This article supersedes TSB 24-2408 to update the parts list. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a loud front end clink/clunk noise that leads to the identification of a cracked or broken front differential frame mount bracket. This may be due to flexing of the front differential from driving in 4L for extended periods of time. Note: Advise the customer that 4L/Rock Crawl drive mode should only be used when necessary, as using 4L when not necessary can cause damage to the vehicle. Refer to the Owner's Manual for additional information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Ford Bronco suspension problems
moderate Owners of the 2021 Ford Bronco have filed 23 NHTSA complaints about the suspension, typically surfacing around 40,000 miles at roughly $900 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See suspension across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
23
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$900
| Model year | suspension complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 Bronco (this page) | 23 |
| 2022 Bronco | 26 |
| 2023 Bronco | 12 |
| 2024 Bronco | 3 |
When does it fail?
Of the 23 suspension complaints filed for the 2021 Ford Bronco, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering suspension 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.
This article supersedes TSB 24-2104 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a "Sta-bar Disconnect Service Required" message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) and an illuminated warning light with any of the following diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the chassis control module (CHCM): C103A, C1A99, C1B03, C1B07, C1B14 and/or B1A67. This may be due to water intrusion in the stabilizer bar wiring harness connector.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2021-2024 Bronco vehicles built on or before 01-Jan-2025 equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine and 10R60 automatic transmission may exhibit diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, and P0304 and may be accompanied by a buck/jerk sensation while driving between 35-55 mph (56-89 km/h) in gears 7-10. If the condition remains after normal engine misfire diagnostics and associated repairs have been performed, the condition may be related to driveline torsional vibration induced by the rear wheels and/or rear axle assembly. The driveline torsional harmonics/vibrations are incorrectly identified by the misfire monitor as an engine misfire. Perform standard road force wheel ba
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This article supersedes TSB 23-2400 to update the parts list. Some 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles may encounter a Sta-bar Disconnect Service Required message in the instrument panel cluster and an illuminated warning light with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the chassis control module (CHCM)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗During replacement of the electronic front stabilizer bar disconnect assembly on 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles, removal and replacement of the sta-bar harness is required. To assist engineering with root cause analysis of failed sta-bar disconnect assemblies, include the sta-bar harness with the part in the same package when returning warranty replacement sta-bar disconnect assembly. The sta-bar disconnect assembly return should also be packaged in the original box with all protective insulators in place to properly protect it during shipping. Use the Report a Vehicle Concern link at the bottom of OASIS to submit a report with photos attached (if possible) for any front stabilizer bar disconnect
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2021 Ford Bronco exhibits a pattern of rear shock absorber failures that owners describe as a critical safety issue. The most common failure is detachment or disassembly of the external hydraulic fluid reservoir on the Bilstein shocks—owners report the canister simply falls off during normal driving, leaving the shock inoperable and causing uncontrollable bouncing and loss of vehicle control. This happens between 20,000 and 81,000 miles.
Owners also report complete shock failure with loss of oil or cushioning, leading to dangerous handling: the vehicle bounces uncontrollably over bumps, swerves or fishtails at highway speeds, and becomes difficult to control. Several owners describe near-accidents and actual accidents with suspension failure as the factor.
Ford issued NHTSA recall 25V025000 in January 2025 to address rear shock corrosion and failure, but replacement parts remain on backorder. Dealerships consistently tell owners repairs cannot be done and refer them to the NHTSA Hotline. One owner's repair failed again within a year. A few owners report premature rust on the shocks as a design issue. One owner documents an unusual 2.25-inch ride-height difference front-to-rear, which the dealer claims was intentional. Across narratives, owners express frustration with Ford's inability or refusal to provide assistance during the parts shortage.
Same Ford Bronco suspension reports on nearby years: 2022 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Rear shock absorber reservoir detachment / disassembly
The external hydraulic fluid reservoir (canister) separates or falls off the Bilstein rear shock absorbers, rendering them inoperable and causing complete loss of suspension dampening. Owners report this occurs during normal driving without notable impact.
When: 36,000–60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Reservoir falls off or detaches during normal driving; Uncontrollable bouncing; Hydraulic fluid leaking beneath vehicle; Loss of suspension cushioning on one or both rear shocks
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement rear shock absorbers required. Parts on backorder at dealerships at time of complaints. Owners report costs not specified; one owner paid out-of-pocket after dealer refusal.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 25V025000 (Suspension) issued January 2025; recall parts unavailable as of complaint filing dates. Manufacturer referred multiple owners to NHTSA Hotline for reimbursement requests. Ford Executive Customer Service cited 'Advanced Recall' status and inability to override dealership assistance refusal.
Rear shock absorber failure with loss of hydraulic pressure
Rear shock absorber loses cushioning, oil, or internal pressure, causing the suspension to fail and loss of vehicle control. Owners report the shocks either leak, have no oil remaining, or the internal mechanism fails catastrophically.
When: 20,000–81,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Uncontrollable bouncing over dips or bumps; Vehicle swerving left and right; Fishtailing when driving over wet surfaces or bumps; Vehicle lopsided or uneven ride height; Rear-end swaying during turns or over bumps; Oil leaking from shock; Loss of cushioning or oil inside shock
Repairs/costs cited: Shock absorber replacement required. One owner had shocks replaced at independent shop after dealer parts backorder; no cost stated. One owner's repair reoccurred within one year after dealer repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 25V025000 (Suspension) issued January 2025. Dealerships confirmed parts unavailable and advised owners to contact NHTSA Hotline. Manufacturer opened cases for some owners and referred them to NHTSA Hotline; others received no follow-up.
Rear shock rust or corrosion
Rear shock absorbers exhibit premature rust or corrosion that owners characterize as a design or material defect beyond normal wear, including the corrosion noted in the recall.
When: Unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Visible rust on shocks; Corrosion appearing before normal wear timeline
Repairs/costs cited: No repair action reported; complaint filed as design observation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 25V025000 (Suspension) addresses 'corrosion and possible failure' of rear shock absorbers.
Uneven suspension ride height
Vehicle exhibits significant height difference between front and rear suspension sides, creating handling concerns and rollover risk in the owner's assessment. Dealer stated vehicle performed as designed per factory package.
When: At approximately 9 miles (new vehicle)
Symptoms owners cite: Driver's side front suspension 38.25 inches from ground, passenger's side rear suspension 40.5 inches—2.25-inch difference; Vehicle lopsided; Owner concern about tire blowout and rollover risk
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated vehicle was designed to specification; no repair performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and case opened; no action indicated.
Shock absorber detachment while driving
A rear shock absorber separates entirely from the vehicle suspension while in motion, becoming a projectile hazard to traffic behind.
When: 44,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shock absorber explodes and detaches from vehicle at 60 MPH; Detached shock strikes vehicle traveling behind
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle repaired after initial failure; failure reoccurred within one year.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and case opened; owner referred to NHTSA Hotline for assistance.
Synthesized from 23 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V025000 (Suspension); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was bouncing. Additionally, the…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that the passenger’s side rear shock was blown. While driving 35 MPH over a bump in the road, or while driving over a wet surface, the rear of the vehicle was fishtailing. There was oil leaking from the shock. The contact had a nail in the tire, and after removing the wheel, the contact became aware that the shock was covered in oil. There…
Had suspension 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 suspension problem on the 2021 Ford Bronco?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 23 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $900 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most suspension failures cluster between 35,000 and 55,000 miles, with the median around 40,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 35,000; a quarter make it past 55,000. 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 $900 for suspension 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 suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension 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.