Home · 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Later Release · Complaints

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

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (664)Crash / fire / injury (32)Electrical system (203)Transmission & drivetrain (171)Engine (139)Brakes (124)Fuel system (106)Visibility & wipers (26)Engine & cooling (23)Suspension (21)Driver assistance (14)Steering (14)

203 of 664 complaints match · Electrical system · clear filters · page 1 of 9

Jun 10, 2026Electrical systemEngineFuel system

Purchased a Ford Bronco Sport brand new in 2021. I received a recall notice for my bronco sport last July. I took my vehicle to the Ford dealership and they told me there was no remedy available. The recall states that my vehicle could catch on fire and crash at any time while I’m driving it. Ford still does not have a remedy almost a year later and they don’t know when they will have one. They don’t have parts even though my VIN number is affected. Ford expects me to risk my life and the life of my passengers, who happen to be my grandsons, by driving this vehicle on a daily basis. At any time, my car can catch on fire because of the fuel injector recall. I filed a claim with the Ford buyback program, but was denied because my vehicle warranty has expired. The recall didn’t even come out until after my warranty had expired. Recall info: Campaign 25S76/25V467

NHTSA ODI 11743285

Apr 30, 2026Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

There has been a NHTSA recall for AWD module on 2021 and some newer Bronco sports. The letter in reference to this problem dates 4/9/2021 to include only certain VIN at the time based on manufacturing sites. I feel there has been an underestimation of vehicles/parts affected on this recall based on the fact that it included very limited vehicles only 4 month into production. There have been several more known to be experiencing this same exact issues as evidenced by many reviews online by bronco sport owners experiencing the same problem. Specifically detailing the triggering of same codes (mentioned in this letter) leading to faulty AWD module diagnosis and replacement at the owners cost. I have reached out to Ford North America to file a claim and have been told my VIN is not included, without even comparing with specific part serial number. In addition, I have found the part #LX6Z-7P238-AANP as replacement referred in the letter has now recently been replaced with a newer more expensive version with a different name and part number M1PZ*7P238*C. I also find it significant that the old part is still for sale at a now discounted price on ford OEM website as of today. I believe this indicates there are known problems with this original part causing need for an updated replacement. Given this evidence l, I feel it is only fair that Ford acknowledges vehicles with the same problem/part are experiencing these issues and be willing to extend the recall. I have reached out to North American Ford and have a claim #Cxh-07823745-c2n6y4. In hopes that they will do what’s right for this customer and replace at no charge, aware that it is defective. My vehicle is currently at the dealership and I am hoping for a fair resolution. Thank you for your time and attention.

NHTSA ODI 11734924

Apr 23, 2026Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine

On December 13, 2025, we drove to Flagstaff, Arizona from Tucson, Arizona, where we live. As we came into town, the Bronco began to lurch and seemed to have difficulty shifting. I managed to make it to the Babbitt Ford service center’s parking lot, where it seized and died altogether. It stayed at Babbitt Ford where they worked on it until February 3, 2026. They replaced the transmission at great expense. On Feburary 3, we drove it home to Tucson. The next day, February 4, it died in the road twice, once in a major intersection. The first time it eventually resarted. The second time it died completely and required a special tow truck because we couldn't even get it into neutral to roll. It was towed to Holmes Tuttle Ford where they kept it for a week but were able to eventually restart it. They had it for 5 days, ran a diagnostic and reset the system. They drove it for over 80 miles and couldn’t recreate the problem. Then on February 25, I drove to Phoenix. While in Phoenix, it again inextricably had trouble shifting, died and wouldn’t start. I then had it towed to Camelback Ford. On March 6, Camelback Ford called and said they ran numerous tests and still can’t pinpoint the problem and the vehicle still won’t start or shift into neutral.

NHTSA ODI 11733302

Apr 15, 2026Electrical system

I brought my car in for an emissions state inspection, I was than told the machine wouldn’t connect to my car and the reasoning being was that the gateway module needed to be reprogrammed. I was aware ford had this issue so I was prepared with paperwork from the customer satisfaction program that states any bronco manufactured at the Hermosillo plant between the dates of February 2020 and October of 2021 was covered under a customer satisfaction program 22N15 to repair the gateway module one time regardless of mileage or years on the vehicle. At first I was lied to and told my car wasn’t manufactured at the Hermosillo factory but upon further investigation with another repair shop simply by verifying my vin number it certainly was manufactured their on the date of September 9th 2021. I explained all this to ford of sayville and ford corporation, but they both denied my claim without any reasoning other than its not part of your vin….I asked could you tell me why and never got an answer besides we aren’t covering the repair. My vehicle meets all the criteria for the known problem that ford distributed this vehicle with, I was forced to pay the $260 for a repair that should be covered by ford plain and simple. I ask that you can please help me resolve this matter and maybe help any future scammed consumers from dealing with the lies of ford. Thank you

NHTSA ODI 11731287

Apr 9, 2026Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

My 2021 ford bronco sport had a very dangerous issue on April 4th 2026. Nearly run over by a huge semi. Traveling at 70 miles per hour on I- 5 my vehicle had a sudden loss of power and wrench light went on, no prior signs. Semi traveling behind me nearly crashed into semi in the next lane as he slammed on his brakes and veered to the left to avoid running me over. Caused a big problem with the transmission .. Ford dealership now has car. Corning ford, Ca Unsafe to ever drive again with no remedy to fix this deadly problem. Recall 25s76 Powertrain control module. Third time this vehicle had a reset for this recall issue.

NHTSA ODI 11730190

Apr 8, 2026Electrical systemEngine

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the infotainment screen went black or displayed a half-operating screen. An unknown warning light was illuminated with the message "Attention Needed - Service Engine Soon" displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and it was determined that Part Number: BE52 needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer where it was diagnosed, and determined that an unknown part needed to be replaced after retrieving DTC: P0496. The vehicle was not repaired. While the vehicle was parked, the vehicle hesitated while starting. The vehicle was taken to another dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the battery charge was lower than 40 percent but did not need to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to another dealer where it was determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but within 24 hours there was an unknown warning light illuminated with an audible chime. The contact believed that the failure was associated with the body control module (BCM). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

NHTSA ODI 11729950

Apr 7, 2026Electrical systemDriver assistance

I purchased the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport in August of 2025. There were issues after about a week with all kinds of messages of components not working cycling through constantly on the display. The electric brake would engage on its own while parked and had to be shut off before I could go forwards after starting the vehicle. I took it to the dealership where I bought it and after a few days they said it was a batter issue and replaced it at no cost to me. It worked okay for a short time and then I had the same issues and now added to those were it wouldn't start for at least 15 minutes and several tries. Cruise Control could not be used and the turn signals would not work while all of the messages were displaying. The windshield wipers would only work at the highest setting and the rear wipers would not work at all. I took it to another Ford Dealership and they said it was an electrical wiring issue that they found. The High Speed Cam wiring is what they found a break in and they fixed it and cleared the codes. I paid 450 for this repair. Just 4 days later the issues have returned. Messages about components not working, this time the right turn signal would not shut off. I am concerned about the safety issues while driving with my turn signal stuck on. I called the same Ford dealership and they can get it in on Friday so that I can have a loaner car. I just don't feel safe driving the Bronco. I don't have the money to loose on trying to trade it in with these issue. Help!!!!

NHTSA ODI 11729602

Mar 24, 2026Electrical systemFuel system

Something is happening when I get gas, the vehicle has trouble starting. It often times feels like it's going to die when it idles. Electrical issues have started to occur where I cant switch off the air or my lights wont turn off.

NHTSA ODI 11726646

Mar 22, 2026Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine

My car has been stalling at stops and I am unable to fill my car as it will not start so I have to put increments of 10-15.00 at a time they have told me now for over three months that parts were on back order and the recall that can catch my entire car on fire while driving cannot be fixed as their is no fix for it. Multiple issues continue to pile on when the vehicle isn’t even 5 years old

NHTSA ODI 11726118

Mar 21, 2026Electrical system

Component failure is the radio not coming on, reading audio off, no matter pressing audio on. Component failure is the radio loading and never comes on. Issue with AIPM communication issues with radio. Screen sometimes doesn’t come on or locks up. Major issue. Dealership worked on it but having issues figuring it out. Similar to recent recall for 2021 ford bronco but it doesn’t include the sport.

NHTSA ODI 11726054

Feb 26, 2026Engine & coolingFuel systemElectrical systemFire

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 60 MPH and entering the base at 15 MPH, the overheating message was displayed. The driver pulled over, and the light turned off. After exiting the vehicle, he noticed the vehicle had caught fire. The driver disconnected the battery. There were no reported injuries. Another driver stopped with a fire extinguisher to assist with putting out the fire. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was contacted, who initially was sending an inspector but changed to viewing the photos. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11720708

Jan 29, 2026Electrical systemBrakesEngine

Since my car hit 40000 miles it has had nothing but issues. I've had it in the shop at least 10 times. My brakes went out while driving with my [XXX] old, I've had loss of power, smell of exhaust in the cabin for the last 3 months and dealership says it can't be fixed, yesterday I had complete engine failure while on the freeway. Stalled and wouldn't start back up for 5 min. The dealership has never fully fixed anything but has only updated the computer system. I feel very unsafe in this vehicle. We still owe on this vehicle so trading it in is not an option since its not even worth the down payment I put down. It has a fuel injector recall that can't be fixed yet due to not having the parts available. What are we suppose to do if we can't drive the vehicle and can't buy a new one. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11714165

Jan 24, 2026Electrical systemEngineFire

Car check engine light came on, I came home parked the car, in about 5 minutes the cars embarked in flames, the car burned down to the ground. The safety of my entire home (flames caught onto house) and neighbors home was at risk. The burning car was inspected by Fire Chief of Christiana Fire Company

NHTSA ODI 11713086

Jan 13, 2026Electrical systemAirbagsSeat belts

Rear Belt Monitor Fault continues to be an issue. We received this warning light and supposedly had this repaired in October of 2024. The dealership replaced the rear seat belt buckle and reset the codes. This worked for a while but now is happening again. Additionally, we are receiving an airbag warning related to the rear belt monitor. When driving even short distances the warning light appears on screen maybe 5 or 6 times. If a seat belt is disconnected there is no audible warning alert or light to let the driver know that it is not in use. I believe this may be a faulty restraint control module rather than an actual seat belt issue. This is definitely a safety issue regarding restraints and airbags. I've heard of this issue in several Bronco sports, and Mavericks.

NHTSA ODI 11710599

Dec 30, 2025Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V019000 (Electrical System) and 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the passenger-side of the vehicle, and the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that approximately a minute later, the vehicle restarted independently. The contact stated that upon shifting to drive(D) and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact shifted to reverse(R), and the vehicle accelerated forward unintendedly. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact test-drove the vehicle in a parking lot, and the failure persisted. The contact stated that while the hand brake was off, the brakes failed to function and seized. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where the contact test-drove the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as intended. However, the contact was concerned about the failure, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the recall repair of the 12-volt battery was completed, and the PCM software update were performed. Additionally, the contact was informed that the DTC codes found indicated that the transmission had failed. The transmission was not repaired due to cost. The contact picked up the vehicle and drove the vehicle back to the residence with no issues. The contact stated that the battery failed to function as intended, and the vehicle failed to start two days later . The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle on a separate occasion, the message "Parking Not Available" was displayed. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle briefly lost motive power before slamming into gear while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the mechanic shop of the previous owner for inspection most recently. The previous owner repaired the rear differentials; however, the failure persisted. The check engine warning light and the power train warning lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

NHTSA ODI 11707850

Dec 4, 2025Electrical system

The car has been dying repeatedly and then decides to work again, got a new battery and new alternator and it still died. Ford techs had it and drove it for 200 miles and couldn’t replicate the issue. Now less than a month after that the car is completely dead and won’t even start with a jump. We are towing it to ford.

NHTSA ODI 11703086

Nov 28, 2025SteeringBrakesElectrical system

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the message "Faulty Battery and Charging System" flashed on the screen, and the vehicle failed to immediately start. The contact stated that while driving later, several messages, including the messages "Faulty Power Steering" and "Faulty ABS" were displayed, and the vehicle suddenly stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V267000 (Electrical System, Power Train), which the contact related the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 56,000.

NHTSA ODI 11701887

Nov 20, 2025Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

On or about 1/16/2025 I started to have issues battery would get display on the display screen it said to turn off ignition or draw Cato conserve battery and on the ford a] it said all or some options would be disabled to save battery and also the vehicle would shudder upon slow acceleration going forward straightforward I took it to the for inspection and they said it was OK. On 11/19 -2025

NHTSA ODI 11700695

Nov 18, 2025Electrical systemEngine

While driving my 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, I experienced a strong chemical/fume smell entering the cabin, which caused headache and nausea. I later found that the battery installed in the vehicle had vent holes with visible liquid residue indicating leakage. I did not authorize or install this battery — it appears the battery was changed without my knowledge while the vehicle was in a lender’s possession. This created a serious safety concern because the fumes entered the HVAC system and the vehicle became unsafe to operate. I had the vehicle towed to two separate Ford dealerships. Both refused to inspect the HVAC system or provide a proper safety diagnosis. One dealer admitted the battery had “traces of leaking fluid,” but no diagnostic inspection was performed, and they attempted to close the repair order without documenting the safety concern. I was forced to replace the battery out of pocket just to safely drive the vehicle, but the original leaking battery and the exposure incident should still be investigated. My safety was put at risk, and the dealerships refused proper inspection or remediation.

NHTSA ODI 11700017

Nov 6, 2025Electrical systemEngine

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

Oct 28, 2025Electrical systemEngine

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

Oct 22, 2025Electrical system

infotainment screen randomly goes black and/or disconnects from Android Auto.

NHTSA ODI 11695122

Oct 20, 2025Electrical systemEngineBackup camera & sensors

Keeps cutting off and my screen aswell.

NHTSA ODI 11694512

Oct 16, 2025Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

I was driving home from work one day on a Monday and my vehicle had a bunch of warning notifications pop up such as pre collision assist not available, blind spot assist not available, etc as well as a wrench icon popped up and stayed on stating to service 4wd. I stopped driving my vehicle until I could get it serviced. I then took my vehicle to ford to get it diagnosed on Friday of the same week ford stated they would be able to diagnose it for $150 then repair and labor costs would come after. Well they never looked at my vehicle Friday so they told me to bring it back the next Monday I brought it back they said they would diagnose it a few hours later I received a call stating they “think” it’s my AWD module located under the passenger seat but they would not know if that was the problem until they got under the seat and that would cost me an extra $500 for them to inspect it. From research I have been doing they should have been able to tell me if it was exactly that module or not by plugging a J2534 into the main module and using the FDRS application that all ford dealers use. From more research I have been doing this is a very common problem with 2021 ford broncos concerning the AWD module. The faulty AWD module could be caused from a faulty battery which was a recall on my specific vehicle they stated they tested my battery that day but I’m not sure if they actually did because I tested it at home and it was reading low and I just had that battery replaced by ford in March of 2025. As well a faulty AWD module in a 2021 Bronco Sport could be related to a recall, especially the recall for the powertrain control module (NHTSA Campaign 25S26) which can cause AWD system faults. Additionally, there was a separate, earlier recall (Customer Satisfaction Program 21B19) specifically addressing a faulty transistor in the AWD module itself. My car is was not a candidate for this recall but I believe it is apart of it as well as others who are experiencing this problem.

NHTSA ODI 11693737

Sep 30, 2025Electrical system

While driving, the display screen shuts off and both the speedometer and tachometer loose power. The display is off anywhere from 10-30 seconds before it acts like the system is rebooting and the startup screen comes on. Then, after the startup screen has cycled, the display starts working again. This has happened 5 times now in the last week. I have not taken to a dealer yet but am planning on scheduling an appointment as soon as possible. There were no indication prior to the display going blank and it only started recently.

NHTSA ODI 11690565

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Working with the data? Download all 664 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 19, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Later Release verdict →