Last updated: 2026-04-20

2021 Ford Bronco-Sport
RELIABILITY SCORE: 54/100 (MIXED)

2021 Ford Bronco-Sport Reliability Report

The 2021 Ford Bronco-Sport scores 54/100 ("Mixed"). With 15 recalls and 622 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.

Recalls

15

Complaints

622

Complaint Rate

57.5per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

N/A

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,300–$2,600

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity37/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact50/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity68/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Caution

Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (147)
  • POWER TRAIN (137)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (93)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Redesign Year

2021 is the first model year of the First generation (CX430).

  • First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
  • Redesigned for the 2021 model year.
  • Refreshed in 2022, 2023.
  • 1st generation Bronco-Sport (US).

What this means for buyers

First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.

Compare 2021 pricing and recall counts against 2022+ before deciding.

2021: First generation (CX430) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2023: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2021 Ford Bronco-Sport?

A 54/100 score puts the 2021 Ford Bronco-Sport in the "Mixed" tier. Buyers should approach with eyes open. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.

Complaint volume sits above average at 622 owner complaints alongside 15 recalls. Issues in electrical system (147) tend to be the costly ones.

Treat an extended warranty as non-negotiable and put electrical system (147) at the top of the inspection checklist.

Compared to the 2022 Ford Bronco-Sport, which scored 5 points higher.

Pros

  • +5-star NHTSA crash rating

Cons

  • Below-average reliability score
  • Above-average recall count
  • Above-average complaint rate for SUV
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (147 complaints)
  • 15 fire incidents reported in owner complaints

Compare 2021 Ford Bronco-Sport With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 15 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (147)
  • POWER TRAIN (137)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

15

recalls on record

The 2021 Ford Bronco-Sport has 15 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

57.5

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 17.5

LowAvgHigh
High

Safety Incidents

16

Crashes

15

Fires

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2021 Ford Bronco-Sport Recall Details

15 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Ford Bronco-Sport. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

21V8090002021-10-15

VISIBILITY

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles. The moonroof glass may not have been bonded correctly to the moonroof frame, which could result in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle.

Consequence

A detached glass panel can become a road hazard, and increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the moonroof glass date code and replace the glass, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S46.

21V6250002021-08-10

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles. The fuel delivery module may leak inside the fuel tank, causing low fuel pressure which could result in an engine stall.

Consequence

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. Interim notification letters (remedy not available) were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 14, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S38.

21V0750002021-02-16

SUSPENSION

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles. The rear suspension subframe assembly may have loose or missing bolts.

Consequence

Loose or missing bolts may affect the vehicle's handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash. It could also reduce the vehicle's performance in a rear impact crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear suspension bolts, and secure or replace the bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S04.

Showing 10 of 15 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2021 Ford Bronco-Sport? Check its history first

Every 2021 Ford Bronco-Sport has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2021 Ford Bronco-Sport NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 17.4%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (No)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (None)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Ford Bronco-SportRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

2021 Ford Bronco-Sport Example Repair Prices

National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.

Common repair costs and price estimates
RepairEstimated Cost
Tire & Wheel Assembly Rotate & Balance$110 – $161
Windshield Wiper Arm Replacement$92 – $110
Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir Replacement$198 – $261
Fuel Evaporative Canister Replacement$530 – $581
Intake Manifold Gasket Replacement$388 – $480
Power Seat Switch Replacement$261 – $307
Radiator Replacement$1,629 – $1,925
Suspension Shock or Strut Replacement$872 – $1,021
Exhaust Manifold Gasket Replacement$1,073 – $1,569
Backup Warning System Sensor Replacement$125 – $152

Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

23–26 MPG

Fuel cost: $2,300–$2,600/yr

Fuel only

21–25 city / 26–28 hwy MPG

Based on EPA fuel-cost estimates. Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Bronco Sport 4WD 1.5L 3-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd252826$2,300
Bronco Sport 4WD 2.0L 4-cylPart-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)212623$2,600

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Ford Bronco-Sport.

  • Test transmission for slipping or hard shifting

  • Check for electrical system recalls and verify repairs

  • Inspect water pump and coolant system for leaks

  • Test battery and alternator for proper function

  • Check for exhaust smells inside the cabin

  • Verify rear differential and axle condition

  • Test brakes for responsiveness and unusual noises

2021 Ford Bronco-Sport Common Problems by Component

622 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

147
137
93
78
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (147)POWER TRAIN (137)SERVICE BRAKES (93)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (47)FUEL SYSTEM (46)ENGINE (37)ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (19)SUSPENSION (18)Other (78)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

147 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent electrical system failures in the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, with common issues including complete loss of power, unresponsive infotainment screens, and erratic warning messages. Symptoms typically involve the vehicle stalling or failing to start, screens going black, and malfunctioning turn signals and wipers. Complaints often arise after 40,000 miles or following specific recall-related service visits. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes due to sudden power loss and incidents involving fires. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring electrical issues and the associated risks, particularly concerning vehicle control and safety.

147 complaints total3 crashes6 fires

POWER TRAIN

137 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report that the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport frequently experiences powertrain issues, notably with the transmission and rear drive unit. Common symptoms include stalling, grinding noises, difficulty shifting gears, and unexpected loss of power, often occurring during acceleration or while turning. These issues are often noted around 40,000 to 60,000 miles, with some reports indicating problems as early as 200 miles. Safety implications are evident, as multiple complaints mention loss of control or near-collisions, particularly when the vehicle fails to accelerate or shifts unexpectedly. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and consider the potential for costly repairs and safety risks.

137 complaints total1 fire

SERVICE BRAKES

93 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport frequently report issues with the brakes, particularly when reversing, where a loud, horn-like or moaning noise is heard. Complaints often describe this noise as occurring at low speeds, with some owners noting vibrations or a sticking sensation requiring extra throttle to move the vehicle. These issues are reported across a range of mileages, with some occurring as early as 900 miles and others beyond 40,000 miles. Additionally, a smaller subset of complaints highlights more severe brake malfunctions, such as the brake pedal becoming extremely hard to press, leading to a complete loss of braking power. This latter issue has been linked to at least one crash and one injury, indicating potential safety implications. Buyers should be aware of these reported symptoms and the unresolved nature of these issues in some cases.

93 complaints total2 crashes1 injury
FUEL SYSTEM (46 complaints)

FUEL SYSTEM

46 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport frequently report issues related to fuel system recalls, with complaints often mentioning the unavailability of parts necessary for recall repairs. Symptoms described include check engine lights, vehicle hesitation, and abnormal sounds or smells, with some cases involving engine compartment fires. These issues are commonly reported around mileages of 69,000 to 90,000. Safety implications include reports of fires and a crash, with one injury noted. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring fuel system issues and the potential for delayed recall repairs.

46 complaints total1 crash2 fires1 injury
ENGINE (37 complaints)

ENGINE

37 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport frequently report engine issues, with common complaints involving engine stalling, overheating, and oil leakage. Symptoms often described include sudden loss of power, unexpected engine shutdowns, and visible smoke or flames from the engine compartment. These issues are reported at varying mileage, with some occurring as early as 9,000 miles and others around 100,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, including two incidents involving fires and multiple cases of engine stalls potentially leading to unsafe situations. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, particularly concerning engine reliability and potential safety risks.

37 complaints total2 fires
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (19 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

19 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the engine and engine cooling system in the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, particularly involving water pump failures and coolant reservoir problems. Symptoms commonly described include overheating warnings, loss of motive power, and illuminated check engine lights, with some incidents resulting in fires. These issues typically arise around 30,000 to 80,000 miles. Safety implications are significant as two complaints involve vehicle fires, and others describe stalling and power loss while driving. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns and consider the associated risks and repair costs.

19 complaints total2 fires
SUSPENSION (18 complaints)

SUSPENSION

18 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport frequently report issues with the suspension system, particularly involving rear shocks and CV axles. Symptoms commonly described include loud abnormal noises such as screeching, grinding, or clicking, often occurring while turning or stopping. Several complaints highlight leaking rear shocks and loose CV axles, with failure mileages ranging from approximately 16,000 to 73,000 miles. Some reports also mention rear differential problems leading to wheel lock-up, posing potential safety risks due to loss of vehicle control. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the associated repair needs when considering this vehicle.

18 complaints total
STEERING (14 complaints)

STEERING

14 complaints

Owners report several steering-related issues with the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. Complaints frequently mention shuddering and abnormal noises during turns, with symptoms like vibrations and jerking of the steering wheel. These issues are often reported at mileages ranging from approximately 9,000 to 77,000 miles. Some owners experience complete vehicle shutdowns, leading to loss of steering control, especially at higher speeds, which poses significant safety risks. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and consider the implications of steering malfunctions and vehicle stalling.

14 complaints total
VISIBILITY (13 complaints)

VISIBILITY

13 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport frequently report issues with the vehicle's visibility components, particularly the sunroof and windshield. Several complaints describe the sunroof exploding or making loud noises, often at highway speeds, with no prior impact, occurring around 40,000 to 65,000 miles. Windshield problems are also common, with multiple owners noting spontaneous cracks forming without external impact, sometimes leading to backorder issues for replacements. Additionally, some reports mention the melting of exterior mirror housings due to sunlight exposure. Safety implications include one incident where a shattered rear window caused minor injuries to a passenger, highlighting potential risks associated with these issues.

13 complaints total1 injury
AIR BAGS (6 complaints)

AIR BAGS

6 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report issues with airbag deployment in the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, particularly during crashes. Complaints frequently mention instances where airbags fail to deploy in frontal or side impacts, contributing to injuries such as fractures, whiplash, and bruising. In contrast, some owners mention airbags deploying excessively during minor collisions, leading to total vehicle loss. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, from under 10,000 miles to approximately 65,000 miles. The safety implications include increased injury risk during accidents, with multiple reports of crashes resulting in injuries despite airbag systems not functioning as expected.

6 complaints total6 crashes9 injuries

When Do 2021 Ford Bronco-Sport Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

40,000–75,000 milesTransmission failures
40,000–50,000 milesElectrical system failures
30,000–60,000 milesEngine stalling

Best & Worst Ford Bronco-Sport Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Ford Bronco-Sport Years to Buy

The best Ford Bronco-Sport year is 2025 with a reliability score of 73/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (72/100) and 2023 (67/100).

Ford Bronco-Sport Years to Avoid

The worst Ford Bronco-Sport year is 2021 with a score of 54/100, primarily due to electrical system (147) issues. Also avoid 2022 (59/100).

54
Mixed

2021

(Current Model)

15Recalls
622Complaints
59
Mixed

2022

14Recalls
303Complaints

Ford Bronco-Sport Reliability Score Trend

Ford Bronco-Sport reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 71/100 compared to 57/100 for older years.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Ford Bronco-Sport reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
202154/100Mixed
202259/100Mixed
202367/100Good
202472/100Good
202573/100Good

Ford Bronco-Sport Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202671/100 (predicted)Predicted20
202573/100+1Good614
202472/100+5Good766
202367/100+8Good13114
202259/100+5Mixed14303
2021(selected)54/100Mixed15622

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Ford Bronco-Sport reliable?
The 2021 Ford Bronco-Sport has a "Mixed" reliability rating (54/100) and may present some ownership challenges. With 15 recalls and 622 complaints, buyers should research known issues carefully.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Bronco-Sport?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 Ford Bronco-Sport include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (147 complaints), POWER TRAIN (137 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (93 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (47 complaints), FUEL SYSTEM (46 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Bronco-Sport have?
The 2021 Ford Bronco-Sport has 15 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2021 Ford Bronco-Sport expensive to maintain?
The 2021 Ford Bronco-Sport may have above-average maintenance costs. Its reliability score of 54/100 and 622 owner complaints suggest that unexpected repairs are more likely.

Don’t buy a 2021 Ford Bronco-Sport without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

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Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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