Problems · NHTSA complaints

2023 Ford Bronco Sport problems

Owners filed 162 complaints about the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport with NHTSA between Feb 2023 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (38).

Complaints
162
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
9
Reported by owners
Fires
6
Reported by owners
Injuries
9
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine38
  2. Electrical system38
  3. Fuel system, gasoline32
  4. Fuel/propulsion system29
  5. Power train21
  6. Service brakes8
  7. Visibility6
  8. Suspension5
  9. Back over prevention5
  10. Visibility/wiper5
  11. Equipment5
  12. Forward collision avoidance4
  13. Seat belts4
  14. Air bags3

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
202317
202443
202542
202660

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

38 reports1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 19, 2026Unknown or other, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11772214

Electrical system

38 reports1 crash2 fires2 related recalls
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 18, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11765160

Fuel system, gasoline

32 reports1 crash2 fires4 related recalls
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 22, 2026Fuel system, gasolineODI 11772982

Fuel/propulsion system

29 reports1 crash1 fire
“I am filing a complaint because Recall 25V467 was issued one year ago to this month and Ford has still not provided the necessary repair or part and keeps saying they don't have a remedy.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 24, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11752624

Power train

21 reports1 crash1 fire1 related recall
“I am filing this complaint regarding the complete transmission failure of a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport at approximately 94,140 miles on [XXX]. Prior to the failure, the vehicle owner experienced mechanical problems and contacted Banner Ford on [XXX], regarding these concerns and an outstanding manufacturer recall. Banner Ford advised that diagnostic testing was necessary and scheduled an appointment for [XXX]. However, because this vehicle was the owner's only means of transportation and the dealership did not provide a requested loaner, she was unable to attend the appointment. Just four days later, on [XXX], the transmission completely failed. The owner also sought assistance from Kirk Brothers Ford in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and incurred two separate towing expenses during the process of obtaining service. Following the failure, Ford representatives advised that the dealership discovered metal shavings associated with the transmission damage. Ford subsequently denied warranty coverage and financial assistance, citing the metal shavings. However, Ford has not provided a detailed technical explanation identifying the underlying cause of the transmission failure or…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 22, 2026Power trainODI 11773072

Service brakes

8 reports3 crashes
“The transmission and/or shift-by-wire control system appears to have failed. While the vehicle was in motion, the system engaged “Park” and remained stuck in this position. The vehicle immediately became immobilized and could not be shifted out of Park. The vehicle remained locked in Park for 3 weeks. The failure occurred without prior warning and eliminated essential vehicle control functions. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I could not cross the border in a tow truck with a stranger- so I had it repaired in Tijuana at a Ford Service Center. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Ford service facility (Ford Surman BC – Tijuana, Baja California), where technicians confirmed a defect-related failure and performed warranty repairs to restore functionality. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? Yes. An authorized Ford dealer inspected the vehicle and conducted the warranty repair. The manufacturer has been notified of the incident. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 28, 2025Electrical system, Service brakes, Back over preventionODI 11690184
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.