2021 Ford Bronco Complaints
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
230
Total
6
Crashes
3
Fires
7
Injuries
0
Deaths
Most Reported Components
Owner Complaint Reports
Showing 25 of 230 reports, crash, fire and injury reports first, then the most recently filed. The full set is on NHTSA.gov.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 07/03/2026
My car would not start. Turns out it was the fuel pump/filter low pressure recall issue. It was towed to the dealership and has been there since without a remedy from Ford, despite the recall being released over a year ago. Absolutely ridiculous that my vehicle is being held hostage because the manufacturer has not come up with a remedy.
STRUCTURE — Filed 09/24/2026
I am concerned about the hard top for my Bronco. There are cracks showing above the furthest back window on the passenger side, and above the same window on the driver's side. And when it rains, it leaks in the very back, causing the carpet to get wet under the rubber mat and smell like mildew. I did request a Ford dealer to document the cracks when I had some recalls completed.
ENGINE — Filed 10/15/2025
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
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 07/08/2025
Loss of fuel pressure from fuel pump failure
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE — Filed 09/21/2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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.
SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 08/10/2026
I contacted my Ford dealership, and they informed me that the recall is not currently showing as applicable to my VIN. Because my vehicle is experiencing similar issues, the dealership recommended that I contact Ford directly to have my vehicle and VIN reviewed. I would like to request that Ford review my vehicle to determine whether it may be affected by the same issue and whether my VIN could potentially be included in the affected vehicle population. My vehicle intermittently displays a “Check Brake System” warning, with the red brake warning light remaining illuminated. I have also experienced intermittent changes in braking, particularly when initially applying the brakes, where the brake pedal feels harder than normal and requires increased effort to slow or stop the vehicle. This is meaningful overlap between what I am experiencing and the recall description. Now I’m being told to reach back out to Ford, which I’ve done, or file a claim which is this
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 06/01/2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration while driving. The lane departure feature also steered the vehicle in the opposite direction while there was construction on the road. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000. The VIN was not available.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 08/01/2026
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 was stranded on the side of the interstate in 100 degree heat with my newborn in the vehicle. This was a dangerous situation, not a minor inconvenience. I had the vehicle towed to an AAA Car Care Center in Charlotte, NC, where the fuel pump failure was diagnosed. AAA could not perform a repair because the issue falls under an open safety recall. I contacted the Ford Recall Assistance Center and was told no remedy is currently available for recall 25S75. I also visited Capital Ford Charlotte, who confirmed the same, that no remedy exists yet. With the vehicle inoperable and no repair available anywhere, I paid out of pocket for private transport to move the vehicle to my home in Newnan, GA, since Ford could not confirm coverage for towing to my home dealership. As of August 12, 2026, NHTSA materials still list the remedy for 25S75 as under development. My vehicle remains inoperable with no path to repair. This is now also preventing me from selling or trading the vehicle. A dealership (Buford Toyota) declined to even appraise it because it will not run. I am filing this complaint to document that an open, unremedied safety recall directly caused a vehicle failure that endangered myself and my infant child, and continues to leave the vehicle unusable and unsellable months later.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 08/06/2026
- 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
SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 08/05/2026
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 reengagement of the emergency brake.
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 08/03/2026
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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/30/2026
Corrosion of the entire spare tire carrier mount
POWER TRAIN — Filed 06/26/2026
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 of the vehicle at highway speed, occurring on highways nationwide (documented in [XXX], [XXX], and [XXX]). Wheel and tire causes were controlled for and eliminated: three complete wheel-and-tire set swaps (two on factory stock sets) did not change the vibration; a dealer road-force balance (08/2024) did not resolve it; it persists while coasting in neutral. On XXX an independent facility (Heritage Auto Solutions, [XXX]) road-tested and lift-inspected the vehicle and identified objective anomalies at the rear driveshaft: an abnormal welded balance-weight cluster and visible play at the slip yoke; the facility recommended replacement. The shaft is currently at an independent driveline facility for balance testing; the root cause of the vibration has NOT been definitively confirmed by any facility. That is the safety concern: a sustained, unresolved vibration consistent with a driveline-area defect at 70+ mph, present for four years, with no dealer ever performing an instrumented driveline diagnosis. A driveline component failing at highway speed is a loss-of-control hazard. Ford has issued driveline field actions on this platform (Customer Satisfaction Program 22B27, front driveshaft, noise/vibration; Recall 26V236, transfer-case misalignment, possible loss of drive power). The manufacturer was formally notified in writing of the independent findings on XXX (Ford case XXX) and has not responded as of XXX. Attached: the independent facility's written report and driveshaft photographs. The vehicle is currently out of service. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/12/2026
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 request.Description of Incident & Safety Risks:There is little to no airflow reaching the rear passenger seating area of the vehicle. The 4-Door 2021 Ford Bronco relies entirely on hidden, under-seat floor ducts to regulate back-seat temperatures, as it lacks center console or upper B-pillar vents. Under normal operation, the air reaching the back row is severely restricted, leaving the rear cabin isolated from proper climate regulation. My safety and the safety of others have been severely put at risk during travel. Because of the near-zero airflow, the rear passenger compartment quickly traps extreme ambient heat or freezing cold. This environment is highly unsafe for vulnerable occupants riding in the back seat—specifically young children, elderly family members, and animals—who cannot properly regulate their body temperatures and face an immediate risk of heat exhaustion, heatstroke, or hypothermia. Additionally, the lack of air circulation creates a critical safety hazard by causing severe fogging on the rear side windows, obstructing driver blind-spot visibility and increasing crash risks.Dealer/Service Confirmation & Manufacturer Inspection:The problem has not yet been confirmed by a Ford dealer or independent service center, nor has the vehicle or system been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. The vehicle remains exactly as it was when the issue was identified.Warning Lamps, Messages, or Prior Symptoms:There were absolutely no dashboard warning lamps, digital error messages, or physical symptoms prior to this issue. The lack of adequate airflow is a continuous condition.
AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 06/25/2026
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 collision. I was unable to see the other driver until it was too late as they passed by drivers turning from the right hand lane onto the side road they had been at. My airbags did not deploy during the collision, nor did my pre collision assist alert nor did my brake system engage. I suffered extensive front end damage at the time of the incident. There was a previous recall for my airbags in this vehicle, as well as notifications in 2024 that my collision systems had been disengage during warranty work.
POWER TRAIN — Filed 05/06/2026
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 VIN/license plate number do not show this recall in effect.
ENGINE — Filed 01/02/2025
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 it needed a whole new engine for $13,000 so I took it to another mechanic since that’s always that dealerships go to answer for everything is it needs a new engine so the new mechanic did the same stuff and also used a bore scope but instead of just saying the cylinder was bad he seen the hole in the valve and said it just needs a new head with new valves so since I needed my ride to be able to get to work and for half the price they tore it down and sure enough the valve was cracked with a hole just as they said and just like the recall (24S55) but had that dealership paid attention to safety alerts and ran the issue up with ford and let them know the same issue had happened in the bronco with the 2.3L engines also I wouldn’t be writing this right now. I’d be putting a 5 star review on their page not a 1.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 04/18/2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electrical system and the engine seized. The contact noticed fire and smoke which exited from the engine compartment. The contact was the only occupant of the vehicle when the failure occurred. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was inspected and diagnosed with a faulty alternator. The contact was informed that the seized gears overheated the alternator motor, which caused the fire. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed smoke exiting the engine compartment. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact stopped and parked the vehicle. The contact turned the vehicle off. The vehicle was started, however, the vehicle did not start. The contact stated several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that when the failure occurred, the contact's wife and minor child were also occupants of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was confirmed to have a failed alternator motor. The contact was informed that the alternator motor needed to be replaced again. In addition, the contact was informed that the seized gears in the alternator motor caused the fire. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. In addition, the contact stated he was fearful of ever driving the vehicle again. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact requested a vehicle buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.
STEERING,SUSPENSION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 03/11/2025
Our family was traveling from Lake George New York to Boston MA on Wednesday [XXX]. As we passed another vehicle in the far left lane on [XXX] the vehicle bounced and we lost control of the backend of the vehicle and it "fish tailed" across the highway nearly causing a collision at 65 miles per hour. The anti-lock breaks were activated and we nearly collided with several cars but managed to pull into the emergency lane. The vehicle was not drivable after this incident because any pothole or bump on the highway, at speeds over 50 MPH, made the rear of the vehicle very unstable. It will skid and sway. Our vehicle is now undrivable and Ford says the only available solution is a "buy back" program and a solution will not be available until Q3 of 2025. This leaves us with a 4 year old vehicle with only 24k miles undrivable. This is not acceptable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
AIR BAGS — Filed 02/04/2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated while at a stop light, a Kia vehicle driving at approximately 45-50 MPH rear-ended his vehicle causing him to collide with in vehicle in front on the driver's-side. No air bags were deployed and the rear bumper was detached. The vehicle was towed to Diamond Auto Works. The contact stated that he sustained head, neck, upper, and lower back as well as bruising from the left arm and his wrist that required medical attention and was bedridden. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was unsure if the vehicle was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,100.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 12/26/2023
I was towing the vehicle with my Class A RV. It was a total loss nothing could be inspected. I was in hour number 6 of our long drive to Key West. I looked out of my left side mirror and noticed smoke coming from behind my RV. I immediately pulled off the interstate onto the shoulder. I moved behind my RV and noticed the vehicle was on fire. Within in seconds the fire engulfed the whole vehicle. I had seconds to unhook it from my RV. It took me three tries to unhook because of the smoke. I eventually got it unhooked and went back to the front of the RV and pulled forward out of harms way.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 10/16/2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to stop the vehicle immediately. The brake pedal was extremely stiff while depressed. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle struck a speed sign, causing the front driver's side mirror to shatter, and glass shards flew inside the vehicle, cutting the contact's son's left hand and arm. Medical attention was not received. The air bags did not deploy. No police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the brake vacuum hoses, front driver's side mirror, and quarter panel needed to be replaced. Only the brake vacuum hoses were replaced by the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that prior to the accident, the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the same issue; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 20,553.
SEAT BELTS — Filed 01/13/2023
My toddler in his car seat while we were driving, reached over and grab the seatbelt that was closest to his car seat with his hand. As we were driving, he pulled the seatbelt as far out as he could, so that the locking mechanism was activated. After he pulled the seatbelt all the way out, he had wrapped around his neck and let go of it, and the seatbelt ended up tightening around his neck. Luckily, he was able to tell me what happened and I was able to pull off and grab the seatbelt and keep tension on it so it wouldn’t get any tighter around his neck. We had to call the fire department to cut the seatbelt off because the seatbelt was locked and getting tighter and we could not get it off his neck neck. As I called 911 I had to hold the seatbelt away from his neck from getting tighter, when the fire department got there their only option was to cut the seatbelt strap in order to remove it from his neck. Thankfully, quick thinking and holding the seatbelt away from his neck allowed me to be on the phone with 911 and when they got here allowed me to hold it away from his neck to keep it from choking him and potentially him turning blue from no oxygen. The seatbelt strap did leave a red mark on his neck from being wrapped around.
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 07/21/2022
Kepts getting hills stop brake malfunctioning anti collusion failures ant lock brake failure
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 05/29/2022
I was pulling into a residential driveway and as soon as the front tires entered the driveway the pre-collision alert warning went off and when I applied the brakes they did nothing. I proceeded to roll 25+ feet and crashed into the back of a parked car in the driveway. There were people standing just to the right of the parked car I hit. The Ford dealer has had the vehicle for over 4 weeks now and all they've said is certain modules aren't communicating properly.
About This Data
Complaints are filed by vehicle owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They represent individual consumer experiences and do not necessarily indicate a widespread defect.
View on NHTSA.gov