RDU blew out.

[DNorton]

I have a bronco sport 2021 with 25,000 miles. I replaced the water pump and the rear differential. Also 2 windshields, and squealing brakes. Never again

I hear ya…that’s how I’m feeling.
Now if they’d fix the damn thing I could get rid of it.

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[Mark S.]

Millions?

https://fordauthority.com/fmc/ford-motor-company-sales-numbers/ford-sales-numbers/ford-bronco-sport-sales-numbers/

This car is built on Ford's C2 platform, which includes:

• 2019 and newer Ford Focus (outside Americas)
• 2020 and newer Ford Escape / Ford Kuga
• 2020 and newer Lincoln Corsair
• 2021 and newer Ford Bronco Sport
• 2022 and newer Ford Maverick
• 2023 and newer Ford Fusion / Mondeo

So yes, there are literally millions of cars in circulation using the same drivetrain as the Bronco Sport.

 

[BayBrownBronco]

This car is built on Ford's C2 platform, which includes:

• 2019 and newer Ford Focus (outside Americas)
• 2020 and newer Ford Escape / Ford Kuga
• 2020 and newer Lincoln Corsair
• 2021 and newer Ford Bronco Sport
• 2022 and newer Ford Maverick
• 2023 and newer Ford Fusion / Mondeo

So yes, there are literally millions of cars in circulation using the same drivetrain as the Bronco Sport.

Agreed. And there’s a side benefit to that, longer-term: getting parts. All this commonality with other Fords and Lincolns bodes well, for Sport owners seeking yard parts such as used RDU’s - not to mention more options in third-party new parts at places like Rock Auto.

 

[Excape]

This car is built on Ford's C2 platform, which includes:

• 2019 and newer Ford Focus (outside Americas)
• 2020 and newer Ford Escape / Ford Kuga
• 2020 and newer Lincoln Corsair
• 2021 and newer Ford Bronco Sport
• 2022 and newer Ford Maverick
• 2023 and newer Ford Fusion / Mondeo

So yes, there are literally millions of cars in circulation using the same drivetrain as the Bronco Sport.

Agreed. And there’s a side benefit to that, longer-term: getting parts. All this commonality with other Fords and Lincolns bodes well, for Sport owners seeking yard parts such as used RDU’s - not to mention more options in third-party new parts at places like Rock Auto.

The OP's problem is the RDU, specifically the Badlands RDU with the problematic dual clutch "locker" that is unique to the BS Badlands, not all of the platform vehicles you mentioned above.
Heck, many of those platform vehicles aren't even AWD/4WD, much less have the Badland's system.

So no, not millions, rather a very small fraction of that number. Devil's in the details....


https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos/more-vehicle-topics/engine-and-transmission/ford-bronco-sport-4x4-capability-brains-on-the-terrain/

 

[Bucko]

You might want to rethink that. The data you need is a comparison of how many people have issues vs how many don't. There are millions of these vehicles on the road today.

I agree with your logic on the numbers, but it is hard to accept when it is your vehicle that fails out of the millions out there.

 

[BayBrownBronco]

The OP's problem is the RDU, specifically the Badlands RDU with the problematic dual clutch "locker" that is unique to the BS Badlands, not all of the platform vehicles you mentioned above.
Heck, many of those platform vehicles aren't even AWD/4WD, much less have the Badland's system.

So no, not millions, rather a very small fraction of that number. Devil's in the details....


https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos/more-vehicle-topics/engine-and-transmission/ford-bronco-sport-4x4-capability-brains-on-the-terrain/

That is true. Technically only the Maverick Tremor shares the exact same PTU and RDU with the Badlands Sport. But despite the hyperbole involved, the point is there are (and will continue to be) a lot out there.

To me, the far bigger powertrain failure risk overall for these is the trans. More moving parts, more concentrated heat over the lifetime, and way more expensive than the RDU/PTU. The 8F35 trans truly is out there in the millions.

 

[DNorton]

I've had my 2021 Bronco Sport Badlands for three years. I don't drive a lot. I have just over 10k miles.

About two and a half months ago it started a weird clunk/shudder noise in the rear...l thought it was maybe a driveline thing.

Had a recall that needed to be addressed anyway so I took it in when that whole software hijack thing happened to a bunch of dealerships. I went back two weeks later and got the recall thing fixed and left my car for about four days. I was told I needed a new RDU (rear differential unit) and they're on back order with NO ESTIMATE as to when it'll come in.

My service manager called and told me l had to return the loaner they'd given me. I took it in and he gave me my keys to take my car. I asked him if it was safe to drive and he said just stay around town, don't take a long drive like to the airport. (Which he now denies saying!)

In retrospect, I should have just left my car there.

Four weeks ago, when I was starting the car to take my granddaughter home, that RDU just SPUN out, making a horrible noise.

So now I don't have my car and no idea when it might be fixed.

Had it towed to the dealer three weeks ago.

I was given a rental car approved for only six days. They said I had to return it, they'll close that PO, once l return it, and then open another PO to request another rental for another six days, which may or may not be approved.

I twisted some arms (begged, basically) and got a rental approved by the dealership for as long as it takes to have it repaired.

Between @Fordmotorcompany corporate and the dealership, I have NOBODY giving me straight answers.

So stupid.

Anybody else have this issue??

Oh, and the drive mode lights all ding and say they're not available, like five different modes, says collision assist isn't available but it did come on at least once while I was driving, which surprised me because it’d said it’s not available.

It's been EIGHT WEEKS now and there’s no light at the end of this black tunnel.

@fordmotorcompany
How do I get in touch with you through this forum? I’m having NO luck over the phone nor the dealership with getting this resolved.
Nine weeks with RDU on back order now.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Dude]

@fordmotorcompany
How do I get in touch with you through this forum? I’m having NO luck over the phone nor the dealership with getting this resolved.
Nine weeks with RDU on back order now.
Thanks in advance.

It’s @Ford Motor Company

You can send your message (including your VIN # and dealership info) via a private conversation to @Ford Motor Company (without the “@“ symbol) - look for the icon that looks like an envelope - the message goes to that alias so not a specific individual.

 

[Mark S.]

The OP's problem is the RDU, specifically the Badlands RDU with the problematic dual clutch "locker" that is unique to the BS Badlands, not all of the platform vehicles you mentioned above.

This is true. I would add, however, that this is the first person I've seen mention a problem with that particular component. There may certainly be others that I haven't seen here on the forum, but the point remains that the number of reported issues is dwarfed by the number in operation.

Every production system produces a certain percentage of defective assemblies. I haven't seen evidence to suggest any of the drivetrain components Ford uses suffer more defects than industry averages.

 

[DNorton]

Thanks so much.
I think I got it figured out.
I really appreciate your help.
DN

 

[Excape]

Glad all is good. There was some extensive discussion regarding the PTU and the RDU several years ago due to some overheating issues.
I found one article that was once discussed on this forum: https://jalopnik.com/multiple-ford-bronco-sports-overheated-off-road-lets-t-1846450499

 

[69cuda340s]

This is true. I would add, however, that this is the first person I've seen mention a problem with that particular component. There may certainly be others that I haven't seen here on the forum

I have seen a few Badlands with bad RDUs over the years. Not many be definitely a few. I definately would no categorize them as problematic like someone else said.

I have 23k miles on my '21 I am gonna change that RDU fluid soon. No noise just preventative. Mines an early build that has the debri ingestion prone vent tube.

My '21 Badlands has been great so far. One of the nicest new vehicles I ever bought. But its not very old, low miles still, I am sure keeping it in an insulated garage helps it a lot too..

It is quite concerning how bad most Ford dealer service is if a problem were ever to arise. I do have 1 Ford dealer and 1 Lincoln dealer 1/2 hour away that are known to be good. Ppl I know have recommended them. And a long list of other extremely bad Ford dealers I will be avoiding. You need to ask around cause good dealers are out there, not many, but they do exists.

 

[EJBFLBSBL21]

I've had my 2021 Bronco Sport Badlands for three years. I don't drive a lot. I have just over 10k miles.

About two and a half months ago it started a weird clunk/shudder noise in the rear...l thought it was maybe a driveline thing.

Had a recall that needed to be addressed anyway so I took it in when that whole software hijack thing happened to a bunch of dealerships. I went back two weeks later and got the recall thing fixed and left my car for about four days. I was told I needed a new RDU (rear differential unit) and they're on back order with NO ESTIMATE as to when it'll come in.

My service manager called and told me l had to return the loaner they'd given me. I took it in and he gave me my keys to take my car. I asked him if it was safe to drive and he said just stay around town, don't take a long drive like to the airport. (Which he now denies saying!)

In retrospect, I should have just left my car there.

Four weeks ago, when I was starting the car to take my granddaughter home, that RDU just SPUN out, making a horrible noise.

So now I don't have my car and no idea when it might be fixed.

Had it towed to the dealer three weeks ago.

I was given a rental car approved for only six days. They said I had to return it, they'll close that PO, once l return it, and then open another PO to request another rental for another six days, which may or may not be approved.

I twisted some arms (begged, basically) and got a rental approved by the dealership for as long as it takes to have it repaired.

Between @Fordmotorcompany corporate and the dealership, I have NOBODY giving me straight answers.

So stupid.

Anybody else have this issue??

Oh, and the drive mode lights all ding and say they're not available, like five different modes, says collision assist isn't available but it did come on at least once while I was driving, which surprised me because it’d said it’s not available.

It's been EIGHT WEEKS now and there’s no light at the end of this black tunnel.

‘21 BSBL 25K miles (I’ve had the vehicle since 1/23) and all the DTCs warning lights popped RDU had to be replaced 5/25.

 

[Dude]

‘21 BSBL 25K miles (I’ve had the vehicle since 1/23) and all the DTCs warning lights popped RDU had to be replaced 5/25.

What did that cost you?

 

[EJBFLBSBL21]

Nothing I am out of basic warranty 3 years 36k miles but dealer covered it under power train warranty. I do not have an extended warranty either. I had and reported the battery issue to the same dealer BEFORE it was an official recall. They said there was nothing wrong and under FORD testing they couldn’t replace the battery under the 3Yr/36K bumper to bumper in June 2024. Car had a spasm and died in traffic 6 days after warranty expired. I don’t let them forget that. And they’ve done alright by me since that incident.

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