2022 Ford Bronco Sport Safety Report

2022 Ford Bronco Sport: High Crash Test Scores Mask Significant Fire Risk and Powertrain Reliability Issues

302Complaints
14Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
45/100Reliability Score
11Crash Reports
12Fire Reports
15Injuries
Most reported components: Fuel System, Gasoline (32)Electrical System (28)Unknown Or Other (27)Service Brakes (25)Engine (22)Power Train (20)Electrical System,Engine (10)Power Train,Electrical System (9)Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (8)Fuel/Propulsion System (7)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2022 Ford Bronco Sport presents a mixed safety picture. While it achieved excellent NHTSA crash test ratings, scoring 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover, its recall history and complaint data raise significant concerns, particularly regarding fire risk and powertrain reliability. With 14 recalls, the vehicle has a high number of safety-related issues for its age. A major recurring theme in both recalls and complaints is the fuel system, specifically fuel injector cracks leading to fuel leaks and increased fire risk, as evidenced by multiple recalls (e.g., 22V-859, 24V-187, 25V-467) and 12 reported fires among 302 total complaints. Owners frequently report strong fuel odors and engine stalling related to these fuel system issues. Beyond fuel system concerns, electrical system problems are also prominent, with 28 complaints for 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' and recalls related to engine block heaters (increasing fire risk) and 12-volt battery degradation leading to loss of electrical accessories or drive power. Powertrain issues, including transmission failures, are also frequently reported, with 20 complaints for 'POWER TRAIN' and several owners detailing costly transmission replacements at relatively low mileages. The high number of recalls and the nature of the complaints, including 11 crashes and 15 injuries, suggest that despite strong crash test performance, the vehicle has notable reliability and fire safety vulnerabilities that potential buyers should be aware of. The overall safety picture is one of strong passive safety in a crash, but compromised active safety and reliability due to manufacturing defects. The prevalence of fuel system and electrical issues, many of which are linked to fire hazards, is particularly alarming. The fact that some recalls, like 25V-467, have had no available remedy for extended periods, further exacerbates the safety concerns for owners.

Reliability Score

The 2022 Ford Bronco Sport receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Fuel Injector Cracking And Leakage
Fuel injectors may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment, increasing the risk of fire. This is covered by multiple recalls (e.g., 22V-859, 24V-187, 25V-467).
High Common unknown miles
12-Volt Battery Degradation/Failure
The 12-volt battery may degrade and suddenly fail, leading to loss of electrical accessories or drive power, increasing crash risk. Covered by recall 23V-341.
Medium Occasional unknown miles
Transmission Failure
Owners report transmission failures requiring costly replacements, with some experiencing complete loss of drive power while driving.
High Occasional 75000-100000 miles
Engine Block Heater Short Circuit
An electrical short circuit in the engine block heater can increase the risk of a fire. Covered by recall 22V-150.
High Rare unknown miles
Fuel Pump Control Module (Fpcm) Bracket Not Secured
The FPCM bracket may not be secured to the fuel tank, leading to FPCM failure and potential engine stall. Covered by recall 22V-526.
Medium Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport:

Fuel System, Gasoline 10% of complaints

Frequent complaints of fuel leaks, strong fuel odors, and engine stalling, often linked to fuel injector issues and multiple fire-related recalls.

Electrical System 9% of complaints

Issues include battery degradation, loss of electrical power, and various warning lights, with some recalls related to fire risk from electrical components.

Unknown Or Other 8% of complaints

A significant number of complaints fall into a general category, indicating diverse and sometimes unidentifiable issues.

Service Brakes 8% of complaints

Reports of brake squeaking, brake booster failure, and loss of brake assist.

Engine 7% of complaints

Complaints include engine overheating, sputtering, and check engine lights, often intertwined with fuel system issues.

Power Train 6% of complaints

Issues range from transmission failures and rough shifting to complete loss of drive power.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport

Is the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport received excellent 5-star crash test ratings for overall, frontal, and side impacts, and a 4-star rollover rating, indicating strong passive safety. However, it has a high number of recalls (14) and 302 complaints, including 12 fires and 15 injuries. Recurring issues, particularly with the fuel system (fuel injector leaks leading to fire risk) and powertrain, raise significant concerns about its active safety and long-term reliability.

What are common problems with the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport?

The most reported issues for the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport are related to the FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE (32 complaints), often involving fuel injector cracks and leaks that pose a fire risk. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (28 complaints) issues, including battery failures and various electrical malfunctions, are also common. Other significant problem areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER (27 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (25 complaints), ENGINE (22 complaints), and POWER TRAIN (20 complaints), with owners reporting transmission failures and loss of drive power.

Are there any fire risks with the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport?

Yes, there are significant fire risks. The 2022 Ford Bronco Sport has 12 reported fires in NHTSA complaints and multiple recalls specifically addressing fire hazards. Several recalls (e.g., 22V-859, 24V-187, 25V-467) are for fuel injector cracks that can leak fuel onto hot engine components, increasing fire risk. Another recall (22V-150) addresses an electrical short in the engine block heater that can also lead to fire.

How many recalls does the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport have?

The 2022 Ford Bronco Sport has a total of 14 recalls issued by NHTSA. These recalls cover a range of issues including fuel system leaks, electrical system failures, powertrain control module issues, and rearview camera malfunctions.

What should I do if I own a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport?

If you own a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport, it is critical to check if your vehicle is affected by any of the 14 open recalls, especially those related to the fuel system and electrical system that pose fire risks. Contact a Ford dealership immediately to schedule any necessary recall repairs. Be vigilant for symptoms like strong fuel odors, engine sputtering, or warning lights, and address them promptly. Ensure all recall remedies are performed as soon as parts become available.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport has significant fire risks due to fuel system issues and numerous recalls; proceed with caution and ensure all recall repairs are completed before purchase.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2022 Ford Bronco Sport

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The data includes 302 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 14 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 11 reported crashes, 12 fire incidents, 15 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.