Ford Bronco Sport 1

Ford's three-cylinder turbo, 1,497cc, 181 hp (135 kW). Evolution of the 1.0L Fox three-cylinder — first with cylinder deactivation and combined port/direct injection. All-aluminum block, integrated exhaust manifold. Three-cylinder vibration noticeable at idle. Massive recall for cracked fuel injectors (fire risk) — check recall status before buying. Fuel dilution on short trips is real, shorten oil change interval to 5,000 miles if mostly city driving. 8F35 transmission can shudder, PCM update helps sometimes.

• !! Recall: Cracked Fuel Injector — Fire Risk

  Recalls 22S73/24S16/25S76: Fuel injectors can crack and leak up to 19 liters per hour into the cylinder head. Fuel travels onto hot engine surfaces — fire risk. 858,000 vehicles affected. Ford flashes updated engine software as interim fix that detects fuel rail pressure drop.

  Symptoms: Fuel smell in engine bay, reduced engine power, check engine light
  0–0 $
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• !! Coolant Intrusion into Combustion Chambers from 60,000 km

  Coolant enters combustion chambers — reported on some three-cylinder engines from around 60,000 miles. Symptoms mirror the older four-cylinder issue, but root cause on the Dragon I3 is less documented. Turbocharger may sustain collateral damage.

  Symptoms: Coolant loss without visible leak, white exhaust smoke, rough cold start, misfires
  4,000–9,000 $
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• !! 8F35 Transmission — Shift Shudder from 40,000 km

  8F35 automatic transmission shudders on shifts between 20 and 40 mph. Torque converter or shift solenoids may be at fault. PCM software update (TSB 21-2281) resolves it for some vehicles, persists for others.

  Symptoms: Shudder/judder at 20-40 mph, delayed shifting, vehicle feels like it will stall
  200–3,000 $
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+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

2.0L turbocharged direct injection four-cylinder, 250 hp, 280 lb-ft. 8F35 8-speed auto — noticeably quicker than the hybrid, and the 8-speed shifts decisively vs. the eCVT's seamless but less engaging power delivery. Real-world MPG: 25-28 combined, with hypermilers hitting 30+ on highway at 70 mph using cruise control. Tows 4,000 lbs with 4K Tow Package — owners report 18-20 mpg while towing 3,000-3,500 lbs, which beats a Frontier V6 by 3-4 mpg. AWD with good all-seasons handles snow competently, though stopping and turning still depend entirely on tires. FWD standard 2022-2024, AWD optional; from 2025 AWD-only. Aftermarket scene is active: COBB Accessport, Livernois tunes, cold air intakes, intercooler upgrades — the 2.0 EcoBoost platform has years of proven tuning support. ReadyLIFT 1.5-inch kits are popular without ruining the ride. Carbon buildup on intake valves around 60-80k miles is the classic EcoBoost weak spot — walnut blasting is the fix. 8F35 can shudder on early 2022 builds (TSB 22-2281). Let the turbo idle 30-60 seconds after hard driving.

• !! Turbo Bearing Wear from Heat Cycling from 100,000 km

  Turbo bearing wear from heat cycling — oil coking inside the turbo housing after hot shutdowns. The Maverick's 2.0 EcoBoost is the improved post-2018 design with better oil flow, but the failure mode remains if maintenance is neglected. Let the engine idle 30-60 seconds after spirited driving.

  Symptoms: Whining noise from turbo, reduced boost, sluggish acceleration, oil smoke
  1,200–2,500 $
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• !! 8F35 Transmission Shudder and Harsh Shifting from 50,000 km

  8F35 8-speed automatic can develop torque converter shudder, harsh D-to-R engagement, and 4-5 gear flare under light throttle. Early 2022 builds (pre-Dec 2021) are worst affected due to output carrier bearing wear (TSB 22-2281). ULV fluid breaks down under thermal stress — drain-and-fill every 30-40k miles recommended.

  Symptoms: Shudder at 30-60 mph, delayed engagement when cold, harsh shifts, metallic debris in pan
  400–9,000 $
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• !! Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves from 80,000 km

  Direct injection means fuel never washes intake valves — carbon deposits accumulate and restrict airflow. Typical onset 60-80k miles. Walnut blasting is the established fix. Preventive: higher-quality fuel, occasional Italian tune-ups to raise intake temps.

  Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, reduced power, poor fuel economy
  300–800 $
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