Engine
Free remedy
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.
Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2021 Ford BroncoRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 20 safety recalls and 230 owner complaints for the 2021 Ford Bronco. Most complaints involve engine (69) and electrical system (29). The EPA rates it 17–21 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
17–21mpg
EPA · 10 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
20campaigns
Latest Jul 2026
Owner complaints
230
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$3,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
20 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Structure: roof and pillars
Remedy pending
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.
Power train: automatic transmission
Free remedy
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.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
230 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2021 – Oct 2026
- Engine69
- Electrical system29
- Suspension24
- Fuel/propulsion system23
- Back over prevention23
- Service brakes19
- Visibility/wiper14
- Structure11
- Lane departure11
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 Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
69 reports1 crash
“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”
Electrical system
29 reports1 fire
“While driving, I experienced the brakes beginning to fail, followed shortly by a complete loss of engine power. My 2021 Ford Bronco is subject to recall 25S75 (NHTSA 25V455) for a low pressure fuel pump defect that can cause loss of fuel pressure or flow and engine stall. I was stranded on the side of the interstate in 100 degree heat with my newborn in the vehicle. This was a dangerous situation, not a minor inconvenience. I had the vehicle towed to an AAA Car Care Center in Charlotte, NC, where the fuel pump failure was diagnosed. AAA could not perform a repair because the issue falls under an open safety recall. I contacted the Ford Recall Assistance Center and was told no remedy is currently available for recall 25S75. I also visited Capital Ford Charlotte, who confirmed the same, that no remedy exists yet. With the vehicle inoperable and no repair available anywhere, I paid out of pocket for private transport to move the vehicle to my home in Newnan, GA, since Ford could not confirm coverage for towing to my home dealership. As of August 12, 2026, NHTSA materials still list the remedy for 25S75 as under development. My vehicle remains inoperable with no…”
Suspension
24 reports
“After my Ford dealer applied their recall "fix" on the rear shocks of my 2021 Bronco with Sasquatch package my passenger side rear shock reservoir came off while driving down the freeway. It didn't hit anyone but it was scary never the less.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
10 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 2.3L 4-cyl turbo · 2.7L 6-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S10) · Manual 7-spd
- Drive
- Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronco 4WD Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 22 | 21 | $3,050 | 424 |
| Bronco 4WD Man 7-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 22 | 21 | $3,050 | 426 |
| Bronco 4WD Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 20 | 19 | $3,400 | 462 |
| Bronco Black Diamond 4WD Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 18 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| Bronco Black Diamond 4WD Man 7-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 19 | 18 | $3,550 | 496 |
| Bronco Sasquatch 4WD Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 18 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| Bronco Badlands 4WD Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 18 | 17 | $3,800 | 509 |
| Bronco Badlands 4WD Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 17 | 17 | $3,800 | 513 |
| Bronco Badlands 4WD Man 7-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 18 | 17 | $3,800 | 533 |
| Bronco Sasquatch 4WD Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 17 | 17 | $3,800 | 527 |
- 21mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Ford Bronco as of Oct 28, 2026.
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| 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 |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2021 Bronco questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Bronco have?
20 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 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.
What are the most common 2021 Ford Bronco problems?
Owners filed 230 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (69), electrical system (29), suspension (24). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2021 Ford Bronco get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Ford Bronco at 17–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (10 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026