2021 Ford Bronco Sport: transmission slipping

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 Sep 28, 2026 · Transmission · IN

At around 75,000 miles, we noticed a small, occasional transmission shudder. We were told that these vehicles feel like that sometimes. We brought it up again around 100,000 miles. We were told we needed to change the purge valve assembly. We did. It did not help. We took the vehicle to a transmission shop and were told that the torque converter was slipping, and that the transmission needed rebuilt or replaced. We took it back to Ford to confirm. They quoted us for a rebuild. I have seen many other people online with the same issue. Some happening, luckily (I suppose), while still under warranty. These transmissions are failing and no one is doing anything. I now have a transmission repair on a vehicle with only 120,000 miles on it that is going to cost me almost as much as the vehicle is worth. This could be a safety issue if the transmission were to fail in Chicago traffic, or when merging into traffic.

Filed Sep 23, 2025 · Transmission · AL

The Vehicle was serviced as normal, everything came back in good shape. A few days later the transmission began to slip. The vehicle was taken back to the dealership where I was told that the Torque Converter was broken and the vehicle would require a full transmission replacement costing a total of $8K. The vehicle currently has 102,357 Miles on it.

Filed Apr 9, 2025 · AR

Transmission slipping, needing completely rebuilt or whole new transmission

Filed Mar 14, 2025 · Transmission · OK

Clutch A within the automatic transmission failed as well as the water pump casing had a crack in a known weakness at just under 79,000 miles. The water pump has a noticeable leak from a crack in the cast made. The dealership said this is not the first Bronco Sport with the issue and that it is fairly common since Ford has put out a TSB on the issue. The transmission has slipping from clutch A between first and second gear when accelerating under normal conditions. The technician noted it in there report and recommended a transmission replacement and an oil flush. The symptoms are a sudden shift to neutral with a run away engine rev or you can have hard shifting from first to second gear that can also result with a sudden loss of power until the clutch finally engages second gear.

Filed Oct 5, 2024 · Transmission · IL

My transmission is slipping and the vehicle is sputtering at take off. There is a burning smell from the engine of my Bronco Sport. I have seen recall issues on other 2021 Ford Bronco Sports but my VIN is not included. It says that Ford issued for 2021-2024 Bronco Sport for transmission issues. Stating that the transmission park system may have been damaged during assembly. Dealer is saying I need new torque and valve body. Other Bronco Sport customers are also reporting the same issue on Bronco Forum. This vehicle is needed for transportation to and from work for my son.

Filed Sep 6, 2024 · Engine, Steering · NC

In 2021 i purchased a brand new Bronco Sport Big Bend with the hopes that it will last as long as the previous Bronco models. Unfortunately, 3 years later i took the vehicle to a Ford dealership, and to my surprise the transmission needs to be replaced. Being a vehicle that is regularly driven by my pregnant wife is an issue that Ford needs to be accountable for. There were no engine lights on, the only warning was a noise i noticed when driving the vehicle myself in the highway. I understand that transmission failed throughout the course of the years, but to a 3 year old Ford Bronco Sport is just ridiculous and not safe at all. The vehicle is currently at the dealership, Ford has agreed to pay 5k towards the replacement but i still have to come up with more than 7k to get it fix. If i knew i would be having Transmission issues so early in the life of the vehicle, i wouldn't have purchased a new car in the first place. This is definitely a safety hazard and i am sure this is not the only Bronco Sport with a torque converter being faulty, causing the transmission to slip.

Filed Aug 2, 2024 · Transmission · MI

Due to a defective original design, the vent hose for the read differential unit collects environmental contaminates and causes chatter and slipping in the differential. This can cause degredation of the gears which limits the ability to drive and control the car. See TSB 24-2185