Last updated: 2026-03-04

41
MixedReliability score: 41 out of 100, rated Mixed
2021 Ford Bronco

2021 Ford Bronco Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2021 Ford Bronco scores 41/100 ("Mixed"). With 31 recalls and 798 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.

2021 is the first model year of the Sixth generation (2021).

Recalls

31

Complaints

798

Complaint Rate

73.8

per 10k sold

Above avg

Est. Annual Cost

$784

Major Repair Risk

N/A

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
34/100 (Risky)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
40/100 (Mixed)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
38/100 (Risky)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
65/100 (Good)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Caution

Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.

Top Issues

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (168)POWER TRAIN (135)SERVICE BRAKES (105)

31 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Redesign Year

2021 is the first model year of the Sixth generation (2021).

  • First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
  • Redesigned for the 2021 model year.
  • Refreshed in 2023.
  • 6th generation Bronco (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.

Sixth generation (2021)

2021selected
2022
2023refresh

Should You Buy the 2021 Ford Bronco?

The 2021 Ford Bronco scores 41/100 ("Mixed"). Buyers should proceed with caution. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.

With 798 owner complaints and 31 recalls, the complaint volume is above average. Reported issues — particularly in electrical system (168) — can be costly to repair.

An extended warranty is strongly recommended. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on electrical system (168) is essential before committing.

Compared to the 2022 Ford Bronco, which scored 2 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: Battery failures and software glitches (168 complaints)
  • 15 fire incidents reported in owner complaints

Compare 2021 Ford Bronco With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 31 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (168)
  • POWER TRAIN (135)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (105)
  • ENGINE (89)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (61)
  • FUEL SYSTEM (49)
  • SUSPENSION (39)
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (19)
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (19)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (18)
  • STEERING (17)
  • VISIBILITY (16)
  • STRUCTURE (15)
  • AIR BAGS (11)
  • BACK OVER PREVENTION (8)
  • LANE DEPARTURE (7)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (6)
  • SEAT BELTS (4)
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3)
  • SEATS (2)
  • WHEELS (2)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)
  • Other/I am not sure (1)
  • LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1)
  • TIRES (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

31

recalls on record

The 2021 Ford Bronco has 31 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

73.8

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 17

LowAvgHigh
High

Safety Incidents

Crashes

20

Fires

15

Injuries

19

Deaths

0

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

2021 Ford Bronco Recall Details

31 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Ford Bronco. 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 30 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →

2021 Ford Bronco 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 Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

2Maintenance rating: 2 out of 5

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

Est. Annual Maintenance

$784

Repair Frequency

0.4

unscheduled repair visits per year

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

When Buying a Used 2021 Ford Bronco

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • Test battery and electrical systems for unexpected power loss
  • Inspect transmission for shuddering or hesitation during acceleration
  • Check for oil leaks around the engine and turbocharger
  • Verify rear differential for abnormal noises or leaks
  • Ensure water pump and coolant system are functioning properly
  • Test brakes for hard pedal or lack of response
  • Check for exhaust fumes in the cabin

Check Any 2021 Ford Bronco's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2021 Bronco in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Ford Bronco with a free VIN lookup.

Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.

2021 Ford Bronco Common Problems by Component

798 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

168
135
105
89
133
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (168)POWER TRAIN (135)SERVICE BRAKES (105)ENGINE (89)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (61)FUEL SYSTEM (49)SUSPENSION (39)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (19)Other (133)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

168 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Ford Bronco frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving battery failures and software glitches. Common symptoms include unexpected power loss, stalling, and non-start conditions, often accompanied by dashboard warning lights. These issues typically arise around 40,000 to 83,000 miles. Some complaints also mention infotainment screens going blank and problems with the gateway module during inspections. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes, fires, and situations where drivers experience loss of control due to sudden power loss. This information is critical for potential buyers considering a used model.

168 complaints total3 crashes7 fires

POWER TRAIN

135 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Ford Bronco frequently report issues with the power train, particularly involving the rear differential and transmission. Common symptoms include shuddering or chatter during low-speed turns, abnormal grinding noises, and hesitation or jerking during acceleration. These issues often arise around 45,000 to 75,000 miles. Several complaints also mention transmission failures, leading to high repair costs. Safety implications include potential loss of vehicle control, though no crashes are detailed. One complaint mentions a fire, but specifics are limited. Prospective buyers should be aware of potential costs and verify if any repairs have been completed.

135 complaints total1 fire

SERVICE BRAKES

105 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Ford Bronco frequently report issues with the brake system, with many describing a sudden loss of brake assist, resulting in a hard, unresponsive brake pedal. This issue is often linked to failures in the brake vacuum booster or vacuum hose, and typically occurs without any warning lights or prior symptoms. Complaints also frequently mention abnormal noises, such as squealing or moaning, particularly when reversing, which are attributed to brake pad material and caliper issues. These problems are reported across a range of mileages, with some occurring as early as 2,000 miles. Safety implications include five crashes and four injuries, highlighting the potential risk of brake failure during operation. This information is critical for used car buyers considering a 2021 Ford Bronco, as these brake issues could affect vehicle safety and performance.

105 complaints total5 crashes4 injuries
ENGINE (89 complaints)

ENGINE

89 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the 2021 Ford Bronco's engine, commonly involving oil leaks and turbocharger failures. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as engine overheating, loss of power, and abnormal sounds, often accompanied by smoke or oil smells. These issues typically arise around 60,000 to 100,000 miles, with some cases of engine stalling and coolant leaks into engine cylinders. Safety implications are notable, with reports of engine fires and sudden loss of power while driving, posing a risk of crashes. For potential buyers, understanding the prevalence of these engine problems and their potential impact on safety is critical.

89 complaints total1 crash1 fire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (61 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

61 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several issues with the 2021 Ford Bronco, particularly related to power loss and electrical failures. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle suddenly losing power while driving, with some owners describing complete electrical shutdowns that affect locks, windows, and hazard lights, often occurring without prior warning. Transmission issues, including shuddering and slipping, are also noted, typically at low speeds or during gear shifts. Additionally, there are reports of catalytic converter problems leading to exhaust fumes entering the cabin, posing a potential safety risk, especially for vulnerable occupants. These issues commonly arise at various mileage ranges, with some occurring shortly after purchase. Safety implications are significant, as some complaints involve vehicles stalling in traffic, creating dangerous situations, and two reports involve fires. This information is crucial for potential buyers considering a used 2021 Ford Bronco.

61 complaints total2 fires1 injury
FUEL SYSTEM (49 complaints)

FUEL SYSTEM

49 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Ford Bronco frequently report issues related to the fuel system, with many complaints highlighting a delay in recall repairs due to unavailable parts. Common symptoms include abnormal vehicle jerking, hesitation after fueling, and the presence of a gasoline odor. Some reports also mention the vehicle failing to start, often accompanied by warning lights. Notably, there are reports of fires originating from the engine compartment, one of which resulted in the vehicle being destroyed. These issues typically occur around 40,000 to 108,000 miles, and buyers should be aware of potential safety risks, including fire hazards.

49 complaints total1 crash2 fires1 injury
SUSPENSION (39 complaints)

SUSPENSION

39 complaints

Owners report several suspension-related issues with the 2021 Ford Bronco, primarily involving rear shocks and differential problems. Complaints frequently mention leaking rear shocks and abnormal sounds like screeching or grinding from the rear of the vehicle. These issues often appear around 30,000 to 45,000 miles, with some cases occurring as early as 16,000 miles. Multiple owners describe rear wheels locking or sliding during sharp turns, which could pose safety risks. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues, as they may impact driving performance and safety.

39 complaints total
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (19 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

19 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the 2021 Ford Bronco's engine and engine cooling systems, including water pump failures, engine stalling, and overheating. Symptoms commonly described include loss of motive power, illuminated warning lights, and abnormal engine noises. These issues often occur between 30,000 and 85,000 miles. Notably, one report involves an engine compartment fire due to a faulty serpentine motor belt. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring problems and consider the associated safety implications and repair costs.

19 complaints total1 fire
STEERING (17 complaints)

STEERING

17 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Ford Bronco frequently report issues with the steering system, including abnormal noises like grinding or moaning, and shuddering or jerking when turning at low speeds. Complaints often describe the steering wheel becoming difficult to control, particularly when the vehicle stalls or loses power, which can occur at various speeds and often without warning. These issues are reported to occur at mileages ranging from 9,000 to over 77,000 miles. Safety implications include loss of control, as one report mentions a fishtailing incident at highway speeds that nearly resulted in a collision. Buyers should be aware of these potential steering problems and the associated safety risks when considering a used 2021 Ford Bronco.

17 complaints total1 injury
AIR BAGS (11 complaints)

AIR BAGS

11 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report multiple airbag-related issues with the 2021 Ford Bronco, particularly involving non-deployment during collisions. Complaints frequently mention that airbags fail to deploy in crashes, even at high speeds, with at least seven incidents resulting in crashes and ten injuries. There are also reports of unintended airbag deployment, such as a steering wheel airbag deploying after hitting a pothole. Some owners indicate that airbag system recalls have not been addressed due to unavailable parts. These issues are reported at mileages ranging from under 10,000 to over 65,000 miles, suggesting potential safety risks for prospective buyers.

11 complaints total7 crashes10 injuries

When Do 2021 Ford Bronco Problems Start?

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

40,000–83,000 milesElectrical system failures
45,000–75,000 milesTransmission failures
60,000–100,000 milesEngine oil leaks and turbo failures

Best & Worst Ford Bronco Years

Best Ford Bronco Years to Buy

The best Ford Bronco year is 2025 with a reliability score of 61/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (58/100) and 2023 (50/100).

Ford Bronco Years to Avoid

The worst Ford Bronco year is 2021 with a score of 41/100, primarily due to electrical system (168) issues. Also avoid 2022 (43/100).

41
MixedReliability score: 41 out of 100, rated Mixed

2021(this page)

31 recalls · 798 complaints

43
MixedReliability score: 43 out of 100, rated Mixed

2022

32 recalls · 576 complaints

See full Ford Bronco years-to-avoid analysis →

Ford Bronco Reliability Score Trend

Ford Bronco reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 56/100 compared to 42/100 for older years.

avg 51
21
22
23
24
25

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

Ford Bronco reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
202141/100Mixed
202243/100Mixed
202350/100Mixed
202458/100Mixed
202561/100Good

Ford Bronco Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202656/100 (predicted)Predicted20
202561/100+3Good1630
202458/100+8Mixed18104
202350/100+7Mixed27295
202243/100+2Mixed32576
2021(selected)41/100Mixed31798

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Ford Bronco reliable?
The 2021 Ford Bronco has a "Mixed" reliability rating (41/100) and may present some ownership challenges. With 31 recalls and 798 complaints, buyers should research known issues carefully.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Bronco?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 Ford Bronco include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (168 complaints), POWER TRAIN (135 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (105 complaints), ENGINE (89 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (61 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Bronco have?
The 2021 Ford Bronco has 31 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 expensive to maintain?
The 2021 Ford Bronco has estimated annual repair costs of $784/year. Its reliability score of 41/100 and 798 owner complaints suggest that unexpected repairs are more likely. Budgeting for maintenance reserves is advisable.

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue