NHTSA lists 14 safety recalls and 163 owner complaints for the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. Most complaints involve engine (38) and electrical system (38). The EPA rates it 23–26 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2023 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend (VIN: [XXX]) and unresolved safety recall 25S76 / NHTSA 25V467, involving a potential fuel injector crack and risk of an under-hood fire. I attempted to have this issue addressed at Covert Ford in 2025. As of XXX, the recall remains unresolved, and FordPass indicates that replacement parts are unavailable. My vehicle is currently at Leif Johnson Ford in [XXX]. I have also previously noticed a gasoline odor, although the cause has not been determined. I depend on this vehicle for daily transportation and long-distance travel. I am extremely concerned that Ford continues to leave me exposed to a known potential fire hazard without a completed remedy. This prolonged situation has caused significant and unnecessary stress. I am requesting an investigation into the continued lack of a recall remedy, written confirmation of whether my vehicle is safe to drive long distances, and appropriate transportation assistance, including a comparable loaner with unlimited mileage at no cost until the recall is resolved. Thank you.”
“Air Conditioning / Engine Cooling System / Belts and Pulleys My vehicle experienced a sudden failure of power while driving. When restarting the car as instructed by the vehicle to try and get it back home, it kept losing power. Eventually? there was a loud under-hood popping noise and visible smoke billowing from under the hood. Upon inspection by the dealership the A/C compressor locked up and broke a belt. The purge valve has failed and is leaking. This means the compressor, condenser, purge valve, and ac lines and txv valve needs to be replaced. A broken belt causes an immediate loss of power steering assist, loss of alternator charging, and rapid engine overheating. Experiencing a sudden loss of steering control at highway speeds drastically increases the risk of a severe motor vehicle crash. The vehicle has been taken to an authorized repair facility. Ford has not issued a safety recall for this defect. I would appreciate it if this issue was looked into.”
“The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronco Sport 4WD Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 28 | 26 | $2,400 | 342 |
| Bronco Sport 4WD Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,700 | 387 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
14 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 163 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (38), electrical system (38), fuel system, gasoline (32). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport at 23–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport 5 out of 5 stars overall.