Why are Ford Bronco Sports being recalled?
Recall campaigns for Ford Bronco Sport are prompted by safety defects identified by Ford and regulators, requiring free repairs for affected vehicles. The specifics vary by model year and VIN.
What triggers recalls for the Bronco Sport
Automakers and safety regulators monitor vehicle performance data and defect reports. A recall is issued when a defect or noncompliance could affect occupant safety or the vehicle’s proper functioning. For the Bronco Sport, recalls have covered several systems, and the exact issues depend on year, production batch, and market.
- Fuel system leaks or components that could fail and pose a fire risk.
- Airbag systems, seat belts, or other occupant-protection components with the potential to fail or not deploy as designed.
- Electrical or software problems that could affect braking, stability control, or instrument cluster behavior.
- Steering, suspension, or drivetrain hardware that could influence handling or control of the vehicle.
- Hardware such as latches, hinges, or mounting brackets that could detach or become loose over time.
In all cases, the remedy is provided at no charge to the owner, and affected vehicles remain eligible for repair until the defect is corrected.
How to check if your Bronco Sport is affected
To protect yourself and others, verify recall status for your exact vehicle using the vehicle identification number (VIN). A VIN-based check ensures you see only recalls applicable to your car.
- Find your VIN. It’s on the lower-left corner of the windshield, the driver’s door jamb, or on your vehicle registration documents.
- Visit the official recall lookup sites, such as the NHTSA database or Ford’s recall page.
- Enter the VIN to search for active recalls and campaigns.
- Review the list of open recalls, including the issue, recall number, and remedy timeline.
- If a recall is listed, contact your Ford dealer to schedule the free repair as soon as possible.
Notes: The timing and availability of recalls can vary by country. Some campaigns may require temporary steps or a remedy before a full fix is available. Always rely on official notices for precise instructions.
Actions for owners with a recall notice
Once a recall affects your Bronco Sport, take these steps to ensure a prompt remedy and to minimize risk.
- Do not delay; contact the dealer immediately after receiving a recall notice or when you see the VIN search results.
- Schedule the service at an authorized Ford dealer at your earliest convenience. The manufacturer covers repair costs.
- Bring all relevant documentation to the appointment (VIN, recall notice, prior service records).
- Ask the dealer for a written summary of the repair plan and estimated repair duration.
- After the repair, keep the confirmation and check that the remedy has addressed the issue in follow-up testing or recall status updates.
Dealers are typically able to perform the repair quickly, and in many cases, the remedy can be completed in a single visit.
Summary
Ford Bronco Sport recalls reflect ongoing safety oversight across SUVs in the market. Recalls address issues ranging from fuel systems and restraints to electrical/software and hardware components. Owners should check their VIN against official databases and contact a Ford dealer to arrange free repairs. For the most current information, consult the NHTSA recall database and Ford’s official recall pages.
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.
What are the recalls on the Bronco Sport?
Ford has issued recalls for the Bronco Sport concerning an instrument panel failure on 2025-2026 models and a fuel pump control module issue on some 2022 vehicles. Additionally, previous recalls include a cracked fuel injector risk on 2021-2024 models and a 12-volt battery defect for 2021-2024 models. Ford will fix the issues free of charge, and owners can expect to be notified by mail.
This video explains the recent Ford recall on Bronco and Bronco Sport models: 22sWPLG Local 10YouTube · Nov 20, 2025
Current recalls
- Instrument panel failure: This recall affects 2025-2026 Bronco and Bronco Sport models. The instrument panel may not display critical information, such as warning lights and speed, increasing the risk of a crash. The fix is a software update that can be performed by a dealer or through an over-the-air update.
- Fuel pump control module: This recall applies to certain 2022 Bronco Sport vehicles. A bracket on the fuel pump control module (FPCM) may not be properly secured, which can lead to FPCM failure and cause the engine to stall.
- Cracked fuel injector: This recall affects 2021–2024 Bronco Sport vehicles with 1.5-liter engines. A cracked fuel injector could cause a fuel leak under the hood, leading to a fire risk. A new remedy is under development to replace previous recalls for this issue.
- 12-volt battery issue: This recall covers 2021–2024 Bronco Sport models. A manufacturing defect can cause the 12-volt battery to degrade suddenly, leading to a loss of power while driving, which can result in the vehicle not restarting and a loss of electrical power. The fix is a free software update for the Body Control Module and Powertrain Control Module to improve battery performance detection.
Why are there so many recalls on Ford Bronco Sport?
WASHINGTON (AP) — Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than 200,000 Bronco and Bronco Sport vehicles because an instrument panel can fail, increasing the risk of a crash. Federal auto safety regulators said that the instrument panel may not display at startup, leaving the driver without critical safety information.
What year Ford Bronco Sport to avoid?
You should avoid the 2021 and 2022 Ford Bronco Sport models due to numerous initial "first-year" issues, including a high number of recalls, engine problems, and quality control concerns like interior rattles and poor fit and finish. While later models (2023-2025) have improved, the 2021 and 2022 models are more prone to problems like those affecting the engines and fuel systems.
2021 and 2022 Ford Bronco Sport
- Numerous recalls: Both model years had a high number of recalls for various issues, such as engine and transmission problems, fuel systems, and electrical components.
- Engine issues: The 1.5L three-cylinder engine, in particular, was linked to several complaints, including random "Eco mode" engagement and potential issues that could lead to oil leaks.
- Quality control problems: Owners reported issues with interior rattles, squeaks, and poorly fitting exterior parts.
- Other reported problems: Other owner complaints included a faulty fuel gauge, a rear caliper bushing that could cause a moaning noise, and a windshield that cracked easily.
What to consider if you are looking at a Bronco Sport
- Avoid 2021 and 2022: These early years of the Bronco Sport had a higher concentration of problems and are best avoided.
- Look for 2023-2025: Ford has addressed many of the earlier issues through recalls and improved manufacturing processes in the 2023 and 2024 model years.
- Get a factory warranty: Since many of the issues are still being resolved, getting a factory warranty can help cover potential repair costs.
- Check recalls: It is always a good idea to check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website for any open recalls before buying any used vehicle.
