Quality improvements include: - Optimizes cabin ventilation strategy at high speeds
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2022 Ford Bronco engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2022 Ford Bronco have filed 22 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 Bronco | 60 |
| 2022 Bronco (this page) | 22 |
| 2023 Bronco | 14 |
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some 2021-2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine, 2021-2023 Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost or 3.0L plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) engine, 2021-2023 Edge/Nautilus vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost, 2021-2024 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost, and 2021-2024 Bronco and 2024 Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a ticking/tapping or rattle type noise from the top front cover area of the engine. This noise may occur on initial start-up after a cold soak of 6 hours or more that may last for 2-5 seconds. This may be due to an internal component of the variable cam timing (VCT) unit. Workshop Manual (WSM)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2021-2025 Bronco and 2024-2025 Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L/3.0L EcoBoost engine may require removal of the engine front cover due to various concerns. Workshop Manual, Section 303-01 has been updated with improved engine front cover removal and installation service procedure steps including a new body removal and install step.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2021-2024 Edge/Nautilus, 2021-2025 Bronco/Bronco Sport/E-Series/Escape/Corsair/Expedition/Navigator/Explorer/Aviator/F-150/F-Super Duty/Mustang/Ranger, and 2022-2025 Maverick vehicles may require an A/C compressor clutch assembly replacement be performed for various concerns. Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 412-00 Removal and Installation has been updated to eliminate the need to remove and install the A/C compressor to change out the A/C Compressor clutch assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2020 Continental, 2020-2024 Edge/Nautilus, 2020-2025 Explorer/Aviator/Escape/Corsair/F-150/F-Super Duty/Ranger/Transit/E-Series, 2021-2025 Bronco, and 2022-2025 Maverick vehicles may require an engine cooling system flush to be performed for various concerns. Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-03 has been updated to eliminate the need to remove and install the radiator assembly to perform a radiator flush.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2022 Ford Broncos report a cluster of engine problems starting at extremely low mileage. Spark plugs fail to stay seated in the cylinder head, causing repeated misfire and check engine lights even after replacement. A transmission grinding noise in lower gears is widespread and acknowledged by Ford as a known defect; dealers are quoting 10-15 week waits for transmission replacement with no guarantee it solves the problem.
Power loss and stalling occur unpredictably—sometimes with violent shaking—at 3,000 to 24,000 miles. Borescope inspections have found loose metal fragments inside engine cavities, resembling valve pieces. Low compression, bent valve stems, broken pistons, and catalytic converter melting have all been diagnosed, each requiring engine replacement. One owner's engine failed at 25 miles with a broken piston.
Starter malfunction forces vehicles to shut down mid-drive, with one owner stranded in rush-hour traffic twice in two days despite a replacement. Fuel pump failure is now subject to recall 25V455, with remedy under investigation. Dealers report 7+ week waits for replacement parts on indefinite lead time. One owner's transmission failure during flat-towing was denied warranty coverage despite following Ford procedures correctly and the computer confirming flat-tow mode. A wrong oil dipstick supplied with one vehicle creates risk of incorrect oil levels during service.
Same Ford Bronco engine reports on nearby years: 2021 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Spark plug disconnection and misfiring
Spark plugs fail to remain seated in cylinder head, causing misfire codes and sputtering on cold start. Owners report repeated failures—replacements do not resolve the issue.
When: 35,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: check engine light illumination; sputtering during startup; misfire on acceleration
Codes mentioned: No DTC codes retrieved per owner report
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs reconnected initially, then replaced; failure recurred. Not repaired.
Transmission grinding and noise in lower gears
Scraping or grinding noise audible in 1st and 2nd gear operation. Ford has acknowledged the issue exists across 2021-2023 model years; multiple owners report it as a known defect with faulty transmissions.
When: Early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: loud scraping noise in 1st gear; grinding noise in 2nd gear; transmission vibration
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required; 10-15 weeks lead time reported. Owners uncertain if replacement resolves underlying issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford acknowledged issue; no warranty assistance or expedited remedy offered
Starter failure with repeated malfunction
Starter fails to engage; vehicle will not start after power loss. Owner reports replacement, then identical failure two days later. Parts on indefinite backorder.
When: Less than 500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: AUTOSTART warning displays; burning smell; engine will not crank
Repairs/costs cited: Starter replaced; failure recurred after 2 days. Parts on indefinite backorder.
Engine shake, loss of power, and stalling
Sudden onset of severe vehicle vibration, accompanied by check engine light and power loss. Vehicle enters limp mode or stalls completely during highway driving. Some cases require engine replacement.
When: 3,000–24,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: violent shaking; loss of motive power; sputtering and stalling; check engine light; powertrain fault warnings
Codes mentioned: Powertrain malfunction / Reduce power alerts
Repairs/costs cited: Some resolved with full engine replacement; others remain under dealer investigation with no diagnosis provided after weeks.
Low compression or bent valve stem
Cylinder compression loss detected on cold start check, or bent valve stem identified during diagnosis. Both require engine replacement or major internal repair.
When: 38,000–103,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: check engine light on startup; loss of power during acceleration; misfiring
Codes mentioned: Low compression cylinder #3
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required in both cases. Neither vehicle was repaired; no parts or cost data provided by owners.
Metal debris in engine cavity
Owner reports dealership finding loose metal pieces visible via borescope inspection inside engine cavity, resembling valve fragments from similar 2021 model failures. Vehicle entered low-power mode on highway.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle entered low-power mode while driving; powertrain malfunction alerts; reduce power warnings
Codes mentioned: Powertrain malfunction / Reduce power
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership performing engine teardown; diagnosis pending. Metal debris resembles valve pieces seen in 2021 recalls.
Fuel pump failure and engine stall
Loss of fuel pressure and flow from fuel tank due to fuel pump failure, causing insufficient fuel delivery and engine stall during operation. Ford issued recall 25V455 with remedy under investigation.
When: Any time during operation
Symptoms owners cite: engine stall while driving; loss of power
Repairs/costs cited: Remedy not yet available as of July 2025. Ford investigating and will notify owners when fix is ready.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 25V455 / Manufacturer Recall 25S75 issued; remedy under development, not yet available
Catalytic converter melting
Catalytic converter melts internally, causing power loss and stalling. Vehicle does not restart on first attempt and continues stalling. Root cause for premature failure not determined by dealer.
When: 14,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: loss of power while driving at moderate speed (35–55 MPH); vehicle stalls and will not immediately restart; check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Melted catalytic converter confirmed. Replacement parts on indefinite lead time. Vehicle sitting at dealership 7+ weeks.
Turbocharger wastegate malfunction
Turbocharger wastegate becomes stuck in closed position, triggering power reduction mode and service engine alerts.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Power Malfunction / Reduced Power notification; Service Engine alert; loss of power
Codes mentioned: Turbocharger wastegate stuck closed
Repairs/costs cited: Faulty turbocharger identified; replacement turbo on order.
Acceleration hesitation and lag
Significant delay or dead spot between pedal input and engine response. Vehicle hesitates to accelerate from stop, occurring repeatedly during normal driving.
When: 40,000 miles and early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: hesitation when accelerating from stop; lag between pedal input and acceleration; failed to accelerate 3+ times
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired; one owner reported dealer did not perform diagnostics.
Piston fracture requiring engine replacement
Piston breaks internally, triggering low oil pressure warning and check engine light. Requires complete engine replacement.
When: 25 miles
Symptoms owners cite: low engine oil pressure warning; check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required.
Engine rattling on startup
Abnormal rattling noise heard during engine startup that resolves after engine reaches operating temperature. No warning lights present and no root cause identified by dealer.
When: 12 miles
Symptoms owners cite: rattling noise during cold start; noise disappears after warmup
Repairs/costs cited: No mechanical failure found by dealer. Manufacturer advised contacting NHTSA.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer offered no diagnosis; directed owner to NHTSA
Oil pan drain plug design defect
Oil pan lacks proper internal guide pins or tabs designed to direct drain plug during removal and installation. Plug rotates freely without proper seating, creating risk of improper oil level if not noted during service.
When: First oil change at 5,003 miles
Symptoms owners cite: drain plug does not seat properly on internal guides; plug rotates fully without engaging pan threads
Repairs/costs cited: Missing or damaged guide pins/tabs on oil pan. Plug could be installed without proper depth, risking inadequate or excessive oil levels.
Transmission sensor and control module faults
Multiple transmission control module and sensor faults detected, preventing vehicle acceleration. Includes transmission speed sensor reading outside expected operating range.
When: 1,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: engine will not accelerate; loud engine noise; powertrain/4WD fault warnings; transmission control module electrical fault
Codes mentioned: Transmission control module electrical fault, Transmission speed sensor fault
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission sensor and associated wiring implicated. Not repaired.
Contained fire in exhaust system
Vehicle unintendedly decelerates and jerks abnormally; dealer diagnosis reveals contained fire inside exhaust pipe. Remains unrepaired pending engineer diagnostic tests.
When: 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: unintended deceleration at 65 MPH; abnormal jerking; contained fire in exhaust pipe
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosis indicates fire in exhaust; vehicle remains unrepaired pending engineer testing.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer denied rental car assistance despite three open recalls
Transmission failure during flat-tow operation
Transmission fails after flat-towing vehicle behind motorhome, despite owner following Ford instructions and vehicle computer showing flat-tow mode engaged. Ford refuses warranty claim, blaming operator.
When: During flat-tow operation
Symptoms owners cite: transmission failure during flat tow; complete transmission breakdown
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fried despite correct procedures followed. Ford dealerships acknowledge flat-tow system issue but Ford refuses warranty coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford warranty denied; internal memo blames operator for transmission failure despite acknowledged system issue
Engine failure with wrong oil dipstick
Engine supplied with incorrect oil dipstick that does not accurately display oil level in engine. Creates risk of overfill or underfill during service, leading to potential engine damage.
When: Unknown
Symptoms owners cite: incorrect oil dipstick does not show true oil level
Repairs/costs cited: Wrong dipstick installed; risk of improper oil quantity during oil changes.
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Flat towed vehicle behind motorhome. Followed Fords instructions to the letter. Transmission fried even though computer showed flat tow engaged. Ford refused to warranty this issue and blames the operator due to an internal memo. Ford dealerships have acknowledged their is an issue with their flat tow system but Ford refuses to warranty.
Had engine trouble with your 2022 Ford Bronco?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2022 Ford Bronco?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 22 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 22 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 59,200 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2022/Ford/Bronco.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.