Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Electrical system212
- Power train189
- Engine152
- Service brakes101
- Unknown or other98
- Fuel/propulsion system63
- Fuel system, gasoline58
- Service brakes, hydraulic27
- Engine and engine cooling24
- Suspension24
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 12 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 33 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 13 people died inside them, and 3 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport failed the safety check 0.85% of the time — 10% less often than the average 2021 passenger car (0.95%). Median odometer at inspection: 25,411 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 1 variant; 1 of 1 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 Ford Bronco Sport SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | 17.4 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- Standard
- Lane departure warning
- Standard
- Best overall rating
- 5 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 2 variants: combined 8.9–10.1 L/100 km (about 23–26 mpg US), CO₂ 209–238 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronco Sport 4WD · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 9.3 | 8.3 | 8.9 |
| Bronco Sport 4WD · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 11.1 | 8.9 | 10.1 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
16 Transport Canada recalls for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport.
| 2026259 27 May 2026 | Suspension Issue: On certain vehicles, the front lower ball joint(s) may not have been installed correctly on the steering knuckle(s). As a result, the front lower ball … |
| 2026005 9 Jan 2026 | Electrical Issue: On certain vehicles, the engine block heater could leak coolant. If this happens, the block heater could short circuit when it's plugged in. Note: Th… |
| 2025554 10 Oct 2025 | Electrical This recall was replaced by Transport Canada recall no. 2026-005. Issue: On certain vehicles, the engine block heater could leak coolant. If this happens,… |
| 2025376 14 Jul 2025 | Engine Issue: On certain vehicles, a fuel injector may crack. If this happens, fuel could leak into the engine compartment. Note: This recall only affects vehicles… |
| 2025360 27 Jun 2025 | Visual System Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Canadian re… |
| 2025139 14 Mar 2025 | Electrical Issue: On certain vehicles, the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recall 24S24 (Transport Canada recall no. 2024-224) may not have been done cor… |
| 2025134 14 Mar 2025 | Engine Issue: On certain vehicles, the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recalls 22S73 (Transport Canada recall no. 2022-658) or 24S16 (Transport Cana… |
| 2025022 17 Jan 2025 | Electrical Issue: On certain vehicles, the 12 V battery may be defective. As a result, the engine could stall. This could also cause the engine not to restart after a st… |
| 2024224 12 Apr 2024 | Electrical Issue: On certain vehicles, the powertrain control module (PCM) and body control module (BCM) may not detect a change in the charge level of the 12 V battery.… |
| 2022658 19 Nov 2022 | Fuel System This recall was replaced by Transport Canada recall no. 2025-376. Issue: On certain vehicles, a fuel injector may crack. If this happens, fuel could leak … |
| 2022152 29 Mar 2022 | Engine Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with a 1.5 L Ecoboost engine, the engine oil separator could leak. If this happens, oil could leak onto hot engine parts. … |
| 2021727 26 Nov 2021 | Brakes This recall was replaced by Transport Canada recall no. 2025-553. Issue: Certain vehicles may not meet the minimum stopping requirements of Canadian regul… |
| 2021639 18 Oct 2021 | Structure Issue: On certain vehicles, the moonroof glass may not be properly attached to the frame. As a result, the glass could become loose and separate from the vehi… |
| 2021508 12 Aug 2021 | Fuel System Issue: On certain vehicles, the fuel delivery module could leak inside the fuel tank. If this happens, low fuel pressure could cause the engine not to start, … |
| 2021082 19 Feb 2021 | Suspension Issue: On certain vehicles, the bolts that attach the rear suspension module to the subframe may be loose or missing. As a result, vehicle stability and rear … |
| 2021011 18 Jan 2021 | Powertrain Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear drive unit was not properly filled with oil. As a result, the rear axle could seize. If this happens, the rear wheels cou… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles. These vehicles may have been produced with incorrect front lower control arms.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles. The rear suspension subframe assembly may have loose or missing bolts.
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Ford told its dealers about the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11010795 | Some 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L engine built on or before 30-Nov-2022, 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine built on or before 28-Feb-2022, 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair vehicles equipped with 1.5L/2.0L/2.3L engines built on or before 30-Apr-2022, 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 2.5L FHEV powertrain built on or before 31-Mar-2022 may exhibit a chatter/shudder during low speed turning events. |
| 11009564 | Some 2020-2024 Escape and 2021-2024 Bronco Sport vehicles may exhibit a moan noise when the vehicle is driven in reverse (R) in cold weather and/or high humidity. |
| 11009190 | Some 2020-2024 Escape and 2021-2024 Bronco Sport vehicles may exhibit a moan noise when the vehicle is driven in reverse (R) in cold weather and/or high humidity. This may be due to the suspension sensitivity of the vehicle. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to install brake pads with clips and if necessary, install the rear reinforced caliper bushings. |
| 11008948 | While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. |
| 11008213 | Some 2021-2024 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit water coolant pump leaks. |
| 11007962 | Some 2020-2024 Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles may exhibit the uncommanded locking of the driver door after the door is closed. |
| 11006862 | Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a telematics control unit module (TCU) may exhibit the Location toggle button in the Connectivity setting menu grayed out with an inability to switch it off. |
| 11006036 | Certain 2018 - 2024 Model Year Various Vehicles Update SYNC Software In all the affected vehicles, due to an error in the SYNC software, you may experience SYNC system instability concerns and/or a failure to preserve certain settings across ignition cycles. This may result in a black infotainment screen that does not affect rear view camera, incorrect language setting, erased or unsaved radio presets, and potential inability to perform software updates. |
| 11005746 | Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC3 may experience various FordPass/LincolnWay connectivity concerns including but not limited to: missing activation prompt (pop-up) on the vehicle's center display screen when attempting to activate vehicle through FordPass/LincolnWay, incorrect location/global positioning system (GPS) reported through FordPass/LincolnWay, problems with remote commands being performed through FordPass/LincolnWay, incorrect data/information reported on FordPass/LincolnWay. These symptoms will be accompanied by diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B156D:89 in t |
| 11005710 | Some 2019-2024 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a programming Error - "INSTL_ERR12" while programming APIM using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) or experience a frozen screen which says "updating system software" or no progress/response from module using the universal USB updater. This may be due to low memory in the APIM commonly occurring on software level NU5T-14G381-AB/BB. The current software level can be verified in the SYNC tab of Professional Technician System (PTS) or using the vehicle's center display screen, Settings > General > About. To correct the conditio |
| 11003146 | Some 2019-2024 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a programming Error - "INSTL_ERR12" while programming APIM using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System, or experience a frozen screen which says "updating system software" or no progress/response from module using the universal USB updater. This may be due to low memory in the APIM commonly occurring on software level |
| 11003136 | Some 2020-2024 Escape/Corsair, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport/F-150, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles may exhibit a condition where the door(s) do not open using the exterior door handle(s). This may be due to an enabled door reinforcement inertia lock within the exterior door handle. This condition occurs when the doors are closed or opened with excessive force. To correct this condition, follow the door reinforcement inertia lock rest procedure that has been added to Section 501-14 of the Workshop Manual under General Procedures. For claiming, use causal part 78219A64. |
| 11001646 | This article supersedes TSB 23-2307 to update the Service Procedure and vehicle model years affected. Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Transit Connect, 2019-2023 Mustang, 2019-2023 Ranger, 2020-2021 Expedition/Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair/Super Duty/EcoSport, 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator/Transit, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. This may be due to the SYNC Software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update theaccesory protocol interface modul |
| 11001583 | This article supersedes TSB 23-2335 to update the TSB title, vehicles affected and parts list. Some 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L engine built on or before 30-Nov-2022, 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine built on or before 28-Feb-2022, 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair vehicles equipped with 1.5L/2.0L/2.3L engines built on or before 30-Apr-2022, 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 2.5L full hybrid electric vehicle (FHEV) powertrain built on or before 31-Mar-2022 may exhibit a chatter/shudder during low speed turning events. This may be due to contamin |
| 11000733 | This article supersedes TSB 23-2298 to update the production fix date and parts list. Some 2021-2024 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L engine built on 24-Jul-2021 and through 14-Dec-2023 may exhibit a hissing noise from rear liftgate area when driving straight between 35-50 mph (5680 km/h). This may be due to the absence of the rear floor insulator located in the spare tire compartment. To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to install a rear floor insulator in the spare tire compartment. |
| 11000187 | Some 2020-2024 Escape and 2021-2024 Bronco Sport vehicles may exhibit a moan noise when the vehicle is driven in reverse (R) in cold weather and/or high humidity. Ford is aware of the concern and this condition does not affect vehicle durability and no additional diagnosis or service is required for this condition at this time. Inform customers that they can continue to drive the vehicle and engineering is currently working on a solution for this condition that is expected by the 4th quarter of 2024. Monitor OASIS for additional information and schedule service appointments for customers once |
| 10254138 | All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership managemen |
| 10253552 | Various vehicles have had pinpoint tests, guided routines and the Warranty and Policy Manual recentlyupdated for diagnostics and repairs on SYNC generation 3 and later applications. When performingdiagnostics and repairs on SYNC Gen 3 or later, select the diagnostics tab and search for related symptoms,DTCs and keywords. The search results will be shown in the search results pane. Read and follow allTechnical Service Bulletins (TSB), Special Service Message (SSM)s or General Service Bulletin (GSB) first if abulletin specifically addresses the vehicle concern. If there are no messages, run the |
| 10252626 | Some 2021-2024 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit water coolant pump leaks. This may be due to contamination in the coolant system. To correct this condition and prevent recurrent water pump failures, perform a coolant system flush. Refer to the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-03A Engine Cooling - 1.5L EcoBoost > General Procedures > Engine Cooling System Flushing > Steps 1-8. Then replace the coolant pump. Refer to the WSM, Section Engine Cooling - 1.5L EcoBoost > Removal and Installation. Fill and bleed the coolant system properly. Refer to the WSM, Sec |
| 10252410 | Customer Satisfaction Program 22N15 Certain 2020-2023 Model Year Bronco Sport, Escape, Corsair, E-Series, F-650/F-750, F-53 Motorhome Chassis, F-59 Commercial Stripped Chassis Vehicles Equipped with Smart Data Link Connector (SDLC) Gateway Module Reprogramming for Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Testing Adding Not OTA Capable Owner letters. Other documents submitted 01/02/24 & Received OTA letters submitted on 02/01/24 |
| 10251952 | For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has evaluated turbochargers replaced for oil leak symptoms and although oil may collect on the external surface of a turbocharger, it is extremely rare for a turbocharger assembly to be the root cause of the oil leak. Careful inspection of the turbocharger oil feed and drain tubes should be performed along with the recommended WSM procedures as needed. Warranty claims for turbochar |
| 10251934 | During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulting in the timing gear breaking and engine damage. Replacement of the bolt is critical to the repair and accurately following the installation procedure in the Workshop Manual (WSM) Section, 303-01 is extremely important. The bolt torque procedure can be found in the crankshaft front seal removal and installation procedure or in the engine assembly procedure. |
| 10250852 | Some 2020-2023 Ford and Lincoln SYNC3 equipped vehicles may experience an inaccurate notification in the FordPass/LincolnWay app indicating Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode. Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode message is expected if the vehicle has not been started for 14 consecutive days, battery voltage is at/below 9.5 volts or the body control module (BCM) 12 volt battery state of charge (SoC) drops below 50%. If the vehicle is going into deep sleep due to one of these conditions, follow normal Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 414-01 procedure to correct the concern. If the vehicle is going |
| 10249489 | Certain 2020-2023 Model Year Bronco Sport, Escape, Corsair, E-Series, F-650/F-750, F-53 Motorhome Chassis, F-59 Commercial Stripped Chassis Vehicles Equipped with Smart Data Link Connector (SDLC) Gateway Module Reprogramming for Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Testing Addinf owner letters. First part submitted 01/02/24 |
| 10248986 | When replacing the liftgate latch assembly on 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles, the service part number called out in the parts catalog for the liftgate latch assembly M1PZ-7443150-B is incorrect. The correct service part number is JL1Z-7443150-A. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Loss of Motive Power
Loss of Motive Power
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation