Problems · by component

2021 Ford Bronco engine problems

69 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Bronco cite engine, 30% of all 230 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
69
30% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 22, 2026EngineODI 11766130
“Fuel pump.has low pressure therefore making vehicle stop running completely. Has happened twice , once while driving on highway. This is extremly dangerous to have your vehicle just come to complete dead stop in middle.of road. FORD has no remedy to fix and now i am without a car I am paying for since it wont start now.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 4, 2026Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11754851
“A Safety Recall was issued on the vehicle with no remedy. The recall was in reference to the Engine Intake Valves and stated; "The engine intake valves may crack and break, which could result in loss of motive power and increase the risk of a crash". It also stated, " Prior to losing motive power, an engine malfunction indicator lamp may illuminate in the cluster and the driver may notice that the vehicle is running rough". This issue was the result of Ford manufacturing using a material that had "hardness issues". This all came out prior to the vehicle reaching the end of its warranty mileage. A test was required on the engine at the dealership at which time, the technician determined there was no need to perform the "recall test" (confirmed by video sent to us). On or around Dec. 17th, while my wife was driving the vehicle and entering a gas station, the check engine light came on, and the vehicle began losing power. She parked and immediately contacted the Ford dealership. They advised her to not drive the vehicle and have it towed to the nearest dealership (She was in Pennsylvania picking up our daughter from college). It was determined by the dealership in…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 18, 2026EngineODI 11718771
“Component or system that failed or malfunctioned: The fuel delivery system, specifically the fuel pump, which is subject to an active safety recall. The recall states that fuel pump failure can result in loss of fuel pressure and flow, leading to engine stall. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How safety was put at risk: A sudden engine stall while driving would result in an immediate loss of propulsion and power, creating a significant risk of collision, particularly at highway speeds or in traffic. This creates a dangerous situation for the driver, passengers, and surrounding vehicles due to the inability to accelerate or maintain speed. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center: The defect has been confirmed by the manufacturer through an official safety recall. At this time, there is no repair remedy available. The vehicle has not yet been repaired due to lack of an available fix. Has the vehicle or component been inspected: The vehicle has not yet been physically inspected for this specific failure because the recall remedy is not available. The defect has been acknowledged by the manufacturer as part of…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 1, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11714757
“Ford has 3 safety recalls on 2021 ford bronco and they have no remedy to fix any of them yet. My car stalled out 3 times now because of the low pressure fuel pump failure recall. I was pulling out into traffic and it stalled out while a car was coming at me. The only solution Ford had was to put old parts in the car which I refused. I asked for a loaner vehicle and they said they don’t have any. Recall warning is going on 6 months. I am at a risk and other people are at a risk having my car on the road, tried lemon law and Ford denied me. Nobody feels safe in my car and someone is going to get seriously hurt if this happens at the wrong time.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 18, 2025Unknown or other, EngineODI 11705997
“Ford has issued a recall (24S55) stating the Intake valves on the ford bronco with engine2.7L and 3.0L will harden and crack or break and loss of power. I had the same issue in my 2021 Ford Bronco with the 2.3L engine while I was driving in the highway I got a check engine light then it started cutting out horribly so I slowed down to pull off the road through a metal gate that was open with a cattle guard and the engine died as I was turning in and loss power steering trying to turn the wheel back in time I didn’t and ended up side swiping the pole and knocking off my side mirror and damaging my front quarter panel along with the front door. No damage to the solid metal pole. But I took my vehicle to the local ford dealership to see what the issue was and at the time they should have gotten the recall and at least put two and two together and let ford know about the issue in the 2.3L also but they didn’t mention anything about the valve being broken but said it had no compression and the spark plug diode was broke off. I’ve never seen a diode and the diodes ground hook break off on its own it’s always been broken off from being hit by something but they said…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 10, 2025EngineCrash reportedODI 11679626

Showing 6 of 69 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

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.

EngineReported Jul 20, 2026NHTSA 26V468000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026

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

Other 2021 Bronco problem areas