Which Bronco has engine problems?

Some Ford Bronco models have reported engine problems, particularly early 2021–2023 Broncos equipped with EcoBoost engines. Ford has issued recalls and service notices to address several of these issues.

Models and engines most associated with problems

Below is a overview of the Bronco family and the engines most commonly mentioned in reports of engine-related concerns. This covers both the standard Bronco and the smaller Bronco Sport, focusing on the powertrains most often cited by owners and in manufacturer notices.

• 2021–2023 Ford Bronco with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost Inline-4 engine


• 2021–2023 Ford Bronco with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine


• 2020–2023 Ford Bronco Sport models offering the 1.5-liter EcoBoost and the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engines

These models have been the focus of owner reports and official bulletins at various times since the Bronco’s reintroduction, with many examples performing reliably. The issues cited by owners range from oil-related leaks to rough running, rather than universal failures across all vehicles.

Common symptoms to watch for

Several engine-related concerns have surfaced in reports and service notes. Here are the signs owners have encountered most often. If you notice any of these, it may warrant a dealership inspection under a recall or service campaign or a routine diagnostic check.

• Oil leaks, particularly around the valve cover area


• Rough idle or misfire symptoms


• Reduced power or hesitations during acceleration


• Check Engine light coming on without an obvious external cause


• Unusual ticking or knocking noises from the engine

While these symptoms have been reported, they do not occur in every Bronco and often respond to dealer service, software updates, or component replacements as part of recalls or campaigns.

What Ford has done in response

Ford has issued recalls and service campaigns on affected Broncos to address engine-related concerns. The actions typically involve inspection, repair, and replacement of specific parts under warranty, along with software updates to engine control modules in some cases.

• Recall campaigns targeting engine oil leaks and valve cover sealing issues


• Service bulletins recommending diagnostic procedures for misfires and irregular engine performance


• Software updates for engine management and idle control when applicable

Owners should check for active recalls on their vehicle’s VIN and contact a Ford dealer for a formal assessment. Recalls are issued at no cost to the vehicle owner.

Practical guidance for buyers and owners

For anyone considering a Bronco purchase or managing an existing one, the following steps can help mitigate risk and ensure proper maintenance. A proactive approach can reduce the likelihood of engine problems becoming persistent issues.

• Check for open recalls and service campaigns on the specific VIN before purchase, and ask for a complete service history.


• Prioritize vehicles with documented maintenance of the engine seals, oil management, and recent updates from Ford.


• If you own a Bronco with any engine-related symptoms, schedule a timely diagnostic check at an authorized dealer.


• Maintain regular oil changes with the recommended viscosity and use the recommended oil spec, and monitor for any leaks or consumption concerns.

Being informed about the engines in your Bronco and staying current with Ford’s service campaigns can help keep engine performance reliable.

Bottom line

In summary, engine problems have been reported more frequently in early 2021–2023 Broncos with EcoBoost powertrains, especially the 2.3L and 2.7L options, as well as in some Bronco Sport variants. Ford has addressed many of these issues through recalls and service bulletins, and proper maintenance plus dealer inspections can mitigate risks for buyers and current owners.

Summary

The Bronco lineup does not uniformly suffer from engine problems, but there is a documented history of engine-related concerns in certain early 2021–2023 models equipped with EcoBoost engines. Prospective buyers should review recall status and service history, and current owners should stay vigilant for leaks, unusual noises, and diagnostic warnings, seeking dealer support as needed.

Which Bronco engines are failing?

Common Engine Problems
The Ford Bronco's engines, particularly the 2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6, have been under scrutiny due to several reported issues. One major problem involves the valve train, which has caused premature camshaft lobe wear, faulty lifters, and irregular valve timing.

What year of Ford Bronco to avoid?

You should avoid the 2021 and 2022 Ford Broncos due to numerous recalls and quality issues, especially with the hard tops. For classic Broncos, 1988 is a year to avoid because of electrical problems, and 1993 had issues with recalls, parking brakes, and transfer cases. 
This video discusses reasons to avoid buying a Ford Bronco, including recalls and quality issues: 53sMaie HavenYouTube · Apr 23, 2025
Modern Ford Broncos (2021-Present)

• 2021 and 2022: These initial model years are associated with numerous recalls and quality complaints, particularly related to the hard top, engine, and various interior and exterior fit-and-finish problems. 

Classic Ford Broncos

• 1988: This model year had a problematic electrical system. 
• 1993: This year was plagued with recalls, including fire risks, parking brake issues, and problems with the transfer case slipping out of gear. 
• 1980-1982: These models have a frame design with holes that can make it brittle and weak. 
• 1990-1996: Many Broncos from this era can experience issues with the intake manifold gasket, leading to high engine idle, especially with high mileage. 

This video discusses common problems in Ford Broncos: 59sExoticCar PlayPlaceYouTube · Jul 4, 2025
What to consider instead

• Modern Broncos: Ford has addressed many of the initial issues in later models, so a 2024 or newer might be a better choice, although 2024 and 2025 models still had recalls for issues like improper fastener installation. 
• Classic Broncos: Aim for the fifth generation (1992-1996) or later, as these models are generally more reliable and safer. 

What is the problem with the 2.3 EcoBoost Bronco?

The main problems reported for the Ford Bronco 2.3L EcoBoost engine are potential head gasket and coolant leak issues, particularly in 2023 models built during specific dates, and carbon buildup from the direct injection system. While the 2.3L is generally considered more reliable than the larger V6 EcoBoost options, some owners have also experienced turbocharger problems, such as wastegate issues or overall failure, along with other drivability complaints like misfires and overheating.
 
Engine and mechanical issues

• Head Gaskets and coolant leaks: Some 2.3L engines, particularly those from certain 2023 builds, have a defect that can cause coolant to leak into the engine oil, leading to a loss of coolant and potential engine failure. 
• Carbon buildup: As a direct-injection engine, it can develop carbon buildup on the valves, which may cause symptoms like a rough idle, misfires, or power loss. 
• Turbocharger problems: Issues like wastegate rattle or boost leaks can occur, though they are more common after high mileage. 
• Other engine issues: Some owners have reported overheating and misfires, which can be caused by faulty valves, a sticking wastegate, or other sensor malfunctions. 

Transmission issues (especially with the 7-speed manual) 

• Manual transmission problems: The 7-speed manual has been associated with scraping noises in cold weather and potential failure, especially when using crawl mode. Clutch failures have also been reported. 
• Automatic transmission problems: While less common, some 10-speed automatic transmissions have experienced catastrophic failures, and there have been reports of incorrect parking pawl installation, potentially causing rollaway incidents. 

Other issues

• Electrical system problems: Owners have reported various electrical gremlins, including infotainment system glitches, loss of power, and check engine lights. 
• Drive shaft leaks: Some owners have noted oil leaks from the drive shaft. 

Which Ford engine to stay away from?

Ford engines to avoid include the 6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke diesels, which had numerous issues like EGR cooler failures and injector problems, and the 5.4L Triton V8 known for spark plug and timing chain problems. Other engines to be cautious of are the 3.8L V6 due to head gasket failures and certain EcoBoost engines, especially early 1.0L and 1.6L models, which have faced issues like premature timing belt wear and overheating. 
You can watch this video to learn about some of the worst Ford engines ever made: 59sCar WisdomsYouTube · May 2, 2025
Engines with high failure rates 

• 6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke diesel engines: These engines (2003-2007 and 2008-2010, respectively) are notorious for expensive problems, including head gasket failures, injector issues, and turbocharger failures. 
• 5.4L Triton V8: This engine (1997-2010) is infamous for spark plugs breaking during removal and cam phaser/timing chain issues. 
• 3.8L SX V6: From 1982 to 2008, this engine had issues with weak head bolts causing head gasket failures, and early versions were prone to coolant leaks. 

This video discusses the 5.4L Triton V8 in detail: 53sSeats & WheelsYouTube · Aug 10, 2025
Problematic EcoBoost engines

• 1.0L EcoBoost (early versions): Early models used a rubber timing belt in hot engine oil, which could degrade and clog the oil pickup, leading to oil starvation and engine damage. 
• 1.6L EcoBoost: This engine has been associated with overheating and coolant leaks. 
• 3.5L EcoBoost: Problems can include carbon buildup, premature timing chain wear, and water pump failures. 
• 2.7L EcoBoost: Early models (around 2016-2017) experienced issues with defective valve guides, excessive oil consumption, and leaking plastic oil pans. 

You can watch this video for more information about EcoBoost engine issues: 1mExoticCar PlayPlaceYouTube · Nov 15, 2025