Bronco Third Transmission

[James118]

Hey folks,

Looking for some input from those who’ve dealt with Ford on repeat drivetrain issues.

We’re about to be looking at a third transmission in our ’22 Bronco 2-door, manual, Sasquatch, and I’m trying to think beyond just the next repair. My son is heading off to college, and I can’t realistically be in a position where I’m replacing transmissions every couple of years just to keep this truck on the road.

My main question for the experts here:
Has anyone successfully gotten Ford to extend powertrain coverage after multiple failures, similar to what they eventually did with the 2.7L engine issues?

I know those programs don’t happen overnight, but in this case:

• The same component has failed multiple times
• The replacements appear to use the same part number
• The dealer claims the unit is “upgraded,” but there’s no visible revision
• This is happening well within warranty, which makes me nervous about what happensafter

Coming from a manufacturing background, it’s hard to accept that a part can be “significantly improved” without a revised part number or clear documentation. That raises a real concern about whether Ford is actually fixing the root cause or just resetting the clock until the warranty runs out.

I’m not looking for a fight or a buyback right now. What I amlooking for is confidence—especially since this is a vehicle my kid will be relying on while away at school. An extended transmission or powertrain warranty tied to the VIN would go a long way toward that.

So for those who’ve been there:

• Has Ford ever offered a VIN-specific extended warrantyafter repeat failures?
• Did anyone get ESP / PremiumCARE coverage covered or partially covered by Ford?
• What finally got Ford to take the situation seriously—dealer involvement, customer care escalation, or just persistence?

Appreciate any firsthand experience or advice. I really want to keep this Bronco, but I need to know Ford will stand behind it long-term.

I attached a video after you grid into 3rd gear.

Thanks in advance

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[Q1svt]

• The same component has failed multiple times
• The replacements appear to use the same part number
• The dealer claims the unit is “upgraded,” but there’s no visible revision
• This is happening well within warranty, which makes me nervous about what happensafter

… sounds like you are on the third ‘rebuild’ ?

I would make Ford ‘REPLACE’ the transmission. There is something else causing the part to go bad…

Just a bad unit

 

[Tiresmoke410]

I believe the warranty resets for the part that is replaced. Probably need to verify that with a lawyer that deals with lemon law.

 

[f1loco]

You will typically get another 12K on the new one. They just rebuilt my auto on my Ranger that was about to go out of power train warranty. That video is just crazy. Here's to hoping my manual does not implode.

 

[RoseLane4]

TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY:

replace this gentleman’s transmission with a new unit.

how could you allow a customer experience this more than once?!?

Wow! I am no expert. But I’m disgusted!

I feel like my 7MT is excellent, smooth and truly a joy in every respect - OP, you need to have customer care “on it” and find another dealer!

 

[James118]

Also wanted to mention one other variable. My son has been on dirt bikes since he could walk. Many have had clutches and he is very skilled at driving standard shift. In no way has he effected these transmission in any way. Thought I would mention that as well.

I appreciate the feedback so far. It’s sad since we really love the concept and idea of this vehicle.

 

[battering ram]

Magnoson moss warranty act. Look into it

it gets you $ to accept a lemon basically

replace the trans again and sell it.

 

[Ducati1098]

It’s a case by case basis. You’ll need to contact Ford if you’re looking for assistance.

What exactly is the issue? The short 1 second video doesn’t really show much other than the shifter shaking like crazy.

 

[RoLyMa27]

Also wanted to mention one other variable. My son has been on dirt bikes since he could walk. Many have had clutches and he is very skilled at driving standard shift. In no way has he effected these transmission in any way. Thought I would mention that as well.

I appreciate the feedback so far. It’s sad since we really love the concept and idea of this vehicle.

Having grown up on dirt bikes myself and raced in the 90's, we tend to be a little harder on our equipment than most. Maybe he's "enjoying" the Bronco as it should be and he has discovered a weakness in your particular transmission? Speaking of dirt bikes, ET3 - 3 in a row tonight. IYKYK.

 

[James118]

It’s a case by case basis. You’ll need to contact Ford if you’re looking for assistance.

What exactly is the issue? The short 1 second video doesn’t really show much other than the shifter shaking the crazy.

The first transmission made that marble rolling around noise. This one works perfectly except for 3rd gear. It grinds every time going in and does that dance you see in the video. It started as an occasional grind into 3rd and then started to push the shifter back at you. Not it’s a grind each time and the dance.

 

[James118]

Having grown up on dirt bikes myself and raced in the 90's, we tend to be a little harder on our equipment than most. Maybe he's "enjoying" the Bronco as it should be and he has discovered a weakness in your particular transmission? Speaking of dirt bikes, ET3 - 3 in a row tonight. IYKYK.

Yes ET3!
I have not witnessed that or seen any indication of spirited driving. Smooth as silk shifts.

 

[Ducati1098]

The first transmission made that marble rolling around noise. This one works perfectly except for 3rd gear. It grinds every time going in and does that dance you see in the video. It started as an occasional grind into 3rd and then started to push the shifter back at you. Not it’s a grind each time and the dance.

Okay that’s a little different than your original post. Sounds like the original concern was fixed, now the new transmission has a different concern.
Both of which are known issues with TSBs.

There’s absolutely no way to know that your second transmission has the updated parts for the 3rd gear grinding issue. Ford doesn’t release change notes or mention what was updated or change during a part revision. So replacing the whole transmission doesn’t necessarily guarantee all known problems will be fixed. It depends on when those fixes were implemented into the transmission builds.

It’s very likely the second transmission you have just needs the TSB performed for the 3rd gear grinding concern.

 

[Doc TOC]

@Ducati1098 is on point. Generally, manual clutch and transmission combos can last much longer than automatics, as long as you don't abuse them. I would get the TSB's done and see how it goes. Hopefully these are one-off issues.

I suggest directly contacting Ford Warranty to see if they are extending the factory warranty coverage for transmissions with these TSB issues, and for how long. If not, maybe the dealership can get Warranty to do this for you; the service department sometimes has more sway with them.

If you want more peace-of-mind, and want to keep the Bronco long-term, getting a late-start warranty is a good option. Ford's extended warranty plans can be purchased up to 41 months/40,999 miles, though this might require a (post-repair) inspection. The folks at Granger Ford are extremely helpful in providing full details; it's worth the call. The Ford policy doesn't matter who you buy it from; it's good at all US locations.

the [Ford factory] warranty resets for the part that is replaced

No. Read the fine print.

Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act [sp]... it gets you $ to accept a lemon

No. Not in this case because repairs are still being performed under the warranty. The contract has not been breached, nor the failure point being persistent.

 

[Kevin Scarbel]

My 2025 HE’s manual has had zero issues.
Pure driving pleasure.
And, the port/direct injection 2.3L is the best sounding four cylinder in years.

 

[indio22]

My 2025 HE’s manual has had zero issues.
Pure driving pleasure.
And, the port/direct injection 2.3L is the best sounding four cylinder in years.

My 2023 manual trans has started making some noise on colder mornings, but not at the level of some other folks. No one in my family notices the noise, but of course I notice every little noise a vehicle makes, lol.

My Bronco has a little over two years on the powertrain warranty to keep an eye on the trans. Otherwise it's been a nice trans, everyone in my family likes it and comments how easy it is to drive, compared to some other manual vehicles we've owned.

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