⌘K
Home›Ford›Bronco Sport›2021
Ford · Compact SUV

2021 Ford Bronco Sport

Gas
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
F
Safety Signal
35 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Recalls6 critical16
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA684
Crash ratingNHTSA overall5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA26 mpg
202620252024202320222021
Active NHTSA advisory: do not drive. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and see the recall details below.

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, 6 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 684 complaints, most often about the electrical system. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
Bronco Sport 4WDGasAWD1.5L 3-cyl turbo252826$2,400
Bronco Sport 4WDGas4WD (part-time)2.0L 4-cyl turbo212623$2,700

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

Factory warranty running out?

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. Compare extended-coverage quotes in about two minutes.

Compare coverage →

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 drive4,653 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskA detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.FixOwners 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.
NHTSA campaign 26V340000reported May 27, 2026Ford Motor Company
!critical

Equipment

25SA4
59,006 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskAn electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.FixOwners 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
NHTSA campaign 25V685000reported Oct 10, 2025Ford Motor Company
!critical

Fuel System, Gasoline

25S76
694,271 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.FixDealers 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'
NHTSA campaign 25V467000reported Jul 11, 2025Ford Motor Company
○minor

Back Over Prevention

25S72
200,237 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskA 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.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 25V442000reported Jun 27, 2025Ford Motor Company
!critical

Fuel System, Gasoline

25S21
33,576 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 25V165000reported Mar 14, 2025Ford Motor Company
▲high

Electrical System

25S26
48,041 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskAn 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.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 25V158000reported Mar 14, 2025Ford Motor Company
▲high

Electrical System

25S02
272,817 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskBattery 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.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 25V019000reported Jan 17, 2025Ford Motor Company
▲high

Power Train

24S24
456,565 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskAn 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.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 24V267000reported Apr 12, 2024Ford Motor Company
!critical

Fuel System, Gasoline

22S73
521,746 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.FixDealers 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
NHTSA campaign 22V859000reported Nov 18, 2022Ford Motor Company
!critical

Engine And Engine Cooling

22S21
345,451 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskAn oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.FixDealers 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 22V191000reported Mar 25, 2022Ford Motor Company
▲high

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

21C31
114,666 vehicles
ProblemFord 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."RiskDuring 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.FixDealers 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 21V922000reported Nov 23, 2021Ford Motor Company
▲high

Visibility

21S46
1,036 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskA detached glass panel can become a road hazard, and increase the risk of a crash or injury.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 21V809000reported Oct 15, 2021Ford Motor Company
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

21S38
13,773 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskAn engine stall increases the risk of a crash.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 21V625000reported Aug 10, 2021Ford Motor Company
▲high

Suspension

21S04
1,638 vehicles
ProblemFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles. The rear suspension subframe assembly may have loose or missing bolts.RiskLoose 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.FixFord 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.
NHTSA campaign 21V075000reported Feb 16, 2021Ford Motor Company
▲high

Suspension

21S03
106 vehicles
ProblemFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles. These vehicles may have been produced with incorrect front lower control arms.RiskAn incorrect lower control arm may affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a rollover crash.FixFord 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.
NHTSA campaign 21V074000reported Feb 16, 2021Ford Motor Company
▲high

Power Train

21S02
147 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskIf 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.FixFord 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.
NHTSA campaign 21V011000reported Jan 15, 2021Ford Motor Company

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

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

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
684complaints filed

18 involved a crash · 16 a fire · 12 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2021: 30 · 2022: 78 · 2023: 120 · 2024: 168 · 2025: 193 · 2026: 95

Most-cited components

Electrical System210
Power Train183
Engine144
Service Brakes101
Unspecified96
Fuel/Propulsion System59

What owners describe

“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.”Dec 19, 2021 · Visibility/Wiper · NHTSA owner report
“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.”Dec 13, 2021 · Fuel/Propulsion System · NHTSA owner report
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that an abnormal squealing noise would emit from the vehicle without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where they had kept the vehicle for over a week; she was later informed that the manufacturer was notified, and the noise had been deemed "a…”Dec 1, 2021 · Service Brakes · NHTSA owner report

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.

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.

Other Bronco Sport model years

F

2026 Ford Bronco Sport

6 recalls · 5 complaints

F

2025 Ford Bronco Sport

7 recalls · 35 complaints

F

2024 Ford Bronco Sport

8 recalls · 105 complaints

F

2023 Ford Bronco Sport

14 recalls · 153 complaints

F

2022 Ford Bronco Sport

15 recalls · 354 complaints

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). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.

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

JSON for this page · API