The Ford Bronco has made a triumphant return to the market, and ever since then, people are flocking to Ford dealerships to buy one. The new Bronco also introduced the all-new Bronco Sport, a more daily-driver version of the Bronco with smaller engines, a smaller size, and a smaller price tag.
One of the engine choices for the 2021 Ford Bronco is the 1.5L EcoBoost engine, which is known for its fuel efficiency and impressive power output. However, like any vehicle, the Ford Bronco 1.5L EcoBoost engine has its fair share of problems that owners should be aware of.
These issues can range from minor, easily fixable hiccups to more serious problems that can affect the vehicle’s performance and safety. In this article, we will delve into some of the most common Ford Bronco 1.5L EcoBoost problems that owners have reported.
The most common Ford Bronco 1.5 EcoBoost problems include coolant leaks, turbocharger problems, fuel injector problems, problems with burnt spark plugs and coils, and carbon buildup. Some of these can be really serious and can result in immensely expensive repair costs which is why we need to talk about these in more detail down below!
Coolant Leaks
It seems like there have been several reported cases of coolant leaks in the Ford Bronco Sport equipped with the popular 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The coolant leaks can result in engine damage, with coolant leaking into the cylinders causing a misfire or severe overheating which can damage the engine beyond repair.
According to a lawsuit filed in 2020, the alleged coolant leak issues affect more than one Ford EcoBoost engine, including the 1.5L EcoBoost engine, which is used in the Ford Bronco Sport. Other reports suggest that the 1.5L EcoBoost engine has been discontinued due to recurring coolant leak problems, but this has not been confirmed by Ford.
Turbocharger Problems
The turbocharger on the 1.5L Ford Bronco Sport is known for potential issues that can cause various problems such as engaging the car’s limp mode or power loss/stalling. We already talked about coolant leaks but you’d be surprised to find out that these two issues are actually connected.
The coolant that manages to leak can find its way into the turbocharger which is when you’ll see a lot of white smoke coming out of the exhaust. If you fix the leak soon enough, you are going to solve the problem completely. However, if you don’t, you can end up with serious turbo issues which will require replacement turbochargers.
Fuel Injector Problems
Clogged fuel injectors can also be a problem with the 1.5L EcoBoost Bronco Sport engine and are likely going to cause poor acceleration, increased fuel consumption, and potentially even engine misfires. To remedy this problem, you will have to perform an inspection of your entire fueling system focusing primarily on the injectors.
Sometimes you’ll be able to clean them and everything will be fine, but many mechanics and specialists recommend it’s best to replace the injectors if they get too dirty or haven’t been cleaned for a while. It’s a good idea to start with the former to see what happens, and if this does not help, you can then proceed to replace all of your injectors.
Burnt Spark Plug and Coil Problems
These problems can range from spark plugs wearing out prematurely to failing to work correctly, causing the engine to misfire or run rough. Dirty or fouled spark plugs could also lead to engine performance issues, including poor fuel economy and acceleration among many other performance drawbacks.
If your sparks become burned out prematurely, you need to replace them and the same story goes for your ignition coils as well. Some deem this as part of regular maintenance, but there have been lots of reports of burnt-out sparks and coils way before any recommended maintenance intervals.
Carbon Buildup
The 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine, like many direct-injection engines, is more prone to carbon buildup compared to older port fuel injection systems. This is because direct injection engines spray fuel directly into the combustion chamber, bypassing the intake valves.
In traditional port fuel injection systems, fuel passes through the intake valves, which helps clean them to some extent. Either way, the best way to fix this is to use the so-called Walnut blasting carbon deposits cleaning technique which is going to get rid of all the deposits and will keep your engine clean for many more miles to come.
FAQ Section
Is the Ford Bronco Sport Better than the Ford Bronco?
In essence, the Ford Bronco is the true flagship of the lineup which means that the Bronco Sport isn’t better. This is reflected in the price tag of both of these models in addition to the Bronco having more options to choose from, more powerful engines, and even true high-performance variants which the Bronco Sport does not have.
However, if you want a comfortable daily-driver SUV with efficient engines and a relatively affordable price tag, the Bronco Sport does have this over the normal Bronco Sport.
Is the Ford Bronco Sport an Off-Road SUV?
The Bronco Sport features a rugged and capable design, including a high ground clearance, an available 4×4 drivetrain, and off-road-oriented features such as a Terrain Management System and available off-road packages. It is built on a robust unibody platform and offers various off-road features such as a dedicated off-road suspension system, skid plates, and all-terrain tires.
It is not as utilitarian or as capable as the normal Bronco, but it can still hold its own off the beaten path, especially if you go for a higher-end, better-equipped model. Lastly, the aftermarket scene is booming with all kinds of cool modifications for the Bronco Sport which can make it even more off-road-ready.
Should I Buy a Ford Bronco Sport?
The Ford Bronco nameplate bears great significance in the NA market as the Bronco has always been a tremendously popular car. Even though the Bronco Sport isn’t as capable as the normal Bronco off the road, it is more capable than the normal Bronco on the road.
Therefore, if you are in the market for a road-oriented SUV that will do everything you ask of it, you should most definitely consider buying the Ford Bronco Sport.
