Some 2021-2024 Bronco vehicles may exhibit an illuminated red brake warning indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0049:01 stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. Replace the brake fluid reservoir and the brake fluid level sensor electrical connector. Do not disconnect the brake fluid level sensor electrical connector, cut the connector 3-4 inches (75-100 mm) from the connector end and leave the brake fluid level sensor electrical connector attached to brake fluid reservoir. Include these parts in the same package when returning warranty replacement brake fluid reservoirs. The brake fluid reservoir with the electrical connector still connected should be packaged in the orig
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Ford Bronco brakes problems
severe 13 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
3crashes
3injuries
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes 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.
Some 2021-2025 Bronco vehicles may exhibit an illuminated red brake warning indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0049:01 stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. Replace the brake fluid reservoir and the brake fluid level sensor electrical connector. Do not disconnect the brake fluid level sensor electrical connector, cut the connector 3-4 inches (75-100 mm) from the connector end and leave the brake fluid level sensor electrical connector attached to brake fluid reservoir. Include these parts in the same package when returning warranty replacement brake fluid reservoirs. The brake fluid reservoir with the electrical connector still connected should be packaged in the orig
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting, bluing/discoloration and/or heat spots. For additional information, refer to WSM section 206-00.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit noises coming from the brake pedal while applying and/or releasing the brake pedal or while the vehicle is off without brake pedal application. A single click and/or clunk may be heard during brake pedal application and again on brake pedal release and is considered normal. Clicking may also be heard while the vehicle is off, and without the brake pedal being applied. The clicking heard with the vehicle off is due to the EBB going through the normal shut-down process. The amount of noise will vary between EBB modules and replacement of the EBB module is not expected to reduce the noises.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting, bluing/discoloration and/or heat spots. For additional information, refer to WSM section 206-00.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report two distinct brake failure scenarios in the 2021 Ford Bronco. The first involves unresponsive or degraded braking during normal operation: brake pedal goes stiff or "squishy," requires pushing to the floor to stop, or fails entirely to slow the vehicle. The brake warning light illuminates in these cases. One owner hit a roadside sign at undisclosed speed; another rolled into a parked car after brakes failed during low-speed driveway entry.
The second scenario is specific to flat-towing setups with aftermarket supplemental braking systems. Owners report the Electronic Brake Booster shuts down approximately 45 minutes after the engine is turned off while in tow mode, leaving no brake assist. With the EBB inactive, the third-party supplemental braking system cannot generate enough pressure to help stop a motorhome or handle breakaway situations—a critical safety issue for vehicles towed with all four wheels on the ground.
Vacuum hose failures appear in multiple narratives; several cite brake booster vacuum line faults requiring replacement. One owner reported a continuously pumping brake pedal along with water intrusion and starting issues. Diagnostic codes and repair costs aren't specified in the narratives.
Same Ford Bronco brakes reports on nearby years: 2022 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Brake booster vacuum hose failure
Faulty or degraded brake booster vacuum lines causing loss of brake assist, stiff pedal, and warning light illumination.
When: 20,553 miles (narrative #1); 30,000 miles (narrative #10); unspecified for narratives #11
Symptoms owners cite: Brake warning light illuminated; Stiff or extremely stiff brake pedal; Reduced braking effectiveness; Brake lights remain illuminated while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Brake booster vacuum hose replacement (Part# MB3Z 2420 cited in narrative #11); vacuum line replacement at dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer advised owner to file NHTSA complaint (narrative #1)
Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) shutdown during flat-tow mode
EBB shuts down ~45 minutes after ignition is turned off while vehicle is in tow mode, eliminating brake assist for supplemental braking systems and increasing stopping distance.
When: ~45 minutes after engine shutdown during flat-tow setup; multiple towing scenarios reported
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of brake boost; Supplemental brake system becomes ineffective; Increased stopping distance for motorhome; No emergency braking engagement if tow vehicle detaches; No brake assist for aftermarket supplemental systems
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer denied global problem exists; dealer unable to find TSBs (narrative #5)
Sudden complete brake failure during low-speed operation
Brake pedal application produces no stopping force, resulting in vehicle rolling or coasting into obstacles.
When: Unspecified mileage for narratives #9, #12, #13; ~14,000 miles (narrative #8)
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes do not respond or do nothing when applied; Vehicle rolls uncontrolled; Pre-collision alert may activate but brakes still fail; Brake lights illuminated; Brake warning lamp illuminated
Codes mentioned: Module communication failures reported (narrative #9)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One manufacturer contacted and case opened for buyback discussion (narrative #8)
Spongy or low-pressure brake pedal requiring excessive force
Brake pedal feels soft or requires pushing to the floor to achieve stopping; often paired with fault warnings.
When: Unspecified; described as recurring issue (narrative #8); ongoing issue noted for 2021–2025 Broncos (narrative #12)
Symptoms owners cite: Squishy brake pedal; Pedal must be pushed to floor to stop; Continuous pumping of pedal; Brake fault warning occurring continuously
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #8 indicates manufacturer opened case discussing buyback
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
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.
Had brakes trouble with your 2021 Ford Bronco?
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 brakes problem on the 2021 Ford Bronco?
It's a meaningful issue. 13 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 13 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 21,518 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes 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 brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
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.
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.