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What is the recall on the Ford Bronco transmission?

The recall landscape for the Ford Bronco's transmission has been relatively limited but real. A small number of official recalls have addressed transmission issues on some 2021-2024 Bronco and Bronco Sport models. The exact vehicles affected depend on VIN. Owners should verify recall status through official channels and act quickly if a recall is in place.


What has prompted these recalls


Public recall notices have highlighted several transmission-related risks. The issues most commonly cited involve the transmission shifting unexpectedly or failing to stay in the selected gear, potential leaks near the transmission that could pose a fire risk, and problems with the transmission park/selector interlock. These problems can affect vehicle control and safety if not corrected.



  • Unintended gear engagement or shifting when not commanded by the driver, which can cause loss of control or unexpected vehicle movement.

  • Transmission fluid leaks near cooling lines or the transmission, which can create a fire risk or engine damage.

  • Failure of the park/neutral interlock, potentially allowing the vehicle to roll or preventing the transmission from fully staying in Park.


Remedies in recall notices typically involve a repair to the shifter assembly or control software, updates to transmission calibration, replacement of seals or lines, and, in rare cases, component replacement. All work is performed at no cost to the owner.


Model years and affected vehicles


Recall campaigns for Broncos have targeted vehicles from the model years since the model’s revival. Exact model years and which VINs are affected vary by campaign, region, and recall number. If you own a Ford Bronco or Bronco Sport, your safest step is to check your VIN against recall listings.



  • Check which Bronco years are included in recalls by reviewing official notices on NHTSA's website and Ford's recall pages.

  • Find out if your specific vehicle is included by entering your 17-digit VIN on NHTSA's VIN lookup or Ford's owner portal.

  • Prepare for a possible service appointment in case a recall is listed for your vehicle.


Conclusion: Since recall specifics are VIN-dependent, owners should verify status for their exact vehicle rather than relying on general model-year information.


How to check recall status for your Bronco


To determine whether your Bronco is affected, use these official resources and steps:



  • Visit the NHTSA recall lookup (vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/). Enter your 17-digit VIN to see active recalls and safety campaigns.

  • Log in to Ford's owner portal or contact the Ford customer service line to check recall status by VIN.

  • Schedule a dealer appointment for a free inspection and repair if a recall is listed.


Conclusion: Owners should not drive a Bronco with a known transmission recall issue until it has been repaired. The remedy is provided at no charge by Ford or the dealer.


Ford and safety authorities: what you should know


Manufacturers and safety agencies emphasize that recalls are mandatory fix-for-free campaigns. If you receive a recall notice, arrange service promptly. Ford has published guidance urging owners to seek service and to avoid driving if the problem could cause a sudden loss of control until a repair is performed.


What to expect from the recall repair


When a recall affects the Bronco's transmission, the repair typically involves one or more of the following, performed at no cost to the owner:



  • Software updates to transmission control modules or shift-by-wire software.

  • Replacement of the shifter assembly or related linkage components.

  • Replacement of seals, hoses, or lines that may leak transmission fluid.

  • Inspection and possible replacement of affected cooling or lubrication components.


Conclusion: The recall process aims to restore normal operation and eliminate safety risks, with Ford covering parts and labor under the recall remedy.


Summary of the situation


Recall activity related to the Ford Bronco’s transmission has been limited but meaningful for affected owners. The most reliable way to know if your vehicle is included is to check VIN-based recall listings through NHTSA and Ford. If a recall is active, Ford will perform the necessary repairs at no cost to you, so owners are urged to verify status promptly and schedule service when required.

What models are being recalled for the Ford Bronco?


Recent Ford Bronco recall issues include an instrument panel failure, potential loss of power brake assist, incorrect Tire and Loading Information labels, and a steering gear issue. Some 2021-2022 models with specific engines also had recalls for intake valves. Owners should check the specific recall notice for their vehicle year and model for the correct remedy.
 
Recent recalls

  • Instrument panel failure: Certain 2025-2026 Bronco and Bronco Sport models have an instrument panel that may not display at startup, leading to a recall for a software update. 
  • Loss of power brake assist: Some 2025 Ford Bronco, Lincoln Navigator, and F-150 vehicles are being recalled because the Electronic Brake Booster module may malfunction, leading to a loss of power brake assist and potentially extending stopping distance. 
  • Tire and Loading Information (TREAD) label: A recall affects 2022-2023 Broncos (among other models) where the incorrect load capacity is listed on the TREAD label, which can result in an overloaded vehicle. 
  • Steering gear: A recall was issued for 2022-2023 Broncos due to a potential steering gear issue that could cause internal damage, leading to increased steering effort or a loss of steering control. 
  • Engine intake valves: Some 2021-2022 Bronco models with 2.7L and 3.0L engines were recalled for issues with the intake valves. 
  • Rear quarter glass panel: A recall for 2023-2024 Broncos addresses improper adhesion of the rear quarter glass panel. 

How to check your recall status
  • You can visit the Ford recall website or use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to check for recalls by your vehicle's VIN. 
  • Contact a Ford or Lincoln dealership to get the specific recall information for your vehicle. 



What is the latest recall on Ford transmissions?


Ford is recalling 34,481 of its 10R80 re-manufactured automatic transmissions, which were used as service repair parts for 2017-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, because the transmission may not hold the Park position and roll away, increasing the risk of a crash or injury, according to a NHTSA report.



Does the Ford Bronco have transmission issues?


Yes, both the automatic and manual transmissions in modern Ford Broncos have been reported to have problems. The 10-speed automatic can have issues like lurching, delayed shifting, and, in some cases, a faulty parking pawl due to a recall. The seven-speed manual transmission is prone to a scraping noise in cold weather and rough shifting. 
Automatic transmission issues

  • Parking pawl: A recall was issued for some 2022-2023 models due to a potentially incorrect parking pawl, which could cause the vehicle to roll away. 
  • Rough shifting and lurching: Some drivers have reported rough shifting and lurching. 
  • Delayed engagement: Delayed engagement has also been a reported issue. 
  • Cracked transmission pan: In some instances, a cracked transmission pan can lead to fluid loss, reduced power mode, and other transmission problems. 

Manual transmission issues
  • Scraping noise: The seven-speed manual transmission can produce a scraping noise, particularly in cold weather (below 50∘F50 raised to the composed with power cap F50∘𝐹), which may lead to internal damage.
  • Rough shifting: Some reports indicate rough shifting, especially in first and second gear. 

What to consider
  • Recalls: Ford has issued recalls for some of these issues, so it is important to check for any open recalls on a specific vehicle using its VIN. 
  • Automatic vs. manual: Despite its issues, the automatic transmission is generally considered a better choice than the manual, according to some sources. 
  • Model year: The frequency of issues can vary by model year, so researching specific years is recommended. 



How do I know if my transmission has been recalled?


The National Highway Transportation Administration has an individual vehicle identification number (VIN) look up tool. Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your vehicle has an open recall. Many of the vehicle manufacturers also offer tools to look up if a vehicle has a recall.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.