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ProblemsByVin File / 2021-FORD-BRONCO-SPORT NHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2021 · Ford

Ford Bronco Sport problems

653 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 3 active recall campaigns on file.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.4 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2021 Bronco Sport?
Avoid — the electrical system

The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
150 reports · fails ~38,913 mi · avg $850
severe
powertrain
147 reports · fails ~56,141 mi · avg $2,500
moderate
brakes
94 reports · fails ~19,146 mi · avg $450
moderate
engine
60 reports · fails ~56,195 mi · avg $3,100
severe
fuel system
49 reports · fails ~53,529 mi · avg $1,200
severe
visibility
20 reports · fails ~30,310 mi · avg $350
moderate
suspension
18 reports · fails ~50,950 mi · avg $900
moderate
steering
14 reports · fails ~41,725 mi · avg $700
moderate
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2021 Bronco Sport's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2021 Bronco Sport?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2021 Bronco Sport · powertrain
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V019000 (Electrical System) and 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, there was an abnormal sound coming from…
12/30/2025 · at 53,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11707850.0 · see powertrain pattern →
2021 Bronco Sport · brakes
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that when the vehicle was in reverse, there was a loud squealing sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer six times to be…
12/28/2023 · at 5,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11562260.0 · see brakes pattern →
2021 Bronco Sport · brakes
Our vehicle has multiple issues with it's brakes since we purchased the vehicle in December of 2021. Initially, when we would use our brakes while in reverse, the brakes would make a groaning sound (this started around January of 2022). We assumed it had something to do with the…
2021 Bronco Sport · fuel system
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle sputtered. The dealer was made aware…
View all 653 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2021 Ford Bronco Sport? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 3 of 3

severe NHTSA 21V074000 February 16, 2021

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

An incorrect lower control arm may affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a rollover crash.

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.
severe NHTSA 21V075000 February 16, 2021

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

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.

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.
severe NHTSA 21V809000 October 15, 2021

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

A detached glass panel can become a road hazard, and increase the risk of a crash or injury.

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.

Common questions

Is the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.4 out of 10 based on 653 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?

On the NHTSA data, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 6 fire-related complaints and 3 crash-related complaints on the electrical system; Engine: 60 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 35,000–80,000 mi; Reliability score 6.4/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 150 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 38,913 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 38,913 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Ford Bronco Sport has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 653 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Ford/Bronco Sport. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Ford. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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