What 664 owners told NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Early Release

In 2024, we had our battery replaced in our 2021 Bronco Sport by the Ford certified dealer in response to Recall Number 24S24. We did not have any issues with the previous battery. They replaced the original battery with the AGM battery, which they represented would prevent the issues that necessitated the recall - catastrophic degradation of the battery and complete loss of drive power. In mid-October 2025, my wife experienced unexpected and complete loss of drive power when exiting the interstate in the car, and was stuck in the freeway exit lane as oncoming traffic was exiting at high speeds with minimal time to avoid the stalled car. It was a dangerous situation and the car was almost struck numerous times. No warnings or messages appeared - even the hazards did not work. After about 20 minutes, we were finally able to obtain assistance from a police officer and had the car towed to a Firestone a few blocks away. Firestone confirmed that the AGM battery had failed which caused the complete loss of drive power. They replaced the battery and reprogrammed the car as best they could, but the failure of the battery also destroyed a few computer chips that needed to be replaced by Ford in order to fully reprogram it. We took it to the Ford dealership that initially replaced the battery (10 miles away) the next day, and Ford refused to refund us the costs for towing the car and replacing the battery at the Firestone, claiming our situation did not constitute an "emergency" since we could have had it towed 10 miles to the Ford dealer rather than a few blocks to the Firestone. As we did not know what was wrong with the car, we reasonably chose the Firestone as the best option, since it was only a few blocks away. Ford replaced the computer chips under the recall, but we have still paid over $600 out of pocket due to this incident that Ford refuses to pay us. The Ford dealership also took the battery when we requested the refund, and has not returned to us the battery.

NHTSA ODI 11697990

I took my vehicle into my local ford dealership to get three active recalls remedied. Within 24 hours, my check engine light reappeared as well as "service engine soon" on my way into work. Upon leaving work, the dash lights were gone. They would come and go periodically. After about a week, it would pop up "service engine soon" and within ten minutes, regardless of speed, the RPMs would fly all the way up and the vehicle would act as if I took my foot off of the gas, almost immediately stopping on the highway. I would have to almost immediately pull off of the road and my vehicle would stall, flashing "shift system failure" as well as failing to let me put the vehicle into park or any other gear. Taking it into the shop, they told me that was due to a software bug WHICH THEY JUST "FIXED" with a recall update. They also proceeded to tell me there is metal debris in my oil and I need my transmission rebuilt, quoting me $13,000.

NHTSA ODI 11696088

On 7/22/2025 Luther Ford, When asked to drive the vehicle into the service area, the car would not go in to drive. It would not move at all. The service advisor stated we need to have the transmission taken out and taken apart to see what the issue is. He said that the transmission was needing to be replaced, and with the transmission, it is mostly because of an issue with the motor as well, but this cannot be diagnosed until the transmission issue is corrected. The vehicle is still at Luther Ford in Fargo waiting on repair. Ford offered limited financial assistance for this. With myself still owing $5758.38. There have been multiple times that I have requested the dealership drive the vehicle because of the vehicle shifting hard or cutting out when stepping on the gas. On 3/3/2023 20,991 miles I had taken the vehicle in to RM Stoudt in Jamestown, ND because the car was shifting hard, and was cutting out while in low gear/speeds. I do have documentation of this. Nothing was done at this time by the dealership. 10/3/2024 46,277 miles I had the bronco into Devils Lake Cars for an issue with the CV Shaft and warranty work. I also asked them to drive the vehicle because it is STILL not driving correctly and is not shifting correctly and wanted it to be corrected before warranty was up. Nothing was done at the dealership. Before 60,000 I called Devils Lake Cars. I stated that the vehicle is still having issues. I was not going to be able to get to the dealership as I live in a remote area, until after it goes over the 5/27/25 62,354 miles I finally got an appointment and the vehicle in at Devils Lake Cars, they documented thatthey drove the vehicle and there were NO issues. I requested the next time that we are in, that we ride with the service agent so we can prove the issues we are constantly having. 7/22/25 2500 miles later, the car is no longer able to even be put into drive and this brings us to the current situation and the transmission is needing to be replaced

NHTSA ODI 11696176

Keeps cutting off and my screen aswell.

NHTSA ODI 11694512

My 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend 1.5L EcoBoost (VIN: [XXX] ) suffered a turbocharger failure due to oil leakage, which caused overheating and smoke from the engine bay. The vehicle became unsafe to drive due to loss of power and risk of fire from leaking oil near hot engine components. I’ve found numerous reports online of similar failures in other 2021–2022 Bronco Sport 1.5L models, suggesting a possible design or component defect. This issue poses a serious safety concern, as the engine can overheat or lose power suddenly while driving, increasing the risk of crash or fire. Please investigate this matter to determine if a recall or safety campaign should be initiated to address recurring turbocharger and oil leak failures in these vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11693568

The contact owned a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. After pulling to the side of the road, the contact noticed that the engine compartment had caught fire. The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department. A fire report was filed, but a fire report number was not provided. The cause of the fire had not yet been determined. A police report was not filed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.

NHTSA ODI 11693691

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that on several occasions while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start-up with several unknown warning lights illuminated and flickering. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel injector and catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed that parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,200.

NHTSA ODI 11690772

I own a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport that has had repeated premature failures of critical components. At ~52,000 miles the water pump failed and was replaced along with coolant and belts. Less than 21,000 miles later (at ~73,000 miles) the water pump has failed again, with coolant leakage and a burning coolant smell. Ford has issued TSB 23-2104 acknowledging coolant leaks at the water pump/hose connection, yet no recall or extended coverage has been offered. This is not the only issue. My alternator has also failed twice and required multiple replacements in under 4 years of ownership. Having two major components (water pump and alternator) fail repeatedly within such a short period clearly shows a systemic defect, not normal wear and tear. Safety risks: coolant leaks can drip or vaporize onto hot engine components, creating a fire hazard. Alternator failure risks sudden loss of power and stalling in traffic. Both are unacceptable in a vehicle this new. The dealership confirmed the latest water pump diagnosis and quoted over $1,000 in labor alone, placing an unreasonable financial burden on the owner. This is the second water pump and second alternator within 73,000 miles. Ford and its dealers know this is an ongoing issue in Bronco Sports, as confirmed by widespread owner reports and TSBs, but continue to deny responsibility. A recall or customer satisfaction program should be issued to address these repeated failures.

NHTSA ODI 11690595

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to shift into the intended gear. The vehicle only operated in low gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,200.

NHTSA ODI 11689402

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power, with several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that a software update was required; however, soon after the software update, the vehicle stalled while leaving the dealer. The contact was informed that the failure was attributed to the software update. The contact stated that 48 hours after the software update was performed, while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over, and the vehicle restarted after several attempts, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed; however, the contact was advised that further diagnostic tests were needed to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.

NHTSA ODI 11689131

Car was put into drive and wouldn’t go. It would finally go but Everytime the engine changed gears it dropped to 0 rpm’s making it very dangerous to drive!!! Lots of lights came on and my app sent me two things wrong with it. After having it checked the codes said it was a valve body issue. Replacing the transmission is $4000, and I’m not the first with this problem a friend of mine had the same issue a couple weekend before me.Had two mechanics one of which was from the dealership tell me this was happening a lot! It’s very dangerous especially when you have kids in the car like I did and are having to stop at red lights and such. There were no issues or lights to show warning of this happening either.

NHTSA ODI 11684257

Transmission shudders at low speeds (around 25-40 mph) when accelerating. This happens when shifting around 2nd gear something’s between 2nd and 3rd. Many online forums report the same issue in similar model vehicles and year when vehicle is just outside of warranty period issue occurred out of nowhere and happens consistently.

NHTSA ODI 11683230

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated while her husband was driving 15 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the engine. The driver was able to pull into a parking lot and noticed white smoke coming from the engine while awaiting tow truck assistance. A local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified on the failure and was waiting to make a decision on what assistance to provide. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11681626

My car is only 4 years old and is now in need of a brand new transmission. The power train lights are on, the emissions lights stay on, it shuts off after getting gas and won’t restart. I’ve been to the Ford dealer to fix “recalls” and was told there was no fix for it yet and that the noises I was hearing and the problems I was having was all fine and that there should be no long term issues with my car. Now, a few months later my car is back at the dealership in need of a whole new transmission. I am so sick of the issues and constant battles with this car and being told it’s fine and to wait for a call for the update to be ready. I am now out of a vehicle and I haven’t even owned it a year yet.

NHTSA ODI 11679804

Since I have bought this used vehicle in September 2024, it has been shutting off completely with having to restart the engine. There was a recall for the battery in January 2025 that was finally approved to be replaced maybe in May or so. Battery was replaced but it keeps shutting off. I just took it in July 7 for the fuel pump to be replaced as they said that was the final cause. I drove it home the same day when it was finished and it has been shutting off still. It has shut off while I have been at the light, in reverse and as well as putting my vehicle into reverse by itself which could cause an accident. This situation has since be unresolved. I have taken it to the ford dealership with them many times with them saying there is nothing wrong with it.

NHTSA ODI 11673205

Vehicle: 2021 Ford Bronco VIN: [XXX] Mileage: Approximately 88,000 miles Complaint: I am reporting major safety and drivability concerns with my 2021 Ford Bronco, which is currently undrivable and in the shop at Ron DuPrat Ford in Dixon, California. Despite experiencing issues nearly identical to those covered under existing recalls, my vehicle’s VIN is not currently included. While driving on the freeway, the vehicle suddenly malfunctioned. Without warning, it dropped into first gear at high speed, causing a rapid and unexpected deceleration. This could have easily resulted in a serious accident or even death — not only for my family but for others on the road. This is a major safety issue. After pulling off the road, the vehicle would no longer go into reverse and became completely undrivable. I also received multiple dashboard alerts, including: “An electrical fault has occurred with the transmission fluid pressure sensor circuit and its associated wiring.” “Powertrain Malfunction / Reduced Power” “A Powertrain or All Wheel Drive (AWD)/Four Wheel Drive (4WD) fault has been detected.” This is our main family vehicle, used daily for commuting and travel. I am still making payments on it, and the fact that it has become unsafe and unusable at this mileage is unacceptable. If this vehicle was not built for long-term use or daily driving, that should be clearly stated not discovered through dangerous failures like this. I no longer feel safe transporting my children in this car. I strongly urge the NHTSA to investigate whether the current recall coverage should be expanded to include additional VINs like mine. This appears to be a serious safety defect that poses a risk to drivers and passengers and requires immediate attention. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11669024

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the instrument panel malfunctioned, with the message "Pull Over and Restart the Engine" displayed. The battery was replaced, and failure was resolved. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that later while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started jerking while changing gear. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle later experienced a failure while attempting to accelerate, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI 11664809

I have attached a letter that I mailed to Ford Consumer Affairs detailing the issues with this vehicle and asking them to repair the transmission. I received a response letter from them yesterday denying my claim. I am seeking advice on how I can proceed with Ford, if at all, to try to get them to fix this issue that was clearly caused by multiple recalls. I am not the only consumer reporting the exact same problem with this vehicle. Thank You, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11662543

I took my 21 Bronco Sport Big Bend in to have a different recall fixed and also have an oil change performed. I told the service technician that my coolant level was always low but I could not find any leaks under the vehicle. The service department called me and told me that there was coolant leaking into the cylinders of my engine and I needed the long block replaced. There was no indicator light for the low coolant or any type of engine light that would alert me of an issue. I eventually got a call that they had received parts for my engine replacement. The service technician told me that they are seeing a lot of Bronco Sports have this issue, but I never received a recall notice nor can I find an open recall online for this issue. I believe my family and I were put at risk due to this issue because of the potential for engine failure or damage.

NHTSA ODI 11660143

Husbands Ford Bronco sport has had a constant smell of exhaust that fills the interior of the vehicle since purchased. Dealer said there was a “recall and fixed the problem”. It only lasted 2 days until it began again. My husband gets lightheaded and dizzy while driving and has to stop and roll his windows down. He almost passed out while driving home with our children. Dealership says “this is a common problem and Ford doesn’t have enough parts at the moment to fix it and it will be around 2-3 months until they do.” Also, the car has suddenly stopped while driving or won’t start back up. It has to sit for a day or so and then it will start. Tried replacing the battery and it didn’t work. We’ve had to leave it sitting in random parking lots several times.

NHTSA ODI 11658082

The water pump has been replaced twice already and the water pump needs to be replaced again at 105,000 miles. This will be the fourth water pump this vehicle has. The originally came with, two replacements, and now the one that it needs because it is leaking like the previous three. The turbo charger failed and was burning oil. That was replaced. A month later it is back at the dealership being replaced again

NHTSA ODI 11655021

My car has left me in the middle of the road twice in 2 weeks . I am scared and nervous can’t understand what’s going on , I am with my kids and no one to help . Every light comes on and off and it won’t start , the first time my ex husband jumped it with his jumping cables and it came right back to life , but this second time , we jumped it for about 5 times and nothing . Towing truck came in the night the day after it happened and he jumped it and it started, drove my car really carefully back home and now I’m scared to use my car because I’m afraid it’ll leave me in the middle of the highway or what’s worse it can cause an accident and my kids inside . I couldn’t even imagine how devastating that would be. Please help me to find a solution for this matter _ Sincerely, A mom with 3 kids driving to her job and kids sports every day and she needs a reliable car .

NHTSA ODI 11653099

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power inadvertently. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was able to restart and operated as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V019000 (Electrical System); which included the VIN; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 49,000.

NHTSA ODI 11652508

I was unaware of any previous recalls before I purchased my Bronco Sport used. There is an active recall that has no remedy for the battery. I am actively having issues with my fuel system. It was inspected more than once. Diagnostics returned zero issues 3 times and no warning lights. I insisted further inspection this time which revealed bad purge valve, charcoal canister full of fuel, coolant leak resulting in water pump replacement needed. No warning lights. No codes, active or stored. Due to the absence of codes, they will not replace my fuel injectors per customer satisfaction program 22N18. Was not ever informed that recalls 22S73, 22S21, and 21C31 were either inspected or completed on my vehicle as it was not ever disclosed to me and the Ford website only state "scheduled maintenance" was performed. I still cannot obtain documentation of those previous service records so that I may be informed on what could have led to the current issues I am having with this vehicle. I have 3 kids I drive around and do not feel safe putting them in it anymore due to official documents issued by Ford that state my car could either lose power in the middle of driving it, or catch on fire due to a cracked fuel injector.

NHTSA ODI 11648129

MY VEHICLE IS 4 YEARS OLD AND HAVE HAD 6 RECALLS ! THIS IS NOT A SAFE VEHICLE AND I WANT MY MONEY BACK.

NHTSA ODI 11641821