2023 FORD BRONCO SPORT Electrical System Problems

I went to start my 2023 Ford Bronco badlands edition. Upon ignition a loud bang comes from the speakers. It sounded like a gun went off inside the vehicle. My ears were ringing. Then a loud crackling sound could be heard continuously without going away. I tried to shut off the volume, but the knob didn’t work. I shut down the vehicle and the sound of the crackling still persisted.

The transmission and/or shift-by-wire control system appears to have failed. While the vehicle was in motion, the system engaged “Park” and remained stuck in this position. The vehicle immediately became immobilized and could not be shifted out of Park. The vehicle remained locked in Park for 3 weeks. The failure occurred without prior warning and eliminated essential vehicle control functions. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I could not cross the border in a tow truck with a stranger- so I had it repaired in Tijuana at a Ford Service Center. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Ford service facility (Ford Surman BC – Tijuana, Baja California), where technicians confirmed a defect-related failure and performed warranty repairs to restore functionality. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? Yes. An authorized Ford dealer inspected the vehicle and conducted the warranty repair. The manufacturer has been notified of the incident. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning indicators were displayed before the incident. After the uncommanded shift into Park and immobilization, the instrument cluster displayed multiple error messages including “Park Brake Fault – Service Now” and “Pre-Collision Assist Not Available.” Additional context: The vehicle had been serviced at an authorized Ford dealership in the United States less than one month prior to the incident and had fewer than 13,000 miles Vehicle broke down at night with my children in the vehicle. I incurred costs from tow trucks and rentals to get to work the following week. Now with this new Recall and no possible repair for it, this vehicle is extremely unsafe, I have been in communication with Ford and they claim they are going to do nothing about. Please help.

On August 16, 2025 while accelerating on an on ramp to the PA turnpike my vehicle stopped acceleration which nearly caused an accident as I was trying to merge on turnpike and my vehicle stopped. A few days before my screen went black. I have had issues with this vehichle for the back up camera and the collision warning coming on when there was nothing near the vehicle (this was corrected by the dealership). I took my vehicle to the dealership on 8/25/25 concerning the black screen and loss of acceleration and was told no error code came up on the event.

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the TPMS warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after driving for a while, the TPMS warning light turned off independently. Additionally, while the vehicle was parked and running, the horn started honking unintendedly and failed to turn off. The vehicle was driven for a while, and the horn became disabled and was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, it was not officially diagnosed. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that there were no active recalls on the VIN for the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

Mileage: 62,000

Recall Action Soon Issue Since 07-18-2025 Fuel injector replacement For More Information Telematics Generated Issue Recall Action Soon Issue Since 03-14-2025 Drivers side seat buckle replacement

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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 the speedometer, TPMS, and back over prevention system malfunctioned, and the warning lights illuminated while activated on the infotainment center. The contact stated that the failures were intermittent but became constant failures. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and undisclosed repairs were performed on the sensors. The vehicle had been repaired twice. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 31,500. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 31,500

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the cold cranking amp battery installed during the vehicle assembly was incorrect and informed the contact that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V158000 (POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 43,000.

Mileage: 43,000

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled in the middle of a busy intersection. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. Additionally, while at a stop light with the Automatic Shut Off feature activated, the vehicle drove forward after releasing the brake pedal but immediately shut off. The vehicle was taken to several local dealers who were unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,000.

Mileage: 34,000

As soon vehicle is turned off a message is displayed System off to save battery And I will not be able to use any of the telematics, specifically if I try to start the vehicle from the app

Multiple intermittent occurrences of the following- Transmission: Shifts very rough 30-50mph. Excessively noisy. Far worse when weather is cold. Does not respond sometimes when pressing the accelerator. Feels as if the pedal is pushed and the car does nothing. Pulling back your foot and pressing again it goes. Noticed this trying to merge into traffic from a stop, pressing pedal to pass slower traffic at highway speeds. Have had two different Ford dealers look at the problem, neither has been able to diagnose an issue. Have an appointment with Ford dealer to evaluate again (third time) 2nd week of February due to dealer service dept schedule. Have been told to expect to leave the vehicle with them for 3-5 days for diagnosis. Have offered to take service mgr on test drive to show issue but not able to link schedules yet. Dealers have stated they cannot find an issue and have updated transmission software. Does not fix the issue. Electrical/body: Numerous problems with the following: Plugged in phone drops Apple CarPlay regularly or does not always recognize phone. (latest OS from Apple on both devices). Convenience features like seat memory, keyless entry (touch the door handle with key on you, door unlocks) intermittently not working. Rear hatch keyless entry has not worked in almost a year. Stereo system doesn't always display proper data in cluster, on radio screen. Does not always respond to steering wheel channel change button. Ford has updated software multiple times and above (except rear hatch) will work for a while then problems will start back up again. Vehicle has almost 30K miles and was purchased brand new in July 2023. Factory warranty expires at 36K and I do not want to be stuck with an extremely expensive repair if the transmission does go up after the warranty expires.

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH and attempting to overtake the vehicle ahead, the message "Charging System Needs Service" was displayed. The contact stated that during the first failure, the "Charging System Needs Service" and "Shut the Vehicle Off" messages were displayed. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond, and lost automotive power. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and transferred the contact to NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 21,000.

Mileage: 21,000

I had the recall done that was suppose to fix the battery signaling the vehicle to shut off, but after I had it done I still got the message to either turn off the accessory power or to restart the engine.

The dashboard and screen when black while I was driving down the highway. I was unable yo see my speed. I found a safe spot to pull the car over to see what was going on and the car would not start again. After jumping the car it still would not start then it had to be towed to ford where they still can’t figure out was wrong.

In September my dad was driving my car in eco mode and the wrench light came on. I got an alert in my ford app that there was a transmission problem and lack of power issue. My dad and husband were in CO at the time with my car. They took it to a dealership and the light had gone off they said it was pulling turbo codes. They drove it back to AR and I took it in the shop and they said nothing was wrong and couldn’t find an issue. I did have the recall for loss of power fixed in May. When the light came on in the car in September there was a noticeable loss of power. I requested the redo the recall but they declined. I have not had a light come back on since then.

I was able to start my vehicle in my driveway, without the key. Unknown to me at the time, the key was in fact in my house, in my bedroom, not in my purse, or on my body. But I was able to drive 15 miles without that key. Fortunately the automatic start/stop was engaged, if it hadn't been I could've been stranded at an intersection or worse, had an accident stalled at an intersection. Once the car was turned off it would not restart, it said "no key detected". I was left stranded in someone's driveway until my son drove to my home to retrieve the key. This should never happen, the car should never have been able to start with the key inside my house.

The alarm was going off when I opened the lift gate to put bags in. The alarm would not turn off so I opened driver’s door and stepped on brake and started the car. Alarm went off but car suddenly went into reverse and catapulted me out of the car. Driver four was open and I got pinned under the care while it continued to Move in reverse. The vehicle ran over my left lower leg both knees and R thigh. It kept moving about 35-40’ in reverse. My brother was there and he tried to stop the care but was also knocked down by driver four and his R foot was run over.

The display for all the support systems does not boot up properly. This means I cannot access any of the advanced systems, the radio, or any of the other related systems. This is the display in the center console/dashboard. It is not know if other systems are impacted without this display because you cannot see any of the system messages that normally appear on the screen. The camera stays on because the computer does not override.

Bought this car new only 10 months ago, and have had to take it in constantly. 1. Within a few weeks after purchase, the bolts came flying off the wheels while driving on the freeway causing the wheels to nearly fly off! 2. Multiple recalls for the computer system, took it in at least 3 different times, screen was blacking out and electronics went down. 3. Tail lights went completely out. 4. 3 weeks ago while driving, the Bronco completely died in the middle of a heavy traffic intersection. All doors locked me in, had to manually push vehicle to the side and call for a tow. Towed it to Ford dealer, they said the fuel system went out, they’ve had it for 3 weeks and still don’t know what’s wrong with it!! I went to see the Gen Mgr, 2 employees there said I bought a lemon. GM said if I have a lemon then the whole fleets are lemons. This is a $43,000 car and I should not be having issue upon issue continually. I want them to replace my vehicle or give me a full refund! Very dangerous to drive a car that has severe safety issues!

Radio screen goes black often sometimes going black and the radio still plays. Sometimes the screen goes completely out or is stuck on one screen and it will not reset even after turning car off and back on again

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport.The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the four-wheel drive engaged and disengaged independently. The contact stated she heard a loud clanking noise coming from the front tires as the four-wheel drive warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull the vehicle over and noticed smoke and a small fire coming from the front of the hood. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with some water from her water bottle. The fire department or local police department was not contacted. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and the following day to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V267000 (Electrical System, Power Train) 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Mileage: 25,000

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, the contact became aware that the vehicle was not fully charged as intended. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed but no failure was found. The contact was advised by the technician to allow the vehicle to fully charge, for the vehicle to operate as intended. The contact attempted to charge the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact sought a second opinion and was advised that the failure was a recurring failure with similar vehicles. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 4,100.

Mileage: 4,100

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

Mileage: 25,000

When the vehicle turns on there are times when the screen just remains all black, only time it changes is when the reverse camera is activated. When the vehicle is in Drive the screen doesn’t turn on. Also Bluetooth constantly disconnects all devices once the vehicle is turned off.

After having an Oil Change / Simple first time service, my Radio Screen Resets EVERY time you turn the car off. Most recently though, I was driving for about 3 miles or so, and the Reverse Camera Froze on the screen, nothing would clear it. The Radio / Power button did not work, no sound, no anything would work. I could not turn my car off as I was driving. I did place the car in park at a red light and still no change, camera stayed frozen / stuck on the screen, radio id stuck on panel (tiny screen behind the steering wheel). No Sound Nothing. All of these items worked until I took it to the Ford Dealership for Service. The Service Director states this isn't his people and this car is known for it's electronic issues.

The contact's wife owns a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was jumpstarted with Roadside Assistance. Additionally, the contact stated that the Auto Stop/Start feature was intermittently inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the Auto Stop/Start feature was malfunctioning due to low battery. The dealer recharged the battery; however, the failure recurred while driving the same day. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V267000 (Electrical System, Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 1,800.

Mileage: 1,800

Vehicle stopped running without any warnings. Lost power, power steering and I don't know what else.

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the display unit, including the back-over prevention camera and speedometer malfunctioned, and displayed a solid black screen creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,000.

Mileage: 8,000

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact was informed by his wife that when the start button was depressed, there was a loud boom coming from the vehicle. There was an odor of smoke coming into the cabin of the vehicle, but there was no smoke present. There was also a sizzling sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case regarding the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 6,030.

Mileage: 6,030

I was in a accident where I was not at fault. I had my car 3 weeks. Brand new, it took on right under 20k in damage. Both airbags deployed. They have had my car in the body shop for 7 months. I paid 34k for the car. They won't offer depreciation. They are making me pay a 7k rental bill. The person who is fixing my car has never worked on a bronco. So I am I'm a situation and I really need some help please. I don't feel my car will be safe to drive after all this

This is the first episode of this event. I have been driving the vehicle for 17,000 miles. It was raining outside. When I pressed the button to start the ignition a horrifically loud screeching noise that terminated in what sounded like an explosion seemed to come from the passenger side if the vehicle. It last only a few seconds but it created a piercing sensation in my ears and left my ear was ringing for 10 minutes. I had to check my right ear for bleeding. Two hours later, my ear is still warm internally and aching. After the explosion, none of the audio worked on the vehicle. I tried the radio, the phone audio, the maps, and a voice phone call. I turned the car off and then on again. Still no sound. I drove for 30 minutes, waited an hour, then restarted the car and the audio returned. Prior to this, I have had daily issues with the sound mildly increasing and decreasing Independent of the road noise. I am now very fearful that this noise will happen again. If it had happened while I was driving the pain was intense enough to make me have an accident. I am concerned for hearing damage. Since it just happened and it is after hours, I have not taken it to the dealer yet. There were no warning lights or alarms before this happened,

Ford Sonic Boom: When starting the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport there was a loud bang/crack sound like an enormous piece of hail fell on the car and the windows were cracking. The car started crackling loudly through the speaker system for about 15 minutes. Car was turned off and everybody exited the vehicle and the crackling continued. Read online that this has happened to other 2023 Ford Broncos and also to the Ford F-150. They have done a software update to hopefully fix the F-150, but they have yet to do one for the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. This can occur while starting the car or while in the middle of driving. Many have reported having to pull over as driving is impossible with the loud crackling sound coming through the speakers. The sound is so loud it can cause drivers to swerve leading to an accident and injury. Took 2023 Ford Bronco Sport to dealership and was told nothing could be done since the fix was for the Ford F-150 not the Ford Bronco. This issue also hits at random and a cause of timing has not be discovered. They could not replicate the sound at the Ford service center. No code showed on the screen so they said nothing could be done. There were no warnings that the sound was going to occur. At first we thought the airbags went off in the compartments or something had blown up outside. I have heard this occurred while people were driving and luckily I was stopped. I am very concerned if this were to happen while driving as the sound is very shocking. I have also been told if this occurred once then it will happen again.