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2023 Ford Bronco Sport: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport has 14 recalls on file with NHTSA[1], including fuel injector leaks that raise the risk of a fire[2]. Owners have also filed 160 complaints[3].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 160 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Bronco Sport[3]. Nine mention a crash, six a fire and nine an injury. No deaths are reported[3]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one part, so the groups below overlap.
| Component group | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine[6] | 39, with 1 fire |
| Electrical system[7] | 38, with 2 fires |
| Fuel system, gasoline[8] | 31, with 2 fires |
| Fuel/propulsion system[9] | 29, with 1 fire |
| Power train[10] | 20, with 1 fire |
| Unknown or other[11] | 19, with 1 fire |
| Brakes[12] | 10, with 3 crashes |
| Visibility[13] | 6, with no crashes or fires |
Engine and electrical complaints are close in number. We also read a sample of the complaint texts for the engine, electrical and fuel groups. What follows describes that sample only, not all owners.
- Engine. In the sample we read, owners describe the car losing power or shutting off while driving, sometimes with no warning light. Others describe a failed engine or turbo, a drop in oil pressure, or a car that would not start. The median mileage at failure in engine complaints is 18,000[6].
- Electrical. Owners describe loud bangs or crackling when starting the car, audio that stops working, and screens that go black or freeze, including the rearview camera. Some describe battery, charging or starting trouble. The median mileage at failure is 25,000[7].
- Fuel. Owners describe waiting for parts for the fuel injector recall 25V467, some of them with no failure yet. Some report a fuel smell inside the car. The median mileage at failure in the gasoline fuel system group is 35,800[8]. The fuel/propulsion group has 29 complaints, with 1 fire[9].
Brakes has far fewer complaints, but 3 of its 10 mention a crash[12]. We did not read complaint texts for brakes, power train or visibility, so we cannot say what owners described there[10][12][13].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 14 recalls for the 2023 model year[1]. They are below, newest first. Several repeat or replace each other, so check your exact VIN on NHTSA.gov.
- Front control arm ball joint (26V340). Issued May 27, 2026, covering 4,653 vehicles in total, including other models[14]. The front lower ball joints may have been installed or repaired wrongly at the factory. A control arm could separate from the wheel, which can cause a loss of control and a crash. Ford tells owners not to drive the vehicle until the repair is done. Dealers will inspect the joints and repair them as needed[14].
- Engine block heater (25V685). Issued October 10, 2025 for 59,006 vehicles[15]. The heater can crack and leak coolant, then short out when plugged in, which raises the risk of a fire. Owners are told not to plug it in until the car is fixed. The repair is a new heater, or an option to swap the heater element for a plug and remove the cord. Ford expected the final remedy in September 2026[15]. We cannot confirm it is available now.
- Fuel injector leak, expanded (25V467). Issued July 11, 2025 for 694,271 vehicles with 1.5L engines[2]. A fuel injector can crack and leak fuel in the engine bay. Near hot parts, that can start a fire. As an interim repair, dealers update the engine software. The final repair replaces the high-pressure fuel rail and the injectors, and Ford expected it in July 2026[2]. This recall expands and replaces 22V859, 24V187 and 25V165. Cars already repaired under those need the new final repair too[2]. We cannot confirm the final repair is available now.
- Rearview camera software (25V442). Issued June 27, 2025 for 200,237 vehicles[16]. A software error can leave the camera image blank, or leave it on screen after you leave reverse. That can cut your view behind the car or distract you. Dealers update the software[16].
- Battery charge detection, repeat repair (25V158). Issued March 14, 2025 for 48,041 vehicles that were repaired wrongly under 24V267[17]. The body and power train control modules may miss a change in the 12-volt battery charge[17]. A low battery can shut off accessories such as hazard lights, or cut drive power. Dealers recalibrate both modules[17].
- Fuel injector leak, repeat repair (25V165). Issued March 14, 2025 for 33,576 vehicles that were repaired wrongly under 22V859 or 24V187[18]. The injector problem and fire risk are the same as above. Dealers update the powertrain control module software[18].
- 12-volt battery (25V019). Issued January 17, 2025 for 272,817 vehicles[19]. The battery can degrade and suddenly fail, which can shut off accessories including hazard lights, or cut drive power. Dealers inspect the battery and replace it if needed. Cars repaired under 24V267 need this new remedy too[19].
- Wiper motor (24V594). Issued August 9, 2024 for 86,852 vehicles[20]. The front wiper motor can stop working, which reduces visibility. Dealers inspect it and replace it as needed[20].
- Battery charge detection (24V267). Issued April 12, 2024 for 456,565 vehicles[21]. The same module issue described under 25V158 applies. Dealers recalibrate the body and power train control modules[21].
- Tires (24V223). Issued March 22, 2024 for 115 vehicles[22]. Some tires may have been built incorrectly, which can cause a loss of handling and control. Dealers inspect the tires and replace them as needed[22].
- Fuel injector leak (24V187). Issued March 8, 2024 for 42,652 vehicles with 1.5L engines[23]. Same injector crack and fire risk. Dealers added leak detection to the engine software and installed a drain tube[23].
- ABS module (23V021). Issued January 23, 2023 for 801 vehicles[24]. Valves in the anti-lock brake module may have been damaged at the factory, which can cause a leak inside the module. That can make the brake pedal travel farther than expected, or cause unexpected movement during an Auto Hold event. Dealers replace the module[24].
- Fuel injector leak, first recall (22V859). Issued November 18, 2022 for 521,746 vehicles with 1.5L engines[25]. Same injector crack and fire risk. The repair was an engine software update with leak detection plus a drain tube. It was later expanded by the recalls above[25][2].
- Parking lights (22V686). Issued September 14, 2022 for 86,050 vehicles[26]. The parking lights may flicker when the headlights come on, which fails a federal lighting standard and can reduce visibility. Dealers replace the LED driver module[26].
Fuel economy
EPA lists two versions of the Bronco Sport 4WD[4][27]. Both use regular fuel. The estimated annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.
| Engine | City / highway / combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 3-cylinder turbo, Automatic 8-spd, All-Wheel Drive[4] | 25 / 28 / 26 mpg | $2,600 |
| 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo, Automatic (S8), Part-time 4-Wheel Drive[27] | 21 / 26 / 23 mpg | $2,900 |
The 1.5L is rated 3 mpg better combined than the 2.0L[4][27].
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the 2023 Bronco Sport 4WD 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal crashes and 5 stars for side crashes[5]. Rollover is 4 stars, with a rollover risk of 17.4%[5].
Engine and size
EPA lists two engines for the 2023 model. The 1.5L 3-cylinder is rated 175 hp[28]. The 2.0L 4-cylinder is rated 235 hp[29]. The sizes below are Canadian-market specifications, so they can differ slightly from US models.
How 2023 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 709 | 16 |
| 2022 | 369 | 15 |
| 2023 | 160 | 14 |
| 2024 | 112 | 8 |
| 2025 | 39 | 7 |
| 2026 | 8 | 6 |
NHTSA counts for each Bronco Sport model year are below[1]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so we only compare years of the same model.
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 709 | 16 |
| 2022 | 369 | 15 |
| 2023 | 160 | 14 |
| 2024 | 112 | 8 |
| 2025 | 39 | 7 |
| 2026 | 8 | 6 |
The 2023 year is third highest of the six on both complaints and recalls[1].
Should you buy a used 2023 Bronco Sport?
The 2023 Bronco Sport has a long recall list, with 14 on file[1], and several involve fuel injector leaks that raise fire risk[2]. A used one can still make sense if the seller shows that every recall was done on that exact car, which you can check by VIN on NHTSA.gov[14]. Pay special attention to the final injector repair and the block heater repair, which Ford expected in July 2026 and September 2026, and confirm with a dealer that they are available[2][15]. The 5-star overall crash rating is a plus[5], and complaints are lower than for 2021 and 2022[1]. The complaint themes above come from a small sample, so treat them as examples of what owners report, not as how often problems happen[3].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most reported problems on the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport?
- By complaint count, the engine (39), electrical system (38) and gasoline fuel system (31) groups lead[6][7][8]. These are unverified owner reports.
- Does the 2023 Bronco Sport have recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 14[1], including several fuel injector recalls. Ford expected the final injector repair in July 2026[2].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2023 Bronco Sport?
- EPA rates the 1.5L at 26 mpg combined[4] and the 2.0L at 23 mpg combined[27].
- Is the 2023 Bronco Sport safe in a crash?
- NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall and 4 stars for rollover[5].
- How does 2023 compare with other Bronco Sport years?
- It has 160 complaints and 14 recalls, third highest of the six years on file for both[1].
Facts and sources
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Bronco Sport model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V467, filed July 11, 2025: Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System. NHTSA recall database
- NHTSA has 160 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport (9 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 9 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Bronco Sport 4WD, 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 28 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 39 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 18,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 38 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 25,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 31 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 35,800). NHTSA vehicle records
- 29 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 20 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 19 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 10 complaints name the brakes component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 6 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 8,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 26V340, filed May 27, 2026: Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V685, filed October 10, 2025: Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V442, filed June 27, 2025: Back Over Prevention › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V158, filed March 14, 2025: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm / Pcm / Tecm). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V165, filed March 14, 2025: Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V019, filed January 17, 2025: Electrical System › 12V / 24V / 48V Battery. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V594, filed August 9, 2024: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer › Motor. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V267, filed April 12, 2024: Electrical System › Body Control Module / Bcm. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V223, filed March 22, 2024: Tires. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V187, filed March 8, 2024: Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V021, filed January 23, 2023: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit / Module . NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V859, filed November 18, 2022: Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V686, filed September 14, 2022: Exterior Lighting › Lighting Control Module. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Bronco Sport 4WD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 26 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2023 Ford Bronco Sport with 1.5L 3-cylinder: rated 175 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2023 Ford Bronco Sport with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 235 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, BRONCO SPORT SUV 1.5L: length 173 in, width 74 in, height 71 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,457 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, BRONCO SPORT SUV 2.0L: length 173 in, width 74 in, height 71 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,713 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov