Problems · by component

2023 Ford Bronco Sport electrical system problems

38 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport cite electrical system, 23% of all 162 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 2 recalls on this component.

Complaints
38
23% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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
“The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. While the contact’s girlfriend was driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost power and stalled. During the failure, the exterior lighting became inoperable, and several messages were displayed, including the message "No Key Detected". After exiting the vehicle, the doors locked and could not be unlocked. The child and child car seat located in the rear seat of the vehicle were manually shifted to the front driver’s side door and removed from the vehicle. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 27,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 5, 2026Electrical systemODI 11742318
“We have been waiting for this solution to this recall and it’s made my family nervous to have vehicles that can catch fire at any point Our mental health has suffered”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 4, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11741992
“On May 15, 2006 I was turning slowly into a parking space perhaps 3 to 5 miles an hour. My vehicle suddenly surged forwarded and accelerated on its own. I hit a wall. No warning lights appeared. No crash warning or any beeping of any sort. My car had a recall for the fuel injector. In October 2025 Ford sent out someone to adjust the software at my home. I do not believe a tube was ever inserted. Witnesses reported I was going slow and the car accelerated. I eat at the location almost every day so they watch for my car and whether there were 1 or 2 people. So it is not just a random witness. I do not know what parts are involved other than to say there was an un commanded acceleration and engine surge.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 1, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion systemCrash reportedODI 11741370
“I was driving on the highway and my car started making a lot of noise. I got a notice “The Engine system has detected a fault.” Then another notification saying 4 wheel drive was disabled and then my car stopped running, leaving me stranded in the middle of the highway. My car would start, but it would not go into any gear. When I tried putting it in gear, I got a notification that said “Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Speed Your Malfunction warning is on because your vehicle’s transmission cannot be shifted or moved out of park.” I had to wait in the middle of the highway for approximately 30-45 minutes for a tow truck to come, and the whole time, there were cars traveling 80 mph swerving to miss me. I was sincerely afraid for my life.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 4, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11735518
“There have been multiple occasions where I have started or shut down my 2023 Bronco Heritage Sport Limited and (for no reason I can explain) the speakers started making this extremely loud digital feedback noise, sometimes including the subwoofer. It's hard to stay in the car for too long with this noise going on at an extremely loud decibel. This vehicle has the B&O sound system. I tried a number of things but only after letting the car completely shut down for a few minutes did it eventually stop (There seems to be no volume control when this happens). Thankfully this happened during start up or shut down and not while I was driving, but I'm a little worried about that happening now since I don't know what caused it to happen.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 17, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11718510

Showing 6 of 38 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

2 recalls on this component

Electrical system: 12v

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles. The 12-volt battery may experience degradation and suddenly fail.

Electrical systemReported Jan 17, 2025NHTSA 25V019000

Electrical system: body control module

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles. The body and power train control modules may fail to detect a change in the 12-volt battery state of charge.

Electrical systemReported Apr 12, 2024NHTSA 24V267000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026

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