New Bronco: Thud Noise at Ignition (Sometimes)

DGK_1991
Sep 22, 2026

Rank 0

Yesterday at 7:06 pm

I recently purchased a 2026 Bronco Big Bend and have noticed an intermittent dull thud immediately when starting it.

The Bronco is completely stationary and still in Park when it happens. It’s a single low thump that I can feel through the floor—not a metallic clunk or a repeated knock—and the engine runs normally afterward. No warning lights, rough idle, unusual driving behavior, or noise when shifting into gear.

It initially happened twice in one day, then didn’t happen during a couple of test starts. It has now happened a few more times. The thud occurs right as the engine finishes starting and settles into idle.

I’ve already scheduled a service appointment so Ford can inspect and document it under warranty. In the meantime, has anyone else experienced this on a newer Bronco? If so, did you determine whether it was related to an engine/transmission mount, exhaust movement, skid plate or heat shield, or something else?

Thanks for any insight.

Rank V

Yesterday at 7:38 pm

#1
I recently purchased a 2026 Bronco Big Bend and have noticed an intermittent dull thud immediately when starting it.

The Bronco is completely stationary and still in Park when it happens. It’s a single low thump that I can feel through the floor—not a metallic clunk or a repeated knock—and the engine runs normally afterward. No warning lights, rough idle, unusual driving behavior, or noise when shifting into gear.

It initially happened twice in one day, then didn’t happen during a couple of test starts. It has now happened a few more times. The thud occurs right as the engine finishes starting and settles into idle.

I’ve already scheduled a service appointment so Ford can inspect and document it under warranty. In the meantime, has anyone else experienced this on a newer Bronco? If so, did you determine whether it was related to an engine/transmission mount, exhaust movement, skid plate or heat shield, or something else?

Thanks for any insight.

Hi there. I’d like to assist with your concern. Could you please send us a DM with your VIN and mileage so I can look into this further?

Rank 0

Yesterday at 7:49 pm

#2
Hi there. I’d like to assist with your concern. Could you please send us a DM with your VIN and mileage so I can look into this further?

Sent you a direct message. Let me know if you're having trouble opening the link to the video.

Gladesmen

Today at 3:39 pm

#3
Could it be the HVAC mixer door closing I think when you start the vehicle at first the air blows out the floor & defrost first so you are not blasted with hot air then closes so it blows out the dash vents, after the hot air is purged. do you remote start the vehicle?
BN 1100, Desert Sand Everglades. Reservation 7/30/20. ordered 1/22/21, reordered 10/15/21 dropped tow and hard top, reordered 3/9/22 changed to Everglades. production date 9/7/22 rescheduled 9/14/22 completed 9/26/22, shipped 10/7/22, arrived 10/31/22, delivered 11/03/22
G Lusted

Rank 0

Today at 6:42 pm

#4
Could it be the HVAC mixer door closing I think when you start the vehicle at first the air blows out the floor & defrost first so you are not blasted with hot air then closes so it blows out the dash vents, after the hot air is purged. do you remote start the vehicle?

I don't. I press the button when I get in. It's strange. Hasn't happened again since posting this.

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