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2021 Ford Bronco Sport fuel system problems

severe Owners of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport have filed 51 NHTSA complaints about the fuel system, typically surfacing around 67,830 miles at roughly $1,200 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See fuel system across all vehicles →

Failure mileage
Complaints
51
Recalls
4
Avg fix
$1,200
fuel system complaints on the Ford Bronco Sport, by model year
Model yearfuel system complaints
2021 Bronco Sport (this page) 51
2022 Bronco Sport 45
2023 Bronco Sport 28
2024 Bronco Sport 9
1crash
2fires
1injury
What stands out

Of the 4 model years of Ford Bronco Sport we track for fuel system problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 51.

All 4 active fuel system recalls on this vehicle land at critical or severe — none classified moderate.

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 21V625000 August 10, 2021

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

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

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.
severe NHTSA 22V859000 November 18, 2022

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

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

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.
severe NHTSA 25V165000 March 14, 2025

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 leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

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.
severe NHTSA 25V467000 July 11, 2025

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

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

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.

Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins

The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering fuel system on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.

Service Bulletin TSB 22-2433 Dec 2022

This article supersedes TSB 22-2176 to increase the labor operation allowance and update the part list. Some 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair vehicles built on or before 3-Jan-2022, 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles built on or before 14-Feb-2022, 2020-2022 Aviator vehicles built on or before 07-Feb-2022 and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles built on or before 3-Dec-2021 may exhibit a slow fuel fill and/or spit back condition during refueling. This may be due to the design of the fuel tank filler pipe. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the fuel tank filler pipe.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin TSB 22-2176 Jun 2022

Some 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair vehicles built on or before 3-Jan-2022, 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles built on or before 14-Feb-2022, 2020-2022 Aviator vehicles built on or before 07-Feb-2022 and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles built on or before 3-Dec-2021 may exhibit a slow fuel fill and/or spit back condition during refueling. This may be due to the design of the fuel tank filler pipe. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the fuel tank filler pipe.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin TSB 22-2161 Apr 2022

Some 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair, 2021-2022 Bronco Sport, 2022 Maverick vehicles equipped with 4-wheel drive (4WD) may exhibit a grinding/rubbing noise from floor pan/underbody area. This noise will be most noticeable on tip in acceleration and may be due to a mispositioned fuel tank heat shield. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reposition the fuel tank heat shield.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin SSM 49924 Jul 2021

Some 2019 MKC, 2019-2021 Edge/Nautilus/Escape/Ranger/Explorer, 2020-2021 Corsair, and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.3L EcoBoost engines may exhibit a light to moderate ticking type noise at idle (600-700 RPM). The noise is usually more prominent in the area of the high-pressure fuel pump, located on the top of the engine just behind the number 4 ignition coil. This noise is not detrimental to engine function and has no short or long-term effects on engine durability. This an operating characteristic of these engines and no repairs should be attempted.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.

The failure pattern owners describe

The 2021 Bronco Sport shows serious fuel system problems across the 46 complaints. Early failures dominate: fuel pump quits at 1,449 miles, fuel delivery module fails at 89 miles, and vehicles stall without warning at traffic lights and during normal driving. Check engine lights are common, along with hesitation and sputtering when accelerating.

Two owner-reported engine fires stand out as the most severe—one at 30,000 miles caused injuries including a broken hip, fractured pelvis, and minor brain bleed; another at 83,000 miles destroyed the vehicle. A third fire incident also destroyed a Bronco. Fuel tank vent tubes get contaminated with water, canister purge valves fail, and EVAP systems develop small leaks.

Multiple owners report gasoline odor and grinding sounds from the engine. Many describe transmissions requiring replacement after fuel system issues surface, suggesting related drivetrain damage.

The overarching problem: Ford issued recalls (22V859000, 21V625000, 24V267000, 25V467000) for the fuel system, but parts remain unavailable for months or longer. Owners waited from November into May for repairs. Many complaints state the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable repair timeframe, leaving owners stranded with unfixed safety issues.

Same Ford Bronco Sport fuel system reports on nearby years: 2022 · 2023

Failure modes owners describe

Fuel pump failure

Fuel pump stops working, causing complete engine stall without warning. Occurs at extremely low mileage (under 1500 miles reported). Owners describe sudden loss of power while driving in traffic.

When: As early as 1,449 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls suddenly while driving; Complete loss of engine power

Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replacement at dealership

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); parts unavailable for extended periods

Fuel delivery module failure

Fuel delivery module stops working, causing repeated stalling at traffic lights and during parking. Engine will not accelerate and sputters. Check engine light illuminates.

When: As early as 89 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls at stoplight; Stalling while parking; Stalling during normal driving; Check engine light illuminated

Repairs/costs cited: Fuel delivery module diagnosed at dealer; not repaired due to warranty exclusion

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VIN not covered under NHTSA Campaign 21V625000 (Fuel System, Gasoline)

Engine fire

Engine compartment ignites while driving. Two separate incidents reported. Vehicle destroyed in both cases. Fire Department extinguished fires. One incident resulted in serious owner injuries including broken hip, pelvis fracture, clavicle fracture, rib fracture, and minor brain bleed.

When: 30,000 miles and 83,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from engine compartment; Engine compartment fire; Vehicle engulfed in flames

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles destroyed; not repaired

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); case opened with manufacturer

Fuel tank vent tube valve contamination

Fuel tank vent tube valve becomes contaminated with water, preventing vehicle startup. Parking brake warning light illuminates when attempting to start.

When: 40,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start; Parking brake warning light illuminated

Repairs/costs cited: Vent tube valve contamination diagnosed; not repaired

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin 23-2335 referenced; no assistance provided by manufacturer

Fuel injector and catalytic converter failure

Fuel injector and catalytic converter both fail simultaneously, preventing startup. Multiple warning lights illuminate and flicker. Occurs after several failed startup attempts.

When: 90,200 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start on multiple attempts; Unknown warning lights illuminated and flickering; Vehicle must be towed

Repairs/costs cited: Fuel injector and catalytic converter replacement needed; parts unavailable for recall repair

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 25V467000 (Fuel System); parts unavailable

Canister purge valve defect

Canister purge valve becomes defective and requires replacement. Check engine light illuminates during low-speed driving.

When: 53,700 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Occurs during low-speed driving

Repairs/costs cited: Canister purge valve replacement performed by dealer

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle not covered under warranty; manufacturer notified

EVAP system small leak

EVAP emission control system develops a very small leak. Vehicle shakes, hesitates during acceleration, and check engine light illuminates.

When: 83,191 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Vehicle shaking; Hesitation during acceleration

Codes mentioned: P0456 EVAP (Very Small Leak in EVAP Emission Control System)

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); parts unavailable

Post-refuel shaking and transmission issues

Vehicle shakes abnormally after refueling and starting. Shaking returns even after dealer repair attempt. Transmission eventually requires replacement. No warning lights initially illuminated.

When: 1,000 miles to 108,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal shaking at front of vehicle after refueling; Shaking persists after dealer repair; Transmission failure detected

Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement needed; repair not completed due to parts unavailability

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 22V859000 and 24V267000 referenced; parts unavailable for extended periods

Hesitation and sputtering under acceleration

Vehicle fails to accelerate normally when pedal is depressed and sputters. Occurs across multiple vehicles at various mileages.

When: Unknown to 69,398 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal does not produce expected acceleration; Vehicle sputters; Hesitation after refueling

Repairs/costs cited: Scheduling issues prevent dealer diagnosis; parts unavailable

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 22V859000 and 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); parts unavailable

Grinding sound from engine compartment

Grinding noise originates from engine compartment. No warning lights illuminated. Cause not determined.

When: 39,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Grinding sound from engine compartment

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired; dealer confirmed parts unavailable

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); parts unavailable

Gasoline odor from fuel system

Strong gasoline smell while entering and exiting vehicle. Occurs after refueling.

When: 69,398 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Gasoline odor while entering and exiting vehicle; Hesitation after fueling

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired; no dealer contact made

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); parts unavailable

Synthesized from 51 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.

What owners are reporting 1 most recent

fuel system · filed 12/20/2024

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 of the failure. The vehicle was scheduled for a service appointment to have the recall repairs performed. The contact…

Had fuel system trouble with your 2021 Ford Bronco Sport? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.

Common questions

How serious is the fuel system problem on the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?

It's a meaningful issue. 51 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,200.

At what mileage does the fuel system typically fail?

Across the 16 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most fuel system failures cluster between 30,000 and 83,191 miles, with the median around 67,830. A quarter of owners report trouble before 30,000; a quarter make it past 83,191. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $1,200 for fuel system repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to fuel system?

Yes — 4 active recall(s) cover fuel system issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.

Related

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Ford/Bronco Sport. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.
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