2023 Ford Bronco Sport: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 114 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the fuel system, electrical, and transmission. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2023- Owner complaints
- 114
- Recalls
- 13
- Crashes reported
- 5
- 6 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2023 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 hand0/1
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
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 2023 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 2023 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.
Glass cracking without impact
1,000–12,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Fuel system261 crash
A strong gasoline smell comes into the cabin through the vents, sometimes strong enough to make occupants nauseous. Other reports describe hesitation under throttle, a check engine light, and a feeling that fuel is not reaching the engine. Two filings describe fires. In one, the vehicle burned while parked after a drive with a fuel smell. In the other, it caught fire at highway speed and crashed, injuring the driver. Most complaints, though, come from owners who say they are waiting on a recall repair and dealers have no parts. Many of them have had no failure yet.
Gasoline fumes come through the air conditioning vents and make the car unpleasant or unsafe to drive. Most of these complaints are about delay: owners say the recall remedy is still not available months later and dealers give no timeline. One owner says the dealer warned against parking in a garage or near the house. Owners also say they get confusing answers about what the repair involves. One separate report describes a stall and limp mode capped at 20 mph, which the dealer traced to a faulty high-pressure fuel pump and sensor.
Electrical23No crashes
The car stalls, loses acceleration, or will not restart, sometimes in the middle of traffic. Dealers often cannot find a cause. Owners report repeated battery messages telling them to turn off accessory power or saying the system is shutting off to save the battery. The center screen and gauge cluster go black or freeze on the backup camera. Another common report is a loud bang or screech from the speakers at startup, followed by crackling that the volume knob cannot stop. One filing describes the car moving in reverse unexpectedly and injuring two people.
Transmission12No crashes
The transmission shifts harshly and jerks, mostly between first, second, and third gear at low speeds. Owners also describe over-revving before a gear engages, a pause before the car responds to the accelerator, and trouble shifting into Park or reverse. Shifting gets worse in cold weather. Dealers often cannot diagnose the problem, and some cars sit in the shop for months waiting on transmission work. Other reports cover gasoline fumes in the cabin, stalling linked to the battery, and one small fire after the four-wheel drive engaged on its own with a loud clanking noise.
Engine11No crashes
Power cuts out at highway speed. The car shuts off without warning or drops into limp mode, sometimes during merges and passing. Some owners describe a low oil pressure warning under acceleration that clears after a restart. Others report a long delay after pressing the accelerator followed by a sudden surge to high rpm, or stalling at busy intersections. Isolated reports include gas in the oil, repeated water pump replacements, and a full engine replacement. One under-hood fire on a nearly new car injured two people, and several owners worry about fire while they wait on fuel injector repair parts.
Wipers and visibility91 crash
The windshield cracks with no impact, or a small chip spreads across the glass within about a month. Replacement is costly. On the Badlands, a bright orange dash trim strip reflects onto the windshield at sunrise and sunset and puts a line across the driver's view. One owner links that glare to crashes. The front wipers also fail: one motor quit in rain at 90 miles, and owners say the wipers freeze in place when ice and snow build up around them, even with the defroster running.
Glass breaks with no impact. Windshields develop several cracks and stress lines spreading out from the rearview mirror, and sunroof glass shatters while driving, at both low speed and highway speed. These failures show up early, between 1,000 and 12,000 miles. Dealers usually cannot find a cause, and several cars were left unrepaired. One unrelated report describes a rear passenger window stuck in place.
Brakes83 crashes
The car fails to stop under hard braking or the brakes lock up in a turn. Both patterns appear in crash reports. In another crash report, the rubber pad came off the brake pedal and the driver's foot slipped. More often, owners hear grinding while braking or turning, or a moan from the rear brakes in reverse in cold or humid weather. The noise comes back after dealers resurface the rotors and replace the pads. Two owners say they are waiting on a hydraulic brake recall repair that has no parts.
Seat belts3No crashes
Rear seat belts do not retract properly and fail to hold a child seat snug. In one report, a child bumped their head on the window during a turn. Other complaints describe a middle belt that does not work at all and a driver's shoulder belt that locks during normal slowing. Owners say that locking belt keeps them from leaning forward to see past the pillar at intersections. Dealers could not confirm these faults, and owners say no repairs were made.
Wheels and tires3No crashes
Tire sidewalls fail early. Owners describe sidewalls splitting at low speed and causing sudden flats, and separating to cause a slow leak within the first month. All of this happens on low-mileage cars that do not carry heavy loads. The factory Continental tires come up repeatedly, and dealers have called the damage a road hazard and charged for replacements. One separate report describes a tire pressure warning that turns on and off by itself, along with a horn that honked on its own.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Bronco Sport owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
The display for all the support systems does not boot up properly. This means I cannot access any of the advanced systems, the radio, or any of the other related systems. This is the display in the center console/dashboard. It is not know if other systems are impacted without this display because you cannot see any of the system messages that normally appear on the screen. The camera stays on because the computer does not override.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2024
I went to start my 2023 Ford Bronco badlands edition. Upon ignition a loud bang comes from the speakers. It sounded like a gun went off inside the vehicle. My ears were ringing. Then a loud crackling sound could be heard continuously without going away. I tried to shut off the volume, but the knob didn’t work. I shut down the vehicle and the sound of the crackling still persisted.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2025
Recall Action Soon Issue Since 07-18-2025 Fuel injector replacement For More Information Telematics Generated Issue Recall Action Soon Issue Since 03-14-2025 Drivers side seat buckle replacement
Filed with NHTSA, July 2025
While driving on I-95 southbound, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. This occurred without any warnings, no warning lights in dashboard flashed. This occurred for a total of three times. I had no power, no braking capabilities, no control over the vehicle.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2024
I have put 3 water pumps in my 2023 ford bronco big bend since buying the bronco brand new put the first one in September 2024 second one in May of 2025 and know February of 2026. Also put two vacuums pumps in 2026 in the same week
Filed with NHTSA, February 2026
How the 2023 compares with other Bronco Sport years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2023 ranks third for owner complaints among 5 Bronco Sport years, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Fuel system2626
- Electrical2353
- Transmission1250
- Engine1123
- Wipers and visibility94
- Brakes832
Where the 2023 fits in the Bronco Sport's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2023 is the third 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 2023
- Introduction of Heritage Edition and Heritage Limited Edition trims.
Recalls to confirm (13)
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.
24V594000Wipers and visibilityAug 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Maverick, Ford Bronco Sport, and Mustang Mach-E vehicles. The front windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.
Risk: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield wiper motor as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 6, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S51.
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.
24V223000Wheels and tiresMar 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Maverick and Bronco Sport vehicles. The tires may have been manufactured incorrectly, which may result in a loss of vehicle handling and control.
Risk: A loss of vehicle handling and control increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the tires, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S20.
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.
23V021000BrakesJan 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Bronco Sport vehicles. Valves inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module may have been damaged during manufacturing, causing an internal ABS module leak.
Risk: A leak inside the ABS module can cause an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel or unexpected movement during an Auto Hold event, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the ABS Module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 2, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S01.
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.
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.
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