My 2024 Ford Bronco repeatedly loses power without warning while driving, including on highways, suddenly slowing to approximately 32 mph. It also fails to accelerate from traffic lights, leaving me stranded in traffic. Dashboard warnings include Powertrain Malfunction, Service AdvanceTrac, Check 4x4, and Pre-Collision Assist Unavailable. On September 30, 2026, at 9:43 PM, the vehicle lost power on the road, nearly causing a rear-end collision. I have videos documenting six incidents between September 30 and October 15, 2026. This dangerous problem has continued since May 2025. Briarwood Ford has attempted repairs seven times, including replacing the accelerator pedal twice and replacing or repairing the engine wiring harness. The vehicle has been out of service for over 60 days, yet the problem continues. Ford diagnostic data from October 15–16 identified codes P2138, U0401, U0403, and U0418. I no longer trust this vehicle to transport my family to chemotherapy appointments or allow my children to drive it. Sudden power loss in traffic creates a serious risk of injury or death. I request an immediate the federal safety agency safety investigation into this recurring, unresolved defect.
Ford Bronco collision warning problems
14 of the 1,443 owner complaints about the Ford Bronco describe false forward collision warnings, most of them for the 2021 model year.
- owner complaints
- 14
- worst model year
- 2021
By model year
- 20253
- 20243
- 20232
- 20223
- 20213
Often reported together
Loss of power 3Adaptive cruise 2Won't shift 1Start-stop 1Spongy pedal 1Phantom braking 1Door locks 1Brake failure 1
Trouble codes mentioned
U0418 1U0403 1U0401 1P2138 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power, and the Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
The Pre-Collision Assist false-triggers on turns daily, flashing the red collision warning and actively applying autonomous emergency braking without any obstruction present. This phantom braking is a severe safety hazard. The vehicle has been serviced before for this issue - and is going back to the shop next week (for the same issue).
Truck began scrolling warnings that pre-collision braking, hill start assist, forward collision, adaptive cruise control, and more were all not working. Alerts came out of no where while driving on highway and continued every 30 min to hour of drive time. Cruise control was disabled with this failure. Diagnosed with faulty steering-rack. This has been recalled on other 2022 Ford Broncos, but for some reason our was not included in this recall. This lot was clearly impacted as well. The truck is used for daily driving, does not go off-roading and was not involved in any collision or incident that triggered this, simply driving down the highway. Please let Ford know to expand the recall, our car is not safe to drive and is not inoperable unless we pay for the repair or the recall is expanded. Thank you for your assistance!
Sunday April 19 2026, in a drive thru while stopped, the following alerts popped up with their corresponding dash lights: Check Brake System Park Brake limited service function Pre-collision assist not available Service Advance Track Brake pedal lost vacuum / pressure and became hard. Brake would not engage and needed to use electric park brake to stop vehicle. Got out of the drive thru and into an empty parking lot. I tried accelerating and then stopping but vehicle would not stop while pressing the brake. Used e brake again to stop. I turned vehicle off and back on. All errors did not pop up again and there were no lights on the dash. While driving home less then a mile from original incident location, the same errors and brake failure occurred while going 30+ miles per hour. Same issue with a hard brake pedal occurred. This time, if brake pedal was depressed far enough, the e brake would engage but only the rear wheels would lock up and vehicle would skid/slide in order to slow down. I have video recordings of these incidents. Brake system failed as vehicle lost ability to brake at low and high speeds. The loss of brakes could result in a car crash and deaths. The vehicle has been towed to a ford dealer and they are in possession of the vehicle. They are currently investigating the issue. The vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer or authority agency. There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to the brake system failing. The brakes worked normally and then suddenly failed.
My vehicle has both cracked and leaking rear shocks as well as issues with the rearview camera and infotainment system. I have gone through two Ford Dealerships to remedy this issue and was told parts are on back order. I attempted to remedy this issue when I first received notification that parts were available in August 2025. When I drive, I can feel the suspension is not providing support and continued use will cause other issues with the vehicle that may not be covered under warranty or the recall. My vehicle will also trigger the collision avoidance feature when there is physical trigger. This has caused my brakes to lock up in traffic.
While driving and completely randomly, multiple critical errors appear on the display, and vehicle goes into limp mode. The errors is play in order as follows: 4x4 Off -Service Vehicle Soon -Service advance Trac -Check 4x4 -Pre-collision assist not available -Service advance track After the errors appear, the vehicle goes into limp mode, no longer being responsive to the accelerator pedal. After putting the vehicle in park and turning it off, then restarting, the vehicle works with no errors. After 5 or so minutes this happens again. It has occured multiple times while driving, placing me in dangerous situation, because once in limp mode, I'm unable to accelerate to the side of the road. By vehicle has been at a Ford dealership for over 8 weeks now. The dealership is able to reproduce this issue. They have done some exploratory repairs by replacing the pedal assembly and throttle body but the problem remains. They're unable to diagnose what is causing the issue. Instead they are denying warranty claims and are replacing the ECM and engine wiring harness at my expense. While this most certainly repair this unknown electrical problem and will get my vehicle safely working, this critical issue will remain under diagnosed.
On June 13, 2025 my 2022 Ford Bronco and was involved in a serious collision in which the airbags did not deploy, the emergency braking and forward collision warning did not activate either. The second vehicle was t-boned at an estimated speed at the point of impact was 45mph. Both vehicles were a total loss. The Bronco suffered a bent frame and the passenger door would not open. The repair estimate was in excess of $36,000. I have reported the concern to Ford Motor Company under case number CXH-04933824-C1C3G9. At the time of the accident, there were no open recalls, warnings or notifications affecting the airbags or other safety systems. The vehicle was as-delivered by Ford from the factory with all regular service conducted by the local Ford dealership.
I have a new issue with my Bronco. While it drives well most of the time, I now regularly encounter a problem where multiple error messages pop up on the screen (sequentially) while I am driving, causing the vehicle to effectively, stop responding. The engine remains on, and I don't lose power to the brakes or steering, but the car won't react when I press the gas pedal. It seems like it's some critical failure safety measure, though feels critically unsafe when it occurs. When surrounded by other vehicles, at speed, I am forced to coast to a stop (with a prayer). Usually, when I put it in park, turn off the vehicle, and get out, it will reset all of the errors and work again. This situation is quite dangerous, especially when I'm around other cars. I contacted Ford, but they fit me in for two weeks. Here are the error codes that appear in order: -4x4 Off -Service Vehicle Soon -Service advance Trac -Check 4x4 -Pre-collision assist not available -Service advance track
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Pre-Collision System Fault Detected" message was displayed. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that later while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Powertrain Fault Detected - Reduced Power”, “Service Engine Soon" and "Brake Fault Detected" messages were displayed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the brake actuator. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 5,000.
Related recalls
Back over prevention: software
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Ford Bronco and 2021-2024 Ford Edge vehicles. The Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) may overheat and shutdown, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended.
- Risk
- A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- The APIM software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S09. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on March 5, 2026.
Recall number 26V124000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYNC infotainment screens that were previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V165. The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealer will update the SYNC module software ,free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 28, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C72. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on beginning January 30, 2026.
Recall number 25V888000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco vehicles. The 360-degree view camera may not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
- Risk
- Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S48. This recall expands previous recall number 23V‑598.
Recall number 25V273000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: software
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
- Risk
- A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.
Recall number 25V315000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYNC infotainment screens that were repaired incorrectly under recall 22V‑825. The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update SYNC module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C14.
Recall number 25V312000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator, 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator, 2022-2023 Ford Transit, and 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles. The rearview camera, or 360-degree view camera if equipped, may not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
- Risk
- Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the rearview camera, and update the software and wiring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023 to Lincoln owners. Ford vehicle owners notification letters were mailed March 4, 2024. Ford remedy parts are anticipated 2nd Quarter 2024. Ford's number for this recall is 23S48.
Recall number 23V598000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYNC infotainment screens that were previously remedied under recall 22V‑825. The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- The SYNC module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C05.
Recall number 23V165000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with rearview camera systems and 8-inch screen displays. The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- The SYNC module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 25, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C27.
Recall number 22V825000 · Recall details
Forward collision avoidance: sensing system: radar
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.
- Risk
- A misaligned radar module may prevent the vehicle from maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles when adaptive cruise control is active. In addition, the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system may react slowly, or not react at all, during a pre-collision assist braking event. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will adjust the angle of the cruise control radar module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S52.
Recall number 21V982000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ford Bronco collision warning
Which Ford Bronco years have false forward collision warnings problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2021 (3 complaints), 2022 (3 complaints) and 2024 (3 complaints).
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