The dominant complaint is a loud, abnormal noise from rear brakes when the vehicle is in reverse—squealing, squeaking, grinding, moaning, or foghorn-like sounds that start from early ownership (under 1,000 miles in some cases) and persist through 26,000+ miles. Owners describe it as metal rubbing or a dying whale. Ford issued TSB 22-2326 addressing this, but dealers report the replacement parts are unavailable and Ford has not finalized a permanent fix. Multiple owners were told the noise is normal; others had dealer modification attempts that made it worse. A 2021 recall for the same noise was issued, yet 2022 models with identical parts were excluded from coverage.
Beyond the noise issue, owners report sticking brake calipers causing the vehicle to lurch or creep forward when the brake is released, especially after sitting idle. Several owners cite hesitation when shifting into drive or reverse, requiring accelerator input to move. Abnormal wear at low mileage—pads and rotors needing replacement at 14,600 miles—was refused under warranty by Ford. One critical incident involved brake failure during reverse: the driver pressed the brake hard but the vehicle continued accelerating backward at 5–7 mph until it hit another car, resulting in $3,400 in damage. A separate incident involved an ABS failure message, brake unresponsiveness at highway speed, and eventual engine fire. A manual park release cable—the same part recalled on 2021 models—creates a rattle in 2022 vehicles but lacks a recall.
Failure modes owners describe
Loud squealing/squeaking/grinding noise in reverse
Rear brakes produce abnormally loud squealing, squeaking, grinding, moaning, or foghorn-like sounds when vehicle is in reverse and brake pedal is depressed. Sound often described as metal rubbing together or a dying whale. Occurs at low speeds or immediately after first start. Multiple owners report dealers claim it's normal, while others acknowledge it's a known issue with no available parts or fix.
When: Occurs in reverse from 400 miles to 26,000 miles; multiple reports from early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Loud squealing/squeaking in reverse; Grinding noise in reverse; Moaning/foghorn-like sound in reverse; Metal rubbing sound; Humming sound in reverse; Sound persists after dealer attempts to modify
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have attempted modifications without success. TSB 22-2326 cited in multiple complaints. One report mentions rear rotors and brake bearings needing replacement, brake clips needing replacement, or rotors needing to be turned. Parts reported unavailable or dealers refused to repair under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued TSB 22-2326 for rear brake noise. Ford stated engineers have not finalized fix as of early 2024. Some owners report 2021 recall issued for similar issue but 2022 vehicles not included despite having same parts. Dealers instructed by Ford to wait for approved remedy before attempting repairs.
Brake pedal unresponsiveness/brake failure
Brake pedal fails to stop vehicle despite firm pressure. In severe case, vehicle continued accelerating backward at 5-7 mph despite driver pressing brake hard during reverse incident. In another case at highway speed, brake pedal failed to respond, vehicle displayed 'ABS Failure' message, fire occurred. Brake assist and responsiveness appears inconsistent or absent.
When: Low mileage incidents documented; one at parking lot, one at approximately 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal fails to slow or stop vehicle; Vehicle continues forward or backward despite brake pressure; 'ABS Failure' message displayed; Abnormal gear shifts; Vehicle unresponsive to brake, park, or electronic parking brake; Brake residue visible on tires and rims
Codes mentioned: ABS Failure
Repairs/costs cited: One incident resulted in $3,400 damage estimate; owner could not afford $278 diagnostics. Second incident involved vehicle fire and total loss; no repairs completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer representative could not identify cause in first case. No recall or TSB cited in narratives for brake failure incidents.
Abnormal brake wear at low mileage
Brake pads and rotors worn down requiring replacement at unusually low mileage. One vehicle at 14,600 miles had both front pads and rotors worn enough for replacement; owner expected minimum 30,000 miles before replacement necessary. Ford declined to replace under warranty despite acknowledging abnormal wear.
When: 14,600 miles on odometer
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pads worn down; Rotors worn down; Abnormal noise from brakes triggered inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Technician confirmed pads and rotors required replacement at 14,600 miles. Ford refused warranty replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford declined warranty replacement despite acknowledging abnormal wear situation.
Sticky/sticking brake calipers and creep on release
Brake calipers appear to stick or lock up after vehicle comes to stop. Vehicle lurches or creeps forward when brake pedal is released or when shifting into gear. Hesitation when placing vehicle into R or D requiring accelerator input to move. Occurs after vehicle sits idle for extended periods.
When: Since purchase; recurring throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle lurches or creeps forward when brake released; Hesitation on shifting into R or D; Calipers stick or lock up; Loud noise after sitting idle for hours; Grinding sensation
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; dealers claim this is normal brake operation on Bronco Sport.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers stated this is normal brake function for these vehicles.
Manual park release cable rattle
Manual park release cable defective, causing rattle noise at low speeds. Same part number found on 2021 Bronco Sports that were recalled (SSM 50274), but 2022 models with same defective part built before Ford changed part number not included in recall. Issue present from very low mileage.
When: Symptoms present around 400 miles and under 1,500 miles of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Rattle noise at low speeds; Rattle noise in general
Repairs/costs cited: Part replacement required. One owner stated same part was defective on recalled 2021 models.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford recalled this cable on 2021 models (SSM 50274) but has not issued recall on 2022 models. Ford offering only 50% cost coverage for repair on 2022 vehicles, stating 2022 not under recall.
Brake booster failure
Brake booster failed, resulting in loss of brake assist while vehicle was driving. Made vehicle unsafe to drive immediately.
When: During driving; mileage unknown
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of brake assist; Vehicle unsafe to drive
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided by owner.
Increasing brake pedal effort required to stop
Brake pedal progressively requires harder pressure to bring vehicle to a stop. Owner must press pedal very hard to achieve braking.
When: Unspecified timing
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal requires increasing pressure to stop; Must press pedal very hard
Synthesized from 32 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.