3 June, driver alerts and parking brake self-applied and would not start. Arranged tow truck to pick up vehicle, driver tried to drive vehicle onto platform, but after starting vehicle flashed warnings across dashboard and applied parking brake without input. Service center could not duplicate problem and offered no further troubleshooting or guarantees on work. Reached out to corporate to escalate issue but was unable to reach satisfactory resolution.

NHTSA ODI 11645283

I was approaching a stop light which turned green and as i slowed down my vehicle's power stopped. The vechicle notice said shift to park. I had to turn the car off - in the middle of a busy road - and turn it back on. it took a couple of tries. This was incredibly dangerous as cars almost hit me as the light was green. Ford knows about this recall but just sent us a notice saying to keep drving it but "be careful" and they will get a fix in the next quarter. I must drive but i do not feel like it is safe. why are people allowed to drive these cars that they know are in danger of stalling. They should all be told to stop driving these cars and give them a replacement until they can get it fixed. I have had to have the battery replaced in this vehicle several months ago despite very low mileage because the car would not start and it seems to be related to this same 12v battery issue. I frequently get "critical battery" notices from the vehicle even when I'm not in it.

NHTSA ODI 11641790

The vehicle has strong exhaust fumes inside. It has gotten so bad people at work smell it on me. I even went to the doctor because I was trying to fall asleep while driving, I am confused when I first arrive places, my lungs feel like I am inhaling fire, I have the most painful headaches, and I am nauseous around the times I drive my car. My two girls are experiencing the same problems. But if we do not drive the Bronco on the weekends, no problems. My husband put it on the life at home and there are bolts missing from the dust shield, the ones there are loose, he had to tighten the bolts on the heads, and the convertor has “hot spots” on it. I have to drive at all times with a window down. The exhaust fumes can be smelled from outside as well. I have taken it to the dealer and was told there was no smell. I am scared at this point to drive it.

NHTSA ODI 11641003

Cabin exhaust smell = leaking catalytic converter. 4 months and 5 trips for a diagnosis/solution. Car was smelling like exhaust in the cabin. Improved with air recirculation button ON. Worse in the AM, especially with remote start on cold mornings, and when stopped/parked. Told there was no smell, changed cabin filters / ac deodorizer ($200 out of pocket), “ford doesn’t have any other complaints on exhaust smell in the cabin”, “could not replicate”. After multiple forum searches/my own research, and insisting the catalytic converter was the problem, they agreed to let me leave it overnight for a cold start in the AM. Finally diagnosed with leaking catalytic converter. They replaced it and now the smell is completely gone. There was also a small rattle on acceleration, near the gas pedal, like a tiny rock in a tin can, that I assume was related because it is gone since the replacement.

NHTSA ODI 11633427

Over the past year my Bronco Sport has thrown two different codes, powertrain malfunction and collision assist unavailable, and put me in limp mode, 25 times. And the last several times it has gone into limp mode it is accompanied by a weird smell. It has been on the hoist several times at the Ford dealership Service Center having parts replaced to “fix” this issue. But nothing they try has fixed it. They even had a Ford Corporate technician call and walk them through what to try/test/fix. It’s been on the hoist being “fixed” again a couple of times since then. They said they would fly a Ford Engineer out to “fix” it over a month ago but have not done so. It’s terrifying when it goes in to limp mode because I can’t GO. I just pray I don’t get slammed in to every time it throws these codes and puts me in limp mode. The most recent occurrence was just today!

NHTSA ODI 11626743

I take very good care of my car and I purchased it brand new in July of 2022. Out of nowhere a few days ago I had my car slipping of gear and won’t go forward or backwards and then my car proceeded to have the service light pop on and then my check engine light. I do not have all of the diagnostics back yet, but they did say it was transmission related. My car isn’t even 2 1/2 years old. It should not be running into issues out of no where like this.

NHTSA ODI 11623518

I’ve had my 2022 ford bronco sport for about 2 1/2 years I ordered it brand new and it made 8 miles on it when I drove it off the lot. Within the past month it’s completely blacked out my radio display while I was driving and wouldn’t come back on until it was turned off and turned back on. Now when I start it it’s acting like the battery is going out. I wouldn’t expect a battery to go out under 3 years. Please please can you help me with these issues.

NHTSA ODI 11619537

There is a repetitive water pump failure in my 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. After 3 replacements, they believe they know what is causing it and even though all the failures occurred under warranty they want to charge $2700 for a decontamination in the coolant lines because they now believe that is the cause. My safety is put at risk daily as I risk my engine blowing up from faulty water pumps. When I did not have the $2700 to repair the decontamination, they told me I would just need an additional water pump down the line. Service records will be attached to this report. No warning lamps or messages, just a strong smell of coolant. Also, the seals on the rear drive shaft leak, they repaired a seal. Now the rear vent tube is leaking. The warranty and extended warranty does not cover the repair. Ford refuses to fix the problem and the dealership continues to say Ford is aware of the issues with that vehicle year but they refuse to fix them.

NHTSA ODI 11613019

June 28th, 2024; the entire car turned off on its own while I was waiting for a red light. The engine was primarily off from the auto-start feature, like normal, except after I let go of the brake the entire car just shuts off. The start button would not press, the brake pedal was insanely stiff to press, and the dashboard had all the lights turned on an off, and I couldn't change gears whatsoever. Many displays on the dash appeared, parking brake was forced to turn on, pre-collision feature disabled, "System off to save battery" on the main screen, etc. I was in the middle of traffic, so I was putting myself and others in danger while my car suddenly shuts off without prior warning. There was never an indication that this would happen, and I only had the car for a year and a half, so I would think the only problem would be the system itself. I managed to turn the car on by putting the key fob on the center console where the Bronco can read it, and it immediately turned on after an hour. The dealership did check it out right after and said it only needed a small system update. Ever since, the car was fine until July 24th: the car did not start again. I was home and my car was parked, so no danger this time. However, I tried laying the key on the console again, including my spare key, but no luck. I had originally thought it was the battery in my key that was low, but it was working fine like always. However, when I locked the car, the horn and lights were faded, and weren't as strong as it should sound. Although this is the second occurrence in about a month, I've only had the dealership inspect it once. I am available for inspection after August 1st. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11605310

Car stalled twice within a weeks time. Service dealer is reporting it as a battery issue when this seems to be a common problem online in forums. The car doesn’t give any sign or warning it just comes to a stop whether it be an intersection, highway, etc and does not allow you to place car in neutral because of its state.

NHTSA ODI 11603101

Water pump failed and needed to be replaced

NHTSA ODI 11594830

Battery exploded while driving down the street causing the car to go completely dead and roll to a stop.

NHTSA ODI 11593120

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal to slow for traffic or for a traffic signal, there was an abnormal high-pitched sound coming from the brakes and the vehicle was vibrating. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that additionally, while driving up a grade in the road, at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the engine was not revving while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear brake rotors needed to be turned. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failures reoccurred. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,600.

NHTSA ODI 11587367

My bronco is going through coolant very quickly. If my heat wasn't working I would likely not have checked it. There was none in the resivour. There are no leaks in the lines or radiator.

NHTSA ODI 11587227

Sitting in school drop off, car shut off by itself and is dead. What if that happened while driving? Completely frightening!

NHTSA ODI 11586518

The contact owned a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while the son was driving at approximately 60 MPH, smoke was seen coming from under the hood. After driving over to the shoulder and exiting the vehicle, the vehicle was quickly engulfed in flames. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed and later towed to a nearby towing yard. The cause of the fire was not determined. The manufacturer and dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously serviced for the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000(Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. No police report was taken. The failure mileage was 6,000.

NHTSA ODI 11584401

Vehicle started on its own, no remote start scheduled or activity. Online forums suggested battery failure and two days later battery was dead. Battery replaced. Filed complaint with Ford seeking answers regarding safety concerns and took to Ford dealership for inspection and service. Vehicle was also in same dealership twice for maintenance service and brakes within two weeks of the mystery start incident. Ford found 15 U codes relating to battery or electrical failures, reset battery monitoring systems and returned vehicle. I don’t have any explanation from Ford as to why or how the vehicle started, Ford has not denied it, but they have not provided any reason for me to believe the vehicle is safe to keep driving and parking in an enclosed space. I asked Ford if they are aware of the risk and they only response I received, is they asked me to keep monitoring the vehicle and if I experience any problems to bring it back to the dealership.

NHTSA ODI 11583660

Cracked Fuel Injector. I went on the Ford Website to find the vehicle I wanted. The website stated "dealer ordered." I put a deposit on it in August and my vehicle was delivered the second week of October. I noticed several times that a gas smelled filled my cabin so when I was mailed the recall... It all made sense and I was the first one in line for recall. I also noticed that smoke would come from under the hood after it was parked. I initially thought that is was because it was very cold out and I had the heat on. I thought at first it was steam but it happened again on a normal cold day. When I went for my recall, I told the service tech that I smelled gas in my cabin several times and mentioned the smoke. They scheduled me for the recall repair. After the recall was done, I asked them why they didn't replace the fuel injector, my truck had 5000 miles on it. They said the recall will fix it . It is April now and I do not smell gas but I seen smoke come from under my hood definitely once, maybe twice since then. I am not convinced the recall fixed the problem. I also contacted ford when I had the recall done and I was given a case number. Since I read about this issue coming up again for Ford and you investigating on why they are not replacing the fuel injects, I now have another case open with Ford. I wanted the fuel injectors replaced the first time... They were under warranty...The recall did not solve the problem.

NHTSA ODI 11582829