The transmission failed to go in gear. The transmission was replaced and fixed by the dealership.
2024 Ford Bronco Sport powertrain problems
severe 16 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
3crashes
2fires
1injury
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Ford Bronco Sport we track for powertrain problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (16).
Powertrain accounts for 19% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 8 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2024 Bronco Sport has significant powertrain and electrical issues reported across multiple failure modes including engine fires, transmission problems, loss of vehicle communication, and power loss at highway speeds. Several complaints describe safety-critical failures and recurring issues even after dealer repairs.
Fifteen owners describe widespread powertrain and electrical failures in the 2024 Bronco Sport. Most critical are reports of wiring catching fire under the hood producing burning odors, with one documented case at 18,000 miles occurring one week after an initial dealer service visit. One owner reported smelling gasoline before discovering wires had caught fire underneath the vehicle.
Loss of complete electrical communication appears multiple times—vehicles will not start, cannot be shifted into neutral or drive, and rear liftgate access is blocked, trapping occupants unable to access safety equipment or move the vehicle to safety.
Transmission issues dominate complaints. Owners describe failures to engage into requested gears, vehicles stuck in reverse when drive is selected, and unintended vehicle motion. Multiple owners report 2-4 second delays between brake release and gear engagement. One incident involved the vehicle sped up uncontrollably in reverse, trapping a person. Another involved a child nearly struck.
Powertrain malfunction warnings (wrench light) recur during highway driving and extended trips. Owners report loss of acceleration and power at speeds up to 75 mph despite knock sensor replacement and software updates. One owner was told by Ford to keep driving until the vehicle catches fire due to lack of remedy availability for an open recall (24V267000).
Engine idle roughness with significant shaking and RPM jumping occurs even at low throttle. Loud ticking noises accompany rough running. One remote start caused unintended vehicle rollaway from a garage.
Same Ford Bronco Sport powertrain reports on nearby years: 2021 · 2022 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Engine fire / burning wiring harness
Wires caught fire underneath the vehicle or near the engine bay, producing burning odor in cabin and exterior. Occurred at low mileage (18k miles) following initial service visit where failure could not be replicated. Another complaint reported wires catching fire with strong gasoline smell before notification to service.
When: 18,000 miles; one case after recent oil change; one case during highway driving after 'service soon' notification appeared
Symptoms owners cite: burning odor in cabin and exterior; fire visible under hood; strong gasoline smell
Codes mentioned: Service 4WD error message displayed
Repairs/costs cited: Several unknown powertrain and electrical wiring parts replaced at dealer; one case treated by local dealership discovering wires had caught fire underneath vehicle
Loss of communication / electrical system failure
Vehicle experiences complete loss of electronic communication, preventing start, gear selection, door operation, and locking. All warning lights flash in sequence on startup failure. Occupants become stranded unable to place vehicle in neutral or access safety equipment from rear liftgate.
When: Multiple instances reported; one case at unknown mileage during attempted start
Symptoms owners cite: all warning indicators flash in series; vehicle will not start; vehicle not lockable; rear door and access glass cannot be opened; cannot place in neutral
Codes mentioned: Failure to communicate
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed contact of 'failure to communicate' in their system
Powertrain malfunction with reduced power / loss of acceleration
Vehicle loses engine power and acceleration capability, often while driving at highway speeds. Wrench warning light and powertrain failure messages appear. Multiple service attempts including knock sensor replacement and software updates have not resolved recurring failures. Occurs during extended driving and highway conditions.
When: 4,000 miles and beyond; recurring across multiple road trips and highway driving sessions
Symptoms owners cite: loss of power while driving; vehicle will not accelerate; wrench symbol warning light illuminated; powertrain failure message displayed; reduced power message
Codes mentioned: Powertrain malfunction, Reduced power, Pre-collision assistance not available, Service engine warning
Repairs/costs cited: Knock sensors replaced; software update performed; one case involved transmission and other parts replacement; another case involved replacement of approximately 60 sensors per dealership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; one case noted as part of recall 24V267000 (Electrical System, Power Train) but parts unavailable
Transmission stuck in gear / delayed gear response
Transmission fails to engage into requested gear or remains stuck in previous gear despite gear selection. Significant delay (2-4 seconds) occurs between brake release and gear engagement. Vehicle moves in unintended direction, causing minor collisions. One case involved transmission replacing another vehicle that sped up unintentionally in reverse.
When: Low mileage (under 2,500 miles in one case); recurring throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: fails to go into gear; stuck in reverse when drive selected; gear sticking; 2-4 second delay when switching gears; erratic shifting up or down; vehicle moves in unintended direction
Codes mentioned: Loose wire (dealer diagnosis in one case)
Repairs/costs cited: One case reported as loose wire after dealership inspection with over 60 sensors triggered; transmission replacement performed in at least two cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 24V267000 mentioned by one owner; one case had previous BCM & PCM recall completed 2/27/2025
Engine idle roughness and shake / rough running condition
Vehicle exhibits significant shaking and rough running at idle and during low-speed acceleration. RPM needle jumps or shoots high unexpectedly even at low throttle input. Loud ticking noise audible during driving. Condition worsens after extended operation and becomes problematic during stop-and-go traffic.
When: Occurring at low mileage; recurring with extended driving
Symptoms owners cite: shakes at idle; shakes during acceleration; RPM jumps/shoots high at low throttle; loud ticking noise while driving; loses power briefly during idle shake events
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners reported dealers performed oil changes and inspections but found no cause; one dealer claimed no smell or issue detected
Unintended remote start rollaway
Vehicle rolled forward out of garage without operator input after remote start activation. Vehicle struck another parked vehicle in driveway despite being unoccupied and no warning lights illuminated.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle rolls forward after remote start activation; independent motion without input
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired; not taken to dealer
Recall parts unavailable
Owner received recall notification 24V267000 (Electrical System, Power Train) but Ford has not made replacement parts available despite extended timeframe. Owner not yet experienced actual failure but concerned about delay in remedy availability.
When: Early 2024 notification; parts still unavailable at time of complaint
Repairs/costs cited: VIN tool confirms parts not available
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 24V267000 issued for Electrical System, Power Train
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Upon attempting to start vehicle every warning indicator flashed in series across the screen and the SUV would not start nor was the vehicle lockable. Also, the rear door and access glass (where tools, safety equipment, and spare tire is located) could not be opened. The vehicle would not start and could not be placed in neutral to push the vehicle to a safe location. The manufacturer informed me…
Powertrain malfunctions have occurred on 12/17/24, 4/11/25 and 10/5/25. Powertrain malfunction and yes. The car would not accelerate and someone could of ran into me, I could of been killed or badly injured and same for any other occupants in the either vehicle. Yes. Yes. The messages appeared on 12/17/24, 4/11/25 and 10/5/25.
I have contacted ford directly and they still have not gotten a remedy for the unrepaired recall. My spouse and I went on a road trip that was 20 hour trip in total. They told us to keep driving it until it catches on fire because they did not have a remedy for it yet. We had just taken it in for an oil change and had them look the vehicle over due to the rpms keep jumping up even when going at…
Vehicle is having trouble with moving, when press on gas pedal it does not really want to move. When sitting at idle vehicle shakes really bad. can hear a really bad tick when driving vehicle. noticed that when driving the vehicle has been shaking really bad. Rpms have also been shooting up high when barely going up to speed.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2024 Ford Bronco Sport?
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 2024 Ford Bronco Sport?
It's a meaningful issue. 16 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 16 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 11,000 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/2024/Ford/Bronco Sport.
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.