NHTSA lists 16 safety recalls and 709 owner complaints for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. Most complaints involve electrical system (212) and power train (189). The EPA rates it 23–26 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Bronco Sport and 2022-2026 Maverick vehicles. The front lower control arm ball joints may have been incorrectly installed or incorrectly repaired at the vehicle assembly plant, allowing the control arm to disconnect from the front wheel knuckle.
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 46,427, and at the time of the vehicle registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 74,310.”
“The Bronco Sport was put into drive and would not go like normal, it slowly picked up speed, but every shift between gears was felt. The vehicle drove fine once it hit 55mph. Vehicle was shut off and then would not engage into drive. The drive icon was flashing. The dealer was able to confirm the problem. There were zero warning messages or symptoms prior to the problem. The vehicle had been serviced two months prior and the transmission was functioning in the green according to the dealer.”
“Continue to have major safety concerns over this car. Had new issue of car not starting after refueling. Brought it in to dealership on Friday 9/25 and check engine light indicated EVAP problem code. Dealership at first refused to evaluate EVAP telling me was not related. Then then found a clogged hose but did not repair the EVAP and on 09/28 my check engine light came back on again. I called dealership and ford corporate still with no plan as they say they will not cover repair or rental. This is in light of having had the car turn off spontaneously while driving as recent as December. I am very concerned this may be linked to fuel injector recall which has no remedy and do not feel safe driving this car.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronco Sport 4WD Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 28 | 26 | $2,450 | 342 |
| Bronco Sport 4WD Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,800 | 387 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
16 safety recalls as of Oct 27, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 709 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (212), power train (189), engine (152). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport at 23–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport 5 out of 5 stars overall.