DecodedCars2023 Ford Bronco Sport
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- SUV 1.5l, SUV 2.0l
- Engines
- 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 25 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 172.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,457–3,713 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 14 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (1.5L 3-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 173 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,457 lb (SUV 1.5l).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (25 city / 28 highway), 4% better than the 2023 small SUV average of 25 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 14 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 163 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2023
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 Bronco Sport — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Bronco Sport →
Trims, performance & features
Engine–1.5L 3-cyl
Engine–2.0L turbo 4-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows
Trims
Big BendOuter BanksBadlandsHeritageHeritage Limited
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes
Built in: Hermosillo, Mexico
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2023 Bronco Sport configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUV 1.5l | 172.8 in | 74.4 in | 71.3 in | 105.1 in | 63.4 / 63 in | 3,457 lb | 57/43 |
| SUV 2.0l | 172.8 in | 74.4 in | 71.3 in | 105.1 in | 63.4 / 63 in | 3,713 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronco Sport 4WD | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 25 / 28 / 26 | +4% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Bronco Sport 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | -8% | $2,900 | 387 |
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25 MPG2023 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Ford Bronco Sport SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.4% |
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Similar 2023 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Ford Bronco Sport (this car) | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 14 |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Ford Bronco | 20 MPG | Not rated | 18 |
| 2023 Hyundai Tucson | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2023 Mazda CX-5 | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (14)
Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint · May 27, 2026 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 26V340000 · 4,653 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Bronco Sport and 2022-2026 Maverick vehicles. The front lower control arm ball joints may have been incorrectly installed or incorrectly repaired at the vehicle assembly plant, allowing the control arm to disconnect from the front wheel knuckle.
- Risk
- A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and repair the front lower control arm ball joints as necessary, free of charge.Owner notification letters were mailed September 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S36. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 29, 2026.
Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater · Oct 10, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V685000 · 59,006 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
- Risk
- An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System · Jul 11, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V467000 · 694,271 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the engine control software. In addition, dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel rail assembly and fuel injectors, free of charge. As an interim repair, dealers will update the engine control software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 29, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in July 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S76. This recall expands and replaces previous recall numbers 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165 will need to have the new final remedy performed once it is available.
Back Over Prevention › Software · Jun 27, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V442000 · 200,237 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
- Risk
- A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) · Mar 14, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V158000 · 48,041 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-267. The body and power train control modules may fail to detect a change in the 12-volt battery state of charge.
- Risk
- An undetected low battery charge can result in a loss of electrical accessories such as hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will recalibrate the body control module and power train control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 23, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S26.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System · Mar 14, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V165000 · 33,576 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 22V-859 or 24V-187. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S21.
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery · Jan 17, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V019000 · 272,817 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles. The 12-volt battery may experience degradation and suddenly fail.
- Risk
- Battery failure can result in a loss of electrical accessories, including the hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the 12-volt battery, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S02. Vehicles in this recall were previously repaired under 24V-267 and will need to have the new remedy completed.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor · Aug 9, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V594000 · 86,852 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Maverick, Ford Bronco Sport, and Mustang Mach-E vehicles. The front windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.
- Risk
- Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield wiper motor as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 6, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S51.
Electrical System › Body Control Module/Bcm · Apr 12, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V267000 · 456,565 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles. The body and power train control modules may fail to detect a change in the 12-volt battery state of charge.
- Risk
- An undetected low battery charge can result in a loss of electrical accessories such as hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will recalibrate the body control module and power train control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 4, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S24.
Tires · Mar 22, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V223000 · 115 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Maverick and Bronco Sport vehicles. The tires may have been manufactured incorrectly, which may result in a loss of vehicle handling and control.
- Risk
- A loss of vehicle handling and control increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the tires, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S20.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System · Mar 8, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V187000 · 42,652 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 24, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S16. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-859.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Jan 23, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V021000 · 801 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Bronco Sport vehicles. Valves inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module may have been damaged during manufacturing, causing an internal ABS module leak.
- Risk
- A leak inside the ABS module can cause an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel or unexpected movement during an Auto Hold event, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the ABS Module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 2, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S01.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System · Nov 18, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V859000 · 521,746 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed January 9, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 1st Quarter of 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S73. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 22V-191. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-191 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Exterior Lighting › Lighting Control Module · Sep 14, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V686000 · 86,050 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022 F-150 vehicles. The parking lights may flicker when the headlights are activated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- Flickering parking lights can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the LED Driver module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C22.
Not every 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
163Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
9Involved a crash
6Involved a fire
9Injuries reported
25,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Ford Bronco Sport buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 14 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 38 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 34 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel System, Gasoline — 32 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 25,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Bronco Sport years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Bronco Sport | 27 | 172.8 in | Not rated | 6 | 8 |
| 2025 Bronco Sport | 27 | 172.8 in | Not rated | 7 | 40 |
| 2024 Bronco Sport | 26 | 172.8 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 115 |
| 2022 Bronco Sport | 26 | 172.8 in | ★★★★★ | 15 | 370 |
| 2021 Bronco Sport | 26 | 172.8 in | ★★★★★ | 16 | 711 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →