2022 Ford Bronco Sport: engine overheating

Filed Jan 13, 2026 · Engine · 70,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the contact received an alert indicating that the engine was overheating, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and became aware that the coolant reservoir was empty. Upon opening the hood, there was white smoke coming from the engine, with a strong coolant odor coming from the vehicle. After adding coolant, the vehicle restarted but only drove a short distance before the coolant leaked out. The vehicle was driven to the residence, where a mobile mechanic inspected the vehicle and determined that it was not repairable and that the engine had cracked from overheating due to the loss of coolant. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Filed Dec 4, 2025 · Engine · TX

Recurring Safety Defect: Powertrain Cooling System Failure causing Engine Overheating, Coolant Intrusion, and Loss of Motive Power. The vehicle has experienced three catastrophic cooling system failures within a 9-month period, posing a crash and fire risk. Incident 1 (February 2025): Water pump failure caused significant coolant loss. Diagnosed and repaired by authorized dealer under warranty. Incident 2 (June 2025): Vehicle leaked coolant and emitted visible smoke and burning odors from the exhaust. Dealer diagnosed internal turbocharger failure resulting in coolant intrusion into the engine and exhaust system. The catalytic converter was damaged by coolant burn-off and required replacement. This failure kept the vehicle out of service for 38 days. Incident 3 (November 2025): The vehicle engine overheated again while driving, triggering the "Fail-Safe" cooling mode. This resulted in a sudden reduction of motive power (limp mode), creating a collision hazard at highway speeds. The Check Engine light illuminated. Dealer diagnosis confirmed codes P1285 (Cylinder Head Overtemperature) and P05A1 (Active Grille Shutter failure). The manufacturer's dealer has confirmed the current failure but refuses to acknowledge it as part of the recurring powertrain thermal defect. The safety risk involves sudden deceleration in traffic due to overheating protection mode and potential fire risk from repeated coolant leaks onto hot engine components. The vehicle is currently at the dealer and available for inspection.

Filed May 9, 2025 · Engine · AL

The water pump began leaking somewhere around 62,000 miles, however there were no visible signs of a leak and no maintenance warnings appeared on the dashboard. I only know there was a leak because I took my Bronco Sport into the Ford dealership to have other recalls repaired and they advised me to have the water pump replaced as it was leaking. I have researched this issue and it appears to be a very common issue with Bronco Sports of all years. This issue can put others or myself at risk because it would be very easy for the engine to run out of coolant and seize up in potentially very dangerous traffic situations. Because Ford doesn't have a way for Bronco Sport drivers to come aware of this issue unless vigilantly checking coolant levels every week, it would be very easy for the engine to overheat and stall before the driver can become aware there was even an issue.

Filed May 5, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · MA

On [XXX], the vehicle overheated during a commute, resulting in a blown radiator cap and an empty engine coolant reservoir. Coolant levels had been properly maintained up to that point. The following day, engine coolant was again low, though no visible leaks were found. On April 12, I requested warranty service but was told “services aren’t rendered on Saturdays” despite the service department being open. An appointment was scheduled for April 14 to inspect the overheating damage and address recall #25502. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) When I arrived on April 14, I was denied service due to the department being “backed up and understaffed.” I expressed concern about further driving the car in its condition, but Service Advisor Bill Crovo insisted it was safe to drive and denied my request to leave the vehicle on-site. I was also not offered a complimentary vehicle or alternative transportation. On April 17, I called to escalate the matter. The General Service Manager, Chris Gagnon, not only dismissed my concerns but stated he could refuse service on a vehicle that is clearly under active warranty coverage. This is not only unprofessional — it is illegal under Massachusetts consumer protection law. At this point, I was forced to seek help from other dealerships, one of which advised me to pressure the selling dealership to fulfill its obligation. I called back, and Mr. Gagnon assured me the issue would be handled. The vehicle was taken in on April 18, and the water pump was replaced. On April 24, I picked it up and drove just 21 miles before the engine began making an unfamiliar noise and the coolant reservoir was, once again, empty. I got the vehicle towed to a different dealership, Salem Ford in New Hampshire. The second dealership confirmed — in writing — that the first dealership skipped a critical step during the water pump replacement, directly causing the continued issue.

Filed Apr 29, 2025 · Engine · 67,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the O2 sensor warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the failure was diagnosed with a failed O2 sensor. The contact was informed that the O2 sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the O2 sensor had been ordered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil change and the contact was informed of a coolant leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was put up on the lift by the contact who is an independent mechanic. The contact performed an inspection of the vehicle and became aware that the coolant pump, catalytic convertor, and serpentine belt had failed. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failures were confirmed. The contact was informed that the catalytic convertor, coolant pump, and serpentine belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact was informed that the repairs were not covered under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

Filed Nov 17, 2024 · Transmission · NC

Water pump failure 12/14/2023. No warning lights/indications. Was noticed when checking oil/fluids at home. Ford told me to continue driving it at risk of overheating due to back ordered parts. 3 weeks before new parts arrives and was fixed

Filed Sep 4, 2024 · Transmission · CA

Water pump leak discovered at oil maintenance appointment at 25,000 miles. No service light message appeared. Water pump was replaced by dealer. Dealer notes; Degas bottle low added coolant, verified coolant leak coming from water pump weep hole. Recommend replacement of water pump. I do not understand how a two year old car already needs a water pump replacement

Filed Feb 21, 2024 · Engine · IL

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Three times this vehicle has had the water pump replaced. 2/20/2023 at 20285 miles , it was replaced with the original part HX7Z8501A, which I also had to source the part myself from another dealer, as mine told me they had no ETA and could not locate one. 9/6/2023 at 38232 miles. It was replaced with the redesigned part HX7Z8501B. 2/6/2024 at 50137 miles. It was replaced again with the redesign part HX7Z8501B. The service advisors at the dealer stated they have never had to replace one three times before mine. Ford advised me that I need to report to the federal safety agency. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car could overheat. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? D'orazio Ford in Wilmington IL has done the three repairs Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Dealer service center Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Coolant smell, low coolant, coolant sprayed in engine bay

Filed Feb 8, 2024 · Transmission · MI

Defective water pump caused coolant leak and the serp belt to deteriorate at 30,000 miles. Previous years of this vehicle have been recalled for this issue but mine was not recalled. The service department refused to fix the damage caused to my car under warranty. The water pump was replaced under warranty but I had to pay for the serp belt.

Filed Oct 13, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · 4,500 miles · MI

At approximately 2000 miles , I had vehicle fueled, engine was off. After fueling was complete, put foot on break, pushed button to start every caution light imaginable lit up on dashboard, obviously, indicating something was wrong electronically. Vehicle said it was overheating. Brake pedal was all the way to the floor, bronco was not running, never started . Service station attendant lifted hood , didn’t visibly see anything wrong after approximately 5 minutes vehicle was able to start no issues. It was maybe 60° outside, I drove 5 miles from my home. Bronco was picked up, taken in dealership, was not able to replicate. It’s a year old I have 4500 miles on it and worried about future issues while driving.

Filed Jan 23, 2023 · Engine · TX

Water pump cracks allow coolant to leak out thus overheating engine on open highway.

Filed Aug 4, 2022 · Engine · AR

Started my car and started down the driveway and all types of warnings with of about my engine overheating. Checked the antifreeze and there was none. Applied antifreeze and it drained into the engine. I had this vehicle for 2 months and it has been at the dealership since April 28,2022. was told there was a crack in the engine.