What is the 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Cam Phaser Rattle and Timing Chain Noise on 2.7L/3.0L EcoBoost?

Multiple Bronco owners report a brief but pronounced rattling or knocking noise on cold start caused by worn or defective cam phasers, often accompanied by timing chain slack. Ford issued service guidance for EcoBoost engines using updated phaser parts. While some vehicles only e… Repairs typically run $1,800-$4,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Electric Power Steering Assist Loss and Steering Rack Failure?

Multiple Bronco owners reported sudden loss of power steering assist, often accompanied by warning messages and very heavy manual steering effort at low speeds. The issue has been tied to failures in the electric power steering system and steering gear/rack assembly, and Ford iss… Repairs typically run $1,800-$3,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Rear Differential Locking/Grinding and Complete Differential Failure?

Some Bronco owners have documented rear differential failures marked by whining, grinding, binding in turns, or sudden loss of propulsion. Reports include failures of the locking differential assembly and internal gear damage, sometimes at relatively low mileage and occasionally… Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Sasquatch/HOSS Front CV Axle Clicking, Vibration, and Boot Failure?

Owners of lifted or Sasquatch-equipped Broncos have reported front CV axle clicking, grease sling from torn boots, and vibration under load, especially after off-road articulation or suspension modifications. Even on stock vehicles, the steep operating angles on some setups appea… Repairs typically run $600-$1,800. Severity: high.

What is the 2021-2023 Ford Bronco 10-Speed Automatic Transmission Harsh Shifting?

The 10R60 automatic transmission may exhibit harsh or delayed engagement when shifting, particularly from park to reverse when cold. Some vehicles skip gears during deceleration around 28 mph causing lurching. Repairs typically run $0-$300. Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2023 Ford Bronco 7-Speed Manual Transmission Grinding/Scraping Noise?

The Getrag MT88 7-speed manual transmission exhibits rotational scraping or grinding noises, particularly in cold temperatures below 50°F. The noise occurs in neutral, 1st, and 2nd gears with clutch engaged and may diminish as transmission warms up. Issue traced to 5th and 6th ge… Repairs typically run $0-$500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Soft Top Adhesive Delamination and Separation?

The soft top experiences adhesive failure causing interior panels to sag, separate from the frame, and delaminate. Heat exposure accelerates adhesive melting, particularly at front corners. Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Smart Windshield Wiper Motor Malfunction?

The smart windshield wiper motor, which senses blade load on the glass, malfunctions during rain causing wipers to slow down, operate intermittently, or stop entirely. Built-in protection features may incorrectly trigger, reducing wiper speed even when conditions require full ope… Repairs typically run $50-$400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Battery Drain and No-Start from Parasitic Electrical Draw?

A recurring owner complaint on newer Broncos is unexpected battery discharge after sitting, sometimes leading to a no-start condition, multiple warning messages, or modules behaving erratically. Reports often mention the vehicle being parked for only a few days before the battery… Repairs typically run $200-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Door Latch and Window Drop Malfunction Causing Doors Not to Close Properly?

Bronco frameless doors rely on a programmed window drop when opening and closing. Owners have reported doors bouncing back, failing to latch, or glass contacting weatherstrips because the window does not index correctly or the latch module loses calibration. Ford issued service i… Repairs typically run $150-$1,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2024 Ford Bronco SYNC 4 Infotainment Freezing, Rebooting, and Camera Display Failures?

Bronco owners have widely reported SYNC 4 system instability including frozen screens, random reboots, black displays, loss of audio, and backup camera image failures. Ford has issued software-related service communications for infotainment and camera concerns, and owner forums c… Repairs typically run $0-$1,400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Hardtop Water Leaks?

Hardtop equipped Broncos experience water intrusion during rain or car washes. Common leak points include the seal along the back of T-tops, door seals, A-pillar areas, and where removable midsection connects to the rear portion. Repairs typically run $0-$300. Severity: low.

Ford · Known Issues

2023 Ford Bronco Problems: 15 Known Issues

2023 model year · 2,292+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 2,292+ owner reports, the 2023 Ford Bronco has 15 documented known issues, with 7 rated critical. The most serious are 2.3L EcoBoost Oil Galley Plug Defect ($0-$0 repair), Front Seat Belt Pretensioner Non-Deployment Recall Issue ($0-$1,200 repair), 2.3L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion and Misfire from Cracked Cylinder Head/Head Gasket Area ($1,800-$8,000 repair), Cam Phaser Rattle and Timing Chain Noise on 2.7L/3.0L EcoBoost ($1,800-$4,500 repair), Electric Power Steering Assist Loss and Steering Rack Failure ($1,800-$3,500 repair), Rear Differential Locking/Grinding and Complete Differential Failure ($1,500-$4,500 repair) and Sasquatch/HOSS Front CV Axle Clicking, Vibration, and Boot Failure ($600-$1,800 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Hardtop Water Leaks with 567 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $8,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford Bronco problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 2,292+ owner reports, the 2023 Ford Bronco has 15 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 2.3L EcoBoost Oil Galley Plug Defect, Front Seat Belt Pretensioner Non-Deployment Recall Issue, 2.3L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion and Misfire from Cracked Cylinder Head/Head Gasket Area. Of these, 7 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Ford Bronco reliable?

The 2023 Ford Bronco has 15 known issues documented across 2,292+ owner reports. 7 issues are rated critical: 2.3L EcoBoost Oil Galley Plug Defect and Front Seat Belt Pretensioner Non-Deployment Recall Issue and 2.3L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion and Misfire from Cracked Cylinder Head/Head Gasket Area and Cam Phaser Rattle and Timing Chain Noise on 2.7L/3.0L EcoBoost and Electric Power Steering Assist Loss and Steering Rack Failure and Rear Differential Locking/Grinding and Complete Differential Failure and Sasquatch/HOSS Front CV Axle Clicking, Vibration, and Boot Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Ford Bronco problems?

Repair costs for known Ford Bronco issues range from $0 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 2.3L EcoBoost Oil Galley Plug Defect, typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2023 Ford Bronco 2.3L EcoBoost Oil Galley Plug Defect?

Certain 2023 Broncos with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine have an improperly sealed main oil galley plug due to a machining tool error during manufacturing. This defect can cause oil leaks leading to oil starvation, engine failure, and potential fire risk. Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

All 15 Known Issues

Other Ford Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford Bronco problems?

Is the Ford Bronco reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Ford Bronco problems?

What is the 2023 Ford Bronco 2.3L EcoBoost Oil Galley Plug Defect?

What is the 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Front Seat Belt Pretensioner Non-Deployment Recall Issue?

When Issues Typically Appear

2023 Ford Bronco: 2.3L EcoBoost Oil Galley Plug Defect#

2021-2024 Ford Bronco: Cam Phaser Rattle and Timing Chain Noise on 2.7L/3.0L EcoBoost#

2021-2023 Ford Bronco: Front Seat Belt Pretensioner Non-Deployment Recall Issue#

2021-2024 Ford Bronco: Electric Power Steering Assist Loss and Steering Rack Failure#

2021-2023 Ford Bronco: Rear Differential Locking/Grinding and Complete Differential Failure#

2021-2024 Ford Bronco: Sasquatch/HOSS Front CV Axle Clicking, Vibration, and Boot Failure#

2021-2023 Ford Bronco: 2.3L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion and Misfire from Cracked Cylinder Head/Head Gasket Area#

2021-2023 Ford Bronco: Soft Top Adhesive Delamination and Separation#

2021-2024 Ford Bronco: Door Latch and Window Drop Malfunction Causing Doors Not to Close Properly#

2021-2023 Ford Bronco: Hardtop Water Leaks#

2021-2023 Ford Bronco: Smart Windshield Wiper Motor Malfunction#

2021-2024 Ford Bronco: Battery Drain and No-Start from Parasitic Electrical Draw#

2021-2024 Ford Bronco: SYNC 4 Infotainment Freezing, Rebooting, and Camera Display Failures#

2021-2023 Ford Bronco: 10-Speed Automatic Transmission Harsh Shifting#

2021-2023 Ford Bronco: 7-Speed Manual Transmission Grinding/Scraping Noise#

What is the 2021-2023 Ford Bronco 2.3L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion and Misfire from Cracked Cylinder Head/Head Gasket Area?