Low Coolant level on 2024 Badlands 2.0

[BroncoJoe24]

Question(s) for the group

I have a 24 BL with 23k on it and recently noticed low coolant. Since purchased near the end of '24 it's been at the same factory level since purchased and now as '26 starts I've noticed it was pretty low (1st photo)



I took it to my local dealer and while the service advisor guessed it was a water pump (not a known problem on the 2.0 like the 1.5) they air pressure tested it and put dye in and said they found no leaks and topped it off (2nd photo). They basically said it was at an average level, found no leaks, and there is an "actuator" that is with the reservoir that made it look the level it was.



I'm not really buying it. To me that doesn't really explain where the coolant went and I want a better answer on if the water pump or egr needs to be replaced while still under warranty and obviously to prevent a bigger problem if there is one. There has been a musty smell at times but there has been no drop off in performance, idle, engine heating, or any codes, so I'm wondering here.



Any experiences with your BL in this?

 

[Dude]

I’ve seen 3-5 ‘21-‘24 2.0L owners post on various Bronco Sport groups their water pump failed so it can happen with any vehicle

Here is a link to the part # for the ‘21-‘24 2.0L water pump but there may be an updated part # (haven’t checked lately)

https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/part-for-bronco-sport-2-0l-water-pump.10341/

 

[Jonk]

Wonder if it's the same thing that happened to my '21 Badlands a year ago:

During a very cold week of -10C (14F) I discovered the coolant was slowly leaking out of the car, and I feared it was the dreaded water pump.

Dealership pressure tested and determined the system was fine, and claimed the reservoir/expansion tank was possibly cracked (the only part not covered under the powertrain/cooling warranty).

15 minute swap and so far hasn't leaked again.

https://ford.oempartsonline.com/oem-parts/ford-expansion-tank-lx6z8a080a

 

[Glamdring70]

My experience
https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/2-0-coolant.18387/

 

[Dude]

Wonder if it's the same thing that happened to my '21 Badlands a year ago:

During a very cold week of -10C (14F) I discovered the coolant was slowly leaking out of the car, and I feared it was the dreaded water pump.

Dealership pressure tested and determined the system was fine, and claimed the reservoir/expansion tank was possibly cracked (the only part not covered under the powertrain/cooling warranty).

15 minute swap and so far hasn't leaked again.

https://ford.oempartsonline.com/oem-parts/ford-expansion-tank-lx6z8a080a

Great info! I cross linked your post to the Part # for Bronco Sport 2.0L Water Pump Thread:

https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/part-for-bronco-sport-2-0l-water-pump.10341/post-310549

 

[Joeg]

Question(s) for the group

I have a 24 BL with 23k on it and recently noticed low coolant. Since purchased near the end of '24 it's been at the same factory level since purchased and now as '26 starts I've noticed it was pretty low (1st photo)



I took it to my local dealer and while the service advisor guessed it was a water pump (not a known problem on the 2.0 like the 1.5) they air pressure tested it and put dye in and said they found no leaks and topped it off (2nd photo). They basically said it was at an average level, found no leaks, and there is an "actuator" that is with the reservoir that made it look the level it was.



I'm not really buying it. To me that doesn't really explain where the coolant went and I want a better answer on if the water pump or egr needs to be replaced while still under warranty and obviously to prevent a bigger problem if there is one. There has been a musty smell at times but there has been no drop off in performance, idle, engine heating, or any codes, so I'm wondering here.



Any experiences with your BL in this?

Why would the EGR possibly need replaced for low coolant? Just asking I'm curious what a bad EGR would do to coolant level.

 

[incavulator]

Not sure about the 2.0L in the BL, but many of the new gasoline DI engines I have worked on have cooled EGR. I can only assume whoever posted that considered the possibility that the coolant could be leaking via the EGR cooler (externally or internally).

 

[Joeg]

Not sure about the 2.0L in the BL, but many of the new gasoline DI engines I have worked on have cooled EGR. I can only assume whoever posted that considered the possibility that the coolant could be leaking via the EGR cooler (externally or internally).

I looked up the 2 L after I posted, for the 2024 Badlands there is no water cooling on it. I'm not familiar with the 1.5L. I go way back to disabling the EGR on my 1980 4 cyl 2.4 L Mercury Capri.
( Just in case you are ever asked about a 1980, that did not have water cooling)


Thanks for your reply.

 

[DWG]

Why would the EGR possibly need replaced for low coolant? Just asking I'm curious what a bad EGR would do to coolant level.

Yes, the 2.0L EcoBoost engine in the Ford Bronco Sport (2021–2025) is equipped with an EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) cooler
. This component is part of the emission system, designed to cool exhaust gases before they are recirculated back into the engine, and utilizes OEM part number K2GZ9F464B.
Key Details About the Bronco Sport 2.0L EGR Cooler:

• Purpose: It functions as a heat exchanger for the EGR system.
• Location/System: It is a known, serviceable part for the 2.0L engine, and failures can lead to coolant loss, similar to issues seen in other Ford EcoBoost engines.
• Componentry: The system includes the cooler itself, along with associated gaskets and pipes.

A failed EGR cooler on this vehicle may cause a check engine light, inefficient engine operation, and, in some cases, coolant consumption.

This happened to me with my 2019 Ford Edge which also had the 2.0L engine. After loosing coolant and having it refilled I kept an eye on it and the coolant level was dropping after being refilled. After pressing the dealer that something was wrong they found the the EGR Cooler was leaking coolant. Once replaced the coolant level remained stable.

 

[Leeford]

Question(s) for the group

I have a 24 BL with 23k on it and recently noticed low coolant. Since purchased near the end of '24 it's been at the same factory level since purchased and now as '26 starts I've noticed it was pretty low (1st photo)



I took it to my local dealer and while the service advisor guessed it was a water pump (not a known problem on the 2.0 like the 1.5) they air pressure tested it and put dye in and said they found no leaks and topped it off (2nd photo). They basically said it was at an average level, found no leaks, and there is an "actuator" that is with the reservoir that made it look the level it was.



I'm not really buying it. To me that doesn't really explain where the coolant went and I want a better answer on if the water pump or egr needs to be replaced while still under warranty and obviously to prevent a bigger problem if there is one. There has been a musty smell at times but there has been no drop off in performance, idle, engine heating, or any codes, so I'm wondering here.



Any experiences with your BL in this?

that's the level my 1.5 sits at and I'm my second one.