I am filing this complaint regarding the complete transmission failure of a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport at approximately 94,140 miles on [XXX]. Prior to the failure, the vehicle owner experienced mechanical problems and contacted Banner Ford on [XXX], regarding these concerns and an outstanding manufacturer recall. Banner Ford advised that diagnostic testing was necessary and scheduled an appointment for [XXX]. However, because this vehicle was the owner's only means of transportation and the dealership did not provide a requested loaner, she was unable to attend the appointment. Just four days later, on [XXX], the transmission completely failed. The owner also sought assistance from Kirk Brothers Ford in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and incurred two separate towing expenses during the process of obtaining service. Following the failure, Ford representatives advised that the dealership discovered metal shavings associated with the transmission damage. Ford subsequently denied warranty coverage and financial assistance, citing the metal shavings. However, Ford has not provided a detailed technical explanation identifying the underlying cause of the transmission failure or whether it resulted from an internal mechanical defect. Additionally, the vehicle had an outstanding PCM software recall. Despite repeated inquiries, we have not received documentation explaining whether the recall condition was evaluated as a possible contributing factor. I am concerned about the potential safety risks associated with premature transmission failure, including possible loss of propulsion or acceleration while driving. I have also identified other publicly reported Ford Bronco Sport transmission failures occurring before 100,000 miles. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate whether these failures indicate a recurring transmission defect affecting 2023 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles, review relevant manufacturer technical service bulletins. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2023 Ford Bronco Sport: complete transmission failure
5 of the 163 complaints about the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport describe complete transmission failure.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- recalls
- 1
Complete transmission failure by model year
What owners say
This vehicle has been in multiple times for major repairs and is currently in for transmission replacement and coolant replacements. Both of these have already had parts replaced. The recall on my car has been on it for a year and has yet to be addressed. I was told that my car started smoking while in ford possession and attempting repairs. When I questioned the recall I was told it wasn’t a big deal and that it was just a system thing and not a danger. This does not seem to be the case. The vehicle has had issues since 15000 miles and has been repaired 4 times but officially broke down at 96000 miles in less than 3 years.
2023 Bronco Sport had its serpentine belt replaced in February of 2026 because it was loose causing my engine to overheat. I had to have it towed because I was sitting on the side of the road. Then in April of 2026 the Bronco started making horrible loud clanging sounds and jerking when it was put in gear. Towed again to the shop. Now I am told this 3 year old car needs a new transmission. Doing research i have found that several Bronco owners have the same problem. Why does Ford not have a recall for this!! My mechanic was looking for a rebuilt one and can't find one because the demand for them is higher than what the supply is. This should tell you something!!
I purchased the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport brand new, since then there have been at least 3-4 recalls on it. The catalytic converter had to be replaced and now the transmission needs to be replaced. This vehicle, Ford Bronco Sport, has had issues that i feel Ford has been negligent in addressing through recalls. The vehicle has been in a Ford garage for 3+ months waiting on repairs to the transmission. Research has shown that there are lawsuits about these transmissions that Ford is not addressing. They sold me a lemon and refuse to make it right. The most recent recall being the fuel injector. Multiple recalls, faulty transmission, faulty catalytic converter, whats next? Something needs to be done about this.
corporate policy complaint. However, a Riata tech did also contribute to the issue. My 23 Bronco sport was manufactured with a transmission problem. I called once, was told it was just the computer still learning. Then at 10,000 miles there was a recall that required bringing the car in, I asked them to check the transmission and they told me the recall computer issue was probably at fault, didn't check the transmission, said it should be fine now. (They had been hacked recently, But their poor cyber security is not my fault.) At 20,000 miles, I brought it in again for routine maintenance. They finally checked the transmission and saw it had major damage. They repaired it for free under warranty. However 20,000 miles of running with contaminated transmission fluid and damaged parts gave me huge concerns about undue wear to the other parts in the transmission and it's long term lifespan. I asked for a full transmission replacement and was told that corporate would never approve it. So I called their customer service department and the customer service department said that they will not extend warranties and that it was Riatas decision not to replace the transmission (from what I understand that was blatantly untrue, it's corporate policy). So now my options are lemon law it (but the car doesn't really qualify for that and they strung me along for 20k miles when lemon law only is valid to 24k miles), or sue ford (yeah like I have the time or energy or resources for that). They refused to escalate to anyone internal who can make decisions, refused to send me a written denial of escalation, refused to do anything but gaslight me (This is customer service, not Riata).
Service bulletins that may apply
- Lack of air conditioning (A/C) cooling while at a stop and idling in ambient temperatures of 100°F (38°C)...
- This bulletin supersedes 26-2194
- Shudder condition, most noticeable at speeds below 60 mph (100 km/h), with no relevant diagnostic trouble...
- This bulletin supersedes 25-2627
- Illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P130D stored in...
- This article supersedes TSB 25-2567 Reason for update: update the model years Some of the vehicles listed...
- This article supersedes TSB 25-2552 to update the Parts List Some of the vehicles listed in the Model...
- Illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P130D stored in...
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V‑267. The body and power train control modules may fail to detect a change in the 12-volt battery state of charge.
- Risk
- An undetected low battery charge can result in a loss of electrical accessories such as hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will recalibrate the body control module and power train control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 23, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S26.
Recall number 25V158000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport transmission failure
Is complete transmission failure a common problem on the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport?
5 of 163 owner complaints about the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport (3%) mention complete transmission failure. The model year with the most reports is 2021.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport?
There is 1 recall and 21 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport
Fuel smell 13Check engine light 12Stalling 9Loss of power 8Fire or smoke 6Jerking 6
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