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2021 Ford Bronco

The Verdict

50 Proceed with Caution

The 2021 Ford Bronco has 225 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (92 complaints) and body (80 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 50/100, it earns a "Proceed with Caution" rating. If you're shopping for a Ford Bronco, consider the 2024 model year which has 67% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2024 has 67% fewer complaints

View the 2024 Ford Bronco dashboard →

50

Klunk Score: Proceed with Caution

About average for complaint volume. Research the specific issues before buying.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 14

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

26V299000 STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

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 sect...

Risk

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 are expected to be mailed May 27, 2026. Additional letters will be s...

Reported Dec 5, 2026

26V468000 ENGINE

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.

Risk

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. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning August 24, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436...

Reported Jul 25, 2026

26V236000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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...

Risk

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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are e...

Reported Apr 21, 2026

25V888000 BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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 rea...

Risk

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 t...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

25V721000 SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

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.

Risk

A seat with a dislodged bolt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the pivot links and bolts, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 6, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final r...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

25V025000 SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER

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.

Risk

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...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

23V598000 BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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 vie...

Risk

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 ...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

23V358000 SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

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 positio...

Risk

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,...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

22V928000 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:SIDE IMPACT

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.

Risk

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...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

25V312000 BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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 ima...

Risk

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...

Reported Sep 5, 2025

23V165000 BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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 imag...

Risk

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 cu...

Reported Oct 3, 2023

22V411000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK

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" p...

Risk

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. ...

Reported Oct 6, 2022

22V825000 BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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 ...

Risk

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 cu...

Reported Mar 11, 2022

21V770000 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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, the...

Risk

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 Ju...

Reported Jan 10, 2021

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
2021801729927
2022175373210322
202314315222117
20243781685

By Category

Engine
92
Body
80
Electrical
29
Brakes
17
Transmission
7

By Severity

1
118
2
96
3
2
4
9

Worst Problems

Complaints

Brakes 1

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

21d ago
Body 2

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.

22d ago
Engine 2

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.

29d ago
Engine 2

- 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

1mo ago
Brakes 2

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.

1mo ago
Engine 1

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.

1mo ago
Body 1

Corrosion of the entire spare tire carrier mount

1mo ago
Transmission 1

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)

1mo ago
Body 2

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.

1mo ago
Body 2

It has now been 1 year since the recall 25V455 was issued for my 2021 Ford Bronco. I use my Bronco for business but due to the recall, it has been unable to be used due to legal reasons in my state. I have lost thousands of dollars from the vehicle sitting and Ford continues to fail to provide a timely remedy. The date of the recall being issued has been pushed back over a dozen times and now shows "no eta". They have no communication with their dealers as to what the delay is and Ford Customer Service will not disclose anything other then "we will notify you when it becomes available". This delay, lack of communication and constant failure to uphold recall release dates are causing undue financial burden on my business and Ford displays a glaring lack of caring to get this issue resolved. Dealerships are likewise frustrated as they are bearing the front of peoples questions and anger regarding the recall fix but Ford does not communicate anything with them. I am formally demanding that Ford be held accountable toward being transparent with their customers. Provide timely and transparent updates on the progress toward the recall fix and ensure that progress is actually happening. In addition, I have in my possession a 2023 Bronco's fuel pump that is a newer design that Ford has been installing in their 2023+ Bronco's. This new design is not affected by the recall and fits into my 2021 Bronco without modification. Ford has proven that they have a fix as they are installing it in new Bronco's from 2023+. When I ask if I can install a unaffected fuel pump into my 2021 Bronco to get the recall cleared, I am denied. That is unacceptable.

2mo ago
Engine 1

Ford has failed to remedy RECALL 25V455 issued OVER 1 YEAR AGO !!!!!!!! My fuel pump failed in August of 2025 and left me (single female) stranded on side of interstate highway in 100' heat. Dealer confirmed in-tank fuel pump failed and replaced with another recalled pump. There was no warning that failure was happening until vehicle stopped in traffic. Had over 1/4 tank of gas at the time. Afraid to drive vehicle out of town because it could strand me again. Can not trade in vehicle because open recall reduces value of vehicle

2mo ago
Electrical 4

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.

2mo ago
Electrical 1

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 and risk of a child of a possible window shatter. Ford says this is a normal wear and tear and it’s at owners cost to replace. To me that’s unacceptable.

2mo ago
Brakes 2

I was driving on the highway with standard cruise control (I don't have adaptive cruise) and I went to press the brakes and the brake pedal was SUPER stiff and I had to press unreasonably hard to disengage the cruise control and slow down. When the pedal finally gave, I ended up slamming on the bakes so much that my passenger was startled and we both lurched forward due to our momentum. Afterwards, my brake light light came on, on the dashboard. I went to AutoZone to get a reading and it said it was the brake assist vacuum or something like that. This could have caused a very bad accident in too different ways. One, if I didn't stop in time due to the delayed braking from the stiff pedal or getting rear ended due to inadvertently slamming on the brakes at highway speed.

2mo ago
Body 1

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.

3mo ago
Transmission 4

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.

4mo ago
Body 2

Recall from last July not having a remedy to fix yet

4mo ago
Electrical 1

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 features, including the rearview camera, which is federally required. This significantly increases the risk of accidents while reversing, especially in areas with pedestrians. The system also affects access to navigation, hands-free communication, and important vehicle alerts, forcing me to either drive without these features or become distracted trying to compensate. Although Ford has acknowledged this issue, there is no clear timeline for a fix, and no accommodations have been provided. I am expected to continue driving a vehicle that does not meet expected safety standards, which puts both myself and others at risk. I rely on my vehicle daily, including transporting passengers, and the lack of a functioning safety system is a serious concern. The absence of communication and support from Ford regarding a resolution is also concerning. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this issue and require Ford to provide a timely remedy or appropriate accommodations, such as a loaner vehicle or interim solution, to ensure driver and public safety while awaiting a permanent fix.

4mo ago
Electrical 1

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 the digital speed, fuel gauge, mileage, access GOAT modes, view tire pressure, view oil life, and other critical data, etc. This first occured a few months ago and would randomly turn back on, but not the screen is black more than it is on. Luckily I am able to track the fuel gauge (miles to empty) on the infotainment screen.

4mo ago
Engine 2

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, particularly in high-temperature conditions. When this occurs, the rearview/backup camera is completely non-functional. The vehicle displays no image when in reverse gear, eliminating all camera-assisted visibility behind the vehicle. This directly matches the conditions described in Recall 26V124, issued March 4, 2026. No remedy has been provided. 2. Digital Instrument Cluster / Dashboard: my digital dashboard intermittently fails to illuminate at vehicle startup. This occurs randomly and without warning. When it fails, the driver cannot see critical safety information including current speed, fuel level, engine temperature, or any warning indicators. Video documentation of this failure exists. This component is available for inspection upon request. 3. Low Pressure Fuel Pump (Recall Campaign 25V455): my vehicle has stalled on multiple occasions while in motion. During stall events, all dashboard warning lights illuminate simultaneously. This is consistent with the fuel delivery failure described in Recall 25V455, issued July 8, 2025, which states the fuel pump can fail causing loss of fuel pressure and an engine stall while driving. No remedy has been provided since the recall was issued in July 2025 (~9 months ago). All components are available for inspection upon request. However, the authorized Ford dealership in the area has refused to accept the vehicle for service or inspection, citing parts unavailability. Engine stall while in motion. my vehicle has stalled multiple times while being driven. The driver works as a real estate agent and regularly transports clients in this vehicle. The engine has stalled with passengers present. A sudden engine stall while driving results in immediat

4mo ago

225 total

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