Does the Bronco Sport have a security system?
Yes. The Ford Bronco Sport includes a factory security system built around Ford's SecuriLock passive anti-theft system with an engine immobilizer; depending on trim level and options, a perimeter alarm and interior motion sensors may also be included. This article explains what’s standard, what’s optional, and how features can vary by year and market.
What security features come standard or are available?
The Bronco Sport relies on a baseline anti-theft framework that centers on an engine immobilizer. In addition, some trims and packages add a perimeter alarm and interior sensing features. Availability of these extras can vary by model year and regional market, so it’s important to verify the exact configuration for a given vehicle.
- Engine immobilizer (SecuriLock) is standard on Bronco Sport models, preventing engine start without the proper key transponder.
- Perimeter alarm (door intrusion detection) is available on models equipped with the Security Package or higher trims in many years and markets.
- Interior sensing features (such as interior movement sensors) and other advanced alarm components may be included with certain packages or trims, depending on year and region.
- Remote keyless entry interacts with the security system and enables locking/unlocking and alarm control via the key fob.
In short, every Bronco Sport has an engine immobilizer as a baseline defense, while additional alarm features depend on trim level, optional packages, and market-specific configurations.
How the security system works
The SecuriLock system uses the key’s embedded transponder to verify a valid key before allowing the engine to start. If the system detects an unauthorized attempt to start the vehicle or a door intrusion when the vehicle is armed, the alarm portion activates to deter theft. The exact sensors and audible alerts can vary by year and trim, but the core protection—immobilization plus alerting—remains the standard framework.
How to verify security features for a Bronco Sport you’re considering
Before purchasing or leasing, confirm which security features are included on the specific vehicle and model year you’re interested in. The steps below help ensure you know what you’re getting:
- Check the window sticker or the dealer’s build sheet for mentions of the Security Package, Perimeter Alarm, or other alarm-related options.
- Consult the owner’s manual or the Ford official product page for your model year to locate the Security/Immobilizer section and confirm standard vs. optional features.
- Ask the dealer to show the vehicle’s security controls on the key fob and instrument cluster to confirm what is active and programmable.
- If you already own the Bronco Sport, review the FordPass app (if supported in your vehicle) for remote locking/unlocking status and alarm notifications, and verify feature availability with your VIN using Ford’s official resources.
Confirming these details with a dealer or by checking official documentation helps ensure you understand the security configuration for a specific Bronco Sport.
Summary
The Bronco Sport comes with a built-in engine immobilizer as part of Ford’s SecuriLock system. Many models also offer a perimeter alarm and interior sensing features, but these extras vary by trim, package, year, and market. Prospective buyers should verify the exact security configuration for the exact vehicle they’re considering and consult the owner’s manual or dealer for precise details.
What is the lawsuit against the Ford Bronco Sport?
Ford is facing several lawsuits related to its Bronco Sport vehicles, including a class-action lawsuit over a faulty 12-volt battery recall that allegedly did not fix the problem, and another lawsuit investigation related to a fuel injector defect that poses a fire risk. The 12-volt battery recall affected about 273,000 Bronco Sport and Maverick models, while the fuel injector issue affects certain Bronco Sport and Escape models with 1.5-liter engines.
12-volt battery class-action lawsuit
- What it's about: A class-action lawsuit alleges that Ford's fix for the 12-volt battery recall is insufficient and that the batteries continue to fail.
- Vehicle models: 2021–2023 Bronco Sport and 2022–2023 Maverick models equipped with a specific 12-volt battery.
- Legal claims: The suit claims Ford's recall is inadequate and has led to issues like the vehicle failing to restart or stalling. It also alleges the recall cost owners time and money for repairs and has devalued the vehicles.
- Recall details: Ford recalled certain models over a 12-volt battery defect that could cause a loss of drive power or a failure to restart. The fix involved software updates.
Fuel injector lawsuit investigation
- What it's about: An investigation has been launched into a separate fuel injector defect that could lead to fuel leaks and a risk of engine fires.
- Vehicle models: Certain Bronco Sport and Escape models with 1.5-liter engines.
- Legal claims: The lawsuit is looking into Ford's handling of the defect, which has resulted in multiple recalls. Some vehicles that received previous "fixes" have reportedly still experienced engine fires.
- Recall details: The recall is for a defect where fuel can leak into the engine compartment. Ford's interim fix involves a software update, but a permanent solution is still being developed.
Other legal issues
- Lemon Law: Individuals with persistent issues may be able to pursue a "lemon law" claim, as shown in a case where a Bronco owner received a vehicle buyback for ongoing problems.
- Other recalls: While not directly tied to a lawsuit yet, it's worth noting other safety recalls, such as one for a loose bolt in some 2021-2023 Broncos (SUV, not Sport) that could increase injury risk in an accident, according to Austin American-Statesman.
Does Bronco Sport have an anti-theft system?
2025 Ford Bronco Sport® Safety Technologies
911 Assist® Perimeter Alarm. Personal Safety System® SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS)
How do I know if my Ford is in anti-theft mode?
You can usually find this feature listed in your vehicle's specifications or by noticing the anti-theft indicator on the dashboard.
What years to avoid for Ford Bronco Sport?
The new Ford Bronco was plagued with recalls, complaints, and quality issues when it returned, so we'd steer clear of 2021 and 2022 model years. CarComplaints.com even calls 2022 the worst model year, due to engine problems.
