Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
2025 Bronco Do not drive your vehicle until your recall service is complete. Safety Recalls* Loose or missing upper ball joint fastener Recall incomplete Loose or missing upper ball joint fastener Recall incomplete Front upper control arm to knuckle ball joint loose or missing fastener Recall incomplete Inspect seat bolt presence and torque - recall is unable to be performed at this time. Please check the fsa landing page for more details. Recall incomplete Do not drive - front lower arm to frame attachment fastener inspection Recall incomplete Transmission main control valve body replacement Recall incomplete Rear door child safety lock inspection Recall incomplete Passenger airbag replacement Recall incomplete
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Bronco. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a burning odor in the interior of the vehicle. The contact stated an error message indicated service 4WD was displayed. In addition, the contact stated that when the vehicle was parked in the garage, the contact noticed a burning odor on the exterior of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, however the failure was not duplicated. The dealer performed an oil change. The contact stated that seven days later, the failure occurred. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed fire coming from underneath the hood. The contact and her daughter were occupants of the vehicle. The contact stopped and parked the vehicle. The contact and her daughter exited the vehicle. No injuries were sustained. …
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle started to lose power. The WRENCH symbol warning light was illuminated with a message of a failure with the power train displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer replaced the knock sensors, and a software update was performed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted while driving for long distances. On another occasion, while driving from State to State, the wrench symbol warning light illuminated with the power train failure message displayed. The contact also received a notification on his cellphone. The vehicle was repaired by another dealer; however, the contact and the dealer expected that the failure could recur. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport.The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the four-wheel drive engaged and disengaged independently. The contact stated she heard a loud clanking noise coming from the front tires as the four-wheel drive warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull the vehicle over and noticed smoke and a small fire coming from the front of the hood. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with some water from her water bottle. The fire department or local police department was not contacted. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and the following day to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V267000 (Electrical System, Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. …
The contact's wife owns a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was jumpstarted with Roadside Assistance. Additionally, the contact stated that the Auto Stop/Start feature was intermittently inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the Auto Stop/Start feature was malfunctioning due to low battery. The dealer recharged the battery; however, the failure recurred while driving the same day. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V267000 (Electrical System, Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 1,800.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V267000 (Electrical System, Power Train). The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was a loud popping sound coming from the engine compartment with a clicking sound near the fuel tank. The contact's husband inspected the engine compartment and noticed that the battery had exploded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the message "Power Train Malfunction - Reduced Power" was displayed intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was test-driven, and the contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V267000 (Electrical System, Power Train). Additionally, the contact stated that the messages "Charge System Fault -12 Volts", "Remote Features Disabled to Preserve the Battery" and a message to recharge the battery were displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced reduced power while driving. The contact also stated that the vehicle was difficult to start and was jump-started. …
Related recalls (2)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-267. The body and power train control modules may fail to detect a change in the 12-volt battery state of charge.
Remedy: Dealers will recalibrate the body control module and power train control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 23, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Edge, 2020 Lincoln Nautilus and Ford Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair and Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. An inadequate amount of lubricant in the rear drive unit may cause seizure of the rear drive axle.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the rear drive unit lubricant level. Axles found to have lubricant at the minimum level will be filled to the full level.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Bronco Sport years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2021 (189), 2022 (70), 2024 (22), 2023 (20) and 2025 (7) model years. Transmission complaints make up 27% of all complaints for the 2021.
Is there a recall for Ford Bronco Sport transmission problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 25V-158 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm), Mar 14, 2025); 21V-011 (driveshaft, Jan 15, 2021). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Bronco Sport transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 48,000 miles; 52% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the driveline › differential unit (7 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › torque converter (3).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.