Read Before you buy a Bronco Sport!!

[Dadio]

Just moved from a 2015 Lincoln Navigtor to a new 2023 Big Bend and couldn’t be happier. I don’t miss the Lincoln amenities such as power liftgate, power running boards and have no complaints so far.

Sponsored

 

[Chiefthepup]

I loved my 21 OB for the first couple years too, drove it with zero problems. Then, out of the clear blue, it stranded me twice completely losing power in the middle of the road. It scared the crap out of me and it put myself in great danger of being injured.

I lost all faith in the car and the Bronco Sport (at least the 1.5 engine).

So happy that I traded out of the vehicle, no regrets. I felt like I was driving a ticking time bomb.

Just out of curiosity did you ever find the reason why it lost power those two times?

 

[wireman]

The horror of having to hit a button to turn off the autostop once every time you drive……horrible nuisance really along the same lines of having to put it in drive every time I get in the car or even manipulating the radio….

At least we can turn it off. My brothers 2018 Equinox has no off switch for start/stop. It's always on.

 

[petegee77]

This year I got a 2022 bronco sport outer banks, I was the second owner at just 11,000 miles. After just 1 month I couldn't tolerate driving it any longer and got rid of it. Visually the vehicle is great and the seats are extremely comfortable. It's also great on gas, I averaged around 32 mpg.

The unfortunate part is the transmission. It's an 8 speed transmission and you feel EVERY SINGLE 1... of those 8 shifts. That's fine if you are off roading but as a daily driver this is extremely annoying. Especially the shifts from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd can really jerk you around. It's a common issue that according to the service center is normal for that transmission. People will try using different G.O.A.T modes to even out the shifts but it doesn't help much. Imagine driving after work and you're tired, maybe have a headache and the car is jerking your head around. Then you hit traffic and have to keep going through those lower shifts which are the worst ones.
ThIs is my personal opinion as someone who transitioned from an extremely smooth Ford CVT transmission, so depending on what you're used to those shifts may not bother you. Also, highway driving is wonderful since there is no shifting, if that's what you need it for there's no issue. It's the daily around town drivers that should steer clear of getting this car.

The Bluetooth system has a very long lag of 3-5ms. If you're playing music from your phone expect a lag from the time you click skip to when it actually takes the action. When playing videos on your phone the sound from the car speakers will not match the picture on your device. I've updated the system to the latest version and it does not solve this issue.

There's no automatic lift gate but they try to sell you on the fact that the glass opens separately which would be great but it's too small. Taking an average grocery bag which most people will be loading weekly it will not fit in that space. with how small the opening is, makes it very situational maybe lumber. But for most an automatic lift gate is more functional.

The adaptive cruise control also has flaws, Because it uses the lines to steer If there is an exit lane that does not have the dashed lines separating it, the car may try to exit you from the road, a few times i really had to fight the steering wheel to keep going straight. It also has a problem with cars merging into your lane in front of you and may break unexpectedly because it either doesn't understand what's happening or it can't measure the cars speed until it's registered in front of you. I've tried adjusting the following distance but I think it has to do more with the pre-collision system.

That brings me to the issue with the pre collision system. I've seen this with cars making a U turn in front of me but there is no turn lane. As a human I know the car will U turn out of my lane in plenty of time but the bronco sport doesn't understand that action and thinks the car is just stopping in the road. The collision system has gone off every time and it is loud and a bit terrifying. If you live somewhere were U turns are made often without a left turn lane this will be a nuisance.

This model is one that squeaks or moans when you reverse. It's a common and known issue for many owners and can be very loud when it occurs. According to service there is a temporary fix only that may last for a short period found in a service bulletin, but no permanent solutions as of now. If you leave early in the morning, be prepared to position your car so that you do not need to reverse. Otherwise you may be waking up your family.

This one is probably a personal issue but I'm 5'7" and I like to have a high seating position. my arm could not reach on the center console at all and just barely on the door armrest. The sun visor has a curve on one side, once flipped down the curve keeps it from sitting properly, partially blocking your view while driving. This is a common issue people mention, Of course lowering your chair down may solve both of those problems but you might not be as comfortable.

The auto start stop feature turns on every time the car is started. You can turn it off but you must turn it off every time. I've noticed at times when the engine restarts it violently jerks the whole car. The 3 cylinder engine although great on gas is known to have more vibration and idle noise than a 4+ cylinder engine. This is apparent if I placed my hand on the steering wheel while stopped the vibration shook my watch back and forth, feels like one of those push gas lawn mowers. However, for me the auto start stop feature didn't function at colder temperatures so maybe colder climates may not have to deal with this feature as much.

Overall, I could have looked past all of these issues, but the transmission shifts were just too unbearable for me. I hope some of these issues I've listed can help inform those that are looking to purchase. And once again these are my opinions based on my experience.

As much as I'm not "in love" with my BSBB I have never once felt the car shift with the exception of when I punch it to pass someone. It shifts smooth as silk. Only notice it shifts when I see the revs on the tac drop. I do agree about the collision warning and that stupid start stop technology.

 

[CherylD]

This year I got a 2022 bronco sport outer banks, I was the second owner at just 11,000 miles. After just 1 month I couldn't tolerate driving it any longer and got rid of it. Visually the vehicle is great and the seats are extremely comfortable. It's also great on gas, I averaged around 32 mpg.

The unfortunate part is the transmission. It's an 8 speed transmission and you feel EVERY SINGLE 1... of those 8 shifts. That's fine if you are off roading but as a daily driver this is extremely annoying. Especially the shifts from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd can really jerk you around. It's a common issue that according to the service center is normal for that transmission. People will try using different G.O.A.T modes to even out the shifts but it doesn't help much. Imagine driving after work and you're tired, maybe have a headache and the car is jerking your head around. Then you hit traffic and have to keep going through those lower shifts which are the worst ones.
ThIs is my personal opinion as someone who transitioned from an extremely smooth Ford CVT transmission, so depending on what you're used to those shifts may not bother you. Also, highway driving is wonderful since there is no shifting, if that's what you need it for there's no issue. It's the daily around town drivers that should steer clear of getting this car.

The Bluetooth system has a very long lag of 3-5ms. If you're playing music from your phone expect a lag from the time you click skip to when it actually takes the action. When playing videos on your phone the sound from the car speakers will not match the picture on your device. I've updated the system to the latest version and it does not solve this issue.

There's no automatic lift gate but they try to sell you on the fact that the glass opens separately which would be great but it's too small. Taking an average grocery bag which most people will be loading weekly it will not fit in that space. with how small the opening is, makes it very situational maybe lumber. But for most an automatic lift gate is more functional.

The adaptive cruise control also has flaws, Because it uses the lines to steer If there is an exit lane that does not have the dashed lines separating it, the car may try to exit you from the road, a few times i really had to fight the steering wheel to keep going straight. It also has a problem with cars merging into your lane in front of you and may break unexpectedly because it either doesn't understand what's happening or it can't measure the cars speed until it's registered in front of you. I've tried adjusting the following distance but I think it has to do more with the pre-collision system.

That brings me to the issue with the pre collision system. I've seen this with cars making a U turn in front of me but there is no turn lane. As a human I know the car will U turn out of my lane in plenty of time but the bronco sport doesn't understand that action and thinks the car is just stopping in the road. The collision system has gone off every time and it is loud and a bit terrifying. If you live somewhere were U turns are made often without a left turn lane this will be a nuisance.

This model is one that squeaks or moans when you reverse. It's a common and known issue for many owners and can be very loud when it occurs. According to service there is a temporary fix only that may last for a short period found in a service bulletin, but no permanent solutions as of now. If you leave early in the morning, be prepared to position your car so that you do not need to reverse. Otherwise you may be waking up your family.

This one is probably a personal issue but I'm 5'7" and I like to have a high seating position. my arm could not reach on the center console at all and just barely on the door armrest. The sun visor has a curve on one side, once flipped down the curve keeps it from sitting properly, partially blocking your view while driving. This is a common issue people mention, Of course lowering your chair down may solve both of those problems but you might not be as comfortable.

The auto start stop feature turns on every time the car is started. You can turn it off but you must turn it off every time. I've noticed at times when the engine restarts it violently jerks the whole car. The 3 cylinder engine although great on gas is known to have more vibration and idle noise than a 4+ cylinder engine. This is apparent if I placed my hand on the steering wheel while stopped the vibration shook my watch back and forth, feels like one of those push gas lawn mowers. However, for me the auto start stop feature didn't function at colder temperatures so maybe colder climates may not have to deal with this feature as much.

Overall, I could have looked past all of these issues, but the transmission shifts were just too unbearable for me. I hope some of these issues I've listed can help inform those that are looking to purchase. And once again these are my opinions based on my experience.

I test drove the 1.5 versions and didn't buy one because it felt off to me. I didn't like the noise or the acceleration either. People really need to test drive all models before buying. There is a significant difference. I get people want mpg and cheap all in the same sentence but you can't get that in this vehicle.

 

[Escape2Bronco]

I'll agree that the pre-collision is a bit wonky but it's only gone off a handful of times in two years. After the first time it hasn't scared the crap out of me again. The whale moan can be a bit annoying at times but the neighbors like it better than my motorcycle so there is that. But, for me it was a 32K vehicle in a world of 40K vehicles. Do I trust it like my 2013 ES350? no, but that will start up after sitting two months on a 5 year old battery because it still nanny free for the most part. I still have to look in my mirrors and over my shoulder to pass and stay awake even while on cruse control. I'd rather have a nanny free vehicle but can't find one in the style or type I want.

 

[Sig Oris]

This year I got a 2022 bronco sport outer banks, I was the second owner at just 11,000 miles. After just 1 month I couldn't tolerate driving it any longer and got rid of it. Visually the vehicle is great and the seats are extremely comfortable. It's also great on gas, I averaged around 32 mpg.

The unfortunate part is the transmission. It's an 8 speed transmission and you feel EVERY SINGLE 1... of those 8 shifts. That's fine if you are off roading but as a daily driver this is extremely annoying. Especially the shifts from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd can really jerk you around. It's a common issue that according to the service center is normal for that transmission. People will try using different G.O.A.T modes to even out the shifts but it doesn't help much. Imagine driving after work and you're tired, maybe have a headache and the car is jerking your head around. Then you hit traffic and have to keep going through those lower shifts which are the worst ones.
ThIs is my personal opinion as someone who transitioned from an extremely smooth Ford CVT transmission, so depending on what you're used to those shifts may not bother you. Also, highway driving is wonderful since there is no shifting, if that's what you need it for there's no issue. It's the daily around town drivers that should steer clear of getting this car.

The Bluetooth system has a very long lag of 3-5ms. If you're playing music from your phone expect a lag from the time you click skip to when it actually takes the action. When playing videos on your phone the sound from the car speakers will not match the picture on your device. I've updated the system to the latest version and it does not solve this issue.

There's no automatic lift gate but they try to sell you on the fact that the glass opens separately which would be great but it's too small. Taking an average grocery bag which most people will be loading weekly it will not fit in that space. with how small the opening is, makes it very situational maybe lumber. But for most an automatic lift gate is more functional.

The adaptive cruise control also has flaws, Because it uses the lines to steer If there is an exit lane that does not have the dashed lines separating it, the car may try to exit you from the road, a few times i really had to fight the steering wheel to keep going straight. It also has a problem with cars merging into your lane in front of you and may break unexpectedly because it either doesn't understand what's happening or it can't measure the cars speed until it's registered in front of you. I've tried adjusting the following distance but I think it has to do more with the pre-collision system.

That brings me to the issue with the pre collision system. I've seen this with cars making a U turn in front of me but there is no turn lane. As a human I know the car will U turn out of my lane in plenty of time but the bronco sport doesn't understand that action and thinks the car is just stopping in the road. The collision system has gone off every time and it is loud and a bit terrifying. If you live somewhere were U turns are made often without a left turn lane this will be a nuisance.

This model is one that squeaks or moans when you reverse. It's a common and known issue for many owners and can be very loud when it occurs. According to service there is a temporary fix only that may last for a short period found in a service bulletin, but no permanent solutions as of now. If you leave early in the morning, be prepared to position your car so that you do not need to reverse. Otherwise you may be waking up your family.

This one is probably a personal issue but I'm 5'7" and I like to have a high seating position. my arm could not reach on the center console at all and just barely on the door armrest. The sun visor has a curve on one side, once flipped down the curve keeps it from sitting properly, partially blocking your view while driving. This is a common issue people mention, Of course lowering your chair down may solve both of those problems but you might not be as comfortable.

The auto start stop feature turns on every time the car is started. You can turn it off but you must turn it off every time. I've noticed at times when the engine restarts it violently jerks the whole car. The 3 cylinder engine although great on gas is known to have more vibration and idle noise than a 4+ cylinder engine. This is apparent if I placed my hand on the steering wheel while stopped the vibration shook my watch back and forth, feels like one of those push gas lawn mowers. However, for me the auto start stop feature didn't function at colder temperatures so maybe colder climates may not have to deal with this feature as much.

Overall, I could have looked past all of these issues, but the transmission shifts were just too unbearable for me. I hope some of these issues I've listed can help inform those that are looking to purchase. And once again these are my opinions based on my experience.

3 to 5 milli-seconds is long ? JFC, I thought I was impatient ???

 

[rms34208]

This year I got a 2022 bronco sport outer banks, I was the second owner at just 11,000 miles. After just 1 month I couldn't tolerate driving it any longer and got rid of it. Visually the vehicle is great and the seats are extremely comfortable. It's also great on gas, I averaged around 32 mpg.

The unfortunate part is the transmission. It's an 8 speed transmission and you feel EVERY SINGLE 1... of those 8 shifts. That's fine if you are off roading but as a daily driver this is extremely annoying. Especially the shifts from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd can really jerk you around. It's a common issue that according to the service center is normal for that transmission. People will try using different G.O.A.T modes to even out the shifts but it doesn't help much. Imagine driving after work and you're tired, maybe have a headache and the car is jerking your head around. Then you hit traffic and have to keep going through those lower shifts which are the worst ones.
ThIs is my personal opinion as someone who transitioned from an extremely smooth Ford CVT transmission, so depending on what you're used to those shifts may not bother you. Also, highway driving is wonderful since there is no shifting, if that's what you need it for there's no issue. It's the daily around town drivers that should steer clear of getting this car.

The Bluetooth system has a very long lag of 3-5ms. If you're playing music from your phone expect a lag from the time you click skip to when it actually takes the action. When playing videos on your phone the sound from the car speakers will not match the picture on your device. I've updated the system to the latest version and it does not solve this issue.

There's no automatic lift gate but they try to sell you on the fact that the glass opens separately which would be great but it's too small. Taking an average grocery bag which most people will be loading weekly it will not fit in that space. with how small the opening is, makes it very situational maybe lumber. But for most an automatic lift gate is more functional.

The adaptive cruise control also has flaws, Because it uses the lines to steer If there is an exit lane that does not have the dashed lines separating it, the car may try to exit you from the road, a few times i really had to fight the steering wheel to keep going straight. It also has a problem with cars merging into your lane in front of you and may break unexpectedly because it either doesn't understand what's happening or it can't measure the cars speed until it's registered in front of you. I've tried adjusting the following distance but I think it has to do more with the pre-collision system.

That brings me to the issue with the pre collision system. I've seen this with cars making a U turn in front of me but there is no turn lane. As a human I know the car will U turn out of my lane in plenty of time but the bronco sport doesn't understand that action and thinks the car is just stopping in the road. The collision system has gone off every time and it is loud and a bit terrifying. If you live somewhere were U turns are made often without a left turn lane this will be a nuisance.

This model is one that squeaks or moans when you reverse. It's a common and known issue for many owners and can be very loud when it occurs. According to service there is a temporary fix only that may last for a short period found in a service bulletin, but no permanent solutions as of now. If you leave early in the morning, be prepared to position your car so that you do not need to reverse. Otherwise you may be waking up your family.

This one is probably a personal issue but I'm 5'7" and I like to have a high seating position. my arm could not reach on the center console at all and just barely on the door armrest. The sun visor has a curve on one side, once flipped down the curve keeps it from sitting properly, partially blocking your view while driving. This is a common issue people mention, Of course lowering your chair down may solve both of those problems but you might not be as comfortable.

The auto start stop feature turns on every time the car is started. You can turn it off but you must turn it off every time. I've noticed at times when the engine restarts it violently jerks the whole car. The 3 cylinder engine although great on gas is known to have more vibration and idle noise than a 4+ cylinder engine. This is apparent if I placed my hand on the steering wheel while stopped the vibration shook my watch back and forth, feels like one of those push gas lawn mowers. However, for me the auto start stop feature didn't function at colder temperatures so maybe colder climates may not have to deal with this feature as much.

Overall, I could have looked past all of these issues, but the transmission shifts were just too unbearable for me. I hope some of these issues I've listed can help inform those that are looking to purchase. And once again these are my opinions based on my experience.

Very sorry for you experienc with this vehicles. My personal BS Big Bend SUV has experienced the transmission lightly jerking in Eco mode while driving very slowly not any issue I can not live with for a Lite Duty SUV with variable Four Wheel/ All Wheel Drive . I also get 30 plus MPG and I Find My Driving Experience Fun Every time I go somewhere. Hope you find happiness in your travels.

 

[69cuda340s]

Lemon bronco sports have existed since day one. And so have large numbers of well built trouble free sports. To reduce risk test drive and inspect closely before you buy. Read up on common problems. I have always thought its a buyer beware since day one. Don't just wonder into a dealer sign papers and drive off, don't do that.

 

[Bill G]

Don’t walk in sign papers and drive off ANY car/truck, not just a Ford BS!

 

[69cuda340s]

Don’t walk in sign papers and drive off ANY car/truck, not just a Ford BS!

Right every make has lemons every single one.

 

[MarkW]

Mine is AMAZING. 23 Badlands, smooth as silk on all shifts. I find, after 40 years of driving, that it is how some people drive as opposed to the vehicle. As an LEO I know that this acceleration and handling rivals our much heavier Police cars. It took some time as an Field Training Officer to get new recruits to start to understand physics, weight shift and how to put the power to the road with smooth shifts so a partner can still type on the mobile work station. Anytime you are pushing it, you need to anticipate shifts and adjust pedal pressure slightly to even out the shifts. All in all it is experience with the vehicle, driving in particular, and really knowing your ride that turns a rough ride into a smooth experience. A trick is to squeeze the accelerator like an orange. Firm pressure slowly applied to get weight shifted works everytime and will smooth out shifts in those times of aggressive driving. But the same principle works for regular driving.

Everything inside is also logically placed, works as intended and I could not be happier. (A good read of the manual every somofyen is a good idea.

I get many looks and thumbs up and lots of people ask what I think of it.

And... In Sport mode it is a ROCKET! What a fun ride, and so capable. I am pleased I got the Badlands with 2.0 litre, but from the sounds of the forum, most people with the other trims and 1.5 are super happy too.

 

[DahliaDarlin']

I have to agree that this poster unfortunately got a lemon. My OBX was also used, with a few more miles. I drove it so long the the sales person started to give me the stink eye. I don't think it shifts roughly, perhaps a bit when I have to accelerate unexpectedly. No rattles or squeaks that annoy --the DH's car is a '16 Forester which drives me insane with the discomfort, CVT noise, rattling and general racket.

Back in '21 we rented a '21 BB in CO. That car did have a very rough Auto Stop Start and we shut it off every time. My 22 is very smooth. I don't even notice it. My car supposedly has the upgraded sound system with 10 speakers, but I does not impress me and I've fiddled with it in vain.

My mpg is 25. It should be higher but I don't take it on the hwy much. Various things have kept me from changing out the winter tires. Gotta get on that!

 

[Jake25]

I liked the odds & rolled the dice @ $26kUSD

 

[Chiefthepup]

I liked the odds & rolled the dice @ $26kUSD

$26k!?