2021 Ford Bronco Common Problems & Defect Telemetry
Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 223 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 20 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.
The 2021 Ford Bronco receives a 4.8/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 223 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 20 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports with a median failure point at 4,200 miles (IQR: 2,486 – 6,932 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $950 – $3,200 .
20.3 complaints / 10k sold
Verified US federal records
Crash, fire & stall audit
20 Active / Free Remedies
Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)
Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports
- Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
- Abnormal oil burning / consumption
- Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
- Engine overheating / coolant loss
“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 wa...”
“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 ...”
“The digital gauge cluster where it shows sensitive information is a blacked out screen. I took it an automotive shop to investigate the issue. They ran a diagnositic and confirmed the screen is receiving power, fuses are good, but the screen is not powering up. I cannot view t...”
Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports
- Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
- Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
- Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
“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 wa...”
“Window actuator does not properly open or close passenger window to open door properly, which is a safety risks to a child. Window could shatter because window will not roll down the inch or so to pull the door open. In order to open the door, the window will shake vibrantly a...”
“I am submitting a safety complaint regarding my Ford vehicle’s infotainment screen failure, which has been identified under a recall but currently has no available remedy or repair timeline. When the screen goes blank or becomes unresponsive, I lose access to critical safety f...”
Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports
- Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
- Steering wheel pull or highway wander
- Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
“Persistent highway-speed vibration (45 to 82 mph) present since July 2022, documented at five Ford dealerships between 21,000 and 100,000 miles, and still unresolved and undiagnosed after four years. It is a whole-vehicle shake felt primarily through the seat and from the rear...”
“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.”
“The digital gauge cluster where it shows sensitive information is a blacked out screen. I took it an automotive shop to investigate the issue. They ran a diagnositic and confirmed the screen is receiving power, fuses are good, but the screen is not powering up. I cannot view t...”
Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports
- Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
- ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
- Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
“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 wa...”
“There is multiple anti lock braking faults that pop up while driving and then go away the next time the vehicle is used. Brake fluid, pads, rotors and calipers all seem to spec and are working at the moment, but major concerns with the software or possible release and reengage...”
“Component or system that failed/malfunctioning:Climate Control System / Rear Passenger Cabin Ventilation.Is the component available for inspection?Yes, the vehicle and the climate control system are completely intact, unaltered, and available for physical inspection upon reque...”
Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports
- Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
- Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
- Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
“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 wa...”
“- POTENTIAL FUEL PUMP FAILURE WHILE DRIVING - MAJOR CONCERN WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE FOR MYSELF AND FOR CHILDREN AND ELDERLY PASSENGERS - YES - YES BUT NO SOLUTION AVAILABLE - NO”
“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 ...”
Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports
- Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
- Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
- Transmission slipping between gears
“Persistent highway-speed vibration (45 to 82 mph) present since July 2022, documented at five Ford dealerships between 21,000 and 100,000 miles, and still unresolved and undiagnosed after four years. It is a whole-vehicle shake felt primarily through the seat and from the rear...”
“My drive shaft/coupling caught fire at the front transfer case. I was able to extinguish it safely. This is the same description as: NHTSA Recall No.: 26V236 Manufacturer Recall No.: 26S26 And the description “ Vehicle 1: 2021-2025 FORD BRONCO‘ includes my vehicle, however, my...”
“3 separate safety-related components have failed on my 2021 Ford Bronco, all of which correspond to open federal safety recalls that remain unremedied: 1. Infotainment/APIM Module & Backup Camera System (Recall Campaign 26V124): my infotainment screen fails to turn on, particu...”
Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports
- SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
- Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
- Seat belt retractor lockup
“Component or system that failed/malfunctioning:Climate Control System / Rear Passenger Cabin Ventilation.Is the component available for inspection?Yes, the vehicle and the climate control system are completely intact, unaltered, and available for physical inspection upon reque...”
“I was driving in the northbound left hand lane on creasy lane in Lafayette, Indiana, approaching Rome Drive. A driver from a side street took an illegal left hand turn to head towards the northbound lanes of creasy lane, I was traveling over 30 mph, maybe 40 at the time of the...”
“Component/System Involved: Molded-in-Color (MIC) Hardtop – Composite Roof Panel What happened: The molded-in-color (MIC) hardtop on my 2021 Ford Bronco (2-door) has developed multiple visible stress cracks above the passenger-side window. These are not surface scratches — they...”
Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (20)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: RADAR
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco vehicles. During passenger air bag deployment, an air bag vent could open prematurely and result in an improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain four-door 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles. The passenger-side rear door may be opened from inside of the vehicle when the child safety lock is in the "ON" position.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with rearview camera systems and 8-inch screen displays. The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:SIDE IMPACT
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles. The right or left side impact sensors may not be properly secured to the vehicle.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYNC infotainment screens that were previously remedied under recall 22V-825. The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles built with the 5-Door body style. The first-row seat belt latch plates may be difficult to access from their stowed position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator, 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator, 2022-2023 Ford Transit, and 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles. The rearview camera, or 360-degree view camera if equipped, may not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco vehicles. The rear shock absorbers may corrode and fail, resulting in detachment of the external reservoir.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYNC infotainment screens that were repaired incorrectly under recall 22V-825. The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles. The front seats may have a loose or dislodged seat frame height-adjust pivot bolt.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYNC infotainment screens that were previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V165. The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Ford Bronco and 2021-2024 Ford Edge vehicles. The Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) may overheat and shutdown, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: 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.
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Summary: 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.
ENGINE
Summary: 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.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2021 Ford Bronco
Before purchasing a used 2021 Ford Bronco, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:
Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).
Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.
Verify that all 20 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.
Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.
Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2021 Ford Bronco
Is the 2021 Ford Bronco a reliable used car?
The 2021 Ford Bronco earns a 4.8/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 223 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.
What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2021 Ford Bronco?
The leading complaint category is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports, with a median failure point around 4,200 miles (IQR: 2,486 – 6,932 mi).
Are there free recall repairs available for the 2021 Ford Bronco?
Yes, the NHTSA records 20 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.