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 ↗2023 Ford Bronco powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2023 Ford Bronco have filed 17 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
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 Bronco | 8 |
| 2022 Bronco | 37 |
| 2023 Bronco (this page) | 17 |
| 2024 Bronco | 5 |
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 ↗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 ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
2023 Bronco powertrain complaints center on transmission defects across both manual and automatic units, brake module failures with non-storing fault codes, and differential failures.
Manual transmission issues: Seven complaints describe grinding or scraping noise in neutral and low gears (1st–3rd), especially when cold. Sound emerges within first ~60 miles and worsens with driving mileage. Dealers confirm abnormality but refuse repair, claiming normal operation or citing inability to reproduce despite video evidence. TSB 23-2019 and 22-2371 exist for this issue, yet one dealer said the 7-speed manual isn't covered. One owner received transmission replacement from another dealer for identical symptoms—response is inconsistent. A separate owner reported internal transmission failure within 500 miles: metal shavings, broken case, burning smell, and complete non-rebuildable damage requiring full transmission swap.
Automatic transmission problems: Owners report hard popping, jerking, stalling in traffic, and unpredictable shifting lags (especially 1st-to-2nd) causing dangerous power loss during highway merging. Three separate complaints document "Powertrain Malfunction" alerts with complete power loss at 70–75 mph, forcing owners to pull over and restart. One owner reports unintended acceleration during downshifts (3rd–2nd, 2nd–1st) that sometimes doubles vehicle speed—TSB 23-2352 may address this, but dealers claim inability to reproduce.
Brake and differential failures: One owner documents five dealer visits for recurring park brake and brake system fault warnings with no stored diagnostic codes—a communication defect preventing diagnosis. Another owner's M190 differential completely failed at 12,300 miles with wheel lockup and "Service 4x4" warning; dealership refused warranty. One vehicle rolled backward out of park into a garage door. A pinion seal leak at the front differential interface persisted after two separate repair attempts (seal replacement, then fluid change).
Additional issues: Driveshaft and front axles arrived heavily corroded with pitting rust at delivery.
Same Ford Bronco powertrain reports on nearby years: 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic parking brake and brake control module faults with non-retention of diagnostic codes
Repeated brake system fault warnings on the dash ("Park Brake Fault – Service Now", "Brake System Fault") combined with an electrical/communication defect that prevents storage of diagnostic trouble codes. Dealer cannot retrieve codes despite visible fault messages and repeated visits. Risk of sudden loss of parking brake function, reduced braking effectiveness, or unexpected transmission behavior.
When: Started at 25,722 miles; first documented early after purchase (13 miles). Symptoms escalated over time across five dealer visits.
Symptoms owners cite: Park brake fault warning and error messages on dash; Brake system fault warnings while driving; Transmission slip reported alongside brake faults; Cold start transmission no-engagement beyond walking pace; No diagnostic trouble codes stored despite visible faults
Repairs/costs cited: Five service visits to authorized dealer (Town & Country Ford, Evansville, IN); all visits returned "no codes found", "unable to verify", or "no problem found." Vehicle out of service 60 cumulative days.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford CX team contacted (CRM case opened, July 2025) with no further inspection or resolution. Part of Indiana Lemon Law claim (BBB AUTO LINE case filed).
Manual transmission grinding/scraping noise in cold conditions
Grinding or scraping sound from the 2.3L 7-speed manual transmission when in neutral or lower gears (1st, 2nd, 3rd), especially in cold weather. Sound disappears or is minimal in warm conditions. Dealers acknowledge abnormal noise but refuse repair or transmission replacement, citing normal operation. Owners concerned about early failure due to this defect.
When: Consistent since delivery/purchase. Cold weather onset. Sounds emerge within first ~60 miles and continue.
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding or scraping sound in neutral; Grinding or scraping sound in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear; Sound worse in cold conditions; disappears or quiets in warm weather; Difficult shifting in some instances
Codes mentioned: TSB 22-2371 (MT88 Manual Transmission – Rotational Scraping Noise from Transmission When Cold and In Neutral, 1st and/or 2nd Gear with Clutch Applied)
Repairs/costs cited: Local Ford dealerships investigated on multiple occasions (at least two separate visits documented). Dealers agree sound is abnormal but advise vehicle is operating as designed and refuse warranty repair. One owner reported another 2023 Bronco owner received transmission replacement for same issue (inconsistent response).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 22-2371 referenced by manufacturer; however, manufacturer confirmed contact's vehicle not covered under this TSB. Advised contact to file NHTSA complaint. Inconsistent warranty application across owners.
Manual transmission internal failure with metal debris
Transmission develops burning smell and internal rattling/grinding noise within first 500 miles. Internal inspection reveals metal shavings and a broken transmission case piece. Transmission deemed unrepairable and requires complete replacement.
When: Within first 500 miles of new vehicle ownership. Noise escalated over one week of normal driving (400-mile trip).
Symptoms owners cite: Burning smell after initial driving; Heat shield rattle-like noise (initially); Worsening grinding/rattling noise with continued driving; Metal shavings and broken case piece found on internal inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership opened transmission, found metal shavings and broken case piece. Transmission not eligible for rebuild; new transmission ordered. Estimated delivery end of March or into April. Dealership advised continued driving despite internal damage.
Front differential (M190 open) complete failure with wheel lockup
Front differential fails completely at ~12,300 miles, causing front wheels to lock up twice during off-road driving. Clicking noise from right front wheel. Associated "Service 4x4 system" warning lamp with wrench symbol displayed.
When: Approximately 12,300 miles. Occurred during off-road/snowy forest service road driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking noise from right front wheel; Front wheels lock up (twice during incident); "Service 4x4 system" warning lamp with wrench icon
Repairs/costs cited: M190 4.27 front differential completely failed. Dealership refused warranty coverage, citing off-road use as exclusion.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership refused warranty claim.
Automatic transmission dangerous unintended acceleration on downshift
When downshifting in lower gears (3rd to 2nd, 2nd to 1st), vehicle dangerously accelerates, sometimes doubling speed for several seconds. Occurs consistently in lower-gear off-road mode and occasionally in normal driving. TSB 23-2352 may address issue, but dealer claims inability to reproduce despite owner video evidence.
When: Ongoing issue from normal driving and off-road use.
Symptoms owners cite: Dangerous unintended acceleration during downshift (3rd to 2nd, 2nd to 1st); Vehicle speed sometimes doubles for several seconds; Consistent occurrence in lower-gearing off-road mode; intermittent in normal modes
Codes mentioned: TSB 23-2352
Repairs/costs cited: Owner provided video evidence of issue. Second dealer was able to reproduce issue but stated it is normal Bronco behavior.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 23-2352 exists. Primary dealership claims unable to reproduce despite video evidence and refuses to address. Second dealer acknowledges but normalizes behavior.
Transmission park engagement failure—vehicle rolls backward
Vehicle in park (P) on level driveway rolls backward into garage door after engine shut-off. Owner confirms gear shifter was in park (P) when shifted, yet vehicle rolled without user input.
When: Approximately 22,700 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward while in park (P); Loud crash into garage door; No user input or gear shift after engine shut-off
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to dealer and manufacturer notified. Not diagnosed or repaired. Owner referred to NHTSA Hotline.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; owner referred to NHTSA Hotline. No repair or diagnosis provided.
10-speed automatic transmission hard popping, jerking, and stalling
Within three hours of purchase, transmission produces hard popping sound at highway speeds, followed by harsh vibration and jerking. Transmission stalls repeatedly in traffic (feels like loss of power, then jerks and accelerates erratically). Vehicle unsafe to drive and has been in shop ~7 of 8 days of ownership.
When: Within first three hours of new vehicle ownership; failure continued over next ~8 days.
Symptoms owners cite: Hard popping sound at highway speeds; Harsh vibration; Jerking/jerky operation; Stalling in intersections in traffic (multiple times); Loss of power followed by jerking acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle in shop for ~7 of 8 days. Technician offered owner choice to continue driving or wait until further transmission disassembly. Transmission issue not yet determined or repaired.
Front differential pinion seal leak
Pinion seal leaks at front drive shaft-to-front differential interface. Ford attempted repair with pinion seal replacement, then differential fluid change; both failed to stop leak. Undetected fluid loss can lead to differential overheating and lockup at high speeds in 4WD mode. Leak hazard also presents potential fire risk. Issue common among Bronco owners on forums but often goes undetected.
When: Detected during ownership. First repair attempted; leak persisted.
Symptoms owners cite: Pinion seal leak at front drive shaft and front differential junction; Leak continues after pinion seal replacement; Leak continues after differential fluid change
Repairs/costs cited: First repair: pinion seal replacement (unsuccessful). Second repair: front differential fluid change (unsuccessful). Leak unresolved after two attempts.
Automatic transmission unpredictable shifting with 1st-to-2nd lag and power loss
10-speed automatic exhibits unpredictable, erratic shifting between 1st and 3rd gears with significant lags (especially 1st to 2nd), causing temporary power loss. Harsh shifting also present. Loss of power during 1st-to-2nd shift lag is dangerous during acceleration in traffic or merging situations. Adaptive shift control memory resets do not resolve issue. Problem present since day one of ownership at ~0 miles.
When: Since day 1 at ~0 miles. Continues at ~35,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Unpredictable shifting between 1st and 3rd gears; Long lag between shifts, especially 1st to 2nd; Temporary power loss during shifts; Harsh shifting; Dangerous power loss during acceleration/merging in traffic
Repairs/costs cited: Two dealer visits; both technicians noted abnormal shifting. Only solution offered was clearing adaptive shift control memory, which did not resolve issue.
Manual transmission grinding/rattling in 1st and 2nd gear
Grinding or rattling sound from manual transmission in 1st and 2nd gear. Specific TSB 23-2019 addresses this issue. Dealer unable to duplicate noise despite owner demonstration and ride-along, then claims transmission is designed to make this sound. Dealership uncooperative and dismissive of owner concern.
When: Ongoing issue. Specific service date(s) not provided.
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding or rattling sound from transmission in 1st gear; Grinding or rattling sound from transmission in 2nd gear
Codes mentioned: TSB 23-2019
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer could not duplicate issue despite owner demonstration and ride-along. Dealership then claimed transmission is designed to sound this way.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 23-2019 exists for this issue. Dealer claims vehicle operates as designed.
Automatic transmission "Powertrain Malfunction" alerts with speed reduction and loss of power
Vehicle completely loses power on interstate at 70–75 mph and displays "Powertrain Malfunction" alert. Vehicle speed drops to 35–40 mph and will not accelerate further. Occurred three separate times over ~40 days (June 16, June 22, July 26, 2024). Owner must pull over, shut off engine, and restart to regain power. Creates major safety risk with traffic.
When: Three incidents: June 16, 2024; June 22, 2024; July 26, 2024. Occurred on interstate highway driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power while driving at 70–75 mph; "Powertrain Malfunction" alert displayed; Speed reduction to 35–40 mph; Unable to accelerate above reduced speed
Repairs/costs cited: Taken to Ford service department. Technician claimed nothing was wrong and reset computer. No repair performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford service department reset computer; no diagnosis or repair of root cause.
Manual transmission rotational scraping noise (cold start, neutral, lower gears)
Rotational scraping noise from manual transmission, especially when cold and in neutral or lower gears (1st, 2nd). Noise increases with driving miles and mileage (8,213 to 9,064 miles). Shifts are difficult. Purchased as certified used with soft noise; noise has become louder. Dealership identified need for 5th and 6th synchronizer ring replacement to resolve.
When: Certified used purchase at 8,213 miles with soft noise present. Noise louder at 9,064 miles. No accidents or off-roading.
Symptoms owners cite: Rotational scraping noise from transmission when cold; Scraping noise in neutral, 1st, and 2nd gear; Difficult shifting; Noise increases with continued driving
Repairs/costs cited: Ford Dealer at Autonation Ford Union City, Georgia advised that 5th and 6th synchronizer rings require replacement to resolve issue.
Manual transmission scraping/grinding noise in cold and low gears
Scraping or grinding noise originates from transmission during cold start when in neutral and in low gears (1–3). Noise disappears when clutch is depressed. Noise present even when transmission is fully warmed up, especially in low gears.
When: Cold start conditions and ongoing during operation.
Symptoms owners cite: Scraping or grinding noise from transmission at cold start; Noise in neutral when cold; Noise in low gears (1–3) when cold; Noise persists in low gears even when fully warmed up; Noise ceases when clutch is depressed
Driveshaft and front axle corrosion and pitting at delivery
Driveshaft and front axles arrive with extensive pitting corrosion and rust coverage upon vehicle delivery. Corrosion poses risk to long-term structural strength and safety of drivetrain components.
When: Present at vehicle delivery.
Symptoms owners cite: Extensive pitting rust on driveshaft; Extensive pitting rust on front axles; Corrosion coverage at delivery
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Rotational scraping noise from manual transmission, especially when cold and neutral (1st and 2nd gear). Ford Dealer at Autonation Ford Union City, Georgia stated that they would need to replace the 5th and 6th synchronizer rings to resolve this issue. Bought certified used from Capitol Ford in Charlotte, NC with 8213 miles, hear noises but it was soft, but the more I drove the louder it got. Now…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2023 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 2023 Ford Bronco?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 17 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 17 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 16,671 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/2023/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.