2025 Bronco Sport Big Bend – Full Transmission Replacement at 13k Miles (Output Planetary Failure)

[Jfisher85]

Hey everyone,

Wanted to share my experience and see if anyone else has dealt with this.

Vehicle:
2025 Bronco Sport Big Bend
4WD
Automatic
13,000 miles

I was experiencing the following symptoms:

• Delayed 1–3, 3–4, and 4–5 shifts
• Shift flare in 5th gear
• No warning lights or stored DTCs

Dealer performed diagnostics. No codes present. Fluid level was full but described as dark/metallic.
Road test verified concern. They performed reset strategy and adaptive relearn, no change.
Final diagnosis per dealer notes:
Internal failure with output planetary needle bearing.
Vehicle qualified for LTIS and the entire automatic transmission assembly (PZ1Z-7000-J) was replaced.
Has anyone else had a planetary bearing failure this early? 13k miles seems extremely premature for a full transmission replacement.
Curious if this is isolated or something others with the 8-speed are seeing.

The original reason I brought it in was because when I’m reversing with the wheel turned hard (like when backing into a parking space), the vehicle will sometimes stop moving completely as if it loses engagement. I have to ease off, straighten the steering wheel, and reapply throttle to get it moving again. It has also done this occasionally while moving forward at low speeds.

Additionally, I’ve experienced intermittent harsh jerking when powering the vehicle off — almost like a rough disengagement as it shuts down. It feels random and doesn’t happen every time.

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[Jfisher85]

I forgot to add that the transmission replacement did not fix the reverse and power off issues. Still need to bring it back in ‍

 

[Sirwallace]

I had my transmission rebuilt at 50k Km. It was jerking when I went to accelerate trying to pass someone. Covered under the 5 year powertrain.

 

[incavulator]

Sorry to hear this happened.

Transmission failures are not unheard of in these vehicles (at least based on the posts in this forum). 13,000 miles is pretty low.

The sarcastic side of me is wondering how long it will be before someone blames it on not changing the transmission fluid.

 

[Sirwallace]

Sorry to hear this happened.

Transmission failures are not unheard of in these vehicles (at least based on the posts in this forum). 13,000 miles is pretty low.

The sarcastic side of me is wondering how long it will be before someone blames it on not changing the transmission fluid.

That has already happened in my original post. The transmission guy at Ford said it wasn't from the fluid not being changed.

It was just a bad torque converter.

 

[incavulator]

Yeah.... for some reason, there are those who have a hard time thinking the vehicle they bought may not have the best track record for reliability or that it's possible Ford (or insert your favorite manufacturer here) may have built components that either have lingering design issues or have poor quality control during the manufacturing process.

No manufacturer is perfect but some brands, and certain model years and specific models are worse than others.

 

[RSH]

This article may apply to the Op's transmission failure

https://www.transmissiondigest.com/ford-8f35-maintenance-tips-planetary-failure-no-pressure-conditions/

 

[Whpony96]

Are you kidding @ 13,000 miles. I'd Lemon Law it.

 

[jkernitzki]

Are you kidding @ 13,000 miles. I'd Lemon Law it.

From OP’s narrative, it’s not even close to that point yet, legally speaking. OK is a four attempts/30-day state.

 

[DWG]

So if I understand correctly it was the torque converter and not the transmission but they replaced the transmission the first time and had to pull it down a second time to replace the torque converter.

Did you make sure they check the wheel alignment after putting everything back together. I asked that they check the alignment after I had done some research which is summarized below when I had torque converter replaced on my Edge. I was especially concerned about the alignment since I had put new tires on the car shortly before having the torque converter replaced. The alignment needed to be corrected.

AI response to should alignment be checked after pulling down transmission: Yes, you should absolutely have your wheel alignment checked after replacing a transmission.
While the transmission itself doesn't directly affect wheel angles, the process often requires lowering the engine cradle or subframe, which can disrupt suspension and steering geometry, leading to improper toe alignment.

Key Reasons for Alignment After Transmission Replacement:

• Subframe/Cradle Removal: Lowering the subframe to remove the transmission often alters the steering rack position, directly affecting alignment.
• Suspension Disturbance: If suspension components are removed or shifted during the repair, alignment is required.
• Premature Tire Wear: Even minor shifts in the cradle can cause significant changes in toe, leading to rapid tire wear.

Recommendation:

• Ask for an Alignment Check: Request a "check" first rather than a full service, as some shops may do this for free or for a reduced cost.
• Verify Subframe Position: Ensure the technicians check that the subframe was returned to its exact original location.
• Check Post-Repair: If the car pulls to one side or the steering wheel is off-center after the repair, a full alignment is necessary.

 

[BLUEOVALRACER]

Are you kidding @ 13,000 miles. I'd Lemon Law it.

A guy that used to post on here had a Badlands and had no problems with it. He got a new Hyundai Santa Fe IIRC I told Him Car and Driver didn't care for the transmission in those. He came back on here and said the Transmission in the Hyundai took a crap with only 5,000 miles on it.

 

[BLUEOVALRACER]

From OP’s narrative, it’s not even close to that point yet, legally speaking. OK is a four attempts/30-day state.

X2,Lemon Law won't work after 1 issue.

 

[Whpony96]

X2,Lemon Law won't work after 1 issue.

So Ford has to install 4 transmissions before the Lemon Law can apply? LMAO!!!

The second Ford got it working I would trade it in.....

 

[DWG]

Every State has their own lemon law regulations. If any one is considering using the lemon in their state I would suggest they become familiar with their state regulations. If they feel that they have a qualifying issue(s) than I would suggest making sure that they qualify for their state lemon law and first contact Ford directly to request a buy back. Ford will consider direct buy backs and will follow the state lemon law regulations of the customer. I would also check with the state department that would handle their lemon law to ensure that they preserve their right to pursue the lemon law if the Ford buy back program is not successful.

 

[incavulator]

So Ford has to install 4 transmissions before the Lemon Law can apply? LMAO!!!

The second Ford got it working I would trade it in.....

I don't think they have to install 4 transmissions. Based on my state's rules, that means they have to attempt to fix it, and be unsuccessful in doing so four times within the 30 days (in this state's example). If that happens, it meets the requirements for the lemon law and you can force the manufacturer to buy it back.

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