This bulletin supersedes 26-2006. Reason for update: update the Parts list to correct the ambient air temperature service part number. Some vehicles listed in the model statement above may require the replacement of the ambient air temperature sensor for various concerns. DTCs P0071, P0072, and/or P0073 may be present in the powertrain control module (PCM).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2022 Ford Bronco powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2022 Ford Bronco have filed 37 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
37
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 Bronco | 8 |
| 2022 Bronco (this page) | 37 |
| 2023 Bronco | 17 |
| 2024 Bronco | 5 |
When does it fail?
Of the 37 powertrain complaints filed for the 2022 Ford Bronco, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Ford Bronco we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 37.
Owners have filed 37 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
For 20202026 vehicles equipped with the 10R60 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). This test utilizes the pressure and vacuum transducer (PVT) when available. Workshop Manual (WSM) updates related to this diagnostic procedure are planned for release in Q4 2026. The new test improves the accuracy of detecting leaks within transmission fluid circuits and replaces the previous air check method. The previous air check procedure has been shown to produce a high rate of false positives, which may lead to unnecessary repairs when no actual leak is present. Accordingly, the air check procedure is not to be us
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2021-2024 Bronco vehicles equipped with a manual transmission may experience a rotational scraping noise while the transmission is in neutral, 1st and/or 2nd gear with the clutch pedal released. The noise may be more noticeable in ambient temps below 10°C (50°F) and after a cold soak. This noise may also diminish as the transmission warms up. This may be due to the 5th and 6th gear synchronizer rings. The 5th and 6th gear synchronizer rings are now only available in the 6th/5th gear synchronizer assembly (service part number MU7Z-7124-Q). To correct the condition, replace the 6th/5th gear synchronizer. Remove the transmission from the vehicle. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 308
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Quality improvements include: - Optimizes cabin ventilation strategy at high speeds
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2021-2025 Bronco vehicles built on or before 09-Sep-2025 may require replacement of the ambient air temperature sensor for various concerns. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0071, P0072, and/or P0073 may be present in the powertrain control module (PCM). A concern has been identified in TSB 26-2006 that previously instructed replacement of the incorrect ambient air temperature sensor for the vehicle application. Monitor Professional Technician System (PTS) for updates.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2022 Ford Bronco powertrain is showing a wide range of failure modes across 33 complaints. The most alarming involve sudden power loss—engines shutting down at highway speed on bridges, in passing lanes, and in traffic with no warning, including a turbo failure with under 50 miles on the odometer. Stalling in reverse or drive is also common, especially in heat, and has persisted for months even after recall notification with no solution in place.
Manual transmission owners (7-speed) report a pervasive grinding or scraping noise below 50°F that returns weeks after dealer synchronizer replacement, indicating the root cause is not fixed. A community of over 200 owners has documented the issue; many face months-long wait times for repairs due to parts shortages. Separate transmission problems include a clunking P-to-R shift in the 10-speed automatic that won't go away despite multiple dealer attempts, and at least one complete transmission failure requiring replacement at just 4,500 miles with a burned clutch.
Brake system issues include antilock failure that wouldn't stop the vehicle at a traffic light and erroneous brake activation while reversing. Electronic brake boost failure during towing renders the supplemental braking system useless. Some owners report the Ford Pass App displays powertrain warnings before the dashboard illuminates them—or instead of—leaving dealers unable to diagnose because they need dashboard lights visible to pull codes. Unintended vehicle rollback while parked with the parking brake engaged has been reported. Additional failures include transfer case engagement failure, 4WD lock-in, battery discharge cascades, and rear differential seal leaks. Service availability and parts shortages are consistent obstacles.
Same Ford Bronco powertrain reports on nearby years: 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Reverse/Drive stall and power loss
Engine stalls or nearly stalls when shifting into reverse or drive, especially in heat. On hot days, vehicle loses power or jerks severely while driving on highways, creating safety risk during hour-long commutes.
When: Heat-sensitive; worsens above ~70°F. One owner saw issue start under 1,000 miles; another around 3,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls or nearly stalls in reverse; Loss of power while driving on highway; Vehicle jerks or semi-stalls on hot days; Condition worse when ambient temperature is high
Codes mentioned: Powertrain Malfunction, Reduced Power Fault
Repairs/costs cited: No repair available yet. Dealer advised waiting on solution. Rental car option quoted $45/day out-of-pocket.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall notification issued; dealer advised no solution available yet.
7-speed manual transmission grinding/scraping noise
Persistent grinding or scraping noise in 7-speed manual transmissions, particularly below 50°F. Owners report the noise returns shortly after dealer service (parts replacement), suggesting root cause is not addressed. Community of 200+ owners documented across 2021–2023 model years. Potential for catastrophic failure while driving.
When: Temperature-sensitive; occurs primarily below 50°F per Ford TSB 22-2371. Present from early mileage (owners reporting issues day one of ownership).
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding or scraping noise from transmission; Noise more prominent in cold temperatures below 50°F; Difficult shifting reported by some owners; Noise returns after dealer service
Codes mentioned: TSB 22-2371
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaces 5th and 6th gear synchronizer rings; noise recurs within weeks to months. Parts supply delays prevent prompt service. Some owners report waiting months for repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 22-2371 issued; warranty replacement of synchronizer rings performed, but root cause unresolved.
Powertrain malfunction with no warning lights (Ford Pass App display only)
Powertrain malfunction warnings appear in the Ford Pass App before illuminating on the dashboard, and in some cases do not illuminate on the dash at all. Dealer unable to service without visible warning lights on instrument cluster, delaying diagnosis.
When: Around 3,000 miles in one case; at 75,000 miles in another.
Symptoms owners cite: Powertrain Malfunction, Antilock fault, Hill assist warning, and pre-collision assist warnings appear in Ford Pass App only; No corresponding warning lights on dashboard; Engine shut-off at stop sign (one case)
Codes mentioned: Powertrain Malfunction, Antilock fault, Hill assist warning, Pre-collision assist not available
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable or unwilling to repair unless warning lights appear on instrument cluster. Parts on indefinite backorder in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer interpretation: app is displaying issue before or instead of dashboard lights, preventing timely service.
Complete power loss while driving at highway speed
Engine shuts down completely while driving at highway speed with little to no warning. Vehicles strand owners in dangerous situations (on bridge, in traffic, passing lane) with no power to accelerate or maneuver.
When: Early ownership: under 1,000 miles in one case, ~43 miles in another, 60 miles in a third.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power while driving; No warning before shutdown; Engine stalls and does not restart immediately; Vehicle becomes unresponsive to accelerator
Repairs/costs cited: One turbo failure diagnosed at <43 miles. Another vehicle waited 'a few weeks' for dealer diagnosis. One case involved roadside assistance failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No consistent remedy noted in complaints. One complaint references Ford 24-hour roadside assistance unavailability.
Turbocharger failure
Turbocharger fails on brand-new vehicles, causing total loss of engine power. One owner reports turbo failure at under 43 miles on a new 2.7L Ecoboost engine with no warning.
When: Under 43 miles on one 2022 model.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of all engine power while driving; Turbo failed (confirmed by dealer)
Repairs/costs cited: Turbo replacement required. One complaint references a community forum list of failed turbo cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer diagnosed failure; repair status unknown in complaint.
10-speed transmission clunk when shifting P-R-D
Loud clunk and physical vehicle movement when shifting through park, reverse, and drive. Clunk most prominent during P-to-R transition. Persists for several years despite driveshaft replacement and transmission fluid flush. Owner concerned transmission may fail or lock up outside warranty.
When: Persisted for several years; one owner complaint at time of report.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunk during P-R-D shift sequence; Most noticeable on P-to-R shift; Physical vehicle movement/jerk during shift; Concern about potential shift-out-of-park failure
Repairs/costs cited: Driveshaft replaced; transmission fluid flushed. Clunk persists. Ford has not replaced transmission despite owner request.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Partial repairs performed (driveshaft, fluid flush) without addressing root cause.
Transmission independently engaging and overheating at low mileage
Transmission engages on its own while vehicle is parked, and transmission fluid overheats. Transfer case fails as well. Vehicle becomes immobile. Failure occurred at only 10,000 miles.
When: ~10,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission independently engages; Transmission fluid overheats; Transfer case failure; Vehicle will not move
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission and transfer case replaced. Vehicle replaced under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle replacement provided.
Manual transmission clutch burn and failure at very low mileage
Clutch burns and transmission fails while driver attempts normal first-to-second gear upshift at 5 mph. Clutch pedal goes to floorboard. No warning lights precede failure.
When: ~4,500 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch burns; Clutch pedal goes to floorboard; Transmission fails
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement needed. Vehicle not yet repaired at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; repair status unknown.
Engine metal shavings and transmission pump failure
Metal shavings found in engine oil and filter at extremely low mileage. Two transmission pumps and engine require replacement. Failure occurs with fewer than 100 miles on vehicle.
When: ~60 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Metal shavings in engine oil; Metal shavings in oil filter; Abnormally loud engine knocking
Repairs/costs cited: Oil change performed; dealer advised two transmission pumps and engine replacement required. Vehicle not repaired; still at dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; no resolution provided in complaint.
Front differential pinion seal leak
Front pinion seal leaks gear oil badly, often discovered during routine maintenance on vehicles with very low miles. Leaks may damage internal differential parts and axle. Problem has recurred multiple times on same vehicle per community reports. Owner suspects design flaw.
When: Discovered on vehicles with very limited miles across multiple model years 2021–current.
Symptoms owners cite: Gear oil leak from front pinion seal; Oil visible during routine service; Potential internal differential damage
Repairs/costs cited: Seal replacement; no long-term fix provided for recurring cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSB mentioned; owner advocates for recall or TSB issuance beyond existing recall.
Transfer case solenoid or PCM fault locking vehicle in 4WD High
Vehicle locks into 4WD High mode due to suspected axle solenoid or powertrain control module failure. Check 4x4 error followed by Service Vehicle Soon warning. Vehicle cannot be put into normal drive mode. Occurs on brand-new vehicle within 2–3 weeks of purchase.
When: ~2–3 weeks of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Check 4x4 error message; Service Vehicle Soon warning; Vehicle locked in 4WD High; Difficult to drive; increased tire wear and stress on drivetrain
Codes mentioned: Check 4x4, Service Vehicle Soon
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to pull useful codes or perform quick fix. Owner reports similar issues are frequent in online community.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No remedy provided in complaint.
Brake system malfunction: antilock brake failure
Antilock brake system failure prevents vehicle from stopping at traffic light even with pedal to the floor. All four wheels lock up, vehicle skids into traffic. Occurs on brand-new 2022 model at ~2,000 miles.
When: ~2,000 miles, February on vehicle purchased mid-December.
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes fail to stop with pedal to floor; All four wheels lock up and skid
Codes mentioned: Antilock fault
Repairs/costs cited: Repair required part on indefinite backorder; took 3 weeks to obtain.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty repair; part on backorder.
Electronic Brake Boost failure during flat tow
Electronic Brake Boost shuts down approximately 45 minutes after ignition is turned off during flat tow, leaving vehicle without brake boost and rendering supplemental braking system ineffective. Vehicle requires much greater stopping distance for entire motorhome setup.
When: 45 minutes after turning ignition off while flat towing.
Symptoms owners cite: EBB shuts down after extended ignition-off period during tow; Loss of brake boost; Supplemental brake system becomes ineffective; Dramatically increased stopping distance for towed setup
Repairs/costs cited: No repair mentioned in complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response mentioned.
Erroneous brake activation while reversing
Brakes activate unintendedly while driver is reversing and attempting to accelerate, causing unexpected vehicle stop. Additionally, vehicle fails to shift gears properly at or below 68°F. No warning lights illuminate before failure.
When: ~75,000 miles; cold-shift issue at 68°F or below.
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes activate erroneously while reversing; Vehicle stops unintendedly; Failure to properly shift gears in cold (≤68°F); No warning lights before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Taken to dealer for diagnosis; cause not yet determined. Vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer advised contact NHTSA hotline.
Transfer case engagement failure and limp mode
Vehicle shifted into 4L mode does not engage; transfer case light blinks and system requests vehicle be placed in neutral and pulled forward to complete engagement. After failed engagement, vehicle enters limp mode and will not return to normal driving. Engine shutdown and battery disconnection do not restore functionality. Powertrain malfunction error displayed.
When: During single driving session.
Symptoms owners cite: 4L transfer case will not engage; Blinking 4L indicator light; System message to place vehicle in neutral and pull forward; Vehicle enters limp mode after failed engagement; Vehicle will not return to normal driving mode; Powertrain Malfunction error message
Codes mentioned: Powertrain Malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle shipped to dealer for inspection; diagnostic status pending at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response mentioned.
Unintended vehicle rollback on incline while parked
Vehicle rolls backward down an incline while parked. Steering assist warning light illuminates. Occurs on brand-new vehicle at very low mileage. Vehicle not covered by related recall.
When: ~23,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward while parked on incline; Steering assist warning light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealer; not yet diagnosed at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer confirmed vehicle not included in Recall 23V070000 (Power Train). Manufacturer advised contact NHTSA hotline.
Unintended vehicle rollback when parked on steep incline with parking brake engaged
Vehicle rolls backward and then forward when parked on steep incline, despite parking brake being engaged and vehicle in park. On second occurrence, vehicle rolled into ditch. Critical parking brake or shift-to-park function failure.
When: Two separate incidents; second incident resulted in vehicle in ditch.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward while parked with parking brake engaged; Vehicle rolls forward while parked with parking brake engaged; Vehicle in park mode does not prevent rolling
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs mentioned.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response mentioned.
Battery discharge and cascading powertrain failures
Battery overheats and loses charge, triggering cascade of powertrain failures. Battery, overheated powertrain, and 4x4 failures all occur simultaneously, stranding vehicle on Christmas Eve on 2-lane highway with minimal shoulder.
When: Described as happening within seconds of each other.
Symptoms owners cite: Battery charge drops and overheats; Powertrain malfunction follows; 4x4 system fails; Multiple failures occur nearly simultaneously
Repairs/costs cited: Towing cost $400; vehicle towed home in freezing weather.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No remedy mentioned.
Battery charge loss with powertrain malfunction message
Battery loses charge to 70% and powertrain malfunction message flickers on and off. Related to NHTSA Campaign 24V683000 (Powertrain/Electrical System).
When: ~36,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Battery charge decreases abnormally; Powertrain Malfunction message displays and flickers; Message indicates Reduced Power Fault
Codes mentioned: Powertrain Malfunction - Reduced Power Fault
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 24V683000 related; warranty repair performed.
Turbocharger wastegate malfunction with reduced power
Turbocharger wastegate malfunction causes loss of turbo activation and severely reduced engine power. Vehicle cannot exceed 45 mph on highway. Owner's 4-month-old vehicle with 6,500 miles becomes nearly undriveable.
When: 6,500 miles on 4-month-old vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on; Turbocharge wastegate malfunction message; No turbocharger activation; Severely reduced power output; Vehicle limited to ~45 mph on highway
Codes mentioned: Turbocharge wastegate malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle awaiting dealer service appointment; deemed not drivable pending repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response mentioned.
Low compression in cylinder 4 due to suspected cracked intake valve
Cylinder 4 shows critically low compression (25 psi) with no visible piston or cylinder bore damage. Owner suspects cracked or fractured intake valve. Owner believes Ford is aware of intake valve issues on 2.7L Ecoboost engines.
When: Complaint does not specify mileage or timeline.
Symptoms owners cite: Very low compression in cylinder 4 (25 psi); No visible damage to piston or cylinder bore
Repairs/costs cited: Owner performed borescope inspection; valve not directly visible/inspected.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner references possible Ford knowledge of issue; no official confirmation provided.
Driveshaft CV boot failure not covered by existing recall
Front driver-side driveshaft CV boot fails. Vehicle has same issue covered under prior recall (22B27), but owner's VIN is not included in that recall.
When: 2021 model year; recall 22B27 exists but vehicle not covered.
Symptoms owners cite: Front driveshaft CV boot failure
Repairs/costs cited: Repair needed; no response to coverage issue mentioned.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle not covered under existing Recall 22B27 for same component.
Loss of fuel pressure and engine stall with unresolved recall
Recurring loss of fuel pressure and engine stalls on multiple occasions. Ford issued Recall 25S75/NHTSA 25V455 acknowledging increased crash risk, yet no resolution is available. Issue persists since July 2025.
When: Multiple undated occasions; recall issued July 2025.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of fuel pressure; Engine stall
Repairs/costs cited: No resolution available as of complaint date.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls 25S75 and NHTSA 25V455 issued acknowledging increased crash risk; no remedy available.
Transmission synchro failure in 5th-6th gear with gear oil leak
5th-to-6th gear synchronizer fails and produces grinding noise. Concurrent rear differential seal failure allows gear oil to leak out. Both failures occur with no warning. Dealer has repaired both issues; owner concerned about potential on-road failure.
When: Low mileage (specific mileage not stated).
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding in 5th-to-6th gear transition; Rear differential gear oil leak from seal failure; No warning lights for either failure
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission synchro and differential seal replaced by dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty repair performed; no TSB mentioned.
Synthesized from 37 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Battery charge, over heated, failed power train, and failed 4x4 happened all within seconds of each other. We were on a 2 lane hwy where there was very little room to pull off the main road. It was Christmas Eve and we were about 60 miles from home. We had to pay around $400 dollars to have it towed home and it was freezing outside while we waited.
2022 Ford Bronco that I've owned for about 2-3 weeks. Started it up and went to drive off this morning, and I received a '"Check 4x4" error, followed by "Service Vehicle Soon". This ultimately has locked the vehicle into 4WD-High and makes it not only more difficult to drive, but is also prematurely wearing tires as it's driven and adding a lot of unnecessary stress to the vehicle as corners…
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH and attempting to shift the manual transmission from first to second gear, the transmission failed, and the clutch went to the floorboard. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the clutch had burned,…
UNKNOWN grinding sound when at idle or in/out of gear ( manual transmission) sounds like transfer case. Other owners of 2021-2023 broncos regardless of trim levels have heard this sound with their broncos as well (manual trans)
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2022 Ford Bronco?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 37 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 37 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 29,700 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.