2021 Ford Bronco Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 6, 2026 · 230 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Bronco years
Far more complaints than other years 2nd of 11 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 230 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Bronco. That ranks 2nd out of 11 Bronco model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine (69 complaints, 30%), typically at around 6,000 miles. Complaints mention 6 crashes, 3 fires, 7 injuries. There are 20 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 4 defect investigations involving it.

Ford Bronco
Ford Bronco (6th generation) in Stuttgart. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2021 Ford Bronco problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Engine69 · ~6,000 mi
Electrical System29 · ~28,000 mi
Unknown or Other28
Suspension24 · ~40,000 mi
Back Over Prevention23 · ~6,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion System23
Service Brakes19 · ~40,000 mi
Visibility/wiper14 · ~18,822 mi
Lane Departure11 · ~68,000 mi
Structure11 · ~31,500 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine problems6930%6,000“dropped valve” (9%)—
Electrical System2913%28,000——
Unknown or Other2812%———
Suspension2410%40,000——
Back Over Prevention2310%6,000——
Fuel/propulsion System2310%———
Service Brakes198%40,000——
Visibility/wiper146%18,822——
Lane Departure115%68,000——
Structure115%31,500——
Power Train94%12,500——
Air Bags73%55,100——
Forward Collision Avoidance73%———
Fuel System, Gasoline73%40,000——
Engine and Engine Cooling52%40,000——
Vehicle Speed Control52%68,000——
Exterior Lighting31%22,000——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic31%20,553——
Steering31%———
Visibility31%7,337——
Seats21%———
Seat Belts10%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2022, with 77 complaints
2021: 7202172022: 772022772023: 272023272024: 222024222025: 602025602026: 37202637

n = 230 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2021 Ford Bronco recalls (20)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Engine; electrical system:wiring:front underhoodJul 20, 2026 · NHTSA campaign 26V468000 · 565,691 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Bronco and Bronco Raptor vehicles. The engine compartment wiring harness may become damaged and short circuit.

Risk: A short circuit in the engine compartment can create heat or spark, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will install sheathing over the wiring, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2026 Bronco Raptor notified owners on 7/31/2026. Phase 2 will include 2021-2025 Bronco Raptor vehicle will notify owners on or about 8/14/2026. Phase 3 will include 2021-2026 Bronco will notify owners on or about 9/1/2026. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S55. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 23, 2026.

Structure:body:roof and pillarsMay 12, 2026 · NHTSA campaign 26V299000 · 16,200 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles. The 3-door and 5-door Molded-In-Color (MIC) hardtop roof panels may have been manufactured improperly, which can allow sections of the outer roof panel to separate and detach from the vehicle.

Risk: A detached section of roof can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the hard top as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed May 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S32. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 12, 2026.

Power train:automatic transmissionApr 14, 2026 · NHTSA campaign 26V236000 · 4,922 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Bronco vehicles. The transmission to transfer case joint may be misaligned due to an incorrectly performed previous repair, which could lead to wear of the transmission output shaft splines and transfer case input splines.

Risk: Excessive wear of the transmission and transfer case splines may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the transmission to transfer case joint and replace the transmission and transfer case as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S26. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 15, 2026.

Back over prevention:softwareMar 3, 2026 · NHTSA campaign 26V124000 · 849,310 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Ford Bronco and 2021-2024 Ford Edge vehicles. The Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) may overheat and shutdown, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended.

Risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: The APIM software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S09. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.

Back over prevention: sensing system: cameraDec 18, 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V888000 · 35 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYNC infotainment screens that were previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V165. The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealer will update the SYNC module software ,free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 28, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C72. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 30, 2026.

Seats:critical fastenersOct 23, 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V721000 · 163,256 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles. The front seats may have a loose or dislodged seat frame height-adjust pivot bolt.

Risk: A seat with a dislodged bolt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the pivot links and bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB5. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 28, 2025.

Equipment:electrical:engine block heaterOct 10, 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V685000 · 59,006 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpJul 7, 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V455000 · 850,318 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.

Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.

Back over prevention: sensing system: cameraMay 9, 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V312000 · 12,219 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYNC infotainment screens that were repaired incorrectly under recall 22V-825. The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update SYNC module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C14.

Back over prevention:softwareMay 9, 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V315000 · 1,076,138 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.

Risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.

Suspension:rear:shock absorberJan 17, 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V025000 · 149,449 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco vehicles. The rear shock absorbers may corrode and fail, resulting in detachment of the external reservoir.

Risk: An external reservoir that detaches from a vehicle can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the rear shock absorbers, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S01.

Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanicalAug 23, 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V635000 · 90,736 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.

Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.

Back over prevention: sensing system: cameraAug 25, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V598000 · 177,402 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator, 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator, 2022-2023 Ford Transit, and 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles. The rearview camera, or 360-degree view camera if equipped, may not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.

Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, and update the software and wiring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023 to Lincoln owners. Ford vehicle owners notification letters were mailed March 4, 2024. Ford remedy parts are anticipated 2nd Quarter 2024. Ford's number for this recall is 23S48.

Seat belts:critical fastenersMay 18, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V358000 · 175,550 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles built with the 5-Door body style. The first-row seat belt latch plates may be difficult to access from their stowed position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: Difficulty accessing the seat belt latches may result in occupants not wearing their seat belts, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will add a sliding clip latch stop to the driver and front passenger seat belts, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 14, 2023. Owner letters informing owners that parts are available were mailed on October 2, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C16.

Back over prevention: sensing system: cameraMar 10, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V165000 · 1,651 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYNC infotainment screens that were previously remedied under recall 22V-825. The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: The SYNC module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C05.

Air bags:sensor:side impactDec 14, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V928000 · 1,226 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles. The right or left side impact sensors may not be properly secured to the vehicle.

Risk: An improperly secured side impact sensor may cause the air bags to unintentionally deploy, or not to deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the side impact sensor attachments and repair, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S77.

Back over prevention: sensing system: cameraNov 3, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V825000 · 47,046 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with rearview camera systems and 8-inch screen displays. The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: The SYNC module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 25, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C27.

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:lockJun 10, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V411000 · 53,103 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain four-door 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles. The passenger-side rear door may be opened from inside of the vehicle when the child safety lock is in the "ON" position.

Risk: A malfunctioning child safety lock increases the risk of injury to a child occupant.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the passenger-side child safety locks door child safety lock and latch, and replace them, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 28, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S44.

Forward collision avoidance: sensing system: radar; forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency brakingDec 16, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V982000 · 839 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.

Risk: A misaligned radar module may prevent the vehicle from maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles when adaptive cruise control is active. In addition, the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system may react slowly, or not react at all, during a pre-collision assist braking event. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will adjust the angle of the cruise control radar module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S52.

Air bags:frontalOct 1, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V770000 · 553 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco vehicles. During passenger air bag deployment, an air bag vent could open prematurely and result in an improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: Improper air bag deployment increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the passenger air bag, free of charge. An interim owner notification letter was mailed on November 24, 2021. A second notice announcing the remedy is available was sent on July 8, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C23.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Low-pressure fuel pump failure (PE24019) — opened Jul 29, 2024, closed Sep 19, 2025, led to recall 25V455.
  • Loss of Motive Power (EA23002) — opened Sep 29, 2023, closed Oct 31, 2024, led to recall 24V635.
  • Loss of motive power due to valve intake failure on Ford Bronco vehicles. (PE22007) — opened Jul 22, 2022, closed Oct 2, 2023.
  • Loss of Motive Power (DP22001) — opened May 27, 2022, closed Jul 28, 2022.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

My car would not start. Turns out it was the fuel pump/filter low pressure recall issue. It was towed to the dealership and has been there since without a remedy from Ford, despite the recall being released over a year ago. Absolutely ridiculous that my vehicle is being held hostage because the…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Oct 6, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11769227

I am concerned about the hard top for my Bronco. There are cracks showing above the furthest back window on the passenger side, and above the same window on the driver's side. And when it rains, it leaks in the very back, causing the carpet to get wet under the rubber mat and smell like mildew. I…

Structure · received Sep 24, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11766598

The engine block may develop a coolant leak which could cause a short circuit while the engine block heater system is plugged in - increasing the risk of an underhood fire

Engine · received Sep 22, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11766130

Loss of fuel pressure from fuel pump failure

Fuel/propulsion System · received Sep 22, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11766132

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated…

Fuel System, Gasoline · received Sep 21, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11765821

Other Ford Bronco years

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Bronco?

Owners most often report engine, electrical system, unknown or other problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 69 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2021 Ford Bronco?

Yes, 20 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2021 Ford Bronco a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Bronco model years, the 2021 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.