Ford · NHTSA safety record

2021 Ford Bronco Sport

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 699 safety complaints about the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport with the US government. Of those, 18 describe a crash, 17 mention a fire, 12 people were injured and no death is recorded. 16 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the electrical system, named in 211 complaints, 30% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 40,000 miles, the median across the 199 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers April 2021 to September 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

699 complaints on file

699

Complaints

Describe a crash

Mention fire

People injured

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

Complaints fell 27% year on year: 156 in the twelve months to 2026-Q2, against 213 in the twelve before.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 211 · 30% 211 30%

POWER TRAIN 183 · 26% 183 26%

ENGINE 151 · 22% 151 22%

SERVICE BRAKES 101 · 14% 101 14%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 97 · 14% 97 14%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 62 · 9% 62 9%

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 58 · 8% 58 8%

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 27 · 4% 27 4%

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 24 · 3% 24 3%

SUSPENSION 23 · 3% 23 3%

STEERING 15 · 2% 15 2%

VISIBILITY 15 · 2% 15 2%

0 85 169

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 699.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2025 at 193.

204 153 102 51

21 2021 22 2022 23 2023 24 2024 25 2025 26 2026

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2021 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2021 Ford BRONCO SPORT, and it is a separate question from what owners report going wrong later.

Test	SUV 4WD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover	17.4%

Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard

A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.

Recall campaigns

16 on file

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

26V340000 · May 27, 2026

Do not drive until repaired

The defect: 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.
The risk: A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: 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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 4, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. 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 · up to 4,653 vehicles across all model years covered

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

25V685000 · October 10, 2025

The defect: 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.
The risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy: 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 · up to 59,006 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

25V467000 · July 11, 2025

The defect: 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.
The 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 remedy: 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 · up to 694,271 vehicles across all model years covered

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

25V442000 · June 27, 2025

The defect: 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.
The 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 remedy: 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 · up to 200,237 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

25V165000 · March 14, 2025

The defect: 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.
The 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 remedy: 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 · up to 33,576 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

25V158000 · March 14, 2025

The defect: 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.
The 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 remedy: 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 · up to 48,041 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

25V019000 · January 17, 2025

The defect: 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.
The 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 remedy: 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 · up to 272,817 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM

24V267000 · April 12, 2024

The defect: 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.
The 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 remedy: 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 · up to 456,565 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

22V859000 · November 18, 2022

The defect: 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.
The 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 remedy: 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 · up to 521,746 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

22V191000 · March 25, 2022

The defect: 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.
The 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 remedy: 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 · up to 345,451 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

21V922000 · November 23, 2021

The defect: 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."
The 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 remedy: 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 · up to 114,666 vehicles across all model years covered

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

21V809000 · October 15, 2021

The defect: 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.
The risk: A detached glass panel can become a road hazard, and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The remedy: 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 · up to 1,036 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE

21V625000 · August 10, 2021

The defect: 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.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: 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 · up to 13,773 vehicles across all model years covered

SUSPENSION:REAR

21V075000 · February 16, 2021

The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles. The rear suspension subframe assembly may have loose or missing bolts.
The 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 remedy: 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 · up to 1,638 vehicles across all model years covered

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

21V074000 · February 16, 2021

The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles. These vehicles may have been produced with incorrect front lower control arms.
The risk: An incorrect lower control arm may affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a rollover crash.
The remedy: 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 · up to 106 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

21V011000 · January 15, 2021

The defect: 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.
The 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 remedy: 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 · up to 147 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations

2 on file

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Loss of Motive Power

RQ24014

Closed recall query · opened November 15, 2024 · closed October 10, 2025 · led to recall 25V019

the electrical system

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 resulting from sudden degradation of the 12V battery during the drive cycle. The recall remedy consisted of software updates to the body control module and the powertrain control module. The updated software aimed to provide warning to consumers when the battery is failing and inhibit certain vehicle functions which can lead to loss of motive power incidents. Additionally, Ford removed the existing 12V Enhanced Flooded Battery (EFB) as both a service component for the subject vehicles and original equipment for newly built Bronco Sport vehicles (during MY 2024 production), replacing it with a more robust absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery. The same AGM battery had been incorporated into Ford Maverick production in late 2022. Following recall 24V-267, ODI received loss of motive power complaints in vehicles that had previously received Ford’s software-based remedy. Consumers reported that they did not receive warnings related to the 12V battery or the vehicle’s electrical system before the loss of power. On November 15, 2024, ODI opened Recall Query (RQ24014) to assess the effectiveness of the 24V-267 recall remedy. On January 19, 2025, Ford issued recall 25V-019 covering 272,817 MY 2021-2023 Bronco Sport and MY 2022-2023 Ford Maverick vehicles. The new recall addressed the same hazard as 24V-267 but required replacement of the existing 12V battery with an AGM battery as the remedy. Ford reported that following the opening of RQ24014, it evaluated several field-returned 12V batteries, and determined that EFBs produced by battery supplier Camel potentially contained internal manufacturing defects causing loss of motive power. Ford further concluded that the software updates provided in the 24V-267 recall remedy were unable to detect battery failures quickly enough to avoid loss of motive power. Vehicles previously within the scope of recall 24V-267, but outside of the scope of recall 25V-019, are equipped with EFBs produced by a different battery supplier (Clarios). When recall 25V-019 was issued, Ford had not identified any Clarios EFBs exhibiting the same failure mode as the Camel EFBs. In light of Ford’s recall action, ODI is closing this Recall Query. The agency will continue to monitor loss of motive power complaints in Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with Clarios EFBs and reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Loss of Motive Power

PE24002

Closed preliminary evaluation · opened January 31, 2024 · closed August 19, 2024 · led to recall 24V267

the electrical system

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 corrosion issue, which is influenced by long exposure to high under-hood temperatures. If the sudden loss of 12V battery voltage is not detected by the vehicle’s battery management sensor, the vehicle can experience a loss of power event without providing any warning to the driver. Following a loss of power due to battery failure, the vehicle may be without all 12V accessories including hazard lights and typically will not be able to be restarted. In its March 2024 response to ODI’s information request, Ford provided 367 customer complaints (including field reports, lawsuits, and legal claims) and 1005 warranty claims relating to the alleged defect. When combining ODI and manufacturer failure report data, there are 1,368 unique VINs represented across MY 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. One of the VOQs submitted to NHTSA reported a minor rear-end collision resulting from a loss of power event. Included within Ford’s complaints were a reported single-vehicle collision and a vehicle fire which occurred following a loss of power event at a traffic light (fire cause and origin was not determined). Additionally, across ODI and manufacturer data, there were 12 allegations of either acid leaking from the 12V battery or smoke emitting from the battery area within the engine compartment. On April 12, 2024, Ford submitted recall 24V267 for MY 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Sport and certain MY 2022-2023 Ford Maverick vehicles (total population 456,565). The recall remedy provides updated calibrations to the body control module and powertrain control module. Ford indicated that the update will result in improved detection of 12V battery state of charge during drive cycles and will provide notification to the driver if the battery significantly degrades while driving. Additionally, Ford has replaced the EFB with an absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery as both a service component for the subject vehicles and as original equipment for Bronco Sport vehicles with production dates beginning in mid-March 2024. The warranty claim rate for peer vehicles equipped with an AGM battery is substantially lower than that for the subject vehicle population. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

AIR BAGS Filed October 17, 2023

3 injured · crash · towed

The contact's mother owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the engine turned on and the transmission shifter in the park position, the engine began to rev and the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and crashed into a brick building. During the incident, the braking system malfunctioned and did not stop the vehicle, and only the driver's side leg air bags were deployed. No other air bags in the vehicle were deployed during the crash. The driver sustained bruising to both legs, a left leg laceration, and a neck injury. The front passenger sustained a neck injury and the rear driver's side passenger sustained a torso bruise

NHTSA complaint 11550344, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS Filed July 17, 2021

2 injured · crash · towed

My Bronco was running while parked and another driver struck my driver side fender at about 60mph. Which spun my car about 180° and about 15 feet from where i was parked. None of the airbags went off even though the vehicle should have sustained sufficient sideways motion. The fuel shut off was activated and the radio notified me of a crash but my 911 assist wasn't set. I asked ford and my body shop who haven't been able to tell me why my airbags didn't deploy

NHTSA complaint 11425233. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS Filed July 20, 2021

2 injured · crash · towed

On July 10th this vehicle was hit at a high rate of speed by another vehicle. I was a passenger in this ford Bronco sport, non of the airbags went off. The driver of the Bronco and i were both injured.

NHTSA complaint 11425733. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES Filed January 17, 2023

1 injured · fire · crash · towed · 30,000 miles

The contact owned a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently drove off the roadway and caught fire. The fire started from the front of the vehicle. The air bags were deployed. The contact sustained a broken hip, injuries to her pelvis, left clavicle, and right rib, as well as a head injury causing a minor brain bleed. Medical attention was received. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The contact was unaware if a fire department report had been filed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location, where it was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The failure mileage was

NHTSA complaint 11502250, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Filed September 30, 2026

UNKNOWN THE VEHICLE HAS A VERY STRONG ODOR COMING FROM VENTS IT SMELLS LIKE FUEL OR GAS. It feels like it is about to lose power. It stresses me out driving it and no one can fix it!!

NHTSA complaint 11767987. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE Filed September 29, 2026

Continue to have major safety concerns over this car. Had new issue of car not starting after refueling. Brought it in to dealership on Friday 9/25 and check engine light indicated EVAP problem code. Dealership at first refused to evaluate EVAP telling me was not related. Then then found a clogged hose but did not repair the EVAP and on 09/28 my check engine light came back on again. I called dealership and ford corporate still with no plan as they say they will not cover repair or rental. This is in light of having had the car turn off spontaneously while driving as recent as December. I am very concerned this may be linked to fuel injector recall which has no remedy and do not feel safe

NHTSA complaint 11767750, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS Filed September 29, 2026

71,000 miles

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped, a warning light illuminated, indicating a rear seat belt monitoring fault. There was an audible alert. The orange SRS symbol was displayed. The contact stated that the failure was associated with Customer Satisfaction Program: 24N08 (Driver’s Side Seat Buckle Replacement). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the front driver’s side buckle, seat belt, and air bag SRS light needed to be repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer was aware of the issue. The manufacturer was contacted by chat and by phone. The contact was awaiting guidance from the

NHTSA complaint 11767783, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE Filed September 29, 2026

35,000 miles

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle lost automotive power while driving and while stopped and idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle required several restarts before continuing to drive. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the battery was prematurely draining and that the EVAP was clogged, and that the battery and EVAP needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000.

NHTSA complaint 11767877. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Filed September 29, 2026

My vehicle is subject to open NHTSA recall 25S76 regarding a fuel injector that may crack and cause fuel to accumulate on top of the engine near hot surfaces, creating a fire risk. This recall was identified months ago, but Ford has stated parts are not currently available and no repair date has been given. I have not received any further communication or updated timeline since the recall was issued. In the meantime, my vehicle has also been experiencing intermittent jerking during acceleration between approximately 40-50 mph, which I am concerned may be an early symptom of the injector issue described in this recall. I am continuing to drive the vehicle because no remedy is currently

NHTSA complaint 11767892, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN Filed September 28, 2026

At around 75,000 miles, we noticed a small, occasional transmission shudder. We were told that these vehicles feel like that sometimes. We brought it up again around 100,000 miles. We were told we needed to change the purge valve assembly. We did. It did not help. We took the vehicle to a transmission shop and were told that the torque converter was slipping, and that the transmission needed rebuilt or replaced. We took it back to Ford to confirm. They quoted us for a rebuild. I have seen many other people online with the same issue. Some happening, luckily (I suppose), while still under warranty. These transmissions are failing and no one is doing anything. I now have a transmission repair

NHTSA complaint 11767535, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Ford Bronco Sport

Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Deaths
2026	7	6	—
2025	38	7	—
2024	108	8	—
2023	158	14	—
2022	358	15	—

Other 2021 Ford models

F-150 1,018 Explorer 430 Escape 348 Mustang Mach E 347 Ecosport 259 F-150 Hybrid 259 Expedition 235 Bronco 229

Complaints on file, same model year.

Every Ford on this site — 359 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

Complaints: NHTSA's ODI complaint file, published October 2, 2026. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.
Recalls: NHTSA's recall campaign API, newest campaign on this vehicle filed May 27, 2026.
Investigations: NHTSA's ODI investigation file, published October 2, 2026.

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by guarledes
Independent developer and analyst