25S49 Recall Remedy: -Infotainment software update to address frozen screens
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Ford Bronco electrical problems
moderate 27 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
27
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1fire
What stands out
Owners have filed 27 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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.
26S09 Recall Remedy -Update to enable rearview camera image to display when in reverse after infotainment screen thermal shutdown
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Various 2020-2026 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with blind spot information system (BLIS) may experience an inoperative blind spot monitoring with a "Blind Spot System Fault" message displayed in the instrument panel cluster (IPC). This may also be accompanied by diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B118C:11 and/or B118C:15 stored in the driver door module (DDM), and/or B118D:11 and/or B118D:15 stored in the passenger door module (PDM). This may be due to the wiring connector from the mirror to the BLIS module. If diagnostics lead to an internal mirror wiring harness fault, a new lower level BLIS light pigtail is now released for service. It is not necessary to replace the exterior mirror as
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"Quality improvements include: - Optimizes cabin ventilation strategy at high speeds"
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"25S49 Recall Remedy: -Infotainment software update to address frozen screens"
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2021 Broncos describe an electrical system prone to catastrophic failures. Fire is the most serious: one owner experienced an alternator motor fire at 28,000 miles caused by seized gears, then endured the same failure again after repair. Another owner's burned wiring harness in the parking assist module nearly caused a fire.
Complete electrical shutdowns occur while driving at highway speed, killing the engine, brakes, steering, and lights simultaneously. One owner lost all power descending a steep hill at 30 mph, drifting helplessly into traffic. A second was on a busy highway at 70 mph in poor weather when the electrical system died—the first incident after Ford had the vehicle for battery diagnosis.
Infotainment and gauge displays fail repeatedly. Screens go blank, rearview cameras black out, and digital gauge clusters stop displaying speed and fuel level. One owner received a recall notice but no repair timeline. Window regulators in the frameless doors lose initialization and drop unexpectedly, forcing owners to monitor and manually reset them—a distraction at highway speed. The same owner documented over 20 window failures across 2024–2025 despite multiple dealer software updates.
Wiring routed too close to the rear bumper chafes and corrodes, disabling blind spot and cross traffic alert systems. One owner's wire was rubbed completely bare; repairs exceed $1,000. Blind spot and cross traffic systems fail across multiple complaints, some dealers denying coverage after warranty expires.
Other failures include limp mode triggered by sequences of error messages that dealerships cannot diagnose after eight weeks, wiper motors that slow and stop mid-storm, and electronic 4WD/GOAT mode systems that vanish in severe weather without logging any fault code.
Same Ford Bronco electrical reports on nearby years: 2022 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Alternator Motor Overheating and Fire
Faulty alternator with seized gears overheats, causing fire and smoke from engine compartment. Occurred at low mileage. Dealer diagnosis confirmed seized alternator gears caused overheating fire. Failure reoccurred after initial repair, requiring second alternator replacement.
When: Approximately 28,000 miles; first occurrence during normal driving, second occurrence during normal highway driving with family
Symptoms owners cite: Fire and smoke exiting engine compartment; Electrical system and engine seizure; Multiple unknown warning lights illuminated; Vehicle would not start after restart attempt
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator motor replacement required twice; seized gears identified as cause of overheating
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; vehicle in process of repair; owner requested buyback
Complete Electrical System Shutdown / Loss of All Power
Vehicle completely loses electrical power while driving, disabling engine, braking, steering, lights, locks, and all systems. Forced vehicle off road. Recovery occurs after waiting or restart. Occurred on busy highways and in traffic, creating dangerous situations.
When: Multiple occurrences over short periods; one complaint states 2 separate occasions within 3 days; highway speeds (70 mph, 30 mph descending hill); one complaint mentions app battery failure alert before shutdown
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power and all functions; Loss of engine power, brakes, and steering control; Loss of lights and locks; Vehicle coasts to stop uncontrolled; Recovery after 5-10 minutes or restart; Brake failure signal displayed on second occurrence; App notification of battery failure (one case)
Repairs/costs cited: One case: 210 connector not making good connection; dealer cleaned connector, applied electric grease, and reconnected; corrosion identified as cause. Other cases: no repair information provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case: Ford had vehicle in shop prior to failure for battery failure diagnosis and extended inspection; shop was closed when tow arrived, causing 4-hour delay and customer rental expense. Manufacturer notified in at least one case.
Infotainment Screen Failure (Blank / Unresponsive)
Primary infotainment screen goes blank, becomes unresponsive, or fails to display any content. Loss of rearview camera access and other critical safety features. Recall identified but no remedy or repair timeline available. Multiple dealer visits unable to resolve.
When: Unspecified timing; one complaint mentions screen replacement parts on backorder with no ETA; multiple dealer visits documented
Symptoms owners cite: Screen goes blank or becomes completely unresponsive; Loss of access to rearview camera (federally required safety feature); Loss of navigation access; Loss of hands-free communication; Loss of vehicle alerts; Inability to enable system updates
Repairs/costs cited: Full screen replacement required; parts on backorder with unknown availability; no fix timeline; dealership unable to resolve through software updates
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall identified (no specific recall number provided in narrative) with no available remedy; manufacturer has acknowledged issue but provided no clear timeline for fix or accommodations such as loaner vehicle
Digital Gauge Cluster Blackout
Digital gauge cluster screen blacks out intermittently or permanently, making critical vehicle information inaccessible. Screen receives power and fuses are good but display does not power up.
When: First occurred a few months ago; now black more than on; persistent issue
Symptoms owners cite: Blacked out digital gauge cluster screen; Unable to view digital speed; Unable to view fuel gauge; Unable to view mileage; Unable to access GOAT modes; Unable to view tire pressure; Unable to view oil life
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnostic performed at automotive shop confirmed screen receiving power and fuses are good; screen not powering up. Owner uses infotainment screen to track fuel gauge (miles to empty) as workaround.
Limp Mode / Loss of Accelerator Response (ECM/Throttle-Related)
Vehicle enters limp mode while driving, rendering accelerator pedal unresponsive. Multiple sequential error messages appear on display (4x4 Off, Service Vehicle Soon, Service Advance Trac, Check 4x4, Pre-collision Assist Not Available). Recovery requires restart. Occurs repeatedly within 5-minute intervals, creating dangerous situations. Dealership unable to diagnose root cause after 8+ weeks.
When: Multiple occurrences while driving; vehicle at dealership over 8 weeks unable to diagnose
Symptoms owners cite: Limp mode activation while driving; Accelerator pedal becomes unresponsive; Multiple critical error messages appear sequentially on display; 4x4 Off warning; Service Vehicle Soon warning; Service Advance Trac warning; Check 4x4 warning; Pre-collision Assist Not Available warning; Service Advance Track warning; Reoccurs every 5 minutes; Recovery only through restart and park
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced pedal assembly and throttle body without resolving issue. Dealership recommending ECM replacement and engine wiring harness replacement at owner's expense; warranty claims denied by dealership. Root cause remains undiagnosed.
Electric Window Regulator Failures (Frameless Doors)
Power window regulators malfunction causing windows to lose initialization, not closing properly, and creating gaps in frameless doors. Windows automatically roll down after being rolled up. Affects all four windows across multiple failure cycles. Dealership reinitializations and software updates provide temporary fixes but issue resurfaces within days. Owner tracked over 20 failures across 2024-2025.
When: Ongoing since January 2022 acquisition; failures accelerating in 2024-2025; documented failures through July 2025
Symptoms owners cite: Windows lose initialization unexpectedly; Windows do not close properly with frameless doors; Gaps created when windows closed; Windows automatically roll down after being rolled up; Hazardous during driving when operator must look backward to monitor window position; Operator forced to hold button and monitor window position to prevent it hitting frame
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership can resolve temporarily through computer reinitialization and software updates; also replaced some modules. Owner can sometimes perform full reinitialization sequence manually to temporarily resolve, sometimes fails. Reinitializations effective for only a few days before failures recur.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership aware; no permanent fix identified across multiple visits since March 2022
Wiper Motor Electrical Failure
Wiper motor or wiper motor electrical control fails to maintain high-speed operation. Wipers run at high speed for 30-40 seconds then slow and stop entirely. Occurs during rain and snow conditions. Issue reproduced by dealership but remains unresolved.
When: Occurred within a couple weeks of taking vehicle new from dealership; reproduced multiple times
Symptoms owners cite: Wipers slow down and stop after 30-40 seconds on high setting; Requires toggle of wiper switch to restart at full speed; Occurs during active weather conditions (rain and snow); No warning lights present
Repairs/costs cited: Motor replaced on first dealer visit; second dealer visit unable to fix. Issue reproduced on dealer lot vehicle with same behavior. Dealership waiting for technical bulletin.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership advised they would contact owner when technical bulletin released; no bulletin has been issued
Blind Spot Monitor and Cross Traffic Alert Wiring Harness Failure
Wiring harness for blind spot monitoring and cross traffic alert systems is routed too close to rear bumper, causing wires to chafe, fray, rub bare, and corrode over time. Results in system faults, sensor failures, and loss of safety features. Multiple complaints describe exposed or poorly protected wiring.
When: Detected between 9,000 to 32,000+ miles; one complaint mentions wiring rubbed through on driver side with passenger side nearly rubbed through
Symptoms owners cite: Blind spot alert fault message displayed; Cross traffic system fault message; Blind spot monitoring deactivates; Cross traffic alert deactivates; Error messages alternating on and off during driving; Wires rubbed bare and corroded; Wires chafed and frayed near rear bumper
Repairs/costs cited: Owner report indicates repair exceeding $1,000. One complaint mentions Ford refusing to cover repair because warranty expired; another states dealership recommending repair but owner challenging warranty denial. No successful repairs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSB or recall issued per owner knowledge at time of complaint. Dealerships acknowledge issue but warranty denial cited. One case: manufacturer referred contact to NHTSA Hotline. One complaint states owner has extended warranty and took vehicle to dealership.
Front Camera Failure / Intermittent Display
Front camera is blacked out or fails to display approximately 50% of the time when in reverse or when system activated. Dealership states over-the-air (OTA) fix is coming soon but fixes have been repeatedly delayed. Affects rearview and parking functionality.
When: Persistent issue over months; one complaint references promised Q2 2024 fix to be completed by end of 2024, still not delivered as of complaint date
Symptoms owners cite: Front camera display blacks out approximately 50% of the time; Occurs when vehicle in reverse; Occurs when camera system manually activated; Unable to see area around vehicle for parking and tight spaces; Causes driver distress during parking operations
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; OTA fix promised but repeatedly delayed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership advised OTA fix coming soon; Q2 2024 promise was not met; separate from rear camera issue fixed in 2024
Parking Assist Fault and Burned Wiring Harness
Parking assist fault warning light illuminates. Dealer diagnosis reveals burned wire in wiring harness. Dealer advised that if wire continued burning it could have started a fire. Repair was not covered under warranty.
When: Approximately 28,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Parking assist fault warning light illuminated; Burned wire in wiring harness
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness repair required; wire was burned
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; case filed; repair claim denied under warranty; repair not covered
Electronic Driving Systems Failures (GOAT Modes and Safety Systems)
All electronic driving systems controlling 4-wheel drive modes (GOAT) and safety systems such as traction control, sensor systems, and cruise control fail intermittently. Vehicle forced to operate in 2-wheel drive during dangerous conditions. Failures not recorded in vehicle code system despite occurring multiple times over 3-month period.
When: Approximately 2,000 miles during severe weather in Rocky Mountains; failures continued on and off for 3 months before subsiding
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of all electronic driving systems; Loss of 4-wheel drive GOAT modes; Loss of traction control; Loss of sensor systems; Loss of cruise control; Intermittent failures on and off over 3-month period; Vehicle forced to operate in 2-wheel drive during whiteout conditions
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided; dealer found no record of failures in code system
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership unable to identify issue; stated no record of failures in vehicle code system despite owner having video and photo evidence of electronic failures
Trailer Detection Error (False Positive)
Vehicle displays message that blind spot and cross traffic alert have deactivated because a trailer is attached, even though no trailer is attached. Owner only has trailer hitch installed. Dealership states Ford refuses to cover fix because bumper-to-bumper warranty has expired.
When: Vehicle garaged with only 9,000 miles; timing of detection unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Blind spot and cross traffic alert deactivation message displayed; No trailer actually attached; only hitch installed; Loss of blind spot warnings; Loss of cross traffic warnings
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership refuses repair citing expired warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford refuses to pay for repair based on warranty expiration
Front Camera Sensor False Activation
Front camera sensors activate and chime when shifting into park even when no object is nearby. Unnecessary and distracting activation.
When: At approximately 200 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Front camera sensors activate when shifting into park; Chime sounds despite no nearby object; False positive collision/object detection
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosis indicated front sensors need replacement; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; vehicle not repaired
Hands-On-Wheel Detection System Malfunction
Driver assistance warning system that alerts driver to keep hands on wheel malfunctions on straightaways. Warning disappears when hands are on wheel, causing driver to need to rock wheel back and forth to reset system. This causes vehicle to swerve and is reported as common issue on forums.
When: Unspecified timing
Symptoms owners cite: Hands-on-wheel warning deactivates when hands are on wheel on straightaways; Driver forced to rock wheel back and forth to reset system; Causes vehicle to swerve when performing reset action
Vehicle Shutdown with Uncertain Cause
Vehicle loses all power while driving at highway speeds and coasts to side of road. Less than one year old with 11,000 miles. Dealership uncertain of cause; suggests possible complete engine failure or fuel valve issue.
When: Approximately 11,000 miles; vehicle less than one year old
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of all power while driving 50 mph; Vehicle coasts to side of road
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership uncertain; suggests possible complete engine failure or fuel valve issue
Synthesized from 27 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
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 control and went off the road into someone’s yard, barely missing their fence. It was the scariest thing we’ve ever…
Location of wiring from the factory for Blind Spot Warning and Cross Traffic Alert systems is not protected. The wiring has frayed and broken due to the wiring being unprotected, loose and rubbing on the rear bumper, causing the systems to not function. This is a blatant design defect from the factory, causing two safety systems to fail. Reporting now as, to the best of my knowledge, the…
2021 Ford bronco miles: 34,247 both rear calipers on the inside "locked" and caused irregular pad wearing on the inside. I am concerned the root cause may be a caliper issue or electronic brake issue not releasing the brake components. Rear outside brake pads at 80% rear inside brake pads at 2% vehicle first looked at by a local mechanic 3 weeks ago. Ford diagnosed the issue today 11/27/24.…
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2021 Ford Bronco?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 27 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 27 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 29,333 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.