2025 Ford Bronco Sport

Do not drive

Owners filed 38 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train. It has been recalled 7 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine5
000
Air Bags5
303
Power Train4
000
Steering3
100
Engine and Engine Cooling3
000
Suspension2
000
Structure › Body2
000
Service Brakes2
101
Seat Belts2
000
Wheels1
000

7 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint26V340000Do not drive
Filed May 27, 20264,653 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Bronco Sport and 2022-2026 Maverick vehicles. The front lower control arm ball joints may have been incorrectly installed or incorrectly repaired at the vehicle assembly plant, allowing the control arm to disconnect from the front wheel knuckle.

Risk. A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and repair the front lower control arm ball joints as necessary, free of charge.Owner notification letters were mailed September 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S36. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 29, 2026.

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger26V201000
Filed Mar 31, 20263,170 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Bronco Sport and Maverick vehicles. The Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) unit may fail to correctly detect the presence of an adult or child in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk. Failure to correctly detect a passenger may result in the air bag not deploying as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the passenger seat occupant classification sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C19. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 2, 2026.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve)26V122000
Filed Mar 3, 202647,804 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.

Risk. An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 31, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel25V788000
Filed Nov 14, 2025229,609 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Bronco and Bronco Sport vehicles. The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail at startup.

Risk. An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or vehicle speed, increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy. The instrument panel cluster software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SC3.

Engine25V372000
Filed Jun 3, 2025404 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Escape, and 2025 Bronco Sport vehicles. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak.

Risk. An oil leak can result in loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the cylinder head assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S61.

Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater25V343000
Filed May 23, 20256,781 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2023-2025 Escape, 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2025 Lincoln Corsair, Maverick, and Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L MPC engine and an engine block heater. The engine block heater may overheat when the vehicle is parked with the block heater plugged in.

Risk. An overheated engine block heater can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the block heater element and inspect the electrical cord, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug coupled, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S52.

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel25V049000
Filed Jan 31, 2025298 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Bronco Sport, Escape, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may not illuminate at startup or while driving. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 102, "Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect" as well as FMVSS numbers 126, 108, 135, 138, 208, and 305.

Risk. An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C02.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Sep 16, 2026WA

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)

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 15, 20266,900 milesNV

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.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 9, 2026CA

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.

Suspension
Filed Sep 1, 2026ME

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

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking
Filed Aug 2, 2026KY

The car breaks without warning until it’s already hit them when no one is behind us as we’re backing up it just hits the breaks.

Steering
Filed Aug 2, 2026IL

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 lamp

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 29, 202620,500 milesCO

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.

Engine
Filed Jul 23, 2026WA

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.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 22, 202612,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V122000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); 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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 20, 2026MA

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.

Suspension
Filed Jul 17, 20261,800 milesMT

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.

Engine
Filed Jul 17, 2026WA

This is a third occurrence related to NHTSA complaints 11749893 and 11750183. On July 15, 2026, at approximately 7:30-7:42 AM, while driving to a scheduled Ford service appointment, the vehicle exhibited hesitation and delayed acceleration at multiple intersections, not isolated to one location. Although the vehicle's auto start-stop feature has been manually disabled, the hesitation at each stop felt similar to that feature engaging and re-engaging the engine. The vehicle then stalled completely at an intersection and would not move for approximately 10 minutes. The check engine light illuminated for the first time during this incident. Kent Police Department was contacted, event number 2026-44221. The vehicle was subsequently dropped off at a Ford dealership on July 15, 2026 for diagnosis under warranty.

Engine
Filed Jul 14, 2026WA

This is a second occurrence of the Shift System Fault previously reported in NHTSA complaint 11749893. On July 13, 2026, while parked, the vehicle again displayed a 'Shift System Fault - Service Required' warning, followed by a 'Service Vehicle Soon' message. The vehicle would not shift out of Park. This incident was captured on video, which is available upon request. The vehicle has an appointment scheduled with a Ford dealership for diagnosis under warranty.

Power Train
Filed Jul 12, 2026WA

While driving home and stopped at a red light, the dashboard displayed a "Service Required" warning followed immediately by a "Shift System Fault" message. The vehicle would not accelerate and stalled in the middle of the road with traffic going around me. I was unable to move the vehicle until I was able to restart it, which took at minimum 2 tries and 5 minutes. The warning cleared after restarting but the vehicle had been purchased 11 days prior with only 18,241 miles. The problem has not yet been confirmed by a dealer but I am scheduled to take it in for inspection. No prior warning lamps appeared before this incident. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Jul 6, 2026CO

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.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 2, 2026TX

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V201000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and informed that the vehicle was sold and released to the contact as a new vehicle with an open recall attached. The dealer requested that the vehicle be returned to the dealer for the recall repair. The dealer consistently pushed back the appointment to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 22, 20261,236 milesMO

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V201000 (Air Bags). Upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and declined a buyback due to the vehicle not qualifying under the Lemon Law. The approximate failure mileage was 1,236.

Power Train
Filed Jun 20, 2026NC

The powertrain stopped shifting properly and unable to drive smoothly and at a proper speed. Pulled over and and it could not be shifted out of PARK. Had to be towed to a Ford dealer shop. Ford App sent message: POERTRAIN MALFUNCTION REDUCED POWER

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 6, 2026NY

I checked my front right and left steering knuckles and saw they are very badly rusted I bought the vehicle new Jan 20 2026 I noticed this when I checked on the recent Ford recall 26S36 I took photos of both right and left front knuckles with the front suspension arm assembly. Both are rusted

Engine
Filed Jun 5, 2026OR

Just seen notice that there is a recall notice about the engine and part of the front suspension, just wondering if it affects my vehicle.

20 of 38 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2021
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20267600Do not drive
2025 — this page38700Do not drive
2024107870Do not drive
20231541450Do not drive
202235615120Do not drive
202169016170Do not drive

Compare every Bronco Sport year →

Reading this record

NHTSA has issued a do-not-drive warning for a recall on this vehicle.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 27, 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.