Ford Bronco Sport power steering loss problems

Filed Oct 17, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · GA

Water is entering the vehicle and dripping onto the interior floorboards, particularly when the air conditioning is running.This has caused growth of mold and rust inside the vehicle. The vehicle has developed multiple dashboard warning lights, and the turn signals and windshield wipers have stopped functioning. Most concerning, the steering wheel has locked while the vehicle was in motion, leaving me unable to steer even though the engine remained running.This created a serious and immediate safety hazard. The vehicle has since become inoperable and will no longer start. The source of the water intrusion and the underlying causes of the electrical and steering failures have not been confirmed. However, the combination of water entering the vehicle, multiple warning lights, loss of turn signals and windshield wiper operation, loss of steering control while the engine remained running, and the subsequent failure to start raises serious concerns about the vehicle’s safety and possible electrical system damage. I took the vehicle in for an inspection to determine the cause of these problems\. I was informed that diagnostic testing would cost approximately $250 per dashboard warning light, potentially exceeding $1,000 before the underlying problems could be identified. I have not received a confirmed diagnosis of the cause of these failures. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Given the loss of steering control while driving, the failure of essential safety-related components, the water intrusion, and the vehicle’s current inability to start, I am requesting a thorough investigation into the cause of these failures and whether they are related to a known vehicle defect. The vehicle should not be operated until the safety issues have been properly diagnosed and corrected.

Filed Sep 18, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · UT

Air Conditioning / Engine Cooling System / Belts and Pulleys My vehicle experienced a sudden failure of power while driving. When restarting the car as instructed by the vehicle to try and get it back home, it kept losing power. Eventually? there was a loud under-hood popping noise and visible smoke billowing from under the hood. Upon inspection by the dealership the A/C compressor locked up and broke a belt. The purge valve has failed and is leaking. This means the compressor, condenser, purge valve, and ac lines and txv valve needs to be replaced. A broken belt causes an immediate loss of power steering assist, loss of alternator charging, and rapid engine overheating. Experiencing a sudden loss of steering control at highway speeds drastically increases the risk of a severe motor vehicle crash. The vehicle has been taken to an authorized repair facility. Ford has not issued a safety recall for this defect. I would appreciate it if this issue was looked into.

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Suspension · ME

Both front lower control arm ball joints on my 2025 Bronco Sport failed prematurely at approximately 13,000 miles. Upon removal, both ball studs showed heavy corrosion and clear evidence of water intrusion past the factory boot seals. One boot's upper metal retainer was visibly deformed, allowing water into the joint. This level of corrosion should not exist on a vehicle this new and indicates a defective component or seal, not normal wear. I have retained both failed parts and have photographs documenting the condition. This is the same component covered under Ford's active do-not-drive safety recall 26S36 (the federal safety agency campaign 26V‑340) for front lower control arm ball joint defects on 2021–2026 Bronco Sport vehicles. My VIN is not included in that campaign, but I experienced failure of the identical safety-critical component. I am reporting this so the federal safety agency is aware the defect may extend beyond the current recall population. When I brought the vehicle to my local Ford dealer and requested inspection under the new vehicle warranty, the service department refused to inspect the vehicle at all, citing a 1.5-inch aftermarket leveling kit. No inspection was performed and no determination was made that the modification caused or contributed to the failure. A leveling kit does not cause water intrusion past a factory boot seal. Because the dealer refused service on a safety-critical component, I replaced both ball joints at my own expense to keep the vehicle safe to drive. I have opened a case with Ford Customer Relationship Center (case CXH-09202228-R9R8V5). No crash or injury occurred, but ball joint separation causes loss of steering control, and I believe this failure mode warrants investigation of vehicles outside the current recall scope.

Filed Aug 5, 2026 · Airbags, Seat belts · SC · crash · 1 injury

TRANSACTION FRAUD & SYSTEM BYPASS:The vehicle was purchased from an authorized franchise dealer in January 2026. Following an investigation, it was discovered that the dealership's finance desk executed a "split-paperwork" scheme to override an automated delivery compliance hold. The dealership utilized my actual 2.0L Badlands VIN on banking documents, but electronically transmitted a completely different, lower-trim 1.5L engine VIN to my insurer (USAA) to issue a clean delivery binder. This intentional data manipulation was used to knowingly bypass active safety recall alerts.SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:In March 2026, while traveling on [XXX], the front suspension suffered an unexplained, catastrophic failure, resulting in an immediate, total loss of steering control. The vehicle veered off the roadway and impacted a concrete barrier at high velocity. The mechanics of this failure exactly mirror the structural anomalies detailed in federal the federal safety agency Recall 26V340000 (Ford Recall 26S36) regarding lower control arm ball joint separation.CRITICAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE:During the high-velocity impact, the primary occupant safety restraint systems completely failed to perform. The driver’s side seatbelt failed to lock, and zero front or side airbags deployed. This total safety mechanism failure directly resulted in a severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and permanent new-onset seizures, confirmed via clinical EEG by the Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital and currently managed via Keppra 3x/day.FORENSIC EVIDENCE PRESERVATION:High-definition video evidence exists, captured 10 days prior to the crash, documenting the seatbelt retractor in a pre-existing state of mechanical failure (dangling/failing to recoil). The vehicle has undergone only minor exterior cosmetic repairs; the failed suspension components, broken seatbelt modules, and un-deployed airbag sensors remain fully intact and forensically preserved as physical evidence inside my garage for immediate federal safety ins INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATI

Filed Aug 2, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · IL

1. The Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) module and/or the front passenger-side suspension components failed, causing a complete loss of steering control and an un-commanded, continuous violent pull to the right. Yes, the vehicle and all malfunctioning components are completely intact and available for immediate inspection upon request. 2. Safety was put at extreme risk during highway speeds. The vehicle violently and continuously swerved directly toward the right-hand passenger side. There were 5 total occupants in the SUV, including my daughter-in-law and my three young grandchildren. My [XXX] granddaughter was strapped in a car seat directly next to that right passenger door, placing her in the immediate impact zone of a high-speed crash hazard. I had to physically fight the locked steering wheel with extreme physical force to prevent a catastrophic collision. 3. Not yet. The incident just occurred on XXX, and the vehicle is fundamentally unsafe to operate. It is currently parked and waiting to be transported via a professional flatbed tow truck to Murgado Ford of Chicago for a full mechanical and software diagnostic teardown. I have not yet contacted the dealership because they were unavailable on August 1 and closed on XXX 4. No. The vehicle is currently parked in a safe location in front of my home and has not yet been touched or inspected by any outside parties, police, insurance representatives, or the manufacturer. 5. No. There were absolutely no warning lamps, error messages, dashboard lights, strange noises, or any other symptoms prior to the failure. This catastrophic loss of control happened completely out of nowhere at highway speeds, and nothing like this has ever happened to this vehicle before. Crucially my lane keeping assist feature was manually turned off when this happened, meaning the vehicle overrode the settings to violently pull me to the right. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 11, 2025 · Electrical · SC

I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The vehicle developed an internal AC leak due to a clogged AC drain. This leak caused water accumulation inside the cabin, leading to extensive electrical system failure, including loss of power steering, multiple warning lights, and a dead battery. The vehicle is no longer drivable. Upon researching online, I found that numerous other owners of 2021 Bronco Sports have reported the same clogged AC drain issue resulting in internal leaks and electronic malfunctions. This appears to be a systemic design flaw and should be investigated for safety recall consideration. I am submitting this complaint for documentation and to request that the federal safety agency review the frequency and severity of this failure, especially given the risk of electrical failure while driving. Component/System Failure: The air conditioning (AC) system drain became clogged, causing water to leak inside the vehicle cabin. This leak led to corrosion, mold/mildew buildup, and multiple electrical system failures, including loss of power steering, a dead battery, and numerous dashboard warning lights. The AC system and the resulting damage are available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The electrical failures caused by the leak created a serious safety hazard. Loss of power steering and critical electrical systems while driving could cause loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of an accident. Additionally, mold growth inside the cabin poses health risks to occupants. Problem Confirmation: The issue has been confirmed by an independent service center that diagnosed the clogged AC drain as the root cause. Other 2021 Ford Bronco Sport owners have reported identical problems, indicating a widespread defect. Inspection by Others: The vehicle has been inspected by independent mechanics and the dealer service department. Ford corporate has been notified but has not acknowledged this as a recall or defect.

Filed Feb 5, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · SC

Immediately after the driver started the car, many notifications popped up on the dashboard including: cross traffic system fault, service vehicle soon, full accessory power active, hill start assist not available, service AdvanceTrac, Engine Coolant Over Temperature, and Cross Traffic System Fault. The gauge showed fuel empty and other dashboard indicators were illuminated such as engine, battery, oil, seatbelt, airbag, faulty blindspot monitoring, and traction control. Driver took pictures of these notifications and indicators for documentation. Driver turned off the car and discovered recall # 25S02 for the vehicle. Owner recognized the notification explosion from similar experience on May 5, 2024 in reference to recall # 24V267000. In May 2024, the notification system showed all of the above alerts before the vehicle shut off and lost power. At this time, the vehicle was traveling at 60 mph on the interstate. Driver was fortunately able to exit and get to a parking lot before losing steering control. Vehicle would not restart, even with a jump. The vehicle was towed to dealer, however, dealer would not honor the issued recall as it was "not yet active". The dealer replaced the battery and alternator (deemed to caused by faulty battery included in recall) at expense to the driver. Driver was not reimbursed. The manufacturer was notified for May 2024 incident and again after February 4, 2025 incident. Vehicle was towed on 2/5/25 to dealer for service. Despite the active recall, there is "no current remedy" for the problem. Driver is expected to pay all costs (i.e., tow, service parts, rental car) to HOPEFULLY be reimbursed by the manufacturer once the recall solution is released. The fact that the same issue occurred with a second recall under a year is a huge inconvenience and safety risk. Current recall states, "vehicles in this recall were previously repaired under 24V‑267 and will need to have the new remedy completed".

Filed Jan 29, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · CA

First the battery was drained and needed replaced. Then message on center navigation screen displays “System Off to Save Battery. Please turn ignition off or start engine” when entering the car before trying to start it. Then I was notified of a recall that needed to be done. The recall was for “the body control module bcm and powertrain control module pcm calibrations may be unable to detect a sudden change in the 12-VOLT battery state of charge during a drive cycle.” The safety risk of this recall was as follows: “If the bcm and pcm calibrations are unable to detect a sudden battery degradation during a drive, the vehicle may be unable to restart after an auto stopstart event or may experience a stall while coming to a stop at low speed. The vehicle may also lose 12-VOLT accessories, including hazard lights. A loss of motive power can increase the risk of a crash.” The Ford Service Center did a software update to resolve this recall. Then the car started displaying a message on the dashboard front screen “Charging System Service Soon” and the battery light would be on. I also got a notification from my Ford app saying “Charge System Fault” “Indicates that there is a 12V charging system fault”.The car was taken to the Ford Service Center immediately and they said it just needed reprogrammed. The issue seemed to be solved on the short 5 minute drive home. The next day the car displayed the same “System Off to Save Battery” message on the middle navigation screen and “ Charging System Service Soon” message on the front dashboard screen. While driving the entire front dashboard electrical system turned off right after flashing multiple messages “front camera & pre collision assist not available”, no headlights and power steering went out, This happens randomly but happens every single time the car is driven. It is no longer safe to drive at night with no lights and no way to see any displays. Ford has been contacted with no response and service center will not see it.

Filed Jun 25, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · OK

In March 0f 2024, while traveling down the highway at 65 mph, vehicle lost power suddenly, engine shut off, and loss of power steering with no warning, no check engine lights, no change in temperature to motor. Vehicle was towed to dealership in which they advised the engine was locked up and later determined the turbo had failed, likely leading to the engine failure. The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport only had 30,000 miles so it is apparent this motor and or turbo has some type of fault. Dealership did not cover under warranty as vehicle had branded title from front bumper damage that did not effect the engine.

Filed May 16, 2024 · Electrical, Lights · PA

On Monday [XXX], I was driving my vehicle home when I received the following error messages while driving: -pre collision assist not available -service advancetrac -check park aid -service vehicle soon -front camera fault service required -front camera fault service required -shift sys fault service required I was able to make it home and got my car towed to Washington Ford (Washington,PA) the next day. Ok Wednesday [XXX], I received the following message from Washington ford “ Your vehicle is done and ready to pick up. The concern was related to a reprogram of the power steering control module. --Andrea Baumgardner Washington Ford” I picked up the vehicle on Wednesday. On Thursday night, I was driving home after 12am when I received all the same above error messages that I noted as well as losing power steering and control of all my lights (headlights, turn signals, hazard lights). I had the car towed again the next day back to Washington Ford. Since then they have not been able to duplicate the problem and that there’s nothing more they can do. I was told “my vehicle is ready to pick up” but couldn’t guarantee it was safe to drive In April of 2024, Ford recalled 456,000 Ford broncos for “ because the vehicles may fail to detect a low battery charge, which could lead to a loss of engine and electrical power while driving.” Which is the exact issue I had with my vehicle two times in 3 days, however my vehicles VIN wasn’t included in that recalled. On May 13th, 2024 expanded the recall and my vehicle was included this time. I was told there was no remedy for the recall at this time and they were expecting a new update on May 29th, 2024 but in the meantime they are not offering me a rental car and told me my only option is to get a rental car myself if I feel that the car is unsafe to drive. I can not afford a rental car. So my only option ford leaves me is to drive a vehicle that they can not guarantee is safe to drive since they aren’t able to duplicate INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INF