2021 Ford Bronco Sport transmission problems

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Transmission · MI

The vehicle now has 69k miles, it started experiencing transmission difficulties at 64k. Local Ford service department say that it needs a new Rear Differential AND and new transmission. This vehicle has never towed anything has a mix of city and highway driving. The local service guy said that there SHOULD be a recall on this because of all the problems they’re seeing. It has been in the shop for 3 weeks while Ford Customer Care determines what financial assistance they’ll provide.

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · AZ

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2021 Ford Bronco Sport 1.5L and Ford Motor Company's handling of recall-related repairs. Beginning October 22, 2025, I repeatedly attempted to have the applicable recall work completed through two authorized Ford dealerships. The programs involved include: • Recall 24S24 – the federal safety agency 24V267000 • Customer Satisfaction Program 22N18 – the federal safety agency ID 10233848 Despite multiple dealership visits and Multi-Point Inspections, the work was not completed until November 4, 2026. During this period, my vehicle experienced significant loss of engine power, particularly when traveling uphill and at higher elevations. Powertrain warnings also appeared, creating potentially dangerous driving conditions, especially on highways where maintaining speed is critical. The vehicle is now experiencing a failing turbocharger and other major mechanical problems. My concern is that these issues were overlooked or not properly investigated during previous dealership inspections. Had the necessary work and inspections been performed in a timely manner, these problems may have been identified before my 60,000-mile factory warranty expired. I am now facing substantial repair expenses as a result. I contacted Ford Motor Company's corporate Customer Relations department but was told they could not help. My complaint is not simply about warranty coverage or repair costs. I am concerned about the safety implications of the vehicle's loss of power, the delayed recall work, and whether the recall remedies adequately address the underlying problems. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency review the recall history, investigate the reported loss of power and engine failures, and determine whether additional safety action or investigation is warranted.

Filed Oct 30, 2026 · Transmission · PA

I purchased a new 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, Model Outerbanks. The vehicle has had regular service at a Ford Dealership. In early October 2026 the Ford Dealership ran a diagnostic on the Bronco Sport and said the Rear Differential Unit (RDU) needed replaced. The estimated cost of the repair and parts was $4,000.00. The Ford warranty on the RDU is 5 years or 60,000 miles. My warranted ran out on September 21, 2026 and my mileage when diagnosed was 64,753. Searching on the Ford Bronco Sport Internet Blog it appears the RDU issued is quite common requiring replacement on Bronco Sports with low and high mileage. It is clear that the RDU is either a bad design or poor product quality. It can be a safety issue given the Ford Dealership suggested I only drive the vehicle locally until the RDU is replaced. Ford agreed to pay about $1900.00 leaving me with an out of pocket cost of $2,062.00. I think this RDU issue is a safety problem and should warrant a recall making the Ford Motor Company fully responsible for the replacement cost of the RDU and libel for any and all injuries resulting from the parts failure.

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Fuel system, Transmission · OH

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport equipped with an 8F35 automatic transmission. While driving between 25 and 45 MPH under normal acceleration, the vehicle experienced repeated violent hesitation, jerking, and lunging 4 to 5 times in rapid succession, accompanied by rapid RPM fluctuations between 2,000 and 3,000 RPM. The condition mimics an engine misfire or momentary stall and loss of motive power during acceleration, creating an immediate safety hazard and risk of rear-end collision in active traffic. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Ford dealership (Cronin Ford North) on September 30, 2026. The dealership verified and duplicated the complaint on a road test, monitored PIDs, and officially confirmed that the torque converter clutch (TCC) was slipping. Despite confirming mechanical slip, the dealership stated in writing that there were "no relevant articles," overlooking the published Ford Special Service Message SSM 54797 for 8F35 torque converter shudder below 60 MPH. The dealership recommended replacing the torque converter and main control valve body for over $5,200. When the owner declined due to cost, the vehicle was released back into service without answering the owner's written safety inquiry regarding whether the vehicle was safe to operate with verified drivetrain slippage. Additionally, the vehicle has an open safety recall (25S76) for which Ford corporate confirmed no remedy or parts are currently available. The vehicle has not stalled completely, but the severe hesitation and surging persist under normal acceleration. The manufacturer has not provided a resolution.

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Driver assistance, Transmission · FL

Driving and check engine light came on saying abs system disabled pull over immediately This was a 4000.00 repair for the sensor that should’ve been a recall as there were 5 other broncos repaired with this same issue in the shop during my repair. I was not covered u der warranty because I was 600 miles over power train warranty when this occurred. Please review for possible ford recall.

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Transmission · OH

The Bronco Sport was put into drive and would not go like normal, it slowly picked up speed, but every shift between gears was felt. The vehicle drove fine once it hit 55mph. Vehicle was shut off and then would not engage into drive. The drive icon was flashing. The dealer was able to confirm the problem. There were zero warning messages or symptoms prior to the problem. The vehicle had been serviced two months prior and the transmission was functioning in the green according to the dealer.

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Suspension, Transmission · PA

I have a 2021 Bronco Sport 55,000 miles. I have taken my vehicle to the dealer for all maintenance, repairs and advice. My boyfriend mentioned my RPMs are bouncing and they should not. I scheduled at the dealer anticipating a sensor. I learned from the dealer my vehicle requires a new transmission, new rear and new water pump. $15,000. I also learned that in 2009 Ford changed their transmission to an enclosed transmission. This has changed their inspection of the transmission to only include checking the fluid if it has a dip stick. Since an enclosed transmission does not have a dip stick mine was never checked from the factory. I have requested Ford Goodwill assistance which has offered $6,000 toward the rebuilding of the transmission and rear. I am six months out of the time portion of the warranty and under the mileage of 60,000. I have had all of my repairs and checks done by the dealer. I never knew they were not checking the transmission fluid. They explained it saved me $40 to not check it... while it's costing me $15,000. As I check Ai it states this is common. My dealer says it's not common. I have asked for additional assistance as this is a caustrophic loss to me. Having a car 5 years old and needing such repairs is leaving me perplexed. My family has always run Ford and stated they can go 1 million miles yet mine cannot get to 56,000 miles... I actually always bought my teenagers cars around 80,000 feeling they were broke in... I am writing because I want this tracked. Ford broke my repairs into three smaller repairs which caused the Ford Customer Service to be confused as to how/why I was saying $15,000. I feel they are slanting the history by presenting as if my car is three different cars or three different time periods for repairs. Honestly I always avoided cars with replaced/rebuilt transmissions feeling the owner was harsh on the vehicle or thinking it towed or plowed. I only drove this vehicle gently and to work yet failure

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Transmission · TN

Rear differential makes grinding noise. Repaired by Ford in 10/24 but grinding has returned.

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Transmission · 97,434 miles · WY

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the contact attempted to accelerate; however, the transmission failed to shift into a higher gear. The contact stated that the RPM was high and the vehicle was restarted to continue driving. The messages "Power Train Malfunction" and "Cannot Engage in Park, Turn on Parking Brake" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the lead frame had failed and the lead frame and transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,434.

Filed Oct 6, 2026 · Transmission · IA

The rear differential went out on my Bronco Sport. Ford has issued a TSB, but has not widely promoted it. I've been told if I drive it, it could have a catastrophic failure resulting in an accident. My vehicle has been sitting at a Ford dealership for 7 weeks now and the part is not anticipated to be released to the dealership for over another month. No loaner was provided either.