NHTSA lists 20 safety recalls and 231 owner complaints for the 2021 Ford Bronco.
Recalled components: backover prevention and rearview camera, air bags, body structure, engine, and 9 more. Most-described problem: engine failure or replacement (35 complaints, 15%). Most-reported area: engine (70 complaints, 30%).
20Safety recalls
231Owner complaints
6Complaints citing a crash
3Complaints citing a fire
Data: NHTSA recall, complaint and investigation filesUpdated
Excludes the smaller Bronco Sport.
20 safety recalls for the 2021 Ford Bronco
Grouped by the part recalled, largest group first, newest first within each part. Summaries are NHTSA's own wording. Open a recall for what is wrong, the fix and the full notice.
Risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) may overheat and shutdown, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended.
Fix: The APIM software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S09. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
849,310 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Ford Bronco and 2021-2024 Ford Edge vehicles.
Risk: A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Fix: Dealer will update the SYNC module software ,free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 28, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C72. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 30, 2026.
Fails federal standard 111 (rear visibility) · 35 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYNC infotainment screens that were previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V165.
Risk: A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Fix: Dealers will update SYNC module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C14.
Fails federal standard 111 (rear visibility) · 12,219 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYNC infotainment screens that were repaired incorrectly under recall 22V-825.
Risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
Fix: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.
1,076,138 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150,2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250,F-350,F-450,F-550,F-600,2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles.
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The rearview camera, or 360-degree view camera if equipped, may not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, and update the software and wiring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023 to Lincoln owners. Ford vehicle owners notification letters were mailed March 4, 2024. Ford remedy parts are anticipated 2nd Quarter 2024. Ford's number for this recall is 23S48.
177,402 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator, 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator, 2022-2023 Ford Transit, and 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles.
Risk: A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Fix: The SYNC module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C05.
Fails federal standard 111 (rear visibility) · 1,651 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYNC infotainment screens that were previously remedied under recall 22V-825.
Risk: A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Fix: The SYNC module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 25, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C27.
Fails federal standard 111 (rear visibility) · 47,046 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with rearview camera systems and 8-inch screen displays.
Risk: An improperly secured side impact sensor may cause the air bags to unintentionally deploy, or not to deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The right or left side impact sensors may not be properly secured to the vehicle.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the side impact sensor attachments and repair, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S77.
1,226 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles.
Risk: Improper air bag deployment increases the risk of injury during a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
During passenger air bag deployment, an air bag vent could open prematurely and result in an improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Fix: Dealers will replace the passenger air bag, free of charge. An interim owner notification letter was mailed on November 24, 2021. A second notice announcing the remedy is available was sent on July 8, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C23.
Fails federal standard 208 (occupant crash protection) · 553 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco vehicles.
Risk: A detached section of roof can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The 3-door and 5-doorMolded-In-Color (MIC) hardtop roof panels may have been manufactured improperly, which can allow sections of the outer roof panel to separate and detach from the vehicle.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the hard top as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed May 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S32. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 12, 2026.
16,200 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles.
Risk: A short circuit in the engine compartment can create heat or spark, increasing the risk of a fire.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The engine compartment wiring harness may become damaged and short circuit.
Fix: Dealers will install sheathing over the wiring, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2026 Bronco Raptor notified owners on 7/31/2026. Phase 2 will include 2021-2025 Bronco Raptor vehicle will notify owners on or about 8/14/2026. Phase 3 will include 2021-2026 Bronco will notify owners on or about 9/1/2026. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S55. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 23, 2026.
565,691 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Bronco and Bronco Raptor vehicles.
NHTSA listing: BRONCO. Components: Electrical system: wiring, front underhood; Engine. Ford campaign 26S55.
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.
Fix: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.
90,736 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine.
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 misaligned radar module may prevent the vehicle from maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles when adaptive cruise control is active. In addition, the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system may react slowly, or not react at all, during a pre-collision assist braking event. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.
Fix: Dealers will adjust the angle of the cruise control radar module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S52.
839 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Ranger and Bronco vehicles.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Fix: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
850,318 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles.
Risk: A malfunctioning child safety lock increases the risk of injury to a child occupant.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The passenger-side rear door may be opened from inside of the vehicle when the child safety lock is in the "ON" position.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the passenger-side child safety locks door child safety lock and latch, and replace them, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 28, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S44.
53,103 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain four-door2021-2022 Bronco vehicles.
Risk: Excessive wear of the transmission and transfer case splines may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The transmission to transfer case joint may be misaligned due to an incorrectly performed previous repair, which could lead to wear of the transmission output shaft splines and transfer case input splines.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the transmission to transfer case joint and replace the transmission and transfer case as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S26. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 15, 2026.
4,922 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Bronco vehicles.
Risk: Difficulty accessing the seat belt latches may result in occupants not wearing their seat belts, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The first-row seat belt latch plates may be difficult to access from their stowed position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Fix: Dealers will add a sliding clip latch stop to the driver and front passenger seat belts, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 14, 2023. Owner letters informing owners that parts are available were mailed on October 2, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C16.
Fails federal standard 208 (occupant crash protection) · 175,550 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles built with the 5-Door body style.
Risk: A seat with a dislodged bolt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The front seats may have a loose or dislodged seat frame height-adjust pivot bolt.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the pivot links and bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB5. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 28, 2025.
163,256 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles.
Risk: An external reservoir that detaches from a vehicle can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The rear shock absorbers may corrode and fail, resulting in detachment of the external reservoir.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rear shock absorbers, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S01.
149,449 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco vehicles.
NHTSA listing: BRONCO. Ford campaign 25S01.
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 3 investigations that name the 2021 Ford Bronco; all 3 are closed. An investigation means NHTSA is reviewing reports of a problem. It is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
On July 29, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE24019 to investigate complaints of low-pressure fuel pump failures in MY 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles.
NHTSA ties this investigation to recall 25V-455, listed above.
NHTSA listing: BRONCO. Component: Fuel system (delivery, fuel pump).
Loss of motive power
Engineering analysis EA23002Closed Oct 31, 2024 (opened Sep 29, 2023)
On July 22, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) granted a Defect Petition (DP22001) and opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE22007) to investigate allegations of loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2021… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA ties this investigation to recall 24V-635, listed above.
NHTSA listing: BRONCO. Component: Engine.
Loss of motive power due to valve intake failure on Ford Bronco vehicles
Preliminary evaluation PE22007Closed Oct 2, 2023 (opened Jul 22, 2022)
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition dated March 16, 2022, requesting an investigation regarding allegations of defective intake valves in model year (MY) 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles equipped… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA listing: BRONCO. Component: Engine.
A preliminary evaluation is NHTSA's first step, to gather information and decide whether to look further. An engineering analysis is a deeper review, usually opened after a preliminary evaluation. 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 231 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Bronco. 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
Engine failure or replacement35 · 15%
Loss of power or limp mode25 · 11%
Stalling or shutting off23 · 10%
Fuel pump failures13 · 6%
Suspension parts (struts, ball joints, control arms)12 · 5%
Most named: rearview system braking (11); sensing system, camera (3)
Fuel and propulsion system23 · 10%
Brakes22 · 10%
Visibility/wiper14 · 6%
Unknown or other28 · 12%
A complaint can name more than one area, so shares add up to more than 100%.
Ford Bronco 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 2022 Bronco drew the most (201) and the 2021 drew 111.
Owner complaints
2021: 231 complaintsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Owner complaints by model year, Ford Bronco
Model year
Complaints
2021
231
2022
389
2023
236
2024
85
2025
57
2026
11
Safety recalls
2021: 20 recallsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Safety recalls by model year, Ford Bronco
Model year
Recalls
2021
20
2022
23
2023
18
2024
16
2025
19
2026
10
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.
In the 231 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Ford Bronco, the problems described most are engine failure or replacement (35), loss of power or limp mode (25), and stalling or shutting off (23). NHTSA does not verify complaints, and one complaint can describe several problems.
Is NHTSA investigating the 2021 Ford Bronco?
No. NHTSA's investigations file, dated Nov 12, 2026, lists no open investigations for the 2021 Ford Bronco. It lists 3 closed ones; the most recent closed on Sep 19, 2025.
How do I check if my Bronco 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.
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.