Recalled components: suspension, fuel system, electrical system, powertrain, and 5 more. Most-described problem: stalling or shutting off (91 complaints, 13%). Most-reported area: electrical system (212 complaints, 30%; median mileage when it happened: 40,700).
16Safety recalls
716Owner complaints
18Complaints citing a crash
17Complaints citing a fire
Data: NHTSA recall, complaint and investigation filesUpdated
The smaller Bronco Sport; the Bronco has its own pages.
16 safety recalls for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport
Parts with a do-not-drive or park-outside recall come first, then the rest, largest first. Within a part, do-not-drive and park-outside recalls come first, then the newest. Summaries are NHTSA's own wording. Open a recall for what is wrong, the fix and the full notice.
Risk: A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
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.
4,653 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Bronco Sport and 2022-2026 Maverick vehicles.
Risk: An incorrect lower control arm may affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a rollover crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
These vehicles may have been produced with incorrect front lower control arms.
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.
106 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The rear suspension subframe assembly may have loose or missing bolts.
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.
1,638 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
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's number for this recall is 25S76. This recall expands and replaces previous recall numbers 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165 will need to have the new final remedy performed once it is available.
694,271 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
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.
33,576 vehicles.
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.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
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 previously recalled under 22V-191. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-191 will need to have the new remedy performed.
521,746 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The fuel delivery module may leak inside the fuel tank, causing low fuel pressure which could result in an engine stall.
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.
13,773 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The 12-volt battery may experience degradation and suddenly fail.
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.
272,817 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The body and power train control modules may fail to detect a change in the 12-volt battery state of charge.
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.
456,565 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles.
NHTSA listing: BRONCO SPORT. Components: Electrical system: body control module/bcm; Powertrain: automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm). Ford campaign 24S24.
Powertrain 2 recalls
automatic transmission · control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The body and power train control modules may fail to detect a change in the 12-volt battery state of charge.
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.
48,041 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-267.
NHTSA listing: BRONCO SPORT. Components: Electrical system: body control module/bcm; Powertrain: automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm). Ford campaign 25S26.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
An inadequate amount of lubricant in the rear drive unit may cause seizure of the rear drive axle.
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.
147 vehicles.
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.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
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.
200,237 vehicles.
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.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
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.
Fails federal standard 135 (brakes) · 114,666 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The engine oil separator housing may crack and develop an oil leak.
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.
345,451 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines.
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
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 customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
59,006 vehicles.
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.
Risk: A detached glass panel can become a road hazard, and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The moonroof glass may not have been bonded correctly to the moonroof frame, which could result in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle.
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.
1,036 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles.
NHTSA listing: BRONCO SPORT. Ford campaign 21S46.
Questions about any of these recalls: call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA investigations
NHTSA has opened 2 investigations that name the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport; both are closed. An investigation means NHTSA is reviewing reports of a problem. It is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
Loss of motive power
Recall query RQ24014Closed Oct 10, 2025 (opened Nov 15, 2024)
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.
NHTSA ties this investigation to recall 25V-019, listed above.
NHTSA listing: BRONCO SPORT. Component: Electrical system (12V/24V/48V battery).
Loss of motive power
Preliminary evaluation PE24002Closed Aug 19, 2024 (opened Jan 31, 2024)
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.
NHTSA ties this investigation to recall 24V-267, listed above.
NHTSA listing: BRONCO SPORT. Component: Electrical system (12V/24V/48V battery).
A preliminary evaluation is NHTSA's first step, to gather information and decide whether to look further. A recall query is a review of whether a recall covered the right vehicles or whether its fix works. NHTSA lists investigations by make, model and model year only, so one can apply to only some versions of a model, such as one engine; its summary says which.
What owners report
Owners have filed 716 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Bronco Sport. Below, they are sorted by the problems owners describe and by the areas NHTSA files them under. NHTSA does not verify complaints.
Problems owners describe
Stalling or shutting off91 · 13%
Median 35,600 miles at failure, from 34 reports with mileage
Loss of power or limp mode80 · 11%
Median 45,500 miles at failure, from 27 reports with mileage
Won't start53 · 7%
Median 49,000 miles at failure, from 21 reports with mileage
Shaking, shuddering or vibration48 · 7%
Median 46,000 miles at failure, from 19 reports with mileage
Transmission failure or replacement46 · 6%
Check engine light39 · 5%
Median 53,400 miles at failure, from 20 reports with mileage
Most named: instrument cluster/panel (6); 12v/24v/48v battery (5) · Median 40,700 miles at failure, from 66 reports with mileage
Powertrain194 · 27%
Most named: driveline, differential unit (5); automatic transmission, torque converter (3) · Median 54,000 miles at failure, from 51 reports with mileage
Engine153 · 21%
Median 49,400 miles at failure, from 34 reports with mileage
Brakes127 · 18%
Median 9,000 miles at failure, from 35 reports with mileage
Fuel and propulsion system65 · 9%
Fuel system59 · 8%
Median 60,800 miles at failure, from 20 reports with mileage
Engine and cooling24 · 3%
Median 57,000 miles at failure, from 19 reports with mileage
Unknown or other98 · 14%
A complaint can name more than one area, so shares add up to more than 100%. Mileage is shown where at least 15 owners reported it.
Ford Bronco Sport recalls and complaints by model year
The highlighted bars are the 2021 model year. Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are lower. Counting complaints filed in each model year's first three years, the 2021 Bronco Sport drew the most (228).
Owner complaints
2021: 716 complaintsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Owner complaints by model year, Ford Bronco Sport
Model year
Complaints
2021
716
2022
371
2023
163
2024
116
2025
41
2026
8
Safety recalls
2021: 16 recallsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Safety recalls by model year, Ford Bronco Sport
Model year
Recalls
2021
16
2022
15
2023
14
2024
8
2025
7
2026
6
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for each version it tested. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimate of the chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
What are the most common 2021 Bronco Sport problems?
In the 716 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, the problems described most are stalling or shutting off (91), loss of power or limp mode (80), and the engine not starting (53). NHTSA does not verify complaints, and one complaint can describe several problems.
Is the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport safe?
In NHTSA crash tests every tested version of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport earns 5 stars overall. The table above lists each tested version.
Is NHTSA investigating the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?
No. NHTSA's investigations file, dated Nov 12, 2026, lists no open investigations for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. It lists 2 closed ones; the most recent closed on Oct 10, 2025.
How do I check if my Bronco Sport has an open recall?
Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard, door jamb or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The lookup lists unrepaired recalls for that exact vehicle. Safety recall repairs are free at Ford dealers.
Sources and method
NHTSA recalls file (NHTSA datasets), dated Nov 12, 2026; every campaign checked against NHTSA's recalls API.
NHTSA owner complaints file, dated Nov 11, 2026. Counted by complaint number, so a complaint naming three components counts once in the total.
NHTSA investigations file, dated Nov 12, 2026. Defect petitions, which ask NHTSA to open an investigation, are listed apart and only while open. Audit queries, which check whether a company met its recall and reporting duties rather than whether a vehicle has a problem, are not listed.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP).
NHTSA model names covered: BRONCO SPORT.
Complaint counts are unverified owner reports. They rise with sales volume and time on the road, so compare model years with care. How we build these pages. Spotted an error? Tell us.