Why does my 2021–2024 Bronco Sport keep losing coolant?

Short answer: On the 1.5L Bronco Sport, Ford has a bulletin for coolant leaking from the water pump, and the fix is a cooling system flush and a new pump. There's also a 2025 recall for block heaters that can crack and leak coolant. Don't just keep topping it off; get it pressure-tested.

Symptom: The coolant reservoir keeps dropping, a low coolant message, weak heat, or in some cases the engine starts to overheat.

What to check first

1. Check the reservoir level cold and mark it so you can see how fast it drops.
2. Look under the front of the engine for dried coolant crust or drips near the water pump.
3. Ask the dealer to pressure-test the cooling system and check bulletin 25-2063.
4. If you have a block heater, don't plug it in until you've checked recall 25V685.

Likely causes

1. Leaking water pump (coolant pump). Ford bulletin 25-2063 says contamination in the cooling system can make the pump leak. Fix: flush and replace the pump. RepairPal's general Bronco Sport water pump estimate is $619–$762.
2. Cracked engine block heater. Recall 25V685: the block heater can crack, leak coolant and short out when plugged in. Free replacement.
3. Internal coolant leak. Owners on Bronco Sport Forum discuss internal leaks; a pressure test and inspection sort out where the coolant goes.

What it usually costs

On a newer truck this should be warranty or recall work. Out of warranty, RepairPal estimates a Bronco Sport water pump at about $619 to $762. The block heater recall is free.

Is it safe to keep driving?

A slow drop you're watching is OK for short trips to the dealer. If the temperature gauge climbs, steam appears or you get an overheat warning, pull over and shut it off. Overheating can wreck an engine fast.

DIY or shop?

Shop. Checking the level is DIY. Pressure tests and pump replacement are dealer jobs, especially while under warranty.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Recall 25V685 (2021–2024 Bronco Sport and other Fords): the engine block heater can crack and leak coolant, and short when plugged in. Don't plug it in until it's fixed. The dealer replaces it or installs a plug free.
• Bulletin 25-2063: Ford's repair for coolant loss from a leaking pump on 2021–2024 Bronco Sport 1.5L: flush the system and install a new pump. Bring the number to your dealer.
• Separate fuel injector recalls (22V859, 24V187, 25V165, 25V467) cover cracked injectors on the 1.5L. That's fuel, not coolant, but check them too.
• NHTSA complaints: 80 of 1,343 Bronco Sport complaints from 2021–2024 mention coolant, overheating or the water pump.

What owners report

• A Bronco Sport Forum poll asks 1.5L owners whether their water pump failed, and many owners describe slow leaks and low reservoir levels.
• Another Bronco Sport Forum thread on internal coolant leaks covers owners chasing coolant that disappears with no puddle.
• On r/BroncoSport, an owner's "check your coolant levels" warning drew replies from others who found theirs low.

My take

My advice as a former lube tech: popping the hood and looking at the coolant tank takes ten seconds. On a 1.5L Bronco Sport, do it every fill-up for a few weeks. If it's dropping, get it on a dealer repair order while you're still under warranty.

Vehicle focus: 2021–2024 Ford Bronco Sport with the 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder.

Safety / mechanic note

If the temperature gauge rises or you see steam, stop and shut the engine off. Verify with a mechanic.