I am experiencing a fuel smell in my vehicle when I cold start it in the morning. I took it to the dealership and they could not identify the smell but claimed that if I call Ford customer service they might be able to escalate the issue. Ford customer service just said there is nothing they can do until the recall Campaign 25S76 is done but it is currently on pause even though it was issued 7/16/25 and it is currently 10/23/26. I said that these is a safety issue since Ford has identified that it can lead to the engine igniting which has happened to 8 vehicles according to Ford. They said they recommend waiting for the recall to happen despite my safety concerns on a known flaw with the vehicle. No resolution or any type of compromise provided even though I can identify the fuel smell that they say is a sign of the fuel injector issue that should be fixed under customer satisfaction program Campaign: 22N18
2022 Ford Bronco Sport: gas smell in the cabin
18 of the 371 complaints about the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport describe gas smell in the cabin.
- owner complaints
- 18
- of this car's complaints
- 5%
- typical mileage
- 58,078
- recalls
- 6
Gas smell in the cabin by model year
What owners say
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that exhaust fumes were entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the dealer had previously installed a fuel injector tube behind the front driver's side wheel. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Fuel system issues. Current recall has been since July of 2025 with NO FIX AVAILABLE. Engine light has been on and off for two months now with mobile app giving warning but there is no way to fix the issue as of now, and not since the Recall was issued almost a year ago. Bronco has not started up again on multiple occasions after getting fuel. Also has a very strong smell of fuel vapor/fuel at every deceleration or stop making it hard to breathe inside vehicle, as well hurting our chest and head to inhale inside the cabin of vehicle. Bronco is beginning to cut out while driving and/or when coming to a stop. We have a small child and are in fear of a serious malfunction or fire, and are concerned of the fumes we are constantly ingesting while driving vehicle. That on top of the risk of car cutting out at a bad time or catching on fire while driving is causing us to want to trade it in/get rid of it but we need a vehicle to get back and forth to work and get our child to school. We need something done to get a different vehicle that’s safe for our family/child. I am a disabled veteran that feels helpless with my wife and child using this vehicle every day. I’m scared for their safety more than anything else.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 58,078.
Fuel system 1. I don't know what failed because the dealership didn't do anything to repair it. It is available for inspection upon request 2. Intensely strong fuel odor at the front of the car, inside and out. Strong exhaust odor at the back of the car. It is not safe to operate a car if it smells like fuel. 3. Dealership had it for 3 weeks and said there is nothing wrong. Now they are ignoring me. I am taking it to an independent mechanic. 4. Ford said they inspected it but they didn;t because there's all kinds of issues with this car. 5. No warnings. Suspension 1. It literally howls when braking in reverse. Spring popping sound when turning corners. 2. When fuel odor or suspension is an issue, it is always a safety issue. 3. Dealership said it is normal. It is not. 4. See above. 5. No warnings Body 1. From fender flare was packed full of rocks and debris. The dealership said they won't do anything despite the little box with their check mark next to "trim". Worst dealership ever. 2. If rocks can get packed in there they can also come out, in any direction and any speed.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that there were strong exhaust fumes inside the cabin of the vehicle while idling and while driving the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that no exhaust fumes were detected. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that on every occasion while entering the vehicle, there was a fuel odor coming through the vents. The check engine warning light illuminated briefly during one occasion. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer twice and was diagnosed with a cracked coolant pump. The dealer determined that the coolant pump and the purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was fluid leaking nearby the catalytic converter; however, the mechanic was unable to take the catalytic converter apart. The mechanic also determined that the fuel injectors, the exhaust clamps and gaskets, and Oxygen sensors needed to be replaced, and the turbo charger required coolant and oil feed lines replacements. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 70,000.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated but went off independently. The contact stated that with the weather change, the heat was needed; however, the contact was concerned with the strong fuel odor inside the vehicle and stated that the odor was dangerous. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was provided with the cost for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact later received notification the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel system, Gasoline); however, parts were not yet available to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,136.
Exhaust smell inside cabin, louder than normal exhaust
There has been a strong exhaust smell in my vehicle. It is worse with the heater on. I have had to go to the doctor because the headaches and sleepiness while driving had gotten so bad. I have taken it to the dealer for them today they can’t smell It. My eyes are constantly bloodshot from the fumes. You can even smell them out side the car it’s so bad. I will not take my kids anywhere in it now.
The vehicle has strong exhaust fumes inside. It has gotten so bad people at work smell it on me. I even went to the doctor because I was trying to fall asleep while driving, I am confused when I first arrive places, my lungs feel like I am inhaling fire, I have the most painful headaches, and I am nauseous around the times I drive my car. My two girls are experiencing the same problems. But if we do not drive the Bronco on the weekends, no problems. My husband put it on the life at home and there are bolts missing from the dust shield, the ones there are loose, he had to tighten the bolts on the heads, and the convertor has “hot spots” on it. I have to drive at all times with a window down. The exhaust fumes can be smelled from outside as well. I have taken it to the dealer and was told there was no smell. I am scared at this point to drive it.
Cabin exhaust smell = leaking catalytic converter. 4 months and 5 trips for a diagnosis/solution. Car was smelling like exhaust in the cabin. Improved with air recirculation button ON. Worse in the AM, especially with remote start on cold mornings, and when stopped/parked. Told there was no smell, changed cabin filters / ac deodorizer ($200 out of pocket), “ford doesn’t have any other complaints on exhaust smell in the cabin”, “could not replicate”. After multiple forum searches/my own research, and insisting the catalytic converter was the problem, they agreed to let me leave it overnight for a cold start in the AM. Finally diagnosed with leaking catalytic converter. They replaced it and now the smell is completely gone. There was also a small rattle on acceleration, near the gas pedal, like a tiny rock in a tin can, that I assume was related because it is gone since the replacement.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the engine control software. In addition, dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel rail assembly and fuel injectors, free of charge. As an interim repair, dealers will update the engine control software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 29, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in July 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S76. This recall expands and replaces previous recall numbers 22V‑859, 24V187, and 25V165. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V‑859, 24V187, and 25V165 will need to have the new final remedy performed once it is available.
Recall number 25V467000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 22V‑859 or 24V‑187. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S21.
Recall number 25V165000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 24, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S16. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V‑859.
Recall number 24V187000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed January 9, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 1st Quarter of 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S73. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 22V‑191. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V‑191 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Recall number 22V859000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump: control/drive module
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Bronco Sport vehicles. The fuel pump control module (FPCM) bracket may not be secured to the fuel tank assembly, which can lead to FPCM failure and cause an engine stall.
- Risk
- An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 1, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S66.
Recall number 22V787000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump: control/drive module
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles. The fuel delivery module may leak inside the fuel tank, causing low fuel pressure which could result in an engine stall.
- Risk
- An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. Interim notification letters (remedy not available) were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 14, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S38.
Recall number 21V625000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport fuel smell
Is gas smell in the cabin a common problem on the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport?
18 of 371 owner complaints about the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport (5%) mention gas smell in the cabin. The model year with the most reports is 2022.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport?
There are 6 recalls and 2 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport
Stalling 26Check engine light 25Grinding brakes 22Loss of power 18Fire or smoke 16Transmission failure 15Overheating 12Won't start 12Jerking 10Collision warning 9Hesitation 6Won't shift 6Adaptive cruise 5Backup camera 5Lane assist 5Shudder 5Windshield crack 5
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