Flat towing a Ford Bronco is possible, but there are three things that have cost owners transmissions, warranty coverage, and real money. Read these before you hook up the tow bar.
1. The Advanced 4WD system has a documented history of shifting out of neutral mid-tow
This one has been all over Bronco6G for years. Broncos equipped with the Advanced 4WD system (4A) have reported the transfer case shifting back out of neutral tow mode while being towed. When that happens, the transmission is no longer protected and it destroys itself.
Multiple owners have reported losing transmissions while following the flat tow procedure exactly as written. Ford has denied many of these warranty claims, arguing the procedure was not followed correctly. The failures appear concentrated in Broncos with the 4A transfer case. If your Bronco has Advanced 4WD and you plan to flat tow it regularly, this is a real risk you need to understand before you start.
The full procedure and what owners have learned the hard way is covered in our guide on flat towing a Ford Bronco.
2. There are strict speed and daily engine requirements most owners ignore
The Ford Bronco flat tow procedure is not as simple as hooking up a tow bar and driving away. The owner's manual specifies a maximum towing speed of 70 mph. It also requires you to start the engine and cycle through Drive and Reverse once per day of towing.
Most owners skip the daily engine start requirement, especially on long RV trips where stopping feels like a hassle. Skipping it puts unlubricated stress on the transmission. It is a small step that protects a very expensive part.
3. If your Bronco has had transmission or transfer case work, check your VIN before towing anything
In April 2026, Ford issued recall 26V236 covering 2021-2025 Broncos that had previous transmission or transfer case repairs. The issue is a misaligned transmission-to-transfer case joint that causes spline wear. If the wear gets bad enough, the truck can lose drive power or roll away while in Park.
This recall only affects Broncos that have had prior drivetrain service, not every Bronco on the road. But if your truck had a transfer case replacement, transmission work, or a driveshaft seal job, check your VIN at nhtsa.gov before flat towing. Towing a truck with this condition puts additional load on an already compromised joint.
Flat towing a Bronco is doable. Just know what you are getting into before you leave the driveway.
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About This Guide
This was put together by the team at Bronco Forge. We sell aftermarket parts exclusively for the Ford Bronco and spend time in Bronco6G and the owner forums tracking the real issues owners run into. Questions about fitment or anything Bronco-related? Reach out at contact@broncoforge.com or (909) 772-8050.
