10 things I hate about the BRONCO SPORT after 1 year of ownership

Looking for a lift kit for your Bronco Sport?

It was challenging to come up with 10 things. Some of them are admittedly nit-picking. But there were a few build quality issues with my particular Bronco Sport. Despite the minor issues, I still love it.

Here are the 10 in order
1: overzealous traction control
2. poor underbody protection
3. bad location for bottle opener
4. storage access
5. poor chassis rigidity
6. interior rattles
7. defective headlight
8. broken windshield
9. rear brake squeal
10. vulnerable front bumper

Auto-generated chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:01 Overzealous traction control
1:01 poor underbody protection
1:18 bad location for bottle opener
1:35 storage access
2:04 poor chassis rigidity
2:32 interior rattles
3:01 defective headlight
3:22 broken windshield
3:42 rear brake squeal
4:01 vulnerable front bumper

[Berglundization]

As an owner of a BS badlands I just wanted to give my experience. I don't like how traction control can't be turned off entirely, but I've learned to work with it. With software updates, ford may fix that annoyance in the future. The bottle opener wasn't thought out, but who uses one or buys a car because of it anyway? The tire storage wasn't thought out, but I never need to open it unless I'm changing a tire. I've parked on a lot of uneven roads and curbs and my trunk has never had a problem closing. No door rattling for my BS. No head light noise. The engine sounds terrible! sometimes I think somethings wrong, but that's just how it sounds. A S&B cold air intake helps it sound better. I haven't broken a windshield yet, but a small physics lesson. Because the window doesn't have much of an angel, the force of an object hitting the windshield is much greater than if it hits an angled windshield. My badlands doesn't have the back up brake noises. Aftermarket JCR off road Skid plates and rock slider definitely save your bumper, catalytic converter and fuel lines. Should've been standard on the badlands, but whatever. Overall I really wish I had this car sooner, but that's what makes me enjoy even more. There are lots of reports of issues with bronco sports (mostly the 1.5L models) but I haven't had any issues and I absolutely love mine.

Sorry that was long, but maybe this will help someone who's trying to decide if this is the right car for them.

[laurelg]

I just bought a ‘23 Sport Outer Banks for grocery getting and going to the lake on the weekends. 😂 (Replaced an ‘09 Murano). I didn’t need a truck for muddin’. I drive highways and put on less than 8Kmiles/annually. The big selling feature for me was that my dog kennel fits in the back without wasted space (no slanted rear view window). #2 feature- It makes tight u-turns, which is essential when trying to get a good parking spot in a lot. #3 - Ample storage for luggage/cooler - even with the dog kennel) for our weekend get-always. #4 - I love the aesthetics.

[keendirt]

Use “Sand” mode when you don’t want any throttle cut. I find that’s the only mode that works when you want deliberate wheel spin without any computer intervention. This works great in the mud, climbing hills. Also, this is a unibody design. EVERY unibody SUV flexes as demonstrated with the rear hatch — can’t be avoided. Plastic is lightweight and good enough for the vast majority out there. Adding a skid plate works.

[richardkersey]

I have a Big Bend. 19 months and 16000 miles and still very happy with it. Zero warranty issues. I have experienced the brake noise, but only after driving in a fair amount of snow then parking in garage. The next day they squeal when backing out of garage. Not a big deal to me. Mine has no squeaks or rattles. A little road noise but that’s it. Told friends and family that the only time I would go off reading is if I missed a curve😁
Combined mileage is a little under 27 mpg.

[goochma]

My 2021 Big Bend was making the same horrible howling brake noise when backing up. Ford issued a service bulletin for this problem. Take it to your local dealership and they will install new rear caliper bushings covered under warranty. It seem to stop that horrible noise coming from the brakes on my bronco sport.

[melizajohnson]

I have a 2024 BS Big Bend. I had a 2023 Mini Cooper but needed more space for my dogs. So far no issues.

[SamLE]

I was thinking about change my 2012 Liberty for a Bronco but after your explanation regarding engine power, structure etc, I won't do it.
Thanks !

[nathanhoffman]

The interior rattle noise I could not agree with more!! That is probably my biggest issue out of anything!

[sock]

Even my 14 escape had the tailgate issue every model on this platform does as far as I know, I have se issue on the door sound too, . Also same with the brake squeal was freaking out when I first heard it cuz I was doing some medium level mudding. I do love my Badlands too got it July. 15 2022 and have 5000 miles now and love it have a full size on order but it's been on order since June of 2021 don't expect it in 2023 either but this is so perfect for me I'll probably just sell the full size after I get to drive it for a little bit and keepy bs badlands it's all I need and better gas mpg, easier to park, fits iny garage and much more. Like always Ford made something great and messed it up by cheaping out on a few things

[stephenlancisi]

I just have to say that if anyone really thinks that you can treat ANY new off road vehicle with all those electronics and sensors like you treated an earlier 4x4 you're kind of out of your mind.

[alisonsmalling]

i’ve had mine for almost a year and my only purpose is that i think it’s the sexiest car i’ve ever seen & had to have it 😂 only issue i’ve encountered is the recalls - no actual issues

[jackcycling]

The body flex is probably responsible for your broken windshield. Also sorry to burst ur bubble but the Bronco Sport is a "make believe" off-roader; the flex of the vehicle proves it. This flex will get worse after every off road excursion you do.

[STUSZN]

I wish the rear brake "squeal" was like yours. The one we experience EVERY time you back up is the T-REX scream after breaking out in Jurassic Park. It's bad, and I've received confirmation that Ford's technical bulletin is a load a bull to fix it. Still happens afterwards sometimes.

[runawayushould]

Yeah, replaced my windshield. Yeah when backing sometimes I get a noise. But overall I'm get up 37 MPG's on my 22 Big Bend.

[alexanderradec]

What year is this bronco sport? I hope 2024 has the issues fixed

[Hobbies]

With my 2012 Ford Focus Hatchback, I can jack up one corner of the car as high as I want and the doors and rear hatch all still work PERFECTLY. I think Ford screwed up on the rigidity of the Bronco Sport, especially for a vehicle made to go off road. That flexing body also contributes to the damage of the windshield, making a chip turn into a crack real easily.

[_rc]

Nice video. I've been considering this vs a Trailblazer and leaning towards the Bronco Sport. Despite your list of 10, they all seem fair vs. what you've been putting your rig through. I aim to do some light offroading/trails but nothing like what you've shown. So I can tell it would do really well where I need to go, as well as through our Canadian winters.

[PG-lfrr]

I don't put as much hard-core off road that you do, but I've not had many of these issues. Drifting in Anza borrego sand was easy in Sand mode with traction control off (basic not holding down button but thanks didn't know that).
Windshield is for sure an issue, pebble within 3 weeks of ownership, and a glass tech said this stuff is brittle.

[reg]

2021 Bronco sport outer Banks, over 46, 000 miles. Only issue is brake noise backing up, and had a vibration when turning right. TSB said it was the rear end and they changed the differential fluid and it stopped. Ford said if it comes back I'll need a new differential.

[Mark-uhcr]

My windshield has broken twice since 2021, the guy at the windshield service center told me that it is a thing where Ford, and Subaru, purchased the cheapest windshields they could get.
Also, when backing up at night, mostly cold nights, the license plate lights and the exhaust block the view of the rear view camera. It's just another thing Ford did not think through.
My Bronco sport also has the rear brake squeal which the dealership said is also a thing.