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Your vehicleHome›Ford›Bronco Sport› 2021
Active NHTSA advisory: do not drive. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and see the recall details below.
Ford · Compact SUV

2021 Ford Bronco Sport

Gas
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
25 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Counts recalls, not crash safety — this vehicle earned 5 of 5 stars from NHTSA. A much-recalled best-seller scores low here; see the methodology.
Recalls5 critical 16
Complaints18 crash · 17 fire · 12 injured reported 709
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 26 mpg
202620252024202320222021

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is sold in the U.S. as a gas compact SUV with 2 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Bronco Sport 4WD, is EPA-rated at 26 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns for this model year, 5 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 709 complaints, most often about the electrical system. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Ford Bronco Sport — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
Ford Bronco Sport · Photo: Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
Bronco Sport 4WDGasAWD1.5L 3-cyl turbo252826$2,600
Bronco Sport 4WDGas4WD (part-time)2.0L 4-cyl turbo212623$2,900

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 43543, 43544.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
Bronco Sport 4WD7 / 10California LEV-III SULEV30 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 30All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
Bronco Sport 4WD5 / 10California LEV-III ULEV70 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 70All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body styleSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
GVWR classClass 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)

Engine Basics

Cylinders3
Displacement1.5 L
Engine configurationIn-Line

Engine Output

Horsepower181 hp

Fuel Economy

FuelGasoline

Transmission

Drivetrain4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes the configurations we could identify rather than every trim (seen: Badlands, Base, Big Bend, First Edition). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length172.8 in
Width (body, without mirrors)74.4 in
Height71.3 in
Wheelbase105.1 in
Track, front63.4 in
Track, rear63.0 in
Curb weight3,457–3,713 lb
Weight distribution, front/rear57/43

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 2 configurations: SUV 1.5L, SUV 2.0L. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

Also on file Beside the 2021 Bronco Sport
Other years The 2026 Bronco Sport Recalls Ford recalls
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Factory warranty running out?

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

What to check before you buy →

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

Recalls (16)

Source: NHTSA recall database
!critical

Suspension

26S36
Do not drive 4,653 vehicles 85% reported repaired
Problem 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFDealer notice PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V340000 reported May 27, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Equipment

25SA4
59,006 vehicles
Problem 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. 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 December 2026. Owners may contact Ford
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFInterim owner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V685000 reported Oct 10, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Fuel System, Gasoline

25S76
694,271 vehicles
Problem 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. 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'
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFInterim owner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V467000 reported Jul 11, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

25S72
200,237 vehicles 59% reported repaired
Problem 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V442000 reported Jun 27, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Fuel System, Gasoline

25S21
33,576 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFChronology PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V165000 reported Mar 14, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Electrical System

25S26
48,041 vehicles 96% reported repaired
Problem 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFChronology PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V158000 reported Mar 14, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Electrical System

25S02
272,817 vehicles 81% reported repaired built Feb 5, 2020 – Oct 20, 2022
Problem 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V019000 reported Jan 17, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

24S24
456,565 vehicles 91% reported repaired
Problem 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V267000 reported Apr 12, 2024 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Fuel System, Gasoline

22S73
521,746 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem 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. 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 previ
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V859000 reported Nov 18, 2022 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Engine And Engine Cooling

22S21
345,451 vehicles 94% reported repaired
Problem 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. 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.
NHTSA campaign 22V191000 reported Mar 25, 2022 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

21C31
114,666 vehicles 94% reported repaired
Problem 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." 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.
NHTSA campaign 21V922000 reported Nov 23, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Visibility

21S46
1,036 vehicles 96% reported repaired
Problem 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V809000 reported Oct 15, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

21S38
13,773 vehicles 95% reported repaired
Problem 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V625000 reported Aug 10, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Suspension

21S03
106 vehicles 96% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles. These vehicles may have been produced with incorrect front lower control arms. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V074000 reported Feb 16, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Suspension

21S04
1,638 vehicles 97% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles. The rear suspension subframe assembly may have loose or missing bolts. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V075000 reported Feb 16, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

21S02
147 vehicles 96% reported repaired
Problem 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V011000 reported Jan 15, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

NHTSA defect investigations

Electrical System:12V/24V/48V Battery — Loss of Motive Power closed

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

Opened Nov 15, 2024 · closed Oct 10, 2025 · action RQ24014 · the investigation’s page →

Electrical System:12V/24V/48V Battery — Loss of Motive Power closed

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

Opened Jan 31, 2024 · closed Aug 19, 2024 · action PE24002 · the investigation’s page →

Whether any of this applies to one specific Bronco Sport

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2021 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Ford publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

NHTSA VIN check →Ford’s own VIN lookup →

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

Find parts for this Bronco Sport →

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
709complaints filed

18 involved a crash · 17 a fire · 12 injuries · 0 deaths reported

60 per 10,000 built · Ford reported 117,686 Bronco Sport built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2021: 30 · 2022: 78 · 2023: 120 · 2024: 168 · 2025: 193 · 2026: 120

Most-cited components

Electrical System → 215
Power Train → 193
Engine → 177
Service Brakes → 128
Fuel/Propulsion System → 123
Unspecified 98

In depth: electrical problems → · transmission and drivetrain problems → · engine problems → · brake problems → · fuel system problems →

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V922000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer had been notified about the recall; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available.
Service Brakes Jan 6, 2022 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11446448
The windshield developed a crack down the center of the windshield starting at the top of the glass. There is no apparent indication that crack is due to an object hitting it
Visibility/Wiper Dec 19, 2021 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11444330
I have the same symptoms of recall 21V625000, they check my SUV however they said its not afected by the recall and the problem is still happening
Fuel/Propulsion System Dec 13, 2021 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11443569
On morning of Sept 2, 2021 I was driving home from my overnight shift as a nurse getting off about 0635, driving down a major street in the downtown area. I was approx 6 blocks from my hospital approaching a busy intersection and my Bronco Sport [2021] lost all power.
Electrical System at 5,000 miles Sep 9, 2021 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11432247
While driving the new Bronco Sport big bend home, we both heard a rattling shuttering whirring noise coming from the drivers left side in the dash. We felt this was not a normal noise as we had never heard this on any other new cars we’ve had. The whirring noise happens on accelerating.
Power Train Jul 28, 2021 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11426800
On July 10th this vehicle was hit at a high rate of speed by another vehicle. I was a passenger in this ford Bronco sport, non of the airbags went off. The driver of the Bronco and i were both injured
Air Bags Jul 20, 2021 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11425733

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by Ford itself: 28 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 34 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 24 per 100,000 built. Every Bronco Sport model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

When owners reported it

Reported at 40k

miles, typically

Half the 198 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 17,000 and 65,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

under 10k 39
10k–20k 14
20k–30k 19
30k–40k 24
40k–50k 23
50k–60k 21
60k–70k 12
70k–80k 13
80k–90k 11
90k–100k 8
100k–150k 14
150k + 0

Median mileage by component

ComponentReportsMedian milesVs same age
Electrical System6741,4261.48×
Power Train5555,0001.12×
Engine5352,0001.04×
Service Brakes359,0000.45×
Fuel/Propulsion System2167,8301.47×
Suspension1450,0001.54×

Vs same age is this model year’s median for the system divided by the median of every 2021-model-year complaint about the same system, all makes: under 1× means owners of this car reported it at lower mileage. Here, owners reported earlier than same-age vehicles: service brakes (0.45×); later: suspension (1.54×). Which systems go early across the whole fleet: the component study.

Across 2021–2022 model years the Ford Bronco Sport ranks 41 of 79 nameplates in the odometer-at-first-complaint study: owners reported problems at 1.12× the mileage of vehicles the same age (median 37,600 miles against a fleet 23,512).

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆17%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program. Standard driver-assist: forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking.

Driver-assist crash reports (1)

Source: NHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01
1report filed

1 no injury reported

Nov 2021 to Nov 2021 · 0 with an air bag deployment · 1 towed

What was engaged, and what was hit

System named: not named in the filings

Crash partner: Pole / Tree 1

Filed by: Ford Motor Company

IncidentSystemStruckInjury allegedStateSpeedReport
Nov 2021Level 2Pole / Treeno injury reportedMI—502-1763

A report under the General Order is a notice the manufacturer or operator must file within days of hearing of a crash in which a Level 2 driver-assist or automated-driving system was engaged within 30 seconds of impact. It is filed before anything is verified, and entities with telematics hear of far more crashes than entities that rely on complaints, so counts say as much about the reporting as about the car and are not comparable across makes. Nothing is normalised by fleet size. Every report on file, by make and year → · NHTSA’s page and files

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 188
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-09-22
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 177 service bulletins, 10 others, 1 emissions

Most often about: Unknown Or Other, Electrical System, Equipment, Engine, Power Train.

  • TSB 26-2092 V2 Service bulletin
    2026-09-22 · Unknown Or Other
  • This article supersedes TSB 25-2466 to add Bronco Sport, Escape, Maverick and Corsair, as well as removing Expedition and Navigator. One time use parts for Corsair and Bronco Sport were also added to the parts list. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a headliner rattle or sagging condition around the roof opening panel. This may be due to the adhesive separating f
  • SSM 55149 Service bulletin
    2026-09-04 · Electrical System
  • Some 2021-2024 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L may exhibit a lack of air conditioning (A/C) cooling while at a stop and idling in ambient temperatures of 100°F (38°C) or higher. In addition, there are no diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) present related to A/C system functionality, refrigerant charge levels are to specification and system is free of refrigerant leaks and/or A/C compressor
  • SSM 55100 Service bulletin
    2026-08-22 · Seats
  • For Various Ford and Lincoln vehicles, if diagnostics lead to the replacement of the front seat cushion cover J-clips, lower-level service parts are now available. Use service part W709919-S901 if the J-clip is completely detached from the seat cover and W715386-S424 if the clip is still partially attached. It is not necessary to replace the seat cover if only the J-clip is separating from the cov
  • TSB 26-2328 Service bulletin
    2026-07-15 · Power Train
  • This bulletin supersedes 26-2194. Reason for update: update the Parts list to correct a part description " Loctite 638", update the claim quantity for the drain/fill plug, update the claim quantity of the wheel hub bolts (Corsair) and limited the parts list for Edge/Nautilus to only the rear drive unit fluid. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit all of the following
  • 26E04 Emissions
    2026-07-09 · Unknown Or Other
  • NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 26E04 Certain 2021-2025 Model Year F-150, Maverick, Mustang, Ranger, Expedition, Bronco Sport, Explorer, Bronco, Navigator, and Aviator Vehicles Powertrain Control Module Software Update
  • SSM 54939 Service bulletin
    2026-06-16 · Power Train
  • Some 2020-2026 Corsair/Escape, 2021-2026 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2026 Maverick vehicles equipped with an 8F35 transmission may exhibit a shudder condition, most noticeable at speeds below 60 mph (100 km/h), with no relevant diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). Sometimes, this may be perceived/felt as an engine misfire. This may be due to the torque converter
  • SSM 54857 Service bulletin
    2026-05-21 · Fuel/Propulsion System
  • 2020-2026 Explorer/Escape/Corsair, 2021-2026 Bronco Sport/Bronco, 2022-2026 Maverick, 2024-2026 Mustang/Ranger/Nautilus vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L EcoBoost engine may require removal of the turbocharger wastegate control actuator linkage for various reasons. The Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-04 Fuel Charging and Controls - Turbocharger - 2.0L/2.3L EcoBoost > Removal and Installatio
  • TSB 26-2205 Service bulletin
    2026-05-18 · Unknown Or Other
  • This bulletin supersedes 25-2346. Reason for update: add Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles and add labor operations to repair the rear right/left carpet area. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a condition where the carpet is loose or torn near the front/rear scuff plate trim panel. This may be due to the carpet tearing at or near the retainer hole.

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
U3000
U3000 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Steering5 bulletins
C0051
C0051 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →3 bulletins
P0299
P0299 on Ford →		The turbocharger or supercharger is not making the boost the computer asked for.Engine3 bulletins
U0415
U0415 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →3 bulletins
U0418
U0418 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →3 bulletins
B118CManufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Lane Departure2 bulletins
B118DManufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Lane Departure2 bulletins
B156D
B156D on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Unknown Or Other2 bulletins
P0171
P0171 on Ford →		The engine is running lean on bank 1: too much air, or not enough fuel, for the mixture the computer wants.Unspecified · Mass air flow sensor →2 owner reports
P0243
P0243 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine2 bulletins
P02ABManufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine2 bulletins
P0420
P0420 on Ford →		The catalytic converter on bank 1 is not cleaning up the exhaust as well as it should.Engine · Catalytic converter →2 bulletins

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

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At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport failed the emissions check on 2.9% of first inspections — higher than the 1.9% for every 2021 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 2.1% (every 2021 vehicle: 1.5%).

New York inspections 2.9%

failed emissions

3,971 initial inspections of 3,894 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2021 Bronco SportEvery 2021 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check2.9%1.9%3,881
Failed the safety inspection2.1%1.5%3,971
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.20%0.19%3,971
Miles driven a year10,54410,343odometer at inspection
Average odometer55,71754,681odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2021 vehicle” is every 2021 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Bronco Sport by model year

all years, side by side →
Year Safety Recalls Complaints
2026 F 6 8 Do not drive2025 F 7 39 Do not drive2024 F 8 113 Do not drive2023 F 14 161 Do not drive2022 F 15 369 Do not drive2021 this page F 16 709 Do not drive

Common questions about the 2021 Bronco Sport

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 16 recall campaigns for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, 5 of them rated critical. The most serious on file is 26V340000, covering Suspension. 4 of them were filed with no repair available at the time — NHTSA's file records what the manufacturer had in hand on the filing date, not what exists today. The manufacturer's own estimate for when a fix would be ready: December 2026, July 2026. There is an active do not drive advisory — act on it before driving. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?

NHTSA gave the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport 5 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 5-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 4-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it F (25/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?

Across the 2 EPA-rated configurations of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, the best EPA combined figure is 26 mpg. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What are the dimensions of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?

Transport Canada measured it at 172.8 in long, 74.4 in wide (body, without mirrors), 71.3 in tall, on a 105.1 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 3,457–3,713 lb depending on configuration. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?

Owners have filed 709 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, most often about electrical system, power train, engine. Of those, 18 involved a crash, 17 a fire, 12 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?

The EPA smog rating for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport runs 5 to 7 out of 10 across its configurations. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — California LEV-III SULEV30, California LEV-III ULEV70, Federal Tier 3 Bin 30, Federal Tier 3 Bin 70 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?

The manufacturer has filed 188 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, most often covering unknown or other, electrical system, equipment. The most recent is dated 2026-09-22. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport failed the emissions check on 2.9% of first inspections — higher than the 1.9% for every 2021 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 2.1% (every 2021 vehicle: 1.5%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations2 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates2 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls16NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints709NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings1 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins188NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations2NHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationOpen and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative.
Driver-assist crash reports1NHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01Crashes the manufacturer or operator reported with a Level 2 or automated-driving system engaged. Notices, filed before verification; not comparable across makes.
Specifications filed with NHTSA8 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions7 fieldsTransport Canada, Canadian Vehicle SpecificationsLength, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Where to go next

pages beside this one
Other years The 2026 Bronco Sport The Bronco Sport model year with the cleanest record on file — grade F, 6 recalls.Recalls Every Ford recall on file All campaigns filed against Ford vehicles, newest first, with the manufacturer's own number.Recall Watch Watch this Bronco Sport by VIN Give it the VIN and you hear the night a campaign is filed — from $29 a month for a lot, free for ten.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly.

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