How common are transmission problems on the 2023 Ford Bronco?

NHTSA lists 21 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2023 Bronco, which is 9% of the 225 total complaints filed for that model year.

At what mileage do transmission problems tend to show up on the 2023 Bronco?

The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2023 Bronco is 16,671 miles, according to NHTSA data.

Have transmission complaints caused crashes or injuries on the 2023 Bronco?

NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries tied to the 21 Transmission & Powertrain complaints filed for the 2023 Bronco.

2023 Ford Bronco Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 21 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2023 Ford Bronco, 9% of its 225 total complaints. Median mileage at failure is 16,671. Three related recalls cover a misaligned transmission-to-transfer-case joint, a damaged park system, and a loose transmission bolt.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 21; 9% of 225
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 16,671 mi
Related recalls: 3

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report a grinding or scraping noise from the manual transmission during cold starts and while in neutral or low gears (1st and 2nd), which quiets when the clutch is pushed in.
Some drivers describe the 10-speed automatic transmission producing a hard popping sound followed by harsh vibration, jerking, and momentary stalling at highway speeds.
Several owners report the vehicle rolling away after being shifted into park, linked to the transmission park system failing to engage.
Drivers using low-gear off-road mode report the vehicle unexpectedly accelerating hard during downshifts between 3rd-2nd and 2nd-1st gear.
Owners describe sudden loss of power on the highway accompanied by a 'Powertrain Malfunction' alert, with vehicle speed dropping sharply before recovering.
One owner reported rusted, pitted driveshaft and front axle components noticed at delivery.

When 2023 Ford Bronco transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 16, 2023, latest Sep 16, 2026.

21 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2023 to Sep 2026; peak Mar 2023 (4).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2023 Ford Bronco

NHTSA 26V236000Apr 14, 2026Transmission & Powertrain4,922 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Bronco vehicles. The transmission to transfer case joint may be misaligned due to an incorrectly performed previous repair, which could lead to wear of the transmission output shaft splines and transfer case input splines.
Risk: Excessive wear of the transmission and transfer case splines may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transmission to transfer case joint and replace the transmission and transfer case as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S26. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 15, 2026.
NHTSA 23V546000Aug 3, 2023Transmission & Powertrain2 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:internal:park pawl
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Bronco vehicles. The transmission park system may have been damaged during assembly, which can prevent the parking pawl from fully engaging and result in a vehicle rollaway.
Risk: A vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S44.
NHTSA 23V070000Feb 10, 2023Transmission & Powertrain1,138 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The transmission may contain a loose bolt which could prevent the transmission from engaging the park gear, although the gear shifter position may indicate that the vehicle has been shifted to "PARK."
Risk: The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmissions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S06.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Bronco model year

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

20219 (4%)
202240 (11%)
202321 (9%)
20246 (8%)
20255 (10%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems on the 2023 Ford Bronco?: NHTSA lists 21 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2023 Bronco, which is 9% of the 225 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2023 Ford Bronco?: Yes. Three recalls tied to Transmission & Powertrain issues apply, covering a misaligned transmission-to-transfer-case joint, a damaged park system that can prevent the parking pawl from engaging, and a loose bolt inside the transmission.
At what mileage do transmission problems tend to show up on the 2023 Bronco?: The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2023 Bronco is 16,671 miles, according to NHTSA data.
Have transmission complaints caused crashes or injuries on the 2023 Bronco?: NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries tied to the 21 Transmission & Powertrain complaints filed for the 2023 Bronco.