Your vehicle report
2021 Ford Bronco Sport
The problems owners report. The recalls to check. The evidence behind each.
Your vehicle at a glance
Complaint patterns and official recall records, kept distinct.
- Owner complaints
- 712
- Received Apr 2021 to Oct 2026
Owner reports
Most reported problems
- 1Brakes make grinding or squealing noise35 complaints · 4.9% of this vehicle’s complaints
- 2Ford Focus transmission clutch slips and hesitates31 complaints · 4.3% of this vehicle’s complaints
- 3Engine suddenly shuts off while driving29 complaints · 4.1% of this vehicle’s complaints
Official NHTSA records
Recalls to check
- Recall #26V340000Do not driveFord 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.
- Recall #25V685000Ford 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.
BrakeNews signals
Flagged complaint patterns
Unusual complaint patterns with no matched recall yet. A flag does not mean a recall will happen.
- Brakes make grinding or squealing noiseFirst signal: Mar 2022
- Transmission fails or loses power while drivingFirst signal: Jul 2025
- Transmission will not engage reverse gearFirst signal: Apr 2022
Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA, not failure rates or a reliability ranking. Reported in these complaints: 18 crashes, 17 fires, 12 people injured, 0 deaths.
Explore by system
Where do owners report problems?
Choose an area on the car or a system below to explore the reported problems.
Illustrative only; not this vehicle’s exact design. Areas represent complaint categories, not confirmed defective parts.
Showing all 20 listed problems by system.
Engine & powertrain
- Ford Focus transmission clutch slips and hesitates
- Engine suddenly shuts off while driving
- Transmission fails or loses power while driving
10 more problems
- Unintended acceleration despite braking
- Automatic transmission shifts unexpectedly or slips
- Head gasket leaks coolant into engine
- Transmission will not engage reverse gear
- Fuel pump fails and engine stalls
- Transmission shudders during acceleration at low speeds
- Fuel tank or line leaks gasoline
- Ford Escape engine overheats from coolant intrusion
- Vehicle suddenly loses engine power at speed
- Exhaust smell enters cabin during acceleration
Brakes
Electrical & lights
Airbags, belts & seats
Steering, suspension & tires
Body, doors & glass
Driver assistance
No problems in this category meet this page’s listing criteria. This does not establish that the system is free of problems.
Other
No problems in this category meet this page’s listing criteria. This does not establish that the system is free of problems.
Complaint history
When NHTSA received these reports. Changes in reporting alone do not establish a change in failure rates.
Show as a table
| Month | Complaints |
|---|---|
| April 2021 | 5 |
| May 2021 | 3 |
| June 2021 | 0 |
| July 2021 | 7 |
| August 2021 | 6 |
| September 2021 | 4 |
| October 2021 | 0 |
| November 2021 | 1 |
| December 2021 | 4 |
| January 2022 | 15 |
| February 2022 | 4 |
| March 2022 | 6 |
| April 2022 | 3 |
| May 2022 | 4 |
| June 2022 | 3 |
| July 2022 | 5 |
| August 2022 | 10 |
| September 2022 | 7 |
| October 2022 | 4 |
| November 2022 | 7 |
| December 2022 | 10 |
| January 2023 | 16 |
| February 2023 | 6 |
| March 2023 | 18 |
| April 2023 | 10 |
| May 2023 | 6 |
| June 2023 | 11 |
| July 2023 | 10 |
| August 2023 | 8 |
| September 2023 | 10 |
| October 2023 | 13 |
| November 2023 | 7 |
| December 2023 | 5 |
| January 2024 | 5 |
| February 2024 | 11 |
| March 2024 | 6 |
| April 2024 | 14 |
| May 2024 | 17 |
| June 2024 | 13 |
| July 2024 | 13 |
| August 2024 | 22 |
| September 2024 | 23 |
| October 2024 | 16 |
| November 2024 | 13 |
| December 2024 | 15 |
| January 2025 | 14 |
| February 2025 | 24 |
| March 2025 | 20 |
| April 2025 | 22 |
| May 2025 | 20 |
| June 2025 | 11 |
| July 2025 | 12 |
| August 2025 | 15 |
| September 2025 | 17 |
| October 2025 | 20 |
| November 2025 | 11 |
| December 2025 | 7 |
| January 2026 | 10 |
| February 2026 | 5 |
| March 2026 | 16 |
| April 2026 | 15 |
| May 2026 | 8 |
| June 2026 | 20 |
| July 2026 | 5 |
| August 2026 | 10 |
| September 2026 | 21 |
| October 2026 | 13 |
| Total | 712 |
Problems owners report
Listed groups have at least 3 complaints. The page includes the 20 largest groups plus any additional flagged groups; some complaints are not assigned to a group.
| Problem | Complaints | Share | Share ratio | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes make grinding or squealing noise | 35 | 4.9% | 7.5× | BrakeNews flag · First signal: Mar 2022 Model estimate of a matched recall within 24 months: 1.0% |
| Ford Focus transmission clutch slips and hesitates | 31 | 4.3% | 6.6× | |
| Engine suddenly shuts off while driving | 29 | 4.1% | 1× | NHTSA recall #21V625000 |
| Transmission fails or loses power while driving | 28 | 3.9% | 3× | BrakeNews flag · First signal: Jul 2025 Model estimate of a matched recall within 24 months: 5.9% |
| Glass shatters or cracks without impact | 26 | 3.6% | 0.6× | NHTSA recall #21V809000 |
| Unintended acceleration despite braking | 26 | 3.6% | 1.3× | |
| Vehicle catches fire from wiring | 21 | 2.9% | 2.2× | NHTSA recall #25V685000 |
| Battery drains and dies when parked | 21 | 2.9% | 2.9× | NHTSA recall #24V267000, #25V019000, #25V158000 |
| Automatic transmission shifts unexpectedly or slips | 20 | 2.8% | 1.3× | |
| Suspension clunking or rattling noise over bumps | 17 | 2.4% | 3.9× | NHTSA recall #21V075000 |
| Head gasket leaks coolant into engine | 12 | 1.7% | 0.7× | |
| Transmission will not engage reverse gear | 12 | 1.7% | 7× | BrakeNews flag · First signal: Apr 2022 Model estimate of a matched recall within 24 months: 1.7% |
| Fuel pump fails and engine stalls | 10 | 1.4% | 1.7× | NHTSA recall #21V625000 |
| Transmission shudders during acceleration at low speeds | 10 | 1.4% | 5.1× | |
| Fuel tank or line leaks gasoline | 9 | 1.3% | 1.9× | NHTSA recall #25V165000 |
| Ford Escape engine overheats from coolant intrusion | 8 | 1.1% | 0.7× | |
| Vehicle suddenly loses engine power at speed | 7 | 1.0% | 1.1× | NHTSA recall #21V625000 |
| Seat belt fails to latch or retract | 6 | 0.8% | 1.1× | |
| Airbags fail to deploy in crashes | 6 | 0.8% | – | |
| Exhaust smell enters cabin during acceleration | 6 | 0.8% | 7.4× | BrakeNews flag · First signal: May 2025 Model estimate of a matched recall within 24 months: 4.0% |
AI groups complaints by meaning; the groups are approximate. Share ratio compares the problem’s share of this vehicle’s complaints with its share on other vehicles over the last 24 months (shown from 3 recent complaints). A 2× ratio means twice the complaint share, not twice the failure risk. Flags mark unusual shares or recent surges after an AI review of the complaint content. “First signal” does not mean the pattern has persisted continuously.How recall estimates are calculated.
Recalls
NHTSA recall #26V340000May 27, 20264,653 vehicles affected
Do not drive: NHTSA advises this until the repair is done.
suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint
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.
A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.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.
NHTSA recall #25V685000October 10, 202559,006 vehicles affected
equipment: electrical: engine block heater
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.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
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 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.
NHTSA recall #25V467000July 11, 2025694,271 vehicles affected
fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system
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.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
NHTSA recall #25V442000June 27, 2025200,237 vehicles affected
back over prevention: software
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.
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.
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.
NHTSA recall #25V158000March 14, 202548,041 vehicles affected
electrical system: body control module/bcm; power train: automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
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.
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.
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.
NHTSA recall #25V165000March 14, 202533,576 vehicles affected
fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system
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.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
NHTSA recall #25V019000January 17, 2025272,817 vehicles affected
electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery
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.
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.
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.
NHTSA recall #24V267000April 12, 2024456,565 vehicles affected
electrical system: body control module/bcm; power train: automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
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.
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.
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.
NHTSA recall #22V859000November 18, 2022521,746 vehicles affected
fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system
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.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
NHTSA recall #22V191000March 25, 2022345,451 vehicles affected
engine and engine cooling: engine: oil/lubrication
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.
An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
NHTSA recall #21V922000November 23, 2021114,666 vehicles affected
service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper
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."
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.
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.
NHTSA recall #21V809000October 15, 20211,036 vehicles affected
visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
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.
A detached glass panel can become a road hazard, and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
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.
NHTSA recall #21V625000August 10, 202113,773 vehicles affected
fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump: control/drive module
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.
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
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.
NHTSA recall #21V074000February 16, 2021106 vehicles affected
suspension: front: control arm
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles. These vehicles may have been produced with incorrect front lower control arms.
An incorrect lower control arm may affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a rollover crash.
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.
NHTSA recall #21V075000February 16, 20211,638 vehicles affected
suspension: rear
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles. The rear suspension subframe assembly may have loose or missing bolts.
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.
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.
NHTSA recall #21V011000January 15, 2021147 vehicles affected
power train: driveline: driveshaft
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.
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.
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.
Other model years
About this data
NHTSA complaints and recalls through October 2026. Complaints are counted once each, however many components they name. Original complaints are on NHTSA's page for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport.
Problem groups are formed by AI and may be approximate. BrakeNews flags unusual complaint patterns; they are not official defect findings. Investigation reports are written and checked by AI, with no human review. Owner reports do not establish that a defect exists.
Read the methodology and track record · Check current recalls by VIN