YearToAvoid

2023 Ford Bronco Sport Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 19 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport, 12% of its 155 total complaints, with median failure mileage of 25,000. A related recall (25V158000) covers control module recalibration on 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
19
12% of 155
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
25,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Owners report rough, jerky shifts between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear, with the vehicle over-revving before finally engaging.
  • Some describe the transmission refusing to shift into park or reverse, requiring the vehicle to be towed.
  • Several owners report violent jerking or clanging noises during shifts, sometimes accompanied by RPM fluctuations.
  • One owner reported the transmission needed full replacement after repeated shifting failures and a loose serpentine belt causing engine overheating.
  • One complaint describes a stall while driving at various speeds, later traced by the dealer to an incorrect cold cranking amp battery installed at assembly.

When 2023 Ford Bronco Sport transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 24, 2023, latest Jul 24, 2026.

2023 Ford Bronco Sport transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per month3Jul 2023Apr 2024Jan 2025Jun 2025Sep 2025Mar 2026May 2026Jul 2026
19 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2023 to Jul 2026; peak May 2026 (3).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport

  1. NHTSA 25V158000Mar 14, 2025Transmission & Powertrain48,041 vehicles

    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.

    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.

    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. Ford's number for this recall is 25S26.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Bronco Sport model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 2021181 (26%)
  2. 202266 (18%)
  3. 202319 (12%)
  4. 202421 (19%)
  5. 20257 (18%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport have?
NHTSA lists 19 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2023 Bronco Sport, which is 12% of all 155 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport?
Yes. Recall 25V158000, reported March 14, 2025, covers 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under an earlier recall. Dealers recalibrate the body control module and power train control module free of charge.
At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 25,000 miles.
Did the transmission issue cause any crashes or fires?
NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 1 fire reported among complaints in this area for the 2023 Bronco Sport, with 0 injuries.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.