Model Years

2021 Ford Bronco Sport Recalls and Problems

NHTSA lists 16 safety recalls and 691 owner complaints for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport.

One recall for this model year tells owners not to drive or to park outside until repaired: Suspension, do not drive (26V-340). Check your VIN below to see whether yours is affected.

16Safety recalls
691Owner complaints
18Complaints citing a crash
17Complaints citing a fire

Opens NHTSA's lookup in a new tab; your VIN goes to NHTSA, not to us. The VIN is on the driver's side dashboard, the door jamb and your registration. Safety recall repairs are free at Ford dealers.

Data: NHTSA recall and complaint filesUpdated Sep 27, 2026

Recalled components: suspension, equipment, fuel system, backover prevention and rearview camera, and 5 more. Most-reported area: electrical system (209 complaints, 30%; median mileage when it happened: 40,700). The smaller Bronco Sport; the Bronco has its own pages.

16 safety recalls for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

Do-not-drive and park-outside recalls first, then newest first. Summaries are NHTSA's own wording. Open a recall for the fix and the full notice.

Suspension

May 27, 2026

front · control arm · lower ball joint

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.

The fix and full notice

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.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Bronco Sport and 2022-2026 Maverick vehicles.

NHTSA listing: BRONCO SPORT. Ford campaign 26S36.

Equipment

Oct 10, 2025

electrical · engine block heater

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.

The fix and full notice

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 September 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.

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.

NHTSA listing: BRONCO SPORT. Ford campaign 25SA4.

Fuel system

Jul 11, 2025

fuel injection system

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.

The fix and full notice

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.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.

NHTSA listing: BRONCO SPORT. Ford campaign 25S76.

Backover prevention and rearview camera

Jun 27, 2025

software

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.

The fix and full notice

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.

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.

NHTSA listing: BRONCO SPORT. Ford campaign 25S72.

Powertrain

Mar 14, 2025

automatic transmission · control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

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.

The fix and full notice

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.

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.

Fuel system

Mar 14, 2025

fuel injection system

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.

The fix and full notice

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.

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.

NHTSA listing: BRONCO SPORT. Ford campaign 25S21.

Electrical system

Jan 17, 2025

12v/24v/48v battery

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.

The fix and full notice

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.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles.

NHTSA listing: BRONCO SPORT. Ford campaign 25S02.

Electrical system

Apr 12, 2024

body control module/bcm

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.

The fix and full notice

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.

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.

Fuel system

Nov 18, 2022

fuel injection system

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.

The fix and full notice

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.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.

NHTSA listing: BRONCO SPORT. Ford campaign 22S73.

Engine and cooling

Mar 25, 2022

engine · oil/lubrication

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.

The fix and full notice

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.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.

NHTSA listing: BRONCO SPORT. Ford campaign 22S21.

Brakes

Nov 23, 2021

foundation components · disc · caliper

  • Fails federal standard 135 (brakes)
  • NHTSA 21V-922
  • 114,666 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.

The fix and full notice

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.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles.

NHTSA listing: BRONCO SPORT. Ford campaign 21C31.

Visibility

Oct 15, 2021

sun/moon roof assembly

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.

The fix and full notice

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.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles.

NHTSA listing: BRONCO SPORT. Ford campaign 21S46.

Fuel system

Aug 10, 2021

delivery · fuel pump · control/drive module

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.

The fix and full notice

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.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles.

NHTSA listing: BRONCO SPORT. Ford campaign 21S38.

Suspension

Feb 16, 2021

front · control arm

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.

The fix and full notice

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.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles.

NHTSA listing: BRONCO SPORT. Ford campaign 21S03.

Suspension

Feb 16, 2021

rear

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.

The fix and full notice

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.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles.

NHTSA listing: BRONCO SPORT. Ford campaign 21S04.

Powertrain

Jan 15, 2021

driveline · driveshaft

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.

The fix and full notice

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.

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.

NHTSA listing: BRONCO SPORT. Ford campaign 21S02.

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.

What owners report

The areas named in the 691 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Bronco Sport. NHTSA does not verify complaints.

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: 691 complaints

Show as a table
Owner complaints by model year, Ford Bronco Sport
Model yearComplaints
2021691
2022357
2023155
2024108
202538
20267

Safety recalls

2021: 16 recalls

Show as a table
Safety recalls by model year, Ford Bronco Sport
Model yearRecalls
202116
202215
202314
20248
20257
20266

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.

Tested versionOverallFrontalSideRollover
Ford Bronco Sport SUV 4WD
Rollover risk 17.4%

Questions

What are the most common 2021 Bronco Sport problems?

The areas owners name most often in NHTSA complaints: electrical system (209), powertrain (181), engine (147). NHTSA does not verify complaints, and one complaint can name several areas.

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.

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 Sep 27, 2026; every campaign checked against NHTSA's recalls API.
  • NHTSA owner complaints file, dated Sep 26, 2026. Counted by complaint number, so a complaint naming three components counts once in the total.
  • 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.