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

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

While driving with my [XXX] son in the vehicle, the vehicle suddenly shut down completely in the middle of the street at a red light. Nothing was functional and we were unable to move the vehicle out of the street. A tow truck came in 3 hours and towed the vehicle to the dealership. The dealership advised that it was the battery which they replaced. When merging lanes on the interstate with oncoming traffic, the gas accelerator would not accelerate to speed up. I had to step all the way down on it several times until the vehicle was finally able to accelerate. This has also occurred while at a red light and stop sign. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11686526

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that the rear seat belt monitor fault service required message was displayed. The button had to be depressed and reset. The contact received NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.

NHTSA ODI 11685749

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to a State inspection, the State Inspector informed the contact that the gateway module of the vehicle failed to communicate with the inspection equipment, and the vehicle could not be inspected. The State Inspector informed the contact that it was a common failure with the model of the vehicle, and the inspector related the failure to Ford Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 22N15 (Gateway Module Reprogramming for Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Testing). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered. An appointment was scheduled for diagnostic a test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.

NHTSA ODI 11680587

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle for the State inspection, the State inspector informed the contact that the gateway module of the vehicle failed to communicate with the inspection equipment, and the vehicle could not be inspected. The contact stated that the failure had previously occurred. The contact related the failure to Ford Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 22N15 (Gateway Module Reprogramming for Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Testing). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

NHTSA ODI 11680480

My car would not move or go into gear. I was told it was my transmission but the diagnostic said it’s my powertrain control module. The mechanic finally admitted he broke my transmission. My Bronco is still sitting at the service department of the dealership. I have not had my vehicle since June 6, 2025. All I get is still ordering parts! I need a vehicle this is my only source of transportation and now I’m borrowing daily from family members. I don’t understand why they didn’t look into the powertrain from the beginning.

NHTSA ODI 11676317

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power and was shaking abnormally. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the RPM became elevated; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to exit the high and parked in a parking lot. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and became aware that the wrench symbol was displayed. The contact shifted into reverse to exit the parking lot and "Low Power Mode” warning light flashed on the instrument panel. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a dealer at speeds below 30 MPH. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V158000 (Power Train, Electrical System). The contact had replaced the 12-Volt battery prior to the failure because the battery failed to charge. The contact had the alternator checked by a battery shop and the battery was in operational condition. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

NHTSA ODI 11673973

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

My screen suddenly went black and now I have no back-up camera. My VIN is not associated with the recent camera recall, but it probably should be. This car has been reprogrammed several times for various different recalls (6).

NHTSA ODI 11671650

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

I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The vehicle developed an internal AC leak due to a clogged AC drain. This leak caused water accumulation inside the cabin, leading to extensive electrical system failure, including loss of power steering, multiple warning lights, and a dead battery. The vehicle is no longer drivable. Upon researching online, I found that numerous other owners of 2021 Bronco Sports have reported the same clogged AC drain issue resulting in internal leaks and electronic malfunctions. This appears to be a systemic design flaw and should be investigated for safety recall consideration. I am submitting this complaint for documentation and to request that NHTSA review the frequency and severity of this failure, especially given the risk of electrical failure while driving. Component/System Failure: The air conditioning (AC) system drain became clogged, causing water to leak inside the vehicle cabin. This leak led to corrosion, mold/mildew buildup, and multiple electrical system failures, including loss of power steering, a dead battery, and numerous dashboard warning lights. The AC system and the resulting damage are available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The electrical failures caused by the leak created a serious safety hazard. Loss of power steering and critical electrical systems while driving could cause loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of an accident. Additionally, mold growth inside the cabin poses health risks to occupants. Problem Confirmation: The issue has been confirmed by an independent service center that diagnosed the clogged AC drain as the root cause. Other 2021 Ford Bronco Sport owners have reported identical problems, indicating a widespread defect. Inspection by Others: The vehicle has been inspected by independent mechanics and the dealer service department. Ford corporate has been notified but has not acknowledged this as a recall or defect.

NHTSA ODI 11666300

I experienced a full loss of battery power with my 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, which I later learned is related to an open recall (Ford Recall #25S02– related to 12V battery defect). Prior to receiving the recall notice, I paid out of pocket to replace the battery after the vehicle failed to start. I brought the issue to my local Ford dealer. At this point, they removed the battery I had just purchased and installed another without fully explaining the claim process or giving me written confirmation that the claim was filed. I escalated the issue to Ford Corporate, and was told the dealership service manager has approval authority. However, I remain without confirmation of reimbursement and the process has been vague and uncooperative. I also had to track down the battery purchased and installed by Roadside Assistance myself. The recall letter clearly states that customers may be eligible for reimbursement for prior battery replacement due to this defect. This entire experience raises concerns about how seriously Ford and its dealers are handling safety recalls and reimbursement obligations.

NHTSA ODI 11664464

Ford claims they have fixed the recall associated with 25S02/25V019 recall for battery issues that cause power loss with this vehicle. On May 25th 2025 this vehicle experienced the issue outlined in this recall (sudden power loss while stopping or slowing). Ford ( specifically C Harper Ford) advised the recall is not open on this vehicle and will not correct the issue. They also state the recall was inspected on April 30th while this vehicle was there for another recall ( related to the fuel injection system). Clearly the recall was not addressed or corrected due to the incident of power loss on May 25th 2025. I believe that Ford, is purposefully not addressing this problem as required under the recall and places my family in danger of death or serious bodily injury by not completing this required work.

NHTSA ODI 11663345

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently turned off. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed the dealer to have the battery replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V019000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); and the VIN was included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 40,000.

NHTSA ODI 11659035

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

I was driving 70mph on [XXX] in New Jersey when all of a sudden with no prior warning the battery light came on and my vehicle became very hard to control, I felt it shutting down so I immediately pulled to the only shoulder which happened to be on the left. The car shut down and would not start again. A State Trooper said I can not stay on the left shoulder and decided to push my car to the next exit. Since it was an electrical problem my car kept locking up and would not stay in neutral and the steering kept locking as well. I was being pushed on the left shoulder with car speeding past me while my car was locking up which also cause my tires to blow out, I was afraid for my life but the officer continued to push me. This is the second time my vehicle shut down on me leaving me in a dangerous situation, I'm afraid that next time it happens It could cause me to get seriously injured or my life! I had to have it towed to the dealership and I was charged almost $1000 for repairs and 2 weeks later I received a recall letter on this issue for the software. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11658236

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V019000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while his daughter was driving 25 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's daughter was attempting to slow down while coming to a corner and the vehicle suddenly stopped. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power and was unable to shift into gear. The vehicle was taken to a service center and the battery was replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer but was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11656091

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull off the highway but was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not yet repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V019000 (Electrical System). The contact had received the recall notification however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11655398

Ford has a battery that corrodes while driving and can shut off car. This is dangerous. On top of that, they had to extend warranty on drivers seat belt and fuel injector but will only allow those to be replaced once they break. My car is unsafe to drive. Imagine, car shuts off and seat belt breaks. This is dangerous.

NHTSA ODI 11655451

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign number: 25V019000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact stated that after depressing the brake pedal several times, the vehicle was able to come to a stop. The message "Brakes Applied - Acceleration Reduced" was displayed. The contact had experienced the failure approximately 10 times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. 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 issue. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11655477

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V019000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. 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 issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11654436

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V019000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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 dealer was not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the accelerator was pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. The message “Charge System Soon” was displayed. The vehicle stalled and lost power. The contact called Roadside Assistance, and Roadside Assistance jumpstarted the vehicle and the contact was referred to Auto Zone. The contact purchased a battery. The dealer contacted the contact about an unknown recall. The contact informed the service technician that the instrument panel had become inoperable, and the sensors were not activated. The contact then received a notification letter and contacted the dealer and was informed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11654550

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power in the middle of the roadway. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the 12-volt battery. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V019000 (Electrical System); the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11654100

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11653738

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