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ProblemsByVin File / 2021-FORD-BRONCO NHTSA data synced 9 hours ago
2021 · Ford

Ford Bronco problems

211 owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.2 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2021 Bronco?
Acceptable — with caveats

Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.

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

engine
60 reports · fails ~7,607 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
electrical
26 reports · fails ~29,333 mi · avg $850
moderate
suspension
23 reports · fails ~44,562 mi · avg $900
moderate
visibility
15 reports · fails ~9,090 mi · avg $350
moderate
brakes
13 reports · fails ~21,518 mi · avg $450
severe
body
10 reports · fails ~34,545 mi · avg $1,500
moderate
powertrain
7 reports · fails ~12,500 mi · avg $2,500
severe
airbags
5 reports · fails ~55,100 mi · avg $1,100
severe
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2021 Bronco'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?
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 · brakes
Brake Light issue: Red Brake Light appears when driving over 40 MPH. To fix issue Tube Vacuum had to be replaced. Part# MB3Z 2420 This seems to be an on going issue with 2021 Broncos.
2021 Bronco · body
water is leaking from the passenger side roof through the passenger side door airbag when it rains. The passenger side top door airbag is constantly getting wet from this leak as water passes through.
2021 Bronco · electrical
Four hours into a drive today, going down a fairly steep hill @ ~30mph into a 4 point intersection my Bronco lost all power, brakes and steering. I mean it had nothing. We barely made it thru the intersection because the cars coming directly at us slammed brakes. I had no…
2021 Bronco · engine
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she depressed the accelerator pedal however, the engine failed to engage, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence. No warning lights was…
12/27/2022 · at 6,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11498963.0 · see engine pattern →
View all 211 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2021 Ford Bronco? 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 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 21V770000 October 1, 2021

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

Improper air bag deployment increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the passenger air bag, free of charge. An interim owner notification letter was mailed on November 24, 2021. A second notice announcing the remedy is available was sent on July 8, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C23.

Common questions

Is the 2021 Ford Bronco reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 211 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Ford Bronco is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

Should you avoid the 2021 Ford Bronco?

The 2021 Ford Bronco is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average; 1 recall campaign 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?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 60 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 7,607 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 7,607 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Ford Bronco 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?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 211 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, 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 9 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Ford/Bronco. 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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