2022 FORD BRONCO SPORT Engine Problems

Smelling fuel strong when driving and the engine lags and almost stalls when coming to a stop and going very dangerous

On 12/22/2025, my fiancé and I purchased a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport from LaFontaine Ford in Lansing, MI. During the initial purchase, we were not aware of any recalls or vehicle defects with the Bronco Sport. Roughly one month later, the check engine light came on, and after a thorough vehicle inspection, we were notified that there was a recall on the vehicle in regards to bad fuel injector(s), and that we needed to bring the vehicle back to the dealership for a computer update. After dropping the vehicle off at the dealership, we were notified that the engine was blown due to a cylinder misfire as a result of a bad fuel injector. We were also advised that the dealership had already completed the computer update prior to our purchase and cleared out the codes (critical misfire). The negligence of the dealership put my fiancé in extreme danger with...

Recurring Safety Defect: Powertrain Cooling System Failure causing Engine Overheating, Coolant Intrusion, and Loss of Motive Power. The vehicle has experienced three catastrophic cooling system failures within a 9-month period, posing a crash and fire risk. Incident 1 (February 2025): Water pump failure caused significant coolant loss. Diagnosed and repaired by authorized dealer under warranty. Incident 2 (June 2025): Vehicle leaked coolant and emitted visible smoke and burning odors from the exhaust. Dealer diagnosed internal turbocharger failure resulting in coolant intrusion into the engine and exhaust system. The catalytic converter was damaged by coolant burn-off and required replacement. This failure kept the vehicle out of service for 38 days. Incident 3 (November 2025): The vehicle engine overheated again while driving, triggering the "Fail-Safe" cooling mode. This resulted in a sudden reduction of motive power (limp mode), creating a collision hazard at highway speeds. The Check Engine light illuminated. Dealer diagnosis...

I went to start my car it did not start but repeatedly kept trying to start itself over and over the car locked up completely i couldn't push the brake or anything it wouldn't stop it disappeared from my app..the car cranked itself repeatedly until it caught fire and electrical smoke was rolling i had to call the fire department i was parked at a dayhab for special needs had to run and have them to remove all of the special needs people in wheelchairs and or with other adaptive equipment had to run into another office building and tell them to remove their vehicles i had a serious worry that this could have hurt or even killed people they at the ford dealer that has had my car 21 days said it's the starter no way the starter just went nuts for no reason we had to call the...

As you may know, my Ford Bronco 2022 is under NHTSA Recall 25V467 as of July 2025. October is approaching, and so far, Ford Motor Company has not found any remedy for this problem, which can not only cause a spontaneous engine fire, but can also cause the death of those inside the vehicle or a serious accident if it occurs while driving. My vehicle is for daily use, and I have to transport my son to school every day, risking his life and mine, with the uncertainty of the vehicle catching fire. I ask that you consider requiring Ford Motor Company to collect these vehicles or exchange them for others of the same value that are not at risk.

I am filing this complaint regarding a recall affecting my 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. I received a recall notice concerning the possibility of the vehicle catching fire. Despite numerous attempts to resolve the issue, Ford continues to ignore the warnings and say "we are working on fixing the issue." I feel unsafe and will not drive this vehicle until there is a resolution. Ford has taking months/years to fix this issue with no resolution in sight.

I noticed my coolant level dropping about a year ago. I would fill up the coolant reservoir and the coolant level would drop within a few days. The issue was from the water pump leaking. I replaced the water pump with an OEM ford water pump. One year later the coolant level is dropping, and I have the same issue again. Looking at some of the forums, this appears to be a common issue with this make and mode.

Vehicle stutters when driving at slower speeds, usually between 22-27 MPH. After purchasing my vehicle used I have found that others have been reporting the same issue, to include in brand new Bronco Sports, and have been advised that is just how they are. Switching to sport mode does seem to help but the stutters occurs at different speeds. There has been no known part identified as causing the issue. There are no warnings displayed and no codes showing.

Vehicle locked up while driving. Has a new battery already. Full aux electrical function is fine but after shut down while driving will not restart, shift out of gear, roll or steer. All electrical works fine. To tow onto flat bed, had to drag the tires.

The water pump began leaking somewhere around 62,000 miles, however there were no visible signs of a leak and no maintenance warnings appeared on the dashboard. I only know there was a leak because I took my Bronco Sport into the Ford dealership to have other recalls repaired and they advised me to have the water pump replaced as it was leaking. I have researched this issue and it appears to be a very common issue with Bronco Sports of all years. This issue can put others or myself at risk because it would be very easy for the engine to run out of coolant and seize up in potentially very dangerous traffic situations. Because Ford doesn't have a way for Bronco Sport drivers to come aware of this issue unless vigilantly checking coolant levels every week, it would be very easy for the engine to overheat and stall before...

On [XXX], the vehicle overheated during a commute, resulting in a blown radiator cap and an empty engine coolant reservoir. Coolant levels had been properly maintained up to that point. The following day, engine coolant was again low, though no visible leaks were found. On April 12, I requested warranty service but was told “services aren’t rendered on Saturdays” despite the service department being open. An appointment was scheduled for April 14 to inspect the overheating damage and address recall #25502. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) When I arrived on April 14, I was denied service due to the department being “backed up and understaffed.” I expressed concern about further driving the car in its condition, but Service Advisor Bill Crovo insisted it was safe to drive and denied my request to leave the vehicle on-site. I was also not offered a...

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the O2 sensor warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the failure was diagnosed with a failed O2 sensor. The contact was informed that the O2 sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the O2 sensor had been ordered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil change and the contact was informed of a coolant leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was put up on the lift by the contact who is an independent mechanic. The contact performed an inspection of the vehicle and became aware that the coolant pump, catalytic convertor, and serpentine belt had failed. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was...

On April 8th 2025 our vehicle went into "limp mode" for the third time in 6 months. The previous incidents were part of an active recall and we're repaired by a does dealership. This time it is supposedly the failure of a fuel pump sensor causing the issue (per ford service diagnosis) which they say is NOT covered by fords recall nor is it covered under any warranty and must be paid for out of pocket. This repeat occurrence has caused our vehicle to stall in traffic not just when at stops but also just when turning or pulling onto streets or highway. This has happened while crossing busy streets putting the lives of our family at RISK MULTIPLE times. Ford refuses to pay for rental vehicles while our vehicle has been in repair for this issue and also while the vehicle is in an unsafe condition to drive. This...

I start my car and can’t even get a mile without the service engine light coming on saying engine is over heating & that my coolant is over temperature. I’ve brought this to the dealership 3 times now and all they have done is reset my codes because they can’t figure out what’s wrong with it. That is not fixing it. I have two kids under two and I feel like this is incredibly dangerous thing to be playing with.

There has been a strong exhaust smell in my vehicle. It is worse with the heater on. I have had to go to the doctor because the headaches and sleepiness while driving had gotten so bad. I have taken it to the dealer for them today they can’t smell It. My eyes are constantly bloodshot from the fumes. You can even smell them out side the car it’s so bad. I will not take my kids anywhere in it now.

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that the battery had drained. The vehicle was jump-started. While driving 60 MPH in traffic, the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V019000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer informed the contact that the battery switch was on backorder until September. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 32,691. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine coolant light came on, dial was all the way on H. Water pump ended up having a leak. This is an ongoing issue with Bronco Sports 2021-2024.

On or around 17 May 2024, spouse was driving child to daycare. Residential speed limit was 35 mph, when dashboard alerts "Power terrain, Hill Assist, Backup Camera, Front Camera, 911 Service, Please Service Now, Shift System Fault, Parking Brake INOP" illuminated and parking brake was applied by vehicle without owner input. Upon pulling into parking lot and turning off vehicle and restarting, vehicle cleared all faults and indications. Scheduled service immediately, service center implemented recalls 22S73, 24S24, and replaced faulty gateway module and reprogrammed software, additionally test drove vehicle 5 miles without duplication of discrepancy. Upon return of vehicle, on approximately 3 June, driver alerts and parking brake self-applied and would not start. Arranged tow truck to pick up vehicle, driver tried to drive vehicle onto platform, but after starting vehicle flashed warnings across dashboard and applied parking brake without input. Service center could not duplicate problem and offered no...

I was approaching a stop light which turned green and as i slowed down my vehicle's power stopped. The vechicle notice said shift to park. I had to turn the car off - in the middle of a busy road - and turn it back on. it took a couple of tries. This was incredibly dangerous as cars almost hit me as the light was green. Ford knows about this recall but just sent us a notice saying to keep drving it but "be careful" and they will get a fix in the next quarter. I must drive but i do not feel like it is safe. why are people allowed to drive these cars that they know are in danger of stalling. They should all be told to stop driving these cars and give them a replacement until they can get it fixed. I have had to have the...

The vehicle has strong exhaust fumes inside. It has gotten so bad people at work smell it on me. I even went to the doctor because I was trying to fall asleep while driving, I am confused when I first arrive places, my lungs feel like I am inhaling fire, I have the most painful headaches, and I am nauseous around the times I drive my car. My two girls are experiencing the same problems. But if we do not drive the Bronco on the weekends, no problems. My husband put it on the life at home and there are bolts missing from the dust shield, the ones there are loose, he had to tighten the bolts on the heads, and the convertor has “hot spots” on it. I have to drive at all times with a window down. The exhaust fumes can be smelled from outside as well. I...

Cabin exhaust smell = leaking catalytic converter. 4 months and 5 trips for a diagnosis/solution. Car was smelling like exhaust in the cabin. Improved with air recirculation button ON. Worse in the AM, especially with remote start on cold mornings, and when stopped/parked. Told there was no smell, changed cabin filters / ac deodorizer ($200 out of pocket), “ford doesn’t have any other complaints on exhaust smell in the cabin”, “could not replicate”. After multiple forum searches/my own research, and insisting the catalytic converter was the problem, they agreed to let me leave it overnight for a cold start in the AM. Finally diagnosed with leaking catalytic converter. They replaced it and now the smell is completely gone. There was also a small rattle on acceleration, near the gas pedal, like a tiny rock in a tin can, that I assume was related because it is gone since the replacement.

Over the past year my Bronco Sport has thrown two different codes, powertrain malfunction and collision assist unavailable, and put me in limp mode, 25 times. And the last several times it has gone into limp mode it is accompanied by a weird smell. It has been on the hoist several times at the Ford dealership Service Center having parts replaced to “fix” this issue. But nothing they try has fixed it. They even had a Ford Corporate technician call and walk them through what to try/test/fix. It’s been on the hoist being “fixed” again a couple of times since then. They said they would fly a Ford Engineer out to “fix” it over a month ago but have not done so. It’s terrifying when it goes in to limp mode because I can’t GO. I just pray I don’t get slammed in to every time it throws these codes...

I take very good care of my car and I purchased it brand new in July of 2022. Out of nowhere a few days ago I had my car slipping of gear and won’t go forward or backwards and then my car proceeded to have the service light pop on and then my check engine light. I do not have all of the diagnostics back yet, but they did say it was transmission related. My car isn’t even 2 1/2 years old. It should not be running into issues out of no where like this.

I’ve had my 2022 ford bronco sport for about 2 1/2 years I ordered it brand new and it made 8 miles on it when I drove it off the lot. Within the past month it’s completely blacked out my radio display while I was driving and wouldn’t come back on until it was turned off and turned back on. Now when I start it it’s acting like the battery is going out. I wouldn’t expect a battery to go out under 3 years. Please please can you help me with these issues.

There is a repetitive water pump failure in my 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. After 3 replacements, they believe they know what is causing it and even though all the failures occurred under warranty they want to charge $2700 for a decontamination in the coolant lines because they now believe that is the cause. My safety is put at risk daily as I risk my engine blowing up from faulty water pumps. When I did not have the $2700 to repair the decontamination, they told me I would just need an additional water pump down the line. Service records will be attached to this report. No warning lamps or messages, just a strong smell of coolant. Also, the seals on the rear drive shaft leak, they repaired a seal. Now the rear vent tube is leaking. The warranty and extended warranty does not cover the repair. Ford refuses to fix the...

June 28th, 2024; the entire car turned off on its own while I was waiting for a red light. The engine was primarily off from the auto-start feature, like normal, except after I let go of the brake the entire car just shuts off. The start button would not press, the brake pedal was insanely stiff to press, and the dashboard had all the lights turned on an off, and I couldn't change gears whatsoever. Many displays on the dash appeared, parking brake was forced to turn on, pre-collision feature disabled, "System off to save battery" on the main screen, etc. I was in the middle of traffic, so I was putting myself and others in danger while my car suddenly shuts off without prior warning. There was never an indication that this would happen, and I only had the car for a year and a half, so I would...

Car stalled twice within a weeks time. Service dealer is reporting it as a battery issue when this seems to be a common problem online in forums. The car doesn’t give any sign or warning it just comes to a stop whether it be an intersection, highway, etc and does not allow you to place car in neutral because of its state.

Water pump failed and needed to be replaced

Battery exploded while driving down the street causing the car to go completely dead and roll to a stop.

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal to slow for traffic or for a traffic signal, there was an abnormal high-pitched sound coming from the brakes and the vehicle was vibrating. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that additionally, while driving up a grade in the road, at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the engine was not revving while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear brake rotors needed to be turned. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failures reoccurred. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,600.

My bronco is going through coolant very quickly. If my heat wasn't working I would likely not have checked it. There was none in the resivour. There are no leaks in the lines or radiator.

Sitting in school drop off, car shut off by itself and is dead. What if that happened while driving? Completely frightening!

The contact owned a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while the son was driving at approximately 60 MPH, smoke was seen coming from under the hood. After driving over to the shoulder and exiting the vehicle, the vehicle was quickly engulfed in flames. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed and later towed to a nearby towing yard. The cause of the fire was not determined. The manufacturer and dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously serviced for the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000(Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. No police report was taken. The failure mileage was 6,000.

Vehicle started on its own, no remote start scheduled or activity. Online forums suggested battery failure and two days later battery was dead. Battery replaced. Filed complaint with Ford seeking answers regarding safety concerns and took to Ford dealership for inspection and service. Vehicle was also in same dealership twice for maintenance service and brakes within two weeks of the mystery start incident. Ford found 15 U codes relating to battery or electrical failures, reset battery monitoring systems and returned vehicle. I don’t have any explanation from Ford as to why or how the vehicle started, Ford has not denied it, but they have not provided any reason for me to believe the vehicle is safe to keep driving and parking in an enclosed space. I asked Ford if they are aware of the risk and they only response I received, is they asked me to keep monitoring the vehicle...

Cracked Fuel Injector. I went on the Ford Website to find the vehicle I wanted. The website stated "dealer ordered." I put a deposit on it in August and my vehicle was delivered the second week of October. I noticed several times that a gas smelled filled my cabin so when I was mailed the recall... It all made sense and I was the first one in line for recall. I also noticed that smoke would come from under the hood after it was parked. I initially thought that is was because it was very cold out and I had the heat on. I thought at first it was steam but it happened again on a normal cold day. When I went for my recall, I told the service tech that I smelled gas in my cabin several times and mentioned the smoke. They scheduled me for the recall repair....

On [XXX] I began my drive from Miami, FL to SF, CA for my next travel nurse assignment. Three hours into my drive, I stop for gas and return to the highway. I remember accelerating to catch up to traffic and moving into the left lane. Then I remember abruptly seeing brake lights ahead, braking hard, and the collision warning system going off. I was braking for several seconds and it became clear to me that I was going to crash into the vehicle in front of me. Immediately upon impact, my Bronco Sport caught fire. I felt the heat. I smelled the fire and fumes. I saw people running towards me, yelling for me to get out of my burning car. The airbag went off and I sustained minor injury to my right hand. At that point, my priority was to locate my cat inside my perfectly packed vehicle...

My vehicle started with not accelerating and bogging down when going after a stop, it shakes/jerks from 1-3 gear. The rpm’s jump all over the place and at times it will be very low speed, jerking when trying to shift. I haven’t even had the car two years, I have two children and this happened at an intersection and scared us all. It had happened so many times I’m scared to drive it. I took it to a ford dealership, they were able to recreate the issue and said it may be the transmission. There are now warning lights on or anything indicating what the issue is. They told me to keep driving it until a code comes up or to wait till June when they can inspect it. It just keeps getting worst.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Three times this vehicle has had the water pump replaced. 2/20/2023 at 20285 miles , it was replaced with the original part HX7Z8501A, which I also had to source the part myself from another dealer, as mine told me they had no ETA and could not locate one. 9/6/2023 at 38232 miles. It was replaced with the redesigned part HX7Z8501B. 2/6/2024 at 50137 miles. It was replaced again with the redesign part HX7Z8501B. The service advisors at the dealer stated they have never had to replace one three times before mine. Ford advised me that I need to report to NHTSA. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car could overheat. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? D'orazio Ford in Wilmington IL...

My car lost power on the highway. I took it to the dealership. They had the vehicle for 2 months and said it was repaired under warranty/recall. The same day that I received the car back, the same problem occurred. They kept it for a few days and said they could not determine the issue and released it back to me yesterday. This morning, it lost power again, while i was taking a left hand turn into oncoming traffic. I was almost t-boned. There is an huge safety issue here that is being brushed off and I’m afraid I will end up in a terrible accident.

The car intermittently will stop and wont accelerate, usually when in drive… on inclines, after slowing down. Dealer can’t diagnose the problem and it’s getting worse. It jerks and it’s dangerous to drive.

My truck with dead at a turning light, it's still UNKNOWN what happened. I had 2 people try to give it a boost and it would not turn on, the gears were locked, and it had to be pulled on the tow truck. The brake lights signal was flashing, and the engine light was on the dashboard along with the battery light. I could not get it to turn on and there was no sound to the engine. the radio was working and none of the lights went dim.

Our Car lost power and engine failed to start in the middle of traffic today. [XXX] This article shows what is happening to our vehicle and I’m making the complaint today. This needs to be recalled! Very dangerous! My wife was driving and is 6 months pregnant with twins and thank god we were not on the highway and I was with her. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

At approximately 2000 miles , I had vehicle fueled, engine was off. After fueling was complete, put foot on break, pushed button to start every caution light imaginable lit up on dashboard, obviously, indicating something was wrong electronically. Vehicle said it was overheating. Brake pedal was all the way to the floor, bronco was not running, never started . Service station attendant lifted hood , didn’t visibly see anything wrong after approximately 5 minutes vehicle was able to start no issues. It was maybe 60° outside, I drove 5 miles from my home. Bronco was picked up, taken in dealership, was not able to replicate. It’s a year old I have 4500 miles on it and worried about future issues while driving.

My Bronco has power failure in the middle of driving, entire car shuts off screen reads it goes in power saving mode and everything locks up and it will not start back up. My safety and my entire families safety is put at risk because I'm losing power to my car and it stops working if this happens on a busy highway it could be fatal. Yes, I've had it towed to the Ford house every single time this has happened. They attempt to fix it but give it back and within two days it happens again. I don't believe they know how to fix it. Ford House has had my car off and on for two months it should have been inspected by everyone at this point. No warnings when it happens it just stops working. This all started within the last two months. I purchased my 2022 Bronco...

Upon receiving the notice that my Ford Bronco Sport was subject to a recall in February 2023, I called my local Ford dealer to schedule a service appointment. The dealer stated that FoMoCo is only supplying dealers with "2 repair kits per week" and that they "could not provide an estimate" on a wait time for getting the repair completed. It is now July 2023 and after reaching out to the dealer twice, they are still unable to provide an estimated wait or schedule an appointment.

The contact's daughter owned a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that an intermittent fuel odor would emit from the vehicle without warning. The contact had inspected the vehicle and did not detect any leaks or defects. The contact stated that while his daughter was stopped in a parking lot, an "engine compartment hot" warning message appeared on the instrument panel as an unknown color smoke began to emit from the vehicle. The vehicle quickly caught fire soon after the smoke began. The fire department arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. The contact's daughter sustained mental anguish as a result of the fire. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it remained in their possession for an investigation. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure...

Brought vehicle in to address a safety recall (NHTSA Recall Number 22V859) on 3/11/23 to the Groove Ford Dealership in Colorado. At this point in time, the recall was showing from Ford as "Remedy Available". Traveled back to dealership several hours later at my own cost to find out they did not have parts in stock and was told parts would be in in a few days. I have called several times since then, and have been told no one knows when parts actually will be in stock to address this safety recall. Contacted Ford Corporate last week and was told my case would be escalated and someone would reach out within 2 business days. I am now contacting Ford again as no one has reached out to me to get this corrected.

We received a Important Safety Recall from Ford in February 2023 (22S73, NHTSA Recall 22V859). We have been trying unsuccessfully since receiving the notice to get this repair done at AutoNation Ford Torrance (3111 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Torrance, CA 90505) but they keep telling us the parts are not available. On the phone for over an hour today with Ford Customer Service... Ford is saying parts ARE available, but when they call the dealership in Torrance, the dealership says it is first come first served. We have been calling for almost 2 months now repeatedly yet they will not fix this recall. Was recently given the name Mark Grobs who is parts manager in at AutoNation Ford Torrance, and a phone numebr if 310-78404782 and was told we need to call him every week and try to get a hold of him when he has a part in stock,...

Water pump cracks allow coolant to leak out thus overheating engine on open highway.

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) 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. Additionally, the engine made rattling sounds while driving. Additionally, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle immediately while the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle also lunged forward while coming to a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and Ford Pro Commercial Center (525 N 16th St, Sacramento, CA 95811) on separate occasions; however, the dealers were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 549. Parts distribution disconnect.