Picture this: you're stopped at a red light, auto stop/start shuts off the engine like it's supposed to, the light turns green, and nothing happens. No restart. Sometimes the dash flickers. Sometimes even the hazards won't work. That's the exact scenario Ford described in its recall filings, and it's all over the NHTSA complaints for this SUV.
The recalls, in plain English
| Recall | Model years | What's wrong | Free fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24S24 / 24V267 (2024) | 2021-2024 Bronco Sport | Computers can't detect a sudden drop in 12V battery charge | Update body and powertrain control module calibrations |
| 24S60 / 24V683 (Sept 2024) | 2024 Bronco Sport | Same detection problem | Software update |
| 25S02 / 25V019 (Jan 2025) | 2021-2023 Bronco Sport | 12V battery may degrade and fail suddenly | Inspect and replace the battery if needed |
| 25S26 / 25V158 (Mar 2025) | 2021-2024 Bronco Sport | Some were repaired incorrectly under 24S24 | Recalibrate the modules again |
Ford's 24V267 filing says about 402,978 Bronco Sports built from February 5, 2020 through March 13, 2024 are covered, and Ford estimated 100% have the condition. The vehicles weren't built in VIN order, so you have to check your VIN rather than guess from the build date.
What the software fix does
Per Ford's recall report, the updated calibrations:
- Detect 12-volt battery state of charge better.
- Block auto stop/start when the battery is low.
- Warn the driver when the battery is degraded.
- Raise the alternator output threshold to keep the vehicle running when charge is low.
Then 25S02 goes after the battery itself. Vehicles fixed under 24V267 still need the 25V019 remedy too, according to the recall listing.
What owners are reporting
As of October 2026, NHTSA shows 707 complaints for the 2021 Bronco Sport, with 212 tagged electrical system, the biggest category. The battery-related stories line up closely with Ford's description:
- Stalling at red lights or school drop-off lines and refusing to restart.
- Messages like "Charging System Shutting Down," "Faulty Battery and Charging System" and "Battery Saver Mode."
- Being unable to shift to neutral to push the SUV out of traffic.
- Some owners reporting they were on their third battery.
- Owners saying the recall parts weren't available yet when they first got letters.
- A few owners reporting the problem came back after the recall work.
What a battery costs if you're paying
| Situation | Who | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Battery replacement, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport | Shop (RepairPal) | $352 to $409 |
| Battery replacement, 2025-2026 Bronco Sport | Shop (RepairPal) | $315 to $355 |
| Battery replacement, 2022 Bronco Sport | Independent (KBB, Columbus OH ZIP) | $304 to $360 |
| Battery replacement, 2022 Bronco Sport | Dealer (KBB, Columbus OH ZIP) | $330 to $388 (parts $264 to $310, labor $65 to $78) |
| Recall inspection and battery (25S02) | Ford dealer | $0 |
Easy things to check first
- Run your VIN. Check NHTSA.gov or Ford's recall lookup for 24S24, 24S60, 25S02 and 25S26.
- Get the battery tested. A free test at a parts store is quick. Ask for a printout.
- Turn off auto stop/start temporarily. There's usually a button for it. That won't fix a bad battery, but it can reduce the chance of a stall at a light until the recall is done.
- Watch for warnings. A battery light or "Battery Saver Mode" message means book service now.
Other recalls worth checking while you're there
The 2021-2024 Bronco Sport with the 1.5L engine also has fuel injector recalls (22V859, 24V187, 25V165, 25V467), and 2021-2022 models had a fuel delivery module recall (21V625). Those can cause stalling too, so a stall isn't always the battery. Make sure every open recall gets done in one visit.
Is it worth fixing?
Yes, and for most owners it costs nothing. Get every open recall done, keep your repair orders, and if the problem comes back after the recall, go back and say so. If you're out of the recall and the battery is simply old, a $300 to $400 battery is a normal maintenance cost.
More help is on the Ford Bronco Sport repair page. Brakes moaning in reverse? See our Bronco Sport brake noise guide. Prices checked October 14, 2026.
