2022 Ford Bronco Sport: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 303 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, transmission, and fuel system. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2022- Owner complaints
- 303
- Recalls
- 14
- Crashes reported
- 11
- 15 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2022 Ford Bronco Sport: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/2
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Bronco Sport is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 3-cyl | AWD | 26 mpg |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4WD | 23 mpg |
- The 2022 Ford Bronco Sport was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Bronco Sport that averages well under the EPA 23 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Engine hesitation and sputtering
600–3,500 miles
Premature brake pad and rotor wear
14,600–20,000 miles
Water pump coolant leak
25,000–62,000 miles
Rear differential or transaxle failure
28,000–50,000 miles
Internal transmission failure
75,000–85,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Electrical50No crashes
Batteries drain or fail early, sometimes again and again, and the car drops into power-saving mode, needs a jump start, or will not restart. Other reports describe a sudden spread of warning lights for the cameras, shifting, and parking brake. In some cases the parking brake applies itself. Some cars lose the dash and lights at highway speed or stall while driving. Two reports involve fire, one at 900 miles. Dealers often cannot reproduce the fault or have no parts, and several complaints are about waiting for a recall repair.
Transmission481 crash
Transmissions fail inside at higher mileage. Reports at 75,000 and 85,000 miles describe shift warnings, a switch into limp mode, and full replacement. Rear differentials and transaxles growl or grind in slow or angled turns, with failures under 50,000 miles and long waits for back-ordered parts. Water pumps leak coolant, and some cars shift hard or hang in a gear. One crash followed unintended movement in a parking lot. One fire report describes a battery exploding at startup.
Fuel system46No crashes
Fuel odor in the cabin, check-engine lights, and sputtering while driving all appear here. Most of these complaints, though, are about waiting for a fuel-system recall repair. Owners say dealers have no parts and no timeline, and some got only an interim fix. Two reports describe fires, one while driving in traffic and one while parked, and one driver needed care for smoke inhalation. Others report fuel or exhaust fumes inside the car strong enough to make them feel ill.
Long waits for what owners describe as a fuel injector recall repair make up most of these complaints. Owners report parts shortages, dealers limited to a few parts per day, and waiting lists stretching months. One report describes an under-hood fire while driving that destroyed the car after the dealer had applied the recall fix. A separate complaint involves a recurring evaporative emissions check-engine light that the dealer blamed on underbody damage and would not cover under warranty.
Engine321 crash
Under-hood fires are the most serious pattern, with four fire reports. Some began with smoke while driving. One followed a fuel smell and an engine-compartment-hot warning. Cracked fuel injectors and gas smell in the cabin come up often, along with complaints that recall parts are not available. Water pumps leak, sometimes with no visible sign or warning, and one car went through three of them. Coolant loss, check-engine lights, and hesitation or sputtering that ends in a stall show up even in low-mileage cars.
Brakes321 crash
Rear brakes moan, screech, or sound like a foghorn when reversing at low speed, often from the first days of ownership. Dealers call it normal, try fixes that do not last, or say parts are on back order. Pads and rotors also wear out early, with reports near 14,600 and 20,000 miles. Fewer reports are more serious: a failed brake booster that removed brake assist, an ABS failure message with lost braking, a rattling park release cable, and a parking-lot crash.
Steering102 crashes
Clicking or wind-up noises during turns are the most common complaint. One report says the noise comes only in hot weather, and dealers often call it normal. Other reports describe the wheel locking mid-turn with a grinding sound, and a heated steering wheel cover that caught fire. One car showed a string of driver-assist and shift warnings that the dealer linked to the power steering module needing a reprogram. Two crash reports involve injuries, and one describes the steering column coming apart with no airbag deployment.
Airbags53 crashes
Airbags fail to deploy in crashes, according to three crash reports: a severe rear-end impact, a low-speed frontal hit on a trailer that left the driver with chest trauma, and a tree strike. Four injuries are reported across these complaints. Another complaint describes an airbag warning light that stays on because of a driver seatbelt buckle sensor fault, followed by a wait for a back-ordered part. With only five complaints on file, no single cause is clear.
Acceleration and cruise control41 crash
Sudden surges while parking are the most serious report, with one car accelerating into a building and injuring the driver's foot. Other reports describe cruise control that would not disengage under braking, sign recognition that misreads speed limits and slows the car on the highway, and on-and-off loss of power with jerking on inclines that the dealer could not diagnose. Only four complaints are on file.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Bronco Sport owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Battery installed is bad. Different operations were not working properly and I was afraid could stall out in traffic or leave me stranded. Dealership diagnosed it as bad, but now Ford is not acknowleding it is an issue and covering rentals to fix. I have seen many complaints about the Ford Bronco Sport tearing through batteries before their time. Mine was less than a year and a half old and less than 6,000 miles at the time the battery was acting up.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2023
vehicle with 900 miles on it began smoking and caught fire under the hood for no apparent reason. Vehicle was in new condition. Vehicle likely a total loss (see photos). Driver was lucky to escape
Filed with NHTSA, November 2022
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.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2024
At a little over 75,000 miles, I had a warning light come on that basically said there was a problem shifting between 7th & 8th gear and it put my car into safe mode. After getting it to a dealership, I'm told it needs a new transmission and was quoted $10,000. That's incredible excessive for a 3 year old car and reading through many online forums, I'm not the only one this has happened to with this car.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2026
Fuel pump gave of emissions that came through the vents and caused me to loose control and the smell immobilized me. The Dr said it may be carbon monoxide as they did test in hospital for 5 days I was lucky my wife was driving in front of me to get me out
Filed with NHTSA, March 2026
Driving and Engine won’t accelerate. Almost like it is just coasting while I was merging on the freeway. It almost caused an accident. It has happened on multiple occasions. Ford service said when it is hot that just happens. It’s unsafe. The car has 600miles on it.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2022
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.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2025
How the 2022 compares with other Bronco Sport years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2022 ranks second for owner complaints among 5 Bronco Sport years, about 1.5 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Electrical5046
- Transmission4841
- Fuel system4621
- Engine3218
- Brakes3226
- Steering101
Where the 2022 fits in the Bronco Sport's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2022 is the second model year of the Bronco Sport's first generation (2021–2023).
It is also the first year of a mid-cycle update.
What changed for 2022
- Included SiriusXM Satellite Radio as standard starting from this model year.
Recalls to confirm (14)
Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V685000EquipmentOct 2025
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.
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
25V467000Fuel systemJul 2025
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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will update the engine control software. and replace the high pressure fuel rail assembly and the fuel injector ,free of charge. As an interim repair, dealers will update the engine control software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 29, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in July 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S76. This recall expands and replaces previous recall numbers 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165 will need to have the new final remedy performed once it is available.
25V442000Backup cameraJun 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
25V165000Fuel systemMar 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 22V-859 or 24V-187. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S21.
25V158000TransmissionMar 2025
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.
Risk: An undetected low battery charge can result in a loss of electrical accessories such as hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Ford's number for this recall is 25S26.
25V019000ElectricalJan 2025
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.
Risk: Battery failure can result in a loss of electrical accessories, including the hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the 12-volt battery, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S02. Vehicles in this recall were previously repaired under 24V-267 and will need to have the new remedy completed.
24V267000ElectricalApr 2024
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.
Risk: An undetected low battery charge can result in a loss of electrical accessories such as hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will recalibrate the body control module and power train control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 4, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S24.
24V187000Fuel systemMar 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 24, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S16. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-859.
22V859000Fuel systemNov 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed January 9, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 1st Quarter of 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S73. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 22V-191. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-191 will need to have the new remedy performed.
22V787000Fuel systemOct 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Bronco Sport vehicles. The fuel pump control module (FPCM) bracket may not be secured to the fuel tank assembly, which can lead to FPCM failure and cause an engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 1, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S66.
22V686000Exterior lightsSep 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022 F-150 vehicles. The parking lights may flicker when the headlights are activated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.".
Risk: Flickering parking lights can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the LED Driver module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C22.
22V191000EngineMar 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. The engine oil separator housing may crack and develop an oil leak.
Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the oil separator for damage or oil leaks, and replace the oil separator and seals, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S21.
21V922000BrakesNov 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles. The rear brake linings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can affect braking performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems.".
Risk: During certain situations, the driver may have to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front brake pads, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C31.
21V625000Fuel systemAug 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles. The fuel delivery module may leak inside the fuel tank, causing low fuel pressure which could result in an engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. Interim notification letters (remedy not available) were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 14, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S38.
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