KnownCarProblems2021 Ford Bronco Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 230 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Bronco, most often about the engine (32% of complaints, typically around 8,000 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about Bronco model year since 2000 and has 20 recalls.
Most common 2021 Ford Bronco problems
Engine
74 complaints · 32%Half of these problems showed up before 8,000 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system.
Very rough idle, rpmâs bounce and do not stay smooth at all. Have 10,000 miles, has run rough since purchase. Getting worse as we accumulate miles. Will be taking to dealer very soon. Not throwing a code or light yet, but obviously something is wrong.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she depressed the accelerator pedal however, the engine failed to engage, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence. No warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or…
Fuel system
30 complaints · 13%The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v455000 (fuel system, gasoline). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while…
Electrical
29 complaints · 13%Parts named most often: adas, alternator/generator/regulator.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the blind spot alert fault message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the wiring module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the parking assist fault warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed wiring harness. The contact was informed that a wire from the wiring harness was burned. In…
Other or unspecified
28 complaints · 12%Suspension
24 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 40,000 miles. Parts named most often: rear.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers: 24v635000 (engine and engine cooling) and 25v025000 (suspension); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v025000 (suspension); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that…
Backup camera
23 complaints · 10%Parts named most often: rearview system braking, sensing system, warnings.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while in reverse on several occasions, the back-over prevention camera failed to work as intended. The contact stated that on one occasion while in drive, the back-over prevention camera was displayed inadvertently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.…
Brakes
22 complaints · 10%The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to stop the vehicle immediately. The brake pedal was extremely stiff while depressed. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle struck a speed sign…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the brake warning lamp remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the brake booster vacuum line was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was…
Visibility and wipers
17 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: windshield.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. While starting the vehicle the contact became aware of a line crack on the front of the windshield. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 7,337.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated the front windshield cracked and was repaired by the dealer; prior to the second crack that occurred while driving approximately 35 MPH. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer; however, they diagnosed no failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer…
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 recalls
Electrical: front underhood
Risk: A short circuit in the engine compartment can create heat or spark, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will install sheathing over the wiring, free of charge. This is a phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2026 bronco raptor notified owners on 7/31/2026. Phase 2 will include 2021-2025 bronco raptor vehicle will notify owners on or about 8/14/2026. Phase 3 will include 2021-2026 bronco will notify owners on or about 9/1/2026. Owner notification letters were mailed august 5, 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26s55. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on july 23, 2026.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 bronco and bronco raptor vehicles. The engine compartment wiring harness may become damaged and short circuit.
Body and structure: roof and pillars
Risk: A detached section of roof can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the hard top as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed may 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in november 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26s32. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on may 12, 2026.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 bronco vehicles. The 3-door and 5-door molded-in-color (mic) hardtop roof panels may have been manufactured improperly, which can allow sections of the outer roof panel to separate and detach from the vehicle.
Transmission: automatic transmission
Risk: Excessive wear of the transmission and transfer case splines may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the transmission to transfer case joint and replace the transmission and transfer case as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed july 9, 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26s26. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on april 15, 2026.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021-2025 bronco vehicles. The transmission to transfer case joint may be misaligned due to an incorrectly performed previous repair, which could lead to wear of the transmission output shaft splines and transfer case input splines.
Backup camera: software
Risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: The apim software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed april 13, 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26s09. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on march 5, 2026.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 ford bronco and 2021-2024 ford edge vehicles. The accessory protocol interface module (apim) may overheat and shutdown, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended.
Backup camera: camera
Risk: A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealer will update the sync module software ,free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed january 28, 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25c72. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning january 30, 2026.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 bronco vehicles equipped with 8-inch sync infotainment screens that were previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23v165. The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 111, "rear visibility."
Seats: critical fasteners
Risk: A seat with a dislodged bolt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the pivot links and bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed april 28, 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25sb5. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning october 28, 2025.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 bronco vehicles. The front seats may have a loose or dislodged seat frame height-adjust pivot bolt.
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 pump
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed july 27, 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25s75.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 bronco, explorer, lincoln aviator, f-250 sd, f-350 sd, f-450 sd, f-550 sd, 2021-2022 lincoln navigator, mustang, f-150, and 2022 expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Backup camera: software
Risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: The accessory protocol interface module (apim) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on june 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on october 8, 2025. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25s49.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 bronco, f-150, 2021-2024 edge, 2022-2025 escape, f-250, f-350, f-450, f-550, f-600, 2022-2024 expedition, 2022-2025 transit, 2021-2023 mach-e, 2024 ranger, mustang, 2021-2023 lincoln nautilus, 2022-2024 navigator, and 2023-2024 corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
Backup camera: camera
Risk: A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update sync module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed june 18, 2025. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25c14.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 bronco vehicles equipped with 8-inch sync infotainment screens that were repaired incorrectly under recall 22v-825. The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 111, "rear visibility."
Suspension: shock absorber
Risk: An external reservoir that detaches from a vehicle can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rear shock absorbers, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed august 15, 2025. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25s01.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 bronco vehicles. The rear shock absorbers may corrode and fail, resulting in detachment of the external reservoir.
Engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed july 3, 2025. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24s55.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 bronco, f-150, edge, explorer, lincoln nautilus, and lincoln aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7l or 3.0l nano ecoboost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.
Backup camera: camera
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, and update the software and wiring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed november 20, 2023 to lincoln owners. Ford vehicle owners notification letters were mailed march 4, 2024. Ford remedy parts are anticipated 2nd quarter 2024. Ford's number for this recall is 23s48.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 lincoln aviator, 2018-2021 lincoln navigator, 2022-2023 ford transit, and 2021 ford bronco vehicles. The rearview camera, or 360-degree view camera if equipped, may not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
Seat belts: critical fasteners
Risk: Difficulty accessing the seat belt latches may result in occupants not wearing their seat belts, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will add a sliding clip latch stop to the driver and front passenger seat belts, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed july 14, 2023. Owner letters informing owners that parts are available were mailed on october 2, 2023. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23c16.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 bronco vehicles built with the 5-door body style. The first-row seat belt latch plates may be difficult to access from their stowed position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 208, "occupant crash protection."
Backup camera: camera
Risk: A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: The sync module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on march 28, 2024. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23c05.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 bronco vehicles equipped with 8-inch sync infotainment screens that were previously remedied under recall 22v-825. The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 111, "rear visibility."
Air bags: side impact
Risk: An improperly secured side impact sensor may cause the air bags to unintentionally deploy, or not to deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the side impact sensor attachments and repair, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed january 20, 2023. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22s77.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 bronco vehicles. The right or left side impact sensors may not be properly secured to the vehicle.
Backup camera: camera
Risk: A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: The sync module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on march 25, 2024. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22c27.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 bronco vehicles equipped with rearview camera systems and 8-inch screen displays. The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 111, "rear visibility."
Doors and locks: lock
Risk: A malfunctioning child safety lock increases the risk of injury to a child occupant.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the passenger-side child safety locks door child safety lock and latch, and replace them, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed june 28, 2022. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22s44.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain four-door 2021-2022 bronco vehicles. The passenger-side rear door may be opened from inside of the vehicle when the child safety lock is in the "on" position.
Driver assistance: radar
Risk: A misaligned radar module may prevent the vehicle from maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles when adaptive cruise control is active. In addition, the automatic emergency braking (aeb) system may react slowly, or not react at all, during a pre-collision assist braking event. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will adjust the angle of the cruise control radar module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed january 21, 2022. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21s52.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021 ranger and bronco vehicles. The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.
Air bags: frontal
Risk: Improper air bag deployment increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the passenger air bag, free of charge. An interim owner notification letter was mailed on november 24, 2021. A second notice announcing the remedy is available was sent on july 8, 2022. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21c23.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021 bronco vehicles. During passenger air bag deployment, an air bag vent could open prematurely and result in an improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 208, "occupant crash protection."
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
Low-pressure fuel pump failure
Summary
On july 29, 2024, the oï¬ce of defects investigation (odi) opened pe24019 to investigate complaints of low-pressure fuel pump failures in my 2021 ford bronco vehicles. Some consumers reported that the failure occurred without warning while driving, resulting in a complete loss of motive power with no ability to restart the engine. Ford determined that several other vehicle models contain low-pressure fuel pumps substantially similar to the 2021 ford bronco, including the 2022-2023 ford bronco, 2018-2023 ford f-150, 2022-2023 ford expedition, 2019-2023 lincoln navigator, 2020-2023 ford f-250-f-550, 2024 ford super duty chassis cab, 2024-2025 ford ranger, 2020-2023 ford explorer, 2020-2023 li
Loss of motive power
Summary
On july 22, 2022, the office of defects investigation (odi) granted a defect petition (dp22001) and opened a preliminary evaluation (pe22007) to investigate allegations of loss of motive power in model year (my) 2021 ford bronco vehicles equipped with 2.7l ecoboost engines. Complainants were reporting sudden engine failure while driving resulting in a loss of motive power, often without the ability to restart. During pe22007, the cause of engine failure and loss of motive power in the subject vehicles was determined to be intake valve fracture, and the full scope of vehicles affected by the subject defect was identified as all my 2021-2022 ford and lincoln models equipped with either the 2.7
Loss of motive power due to valve intake failure on ford bronco vehicles.
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) received a petition dated march 16, 2022, requesting an investigation regarding allegations of defective intake valves in model year (my) 2021 ford bronco vehicles equipped with the 2.7l eco-boost (ânanoâ) engines.â the petitioner alleged these vehicles are experiencing loss of motive power at any highway speeds with no-restart as a result of catastrophic engine failures.â to date odi is aware of 42 submitted vehicle owner questionnaires (voqâs) alleging a loss of motive power. On july 22, 2022, odi opened a preliminary evaluation (pe22-007) to investigate allegations of stalling/loss of motive power on the subject vehicles.â upon receiving for
Loss of motive power
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) received three petitions on march 17, march 18, and march 29, 2022, which requested a defect investigation into an alleged defect of the valves on model year (my) 2021 ford bronco vehicles equipped with the 2.7l eco-boost engines. The petitioners alleged that my 2021 ford broncos vehicles are experiencing loss of motive power at highway speeds with no-restart due to catastrophic engine failures.on may 27, 2022, odi opened this defect petition to evaluate whether to grant or deny the petition.odi has identified 26 vehicle owners questionnaires (voqs) that relate to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. Based on odi's review of the applicable mat
Questions about the 2021 Ford Bronco
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Bronco?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (74 complaints, typically around 8,000 miles); fuel system (30 complaints); electrical (29 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Bronco have?
- 20 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from July 20, 2026 (electrical). 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?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about Bronco model year since 2000, with 230 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.