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2021 Ford Bronco Sport: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport has 709 NHTSA owner complaints and 16 recalls, the highest counts of any model year on file[1][2]. Several recalls involve fire risk or a loss of drive power, so check that each one was completed before you buy or keep one.
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 709 owner complaints on file for this model year[1]. Of those, 18 mention a crash, 17 mention a fire and 12 mention injuries, and none report a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports. One complaint can name more than one component, so the groups below add up to more than the total.
| Component group | Complaints | Median miles at failure |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system[5] | 212 | 41,426 |
| Power train[6] | 189 | 55,000 |
| Engine[7] | 174 | 52,000 |
| Brakes[8] | 127 | 9,000 |
Smaller groups include unknown or other with 98 complaints[9], fuel/propulsion system with 63[10], fuel system, gasoline with 58[11] and suspension with 24[12].
Fire and injury mentions differ by group. The engine group has 12 fire mentions, the highest of any group listed[7]. The brakes group has 6 crash mentions and 5 injury mentions, also the highest[8].
We read a sample of 12 complaints from each of the four biggest groups[5][6][7][8]. Here is what owners describe in that sample.
- Electrical. In the sample, 6 of 12 describe the dash or screens going dark, the car losing all power, or the car refusing to start[5].
- Power train. In the sample, 5 of 12 describe stalling or a sudden loss of power while driving, and 4 of 12 describe hesitation, jerking or revving without the car moving[6].
- Engine. In the sample, 6 of 12 describe stalling, losing power or not restarting, and 2 of 12 describe a fire in the engine compartment[7].
- Brakes. In the sample, 10 of 12 are owners waiting for recall brake repair parts that were not yet available when they wrote[8]. 3 of 12 describe squealing or squeaking[8]. The brake recall is 21V922[13].
Samples this small show what owners describe. They do not show how common a problem is.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 16 recalls for this model year[2]. They are below, newest first. A recall that covers several models still applies to this one when it is in our data. Enter your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see which recalls are open on a specific vehicle[14].
- Front ball joints (26V340). May 27, 2026[14]. Lower ball joints in the front suspension may have been installed or repaired wrongly at the factory. A control arm could then come loose from the wheel. The risk is a loss of vehicle control and a crash. Ford tells owners not to drive the vehicle until it is repaired. Dealers inspect and repair the joints for free. It covers 4,653 vehicles[14].
- Engine block heater (25V685). October 10, 2025[15]. The block heater may crack, leak coolant and short circuit when plugged in. The risk is a fire. Ford tells owners not to plug in the heater until the vehicle is fixed. The fix is a new heater, or a plug in place of the heater element. The record says the final remedy was expected in September 2026, and our data does not confirm it is available. It covers 59,006 vehicles across several models[15].
- Fuel injectors, 1.5L engine (25V467). July 11, 2025[16]. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel into the engine compartment. The risk is a fire. The interim repair is an engine software update. The final remedy is new injectors and a new high-pressure fuel rail. The record says it was expected in July 2026, and our data does not confirm it is available. Cars already repaired under 22V859, 24V187 or 25V165 need the final remedy too. It covers 694,271 vehicles[16].
- Rearview camera software (25V442). June 27, 2025[17]. A software error may leave the camera image blank, or keep it on screen after you leave reverse. Either can reduce your view or distract you, which raises crash risk. Dealers update the software for free. It covers 200,237 vehicles across many models[17].
- Battery charge detection, repeat repair (25V158). March 14, 2025[18]. This covers cars that were repaired incorrectly under 24V267. The control modules may not notice a low 12-volt battery[18]. That can cut power to accessories such as hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power. Dealers recalibrate the modules for free. It covers 48,041 vehicles[18].
- Fuel injectors, repeat repair (25V165). March 14, 2025[19]. This covers cars that were repaired incorrectly under 22V859 or 24V187. A cracked injector may leak fuel, which raises fire risk. Dealers update the engine computer software for free. It covers 33,576 vehicles[19].
- 12-volt battery (25V019). January 17, 2025[20]. The battery may wear out and fail suddenly. That can cut power to accessories such as hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power. Dealers inspect the battery and replace it if needed, for free. Cars repaired under 24V267 need this new remedy too. It covers 272,817 vehicles[20].
- Battery charge detection (24V267). April 12, 2024[21]. The control modules may not notice a low 12-volt battery[21]. That can cut power to accessories, or cause a loss of drive power. Dealers recalibrate the modules for free. It covers 456,565 vehicles[21].
- Fuel injectors (22V859). November 18, 2022[22]. A fuel injector on the 1.5L engine may crack and leak fuel, which raises fire risk[22]. The repair was a software update with leak detection and a drain tube. It covers 521,746 vehicles[22]. Later recalls expanded and replaced it[16].
- Oil separator (22V191). March 25, 2022[23]. On 1.5L engines, the oil separator housing may crack and leak oil[23]. Oil near hot engine parts raises fire risk. Dealers inspect it and replace the separator and seals if needed, for free. It covers 345,451 vehicles[23].
- Brake linings (21V922). November 23, 2021[13]. The rear brake linings may have been made incorrectly, so the vehicle does not meet a federal brake standard. You may need more pedal force, and stopping distance can grow. The record lists the repair as replacing the front brake pads. It covers 114,666 vehicles[13].
- Moonroof glass (21V809). October 15, 2021[24]. The moonroof glass may not be bonded properly and could come off the vehicle. A loose panel on the road is a crash and injury risk. Dealers check the glass date code and replace the glass if needed. It covers 1,036 vehicles[24].
- Fuel delivery module (21V625). August 10, 2021[25]. The module may leak inside the fuel tank and lower fuel pressure. That can stall the engine and raise crash risk. Dealers replace the module for free. It covers 13,773 vehicles[25].
- Front control arms (21V074). February 16, 2021[26]. Some vehicles may have the wrong front lower control arms. That can affect handling and raise rollover risk. Dealers inspect the arms and replace them if needed. It covers 106 vehicles[26].
- Rear suspension bolts (21V075). February 16, 2021[27]. The rear subframe may have loose or missing bolts. That can affect handling and reduce protection in a rear crash. Dealers inspect and secure or replace the bolts. It covers 1,638 vehicles[27].
- Rear drive unit lubricant (21V011). January 15, 2021[28]. Too little lubricant in the rear drive unit may make the rear axle seize. The risk is a loss of drive or of vehicle control. Dealers check the lubricant and top it up, or replace the axle if it is too low. It covers 147 vehicles[28].
Fuel economy
EPA lists two engines for this model year. The 2.0L is rated lower on fuel economy than the 1.5L[3][29].
| Engine and drive | City | Highway | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, All-Wheel Drive[3] | 25 | 28 | 26 | $2,600 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Part-time 4-Wheel Drive[29] | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
Both use regular gas[3]. The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new[3].
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the 2021 Bronco Sport (SUV 4WD) 5 stars overall, 5 stars in the frontal test and 5 stars in the side test[4]. Its rollover rating is 4 stars, with a rollover risk of 17.4%[4].
Engine and size
EPA lists 175 horsepower for the 1.5L 3-cylinder engine[30]. It lists 235 horsepower for the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine[31].
Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so they can differ slightly from US models. We converted them to inches and pounds.
How 2021 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 709 | 16 |
| 2022 | 369 | 15 |
| 2023 | 160 | 14 |
| 2024 | 112 | 8 |
| 2025 | 39 | 7 |
| 2026 | 8 | 6 |
NHTSA counts for each Ford Bronco Sport model year[2]:
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2021[2] | 709 | 16 |
| 2022[2] | 369 | 15 |
| 2023[2] | 160 | 14 |
| 2024[2] | 112 | 8 |
| 2025[2] | 39 | 7 |
| 2026[2] | 8 | 6 |
The 2021 model year has the highest count of both complaints and recalls of the six years listed[2]. Take that with care. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, and older cars have had more time to collect complaints and recalls.
Should you buy a used 2021 Bronco Sport?
The 2021 Bronco Sport has the longest complaint and recall record of any Bronco Sport year in our data[2]. Several recalls involve fire risk or a loss of drive power, and some are repeat repairs of earlier recalls[16][19][20]. It earns 5 stars overall from NHTSA[4]. If you are shopping for one, check the VIN for open recalls and ask for proof that the fuel injector and battery recalls were completed, including the final fuel injector remedy that the record said was still to come[16]. If you own one, the engine block heater recall asks you not to plug the heater in until it is fixed[15].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?
- By complaint count, the electrical system leads with 212 complaints, followed by the power train with 189 and the engine with 174[5][6][7]. Owners are describing unverified reports, and our reading is a small sample.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport have?
- NHTSA lists 16 recalls for this model year[2]. They include fuel injector, battery, block heater and brake lining recalls[16][20][15][13].
- What gas mileage does the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport get?
- EPA rates the 1.5L engine at 26 combined MPG[3] and the 2.0L engine at 23 combined MPG[29].
- Is the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport safe?
- NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall and a 4-star rollover rating[4]. It also has recalls that involve crash risk, so check that they were completed[14][20].
- Is 2021 a bad year for the Bronco Sport?
- It has the highest complaint count, 709, and recall count, 16, of the six model years listed[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, and older cars have had more time to collect them.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 709 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport (18 mention a crash, 17 a fire, 12 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Bronco Sport model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Bronco Sport 4WD, 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 28 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 212 complaints name the electrical system component group (4 crashes, 7 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 41,426). NHTSA vehicle records
- 189 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 55,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 174 complaints name the engine component group (3 crashes, 12 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 52,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 127 complaints name the brakes component group (6 crashes, 1 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 9,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 98 complaints name the unknown or other component group (2 crashes, 4 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 63 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 5 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 58 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (1 crashes, 3 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 67,830). NHTSA vehicle records
- 24 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 47,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 21V922, filed November 23, 2021: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V340, filed May 27, 2026: Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V685, filed October 10, 2025: Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V467, filed July 11, 2025: Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V442, filed June 27, 2025: Back Over Prevention › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V158, filed March 14, 2025: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm / Pcm / Tecm). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V165, filed March 14, 2025: Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V019, filed January 17, 2025: Electrical System › 12V / 24V / 48V Battery. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V267, filed April 12, 2024: Electrical System › Body Control Module / Bcm. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V859, filed November 18, 2022: Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V191, filed March 25, 2022: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil / Lubrication. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V809, filed October 15, 2021: Visibility › Sun / Moon Roof Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V625, filed August 10, 2021: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump › Control / Drive Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V074, filed February 16, 2021: Suspension › Front › Control Arm. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V075, filed February 16, 2021: Suspension › Rear. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V011, filed January 15, 2021: Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Bronco Sport 4WD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 26 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2021 Ford Bronco Sport with 1.5L 3-cylinder: rated 175 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2021 Ford Bronco Sport with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 235 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, BRONCO SPORT SUV 1.5L: length 173 in, width 74 in, height 71 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,457 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, BRONCO SPORT SUV 2.0L: length 173 in, width 74 in, height 71 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,713 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov