Problems · NHTSA complaints

2021 Ford Bronco Sport problems

Owners filed 716 complaints about the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport with NHTSA between Apr 2021 and Nov 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (212).

Complaints
716
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
18
Reported by owners
Fires
17
Reported by owners
Injuries
12
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system212
  2. Power train194
  3. Engine153
  4. Service brakes101
  5. Fuel/propulsion system65
  6. Fuel system, gasoline59
  7. Service brakes, hydraulic28
  8. Suspension24
  9. Engine and engine cooling24
  10. Steering16
  11. Forward collision avoidance15
  12. Visibility15
  13. Vehicle speed control13
  14. Visibility/wiper11

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
202130
202278
2023120
2024168
2025193
2026127

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Electrical system

212 reports4 crashes7 fires2 related recalls
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 7, 2026Electrical systemODI 11769642

Power train

194 reports1 crash1 fire2 related recalls
“The vehicle now has 69k miles, it started experiencing transmission difficulties at 64k. Local Ford service department say that it needs a new Rear Differential AND and new transmission. This vehicle has never towed anything has a mix of city and highway driving. The local service guy said that there SHOULD be a recall on this because of all the problems they’re seeing. It has been in the shop for 3 weeks while Ford Customer Care determines what financial assistance they’ll provide.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 5, 2026Power trainODI 11775978

Engine

153 reports3 crashes10 fires
“I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2021 Ford Bronco Sport 1.5L and Ford Motor Company's handling of recall-related repairs. Beginning October 22, 2025, I repeatedly attempted to have the applicable recall work completed through two authorized Ford dealerships. The programs involved include: • Recall 24S24 – NHTSA 24V267000 • Customer Satisfaction Program 22N18 – NHTSA ID 10233848 Despite multiple dealership visits and Multi-Point Inspections, the work was not completed until November 4, 2026. During this period, my vehicle experienced significant loss of engine power, particularly when traveling uphill and at higher elevations. Powertrain warnings also appeared, creating potentially dangerous driving conditions, especially on highways where maintaining speed is critical. The vehicle is now experiencing a failing turbocharger and other major mechanical problems. My concern is that these issues were overlooked or not properly investigated during previous dealership inspections. Had the necessary work and inspections been performed in a timely manner, these problems may have been identified before my 60,000-mile factory warranty expired. I am now facing…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 4, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11775691

Service brakes

101 reports5 crashes1 fire
“Pre-Collision System warning activated unexpectedly. The vehicle then accelerated by itself unexpectedly and the accelerator/throttle was engaged by itself. Breaks were then hard to push and vertically impossible to slow down. At the time, there was no vehicle or obstruction immediately around the vehicle other than a possible box, or small obstruction in the road. Yes the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Due to the unexpected activation of the pre-collision system followed by unexpected acceleration by itself, caused the vehicle to move unexpectedly and resulted in a collision with another vehicle, creating a safety risk to the occupants of both vehicles. No. The problem has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. No. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or any other party. The police did come to the accident and a police report was filed. Yes. The vehicle's Pre-Collision System warning activated unexpectedly immediately prior to the incident. There were no other known warning lamps or messages before the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated by itself…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 16, 2026Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakesCrash reportedODI 11757261

Fuel/propulsion system

65 reports1 crash5 fires
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport equipped with an 8F35 automatic transmission. While driving between 25 and 45 MPH under normal acceleration, the vehicle experienced repeated violent hesitation, jerking, and lunging 4 to 5 times in rapid succession, accompanied by rapid RPM fluctuations between 2,000 and 3,000 RPM. The condition mimics an engine misfire or momentary stall and loss of motive power during acceleration, creating an immediate safety hazard and risk of rear-end collision in active traffic. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Ford dealership (Cronin Ford North) on September 30, 2026. The dealership verified and duplicated the complaint on a road test, monitored PIDs, and officially confirmed that the torque converter clutch (TCC) was slipping. Despite confirming mechanical slip, the dealership stated in writing that there were "no relevant articles," overlooking the published Ford Special Service Message SSM 54797 for 8F35 torque converter shudder below 60 MPH. The dealership recommended replacing the torque converter and main control valve body for over $5,200. When the owner declined due to cost, the vehicle was released back into…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 26, 2026Power train, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11773873

Fuel system, gasoline

59 reports1 crash3 fires4 related recalls
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop and while driving at various speeds, the vehicle intermittently failed to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that fuel was not reaching the engine. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that there was no open recall on the VIN. The vehicle was no longer driven due to the safety issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 26, 2026Fuel system, gasolineODI 11773627
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.