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2021 Ford Bronco Sport Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 708 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, most often about the electrical (30% of complaints, typically around 40,500 miles). It is the most complained-about Bronco Sport model year since 2000 and has 16 recalls.
⚠ Safety advisory1 recall for this car came with a do-not-drive warning. See below and check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Most common 2021 Ford Bronco Sport problems
Electrical
212 complaints · 30%Half of these problems showed up before 40,500 miles. Parts named most often: instrument cluster/panel, 12v/24v/48v battery, instrument panel.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling at a stop light with the automatic start/stop feature activated, the driver depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle instantly shut off. The vehicle was not able to be restarted and a tow truck was called to the…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v019000 (electrical system). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while…
Transmission
188 complaints · 27%Half of these problems showed up before 54,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline, axle assembly.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the steering seized, and brakes were inoperable. Additionally, the instrument panel independently shut off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where there BCM and…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up after several attempts with several unknown messages displayed. After an hour, the contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the dealer. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA…
Engine
174 complaints · 25%Half of these problems showed up before 52,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system, cooling system.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers: 24v267000 (electrical system, power train) and 25v019000 (electrical system). The contact stated that one day after several attempts, the vehicle failed start. The contact charged the battery and took it to the…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start-up. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Brakes
127 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 9,000 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21v922000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing at 5 MPH, the brake pedal was stiff while depressed and the brakes failed…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while reversing, there was an abnormal grinding noise detected coming from the brakes. While driving at various speeds around a curb, the steering wheel was jerking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer…
Fuel system
122 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 53,500 miles. Parts named most often: delivery, fuel injection system, storage.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test showed that the canister purge valve was defective and needed to be replaced. The dealer was then notified of…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford bronco. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as expected. The parking brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the fuel tank vent tube valve was contaminated with water. The vehicle…
Other or unspecified
98 complaints · 14%Visibility and wipers
26 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 33,000 miles. Parts named most often: windshield, sun/moon roof assembly, rearview mirrors/devices, defroster/defogger/hvac system.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while attempting to open the rear windshield, the lever on the windshield detached from the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact was unable to close the rear windshield and had to use a bungee cord to secure the windshield. The vehicle was taken to…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contactâs daughterâs arm bumped into the passengerâs side windshield, and the windshield was severely cracked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed; however, the windshield was…
Suspension
24 complaints · 3%Half of these problems showed up before 47,500 miles. Parts named most often: front.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while his wife was reversing, there was an abnormal screeching sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to stop while reversing. The driver shifted into drive(d) and moved forward. The vehicle was taken to…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for new tires. While the vehicle was being serviced, it was determined that the rear shocks were leaking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2021 Ford Bronco Sport recalls
Suspension: lower ball joint
Risk: A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and repair the front lower control arm ball joints as necessary, free of charge.owner notification letters were mailed september 2, 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26s36. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on may 29, 2026.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 bronco sport and 2022-2026 maverick vehicles. The front lower control arm ball joints may have been incorrectly installed or incorrectly repaired at the vehicle assembly plant, allowing the control arm to disconnect from the front wheel knuckle.
Equipment: engine block heater
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed december 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated september 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25sa4. Vehicle identification
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 lincoln mkc, 2016-2023 explorer, 2019-2020 fusion, 2019-2024 ranger, 2020-2022 lincoln corsair, escape, 2021-2024 bronco, bronco sport, and 2022-2024 maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Fuel system: fuel injection system
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will update the engine control software. In addition, dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel rail assembly and fuel injectors, free of charge. As an interim repair, dealers will update the engine control software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed august 29, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in july 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25s76. This recall expands and replaces previous recall numbers 22v-859, 2
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 bronco sport and 2020-2022 escape vehicles equipped with 1.5l engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
Backup camera: software
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed september 4, 2025. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25s72.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 transit connect, 2019-2020 mkz, mkx, edge, continental, f-150, nautilus, fusion, 2019-2023 ranger, mustang, 2020-2021 ecosport, expedition, navigator, 2020-2022 escape, f-250 sd, corsair, 2020-2023 aviator, transit, 2020-2024 explorer, 2021-2024 bronco sport, and 2022-2024 maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Fuel system: fuel injection system
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed april 22, 2025. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25s21.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 escape and 2021-2023 bronco sport vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 22v-859 or 24v-187. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
Transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Risk: An undetected low battery charge can result in a loss of electrical accessories such as hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will recalibrate the body control module and power train control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed april 23, 2025. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25s26.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 bronco sport and 2022-2023 maverick vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24v-267. The body and power train control modules may fail to detect a change in the 12-volt battery state of charge.
Electrical: 12v/24v/48v battery
Risk: Battery failure can result in a loss of electrical accessories, including the hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the 12-volt battery, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed may 2, 2025. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25s02. Vehicles in this recall were previously repaired under 24v-267 and will need to have the new remedy completed.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 bronco sport and 2022-2023 maverick vehicles. The 12-volt battery may experience degradation and suddenly fail.
Electrical: body control module/bcm
Risk: An undetected low battery charge can result in a loss of electrical accessories such as hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will recalibrate the body control module and power train control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on june 4, 2024. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24s24.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 bronco sport and 2022-2023 maverick vehicles. The body and power train control modules may fail to detect a change in the 12-volt battery state of charge.
Fuel system: fuel injection system
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed january 9, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 1st quarter of 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed february 28, 2023. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22s73. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 22v-191. Vehicles previously remedied under 22v-191 will need to have the new remedy p
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 escape and 2021-2023 bronco sport vehicles equipped with 1.5l engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
Engine: oil/lubrication
Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the oil separator for damage or oil leaks, and replace the oil separator and seals, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed april 18, 2022. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22s21.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 escape and 2021-2022 bronco sport vehicles equipped with 1.5l engines. The engine oil separator housing may crack and develop an oil leak.
Brakes: caliper
Risk: During certain situations, the driver may have to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front brake pads, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed august 17, 2022. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21c31.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 bronco sport and escape vehicles. The rear brake linings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can affect braking performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 135, "light vehicle brake systems."
Visibility and wipers: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk: A detached glass panel can become a road hazard, and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the moonroof glass date code and replace the glass, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed november 18, 2021. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21s46.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021 bronco sport vehicles. The moonroof glass may not have been bonded correctly to the moonroof frame, which could result in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle.
Fuel system: control/drive module
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. Interim notification letters (remedy not available) were mailed on september 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on december 14, 2021. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21s38.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021 escape, lincoln corsair, and 2021-2022 bronco sport vehicles. The fuel delivery module may leak inside the fuel tank, causing low fuel pressure which could result in an engine stall.
Suspension: rear
Risk: Loose or missing bolts may affect the vehicle's handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash. It could also reduce the vehicle's performance in a rear impact crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear suspension bolts, and secure or replace the bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began march 10, 2021. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21s04.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021 bronco sport vehicles. The rear suspension subframe assembly may have loose or missing bolts.
Suspension: control arm
Risk: An incorrect lower control arm may affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a rollover crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the front lower control arms, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began april 9, 2021. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21s03.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021 bronco sport vehicles. These vehicles may have been produced with incorrect front lower control arms.
Transmission: driveshaft
Risk: If the rear drive unit seizes, there may be a loss of drive and/or a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the rear drive unit lubricant level. Axles found to have lubricant at the minimum level will be filled to the full level. Axles found to be below the minimum lubricant fill level will be replaced, free of charge. This recall began march 12, 2021. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21s02.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 edge, 2020 lincoln nautilus and ford escape and 2021 lincoln corsair and ford bronco sport vehicles. An inadequate amount of lubricant in the rear drive unit may cause seizure of the rear drive axle.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Loss of motive power
Summary
On january 31, 2024, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe24002) to investigate loss of motive power allegations in model year (my) 2021 ford bronco sport vehicles. Consumers reported a loss of engine power accompanied by complete electrical system failure either while driving or after stopping at a traffic light or stop sign. The vehicles generally could not be restarted, and the incidents were commonly diagnosed by dealerships to a failed 12-volt (12v) battery. On april 12, 2024, ford issued safety recall 24v-267 covering 456,565 my 2021-2024 ford bronco sport and my 2022-2023 ford maverick vehicles. The recall addressed loss of motive power resultin
Loss of motive power
Summary
On january 31, 2024, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened pe24002 to investigate allegations of loss of motive power in model year (my) 2021 ford bronco sport vehicles. At that time, odi had received 31 vehicle owner questionnaires (voqs), with consumers commonly reporting a loss of engine power accompanied by complete electrical system failure which occurred either while driving, or after coming to a stop. The investigation revealed that my 2021-2024 ford bronco sport and certain my 2022-2023 ford maverick vehicles are equipped with a 12v enhanced flooded battery (efb), which may experience an abrupt failure during a drive cycle. The failure is the result of an internal corrosio
Questions about the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (212 complaints, typically around 40,500 miles); transmission (188 complaints, typically around 54,000 miles); engine (174 complaints, typically around 52,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport have?
- 16 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from May 27, 2026 (suspension). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2021 a bad year for the Ford Bronco Sport?
- It is the most complained-about Bronco Sport model year since 2000, with 708 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.