2021 Ford BRONCO: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
225 owner complaints analyzed
20 distinct recall campaigns
25,250 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 40 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 68 of 225 complaints (30.2%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 27 | 12.0% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 26 | 11.6% |
| Fuel system concerns | 17 | 7.6% |
| Engine operation | 15 | 6.7% |
| Steering behavior | 9 | 4.0% |
| Transmission and shifting | 5 | 2.2% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 68 |
| Unknown Or Other | 28 |
| Electrical System | 27 |
| Suspension | 23 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 21 |
| Service Brakes | 19 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 14 |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | 11 |
Engine: 68; Unknown Or Other: 28; Electrical System: 27; Suspension: 23; Fuel/Propulsion System: 21; Service Brakes: 19; Visibility/Wiper: 14; Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking: 11
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 19 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 15 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 5 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 19; 25,000 to 49,999: 15; 50,000 to 74,999: 5; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (19). 185 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 77 |
| 2023 | 27 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 60 |
| 2026 | 32 |
2021: 7; 2022: 77; 2023: 27; 2024: 22; 2025: 60; 2026: 32
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 27 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 26 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 17 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11438443 · 2021-10-27 (October 27, 2021)
At present no incident has occurred. I am in the process of purchasing a 2021 Ford Bronco with the associated VIN number. The vehicle was delivered to the dealership, but as per guidance from corporate they are unable to now sell the vehicle. Ford has not determined a course of action and I am unable to purchase the vehicle. This is wholly unacceptable.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11438443 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11439274 · 2021-11-03 (November 3, 2021)
MY FRONT WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED IN A MANNER THAT IS UNSAFE. IT HAS 2 IDENTICAL CRACKS ON EACH SIDE. SMALL ROCKS HIT THE GLASS AND CAUSED INSTANT CRACKS WELL OVER 8 INCHES IN LENGTH. I FEEL THAT THE GLASS IS NOT IMPACT RATED CORRECTLY OR TOO THIN. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A WINDSHIELD CRACK LIKE THIS FROM THE IMPACT OF A SMALL ROCK. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ON ONLINE FORUMS OF THESE WINDSHIELDS CRACKING ON THE NEW BRONCO.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11439274 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11440901 · 2021-11-18 (November 18, 2021)
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated after the vehicle was parked in the rain, he noticed on the passenger’s side A-pillar, where the air bag marking was located that water was leaking into the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the cause was discovered as a clip was damaged allowing the water to get into the A-pillar. The dealer repaired the failure by adding additional sealant to the area. The contact stated he looked at the repair and contacted the dealer stating the repa…
Owner-reported narrative. 600 miles reported. Look up ODI 11440901 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11441288 · 2021-11-22 (November 22, 2021)
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V770000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11441288 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11443798 · 2021-12-14 (December 14, 2021)
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact received Manufacturer recall number: 21C23 (Air Bags), NHTSA Campaign Number: (Awaiting) however, the dealer informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and informed the contact that the remedy was not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11443798 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11444289 · 2021-12-19 (December 19, 2021)
Rear glass lift gate exploded. Wind advisory was in effect but no surrounding cars were disturbed. The vehicle was parked and fully secure.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11444289 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11445408 · 2021-12-29 (December 29, 2021)
water is leaking from the passenger side roof through the passenger side door airbag when it rains. The passenger side top door airbag is constantly getting wet from this leak as water passes through.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11445408 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11448171 · 2022-01-20 (January 20, 2022)
The 2.7 L engine failed going down the interstate in the middle lane. Complete loss of power. Was fortunate to be able to coast to the shoulder. Dealer says the engine failed and needs to be replaced.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11448171 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
20 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
21V770000 · Air Bags:Frontal
Reported: 2021-10-01 (October 1, 2021)
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."
Consequence: Improper air bag deployment increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger air bag, free of charge. An interim owner notification letter was mailed on November 24, 2021. A second notice announcing the remedy is available was sent on July 8, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C23.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V982000 · Forward Collision Avoidance: Sensing System: Radar | Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
Reported: 2021-12-16 (December 16, 2021)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.
Consequence: A misaligned radar module may prevent the vehicle from maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles when adaptive cruise control is active. In addition, the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system may react slowly, or not react at all, during a pre-collision assist braking event. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will adjust the angle of the cruise control radar module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S52.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V411000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Lock
Reported: 2022-06-10 (June 10, 2022)
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.
Consequence: A malfunctioning child safety lock increases the risk of injury to a child occupant.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the passenger-side child safety locks door child safety lock and latch, and replace them, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 28, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S44.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V825000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
Reported: 2022-11-03 (November 3, 2022)
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."
Consequence: A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The SYNC module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 25, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C27.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V928000 · Air Bags:Sensor:Side Impact
Reported: 2022-12-14 (December 14, 2022)
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.
Consequence: An improperly secured side impact sensor may cause the air bags to unintentionally deploy, or not to deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the side impact sensor attachments and repair, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S77.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V165000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
Reported: 2023-03-10 (March 10, 2023)
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."
Consequence: A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The SYNC module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C05.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V358000 · Seat Belts:Critical Fasteners
Reported: 2023-05-18 (May 18, 2023)
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."
Consequence: Difficulty accessing the seat belt latches may result in occupants not wearing their seat belts, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will add a sliding clip latch stop to the driver and front passenger seat belts, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 14, 2023. Owner letters informing owners that parts are available were mailed on October 2, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C16.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V598000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
Reported: 2023-08-25 (August 25, 2023)
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.
Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, and update the software and wiring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023 to Lincoln owners. Ford vehicle owners notification letters were mailed March 4, 2024. Ford remedy parts are anticipated 2nd Quarter 2024. Ford's number for this recall is 23S48.
NHTSA campaign record ↗24V635000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical
Reported: 2024-08-23 (August 23, 2024)
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.
Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V025000 · Suspension:Rear:Shock Absorber
Reported: 2025-01-17 (January 17, 2025)
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.
Consequence: An external reservoir that detaches from a vehicle can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear shock absorbers, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S01.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V312000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
Reported: 2025-05-09 (May 9, 2025)
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."
Consequence: A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update SYNC module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C14.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V315000 · Back Over Prevention:Software
Reported: 2025-05-09 (May 9, 2025)
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.
Consequence: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V455000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Reported: 2025-07-07 (July 7, 2025)
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.
Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V685000 · Equipment:Electrical:Engine Block Heater
Reported: 2025-10-10 (October 10, 2025)
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.
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V721000 · Seats:Critical Fasteners
Reported: 2025-10-23 (October 23, 2025)
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.
Consequence: A seat with a dislodged bolt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the pivot links and bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB5. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 28, 2025.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V888000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
Reported: 2025-12-18 (December 18, 2025)
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."
Consequence: A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealer will update the SYNC module software ,free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 28, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C72. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 30, 2026.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V124000 · Back Over Prevention:Software
Reported: 2026-03-03 (March 3, 2026)
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.
Consequence: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The APIM software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S09. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V236000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission
Reported: 2026-04-14 (April 14, 2026)
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.
Consequence: Excessive wear of the transmission and transfer case splines may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transmission to transfer case joint and replace the transmission and transfer case as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S26. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 15, 2026.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V299000 · Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars
Reported: 2026-05-12 (May 12, 2026)
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.
Consequence: A detached section of roof can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the hard top as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed May 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S32. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 12, 2026.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V468000 · Engine | Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood
Reported: 2026-07-20 (July 20, 2026)
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.
Consequence: A short circuit in the engine compartment can create heat or spark, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install sheathing over the wiring, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2026 Bronco Raptor notified owners on 7/31/2026. Phase 2 will include 2021-2025 Bronco Raptor vehicle will notify owners on or about 8/14/2026. Phase 3 will include 2021-2026 Bronco will notify owners on or about 9/1/2026. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S55. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 23, 2026.
NHTSA campaign record ↗