Serious Drivetrain Failure After 500-Mile Flat Tow — 2022 Bronco Badlands 2.7L EcoBoost (Looking for Safe-Towing Advice)

BroncoGuy522

Oct 26, 2025

Sun at 5:58 pm

Hi all,
I’m hoping to hear from other RV owners who are flat towing a Ford Bronco behind their motorhome.
I have a 2022 Bronco Badlands (2.7L EcoBoost V6, automatic, 4×4), and after a 500-mile flat tow behind my 24-foot motorhome, I ended up with a major drivetrain failure — both the transmission and transfer case were destroyed — even though I followed Ford’s official Neutral Tow procedure step by step.
Everything appeared fine during the trip, but after unhitching I immediately got multiple dash warnings: “Check Brake System” and “Check Coolant System.” I also found that the Bronco wouldn’t move in reverse.
Ford first denied warranty coverage, claiming driver error. When that didn’t hold up, they argued that the battery must have lost power during towing, supposedly causing the vehicle to drop out of flat-tow mode and damage the drivetrain.
That explanation didn’t make sense:

I use a battery charge line and a dedicated battery monitoring system, which confirmed that the battery never lost charge.
I took timestamped photos at the end of the tow showing full battery voltage.
My Ford app recorded identical mileage before and after the tow — proving the Bronco stayed in Neutral Tow mode the entire trip.
Even the dealer confirmed the battery was fine.

After months of back-and-forth, Ford finally covered the full cost of replacing the transmission and transfer case, but never admitted that this might be an inherent issue in this model year or drivetrain.
Before I risk towing again, I’d love to hear from others who have flat-towed 2021–2022 Broncos (2.7 L EcoBoost, automatic, 4×4):

Have you experienced similar transmission or transfer-case failures?
Have you seen any official Ford updates, service bulletins, or software fixes addressing this issue?
Are the 2023–2025 Broncos performing more reliably when flat towed?

Any firsthand experience or advice — especially from those towing behind a motorhome with charge-line or monitoring setups — would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,— BroncoGuy522

Deano Bronc, Chief Ron

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Sun at 7:18 pm

BroncoGuy522
Hi all,
I’m hoping to hear from other RV owners who are flat towing a Ford Bronco behind their motorhome.
I have a 2022 Bronco Badlands (2.7L EcoBoost V6, automatic, 4×4), and after a 500-mile flat tow behind my 24-foot motorhome, I ended up with a major drivetrain failure — both the transmission and transfer case were destroyed — even though I followed Ford’s official Neutral Tow procedure step by step.
Everything appeared fine during the trip, but after unhitching I immediately got multiple dash warnings: “Check Brake System” and “Check Coolant System.” I also found that the Bronco wouldn’t move in reverse.
Ford first denied warranty coverage, claiming driver error. When that didn’t hold up, they argued that the battery must have lost power during towing, supposedly causing the vehicle to drop out of flat-tow mode and damage the drivetrain.
That explanation didn’t make sense:

I use a battery charge line and a dedicated battery monitoring system, which confirmed that the battery never lost charge.

I took timestamped photos at the end of the tow showing full battery voltage.

My Ford app recorded identical mileage before and after the tow — proving the Bronco stayed in Neutral Tow mode the entire trip.

Even the dealer confirmed the battery was fine.

After months of back-and-forth, Ford finally covered the full cost of replacing the transmission and transfer case, but never admitted that this might be an inherent issue in this model year or drivetrain.
Before I risk towing again, I’d love to hear from others who have flat-towed 2021–2022 Broncos (2.7 L EcoBoost, automatic, 4×4):

Have you experienced similar transmission or transfer-case failures?

Have you seen any official Ford updates, service bulletins, or software fixes addressing this issue?

Are the 2023–2025 Broncos performing more reliably when flat towed?

Any firsthand experience or advice — especially from those towing behind a motorhome with charge-line or monitoring setups — would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,— BroncoGuy522

Ford, like John Denver is full of Shite. This is a known issue and numerous people both here and on B6G have had this issue.

Deano Bronc, Chief Ron

Sun at 8:29 pm

This is the 3rd or 4th one I read on this site. Not trying to be a smart guy, but buy a trailer.

Chief Ron, Eninty

Sun at 8:56 pm

^^This^^
I have been looking at getting a Class C and flat towing my MY22 Everglades but factoring in the cost of a Blue ox hitch and brake system and potentially ruining my Bronco (I have read several of these posts). I came to the conclusion that getting a trailer would be the best for my situation. I have not done that yet, as we still pull the 26’ TT with the truck and the wife follows in the Bronco. Been on two trips to Moab a trip to key west and several around south Texas that way. I don’t think I trust the flat towing ability of the Bronco.

Bronco Nation 1100. Everglades, Desert Sand
Res: 7/30/20 ordered 1/22/21 reorder 10/15/21 changed to Everglades 3/9/22 schedule 8/29/22 bumped to 9/5; 9/7/22 blend, 9/9 Mods, 9/26/22 completed, 10/7 shipped, 11/3/22 delivery

Deano Bronc, Chief Ron

Mon at 3:02 am

I just don't trust the flat tow. My old Jeep you put the transfer case in neutral and go. It's a lever not a click on a screen thing. I just don't trust the technology.
When I decided to tow my bronco, I put it on a trailer. It's just so simple. Problem is that it add weight.

Deano Bronc, Chief Ron

Mon at 11:29 pm

I've been considering flat towing my '22 Badlands, and after some research the conclusion I came to was also "buy a trailer". However for does have some guidance for folks that want to flat tow their Gen 6 Bronco:

Early Gen 6 Boncos ('21-'22.5) Ford acknowledged this issue and issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 22-2050) and later updates.
Updating the TCCM software at the dealer.
Always using a battery maintainer while towing, since loss of battery voltage can cause the system to revert from Neutral.

Later Broncos (mid-2022 and newer) had updated software and hardware that eliminated most of these problems.

Prevalence
Among early owners (especially RVers):

The issue was relatively common in 2021 — estimates from forum data (iRV2, Bronco6G, Ford Truck Enthusiasts) suggest dozens to perhaps a couple hundred cases of drivetrain damage or near-misses before Ford’s TSB fix.
After the TCCM update and better documentation, the issue became rare by mid-2022.
Newer 2023–2025 models are considered reliable for flat towing, provided the correct sequence is followed and the battery stays charged.

If your Bronco is a 2021 or early-2022:

Check if TSB 22-2050 or later has been performed.
Verify your TCCM software version at a Ford dealer.
Always connect a charge line or battery maintainer while towing.
Confirm “Neutral Tow Enabled” appears on the dash and stays after shutdown.

OnX Trail Guide and Tread Lightly Member.
4 Door BadSquatch | Soft-top | Velocity Blue | 2.7 Auto

Deano Bronc, Jakob1972

Today at 1:50 pm

Lots O Fords
I just don't trust the flat tow. My old Jeep you put the transfer case in neutral and go. It's a lever not a click on a screen thing. I just don't trust the technology.
When I decided to tow my bronco, I put it on a trailer. It's just so simple. Problem is that it add weight.Why is i the old ways tend to be the best ways. Old Jeep,push a lever, know it's out of gear. The square, boxy looking thing.

Deano Bronc

Today at 1:53 pm

Jakob1972
^^This^^
I have been looking at getting a Class C and flat towing my MY22 Everglades but factoring in the cost of a Blue ox hitch and brake system and potentially ruining my Bronco (I have read several of these posts). I came to the conclusion that getting a trailer would be the best for my situation. I have not done that yet, as we still pull the 26’ TT with the truck and the wife follows in the Bronco. Been on two trips to Moab a trip to key west and several around south Texas that way. I don’t think I trust the flat towing ability of the Bronco.

The other positive about a trailer, if you break down you get it back to the trailer and you are on your way home. Without you may have to get it fixed locally, and that could mean waiting or coming back. My 2¢.

Jakob1972

Today at 4:44 pm

BroncoGuy522
Hi all,
I’m hoping to hear from other RV owners who are flat towing a Ford Bronco behind their motorhome.
I have a 2022 Bronco Badlands (2.7L EcoBoost V6, automatic, 4×4), and after a 500-mile flat tow behind my 24-foot motorhome, I ended up with a major drivetrain failure — both the transmission and transfer case were destroyed — even though I followed Ford’s official Neutral Tow procedure step by step.
Everything appeared fine during the trip, but after unhitching I immediately got multiple dash warnings: “Check Brake System” and “Check Coolant System.” I also found that the Bronco wouldn’t move in reverse.
Ford first denied warranty coverage, claiming driver error. When that didn’t hold up, they argued that the battery must have lost power during towing, supposedly causing the vehicle to drop out of flat-tow mode and damage the drivetrain.
That explanation didn’t make sense:

I use a battery charge line and a dedicated battery monitoring system, which confirmed that the battery never lost charge.

I took timestamped photos at the end of the tow showing full battery voltage.

My Ford app recorded identical mileage before and after the tow — proving the Bronco stayed in Neutral Tow mode the entire trip.

Even the dealer confirmed the battery was fine.

After months of back-and-forth, Ford finally covered the full cost of replacing the transmission and transfer case, but never admitted that this might be an inherent issue in this model year or drivetrain.
Before I risk towing again, I’d love to hear from others who have flat-towed 2021–2022 Broncos (2.7 L EcoBoost, automatic, 4×4):

Have you experienced similar transmission or transfer-case failures?

Have you seen any official Ford updates, service bulletins, or software fixes addressing this issue?

Are the 2023–2025 Broncos performing more reliably when flat towed?

Any firsthand experience or advice — especially from those towing behind a motorhome with charge-line or monitoring setups — would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,— BroncoGuy522

Unfortunately, I recently had a customer experience something very similar. They’ve been through an engine and two transmissions now. I chose to step away from the situation because of how their behavior affected both myself and my coworkers. At the end of the day, warranty coverage is ultimately Ford’s decision — we as the dealership don’t have any control over that process. We’re simply the middleman between the customer and Ford.

In this particular case, the first engine replacement (I can’t recall the exact reason for it) was approved and replaced as recommended. The first transmission claim went through easily — no photos were required and Ford approved the replacement. However, the second time around, Ford requested several photos. Since the Bronco had modifications, the claim was initially denied. From what I understand, after the customer contacted Ford Customer Service and three technicians inspected the vehicle, Ford ultimately decided to replace both the transmission and transfer case. That’s the extent of what I know, as I stepped away from the situation after how I was treated.

I’ve had several other customers flat tow without any issues at all. This is the only instance where I’ve seen multiple problems occur after flat towing. I haven’t personally used the system myself, so I can’t comment on how it operates. The only lingering question I’ve had — and haven’t been able to get a solid answer on — is why this issue seems to happen more often when towing behind a motorhome than a truck. I can’t help but wonder if there’s a connection there.

Deano Bronc

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