Model year guide

2021 Ford Bronco

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2021 Ford Bronco is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 33 on record.

2021 Ford Bronco — representative photo
Representative photo

2021 Ford Bronco at a glance

Safety recalls20
Owner complaints230
Combined17–26 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2021 Ford Bronco recalls 20

Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood NHTSA Campaign #26V468000 · manufacturer #26S55 · 20/07/2026

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.

Fix: 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 …

Structure:body:roof And Pillars NHTSA Campaign #26V299000 · manufacturer #26S32 · 12/05/2026

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.

Fix: 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 1-866-43…

Power Train:automatic Transmission NHTSA Campaign #26V236000 · manufacturer #26S26 · 14/04/2026

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.

Fix: 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 …

Back Over Prevention:software NHTSA Campaign #26V124000 · manufacturer #26S09 · 03/03/2026

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.

Fix: 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) in…

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera NHTSA Campaign #25V888000 · manufacturer #25C72 · 18/12/2025

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."

Fix: 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 …

Seats:critical Fasteners NHTSA Campaign #25V721000 · manufacturer #25SB5 · 23/10/2025

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.

Fix: 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 …

Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater NHTSA Campaign #25V685000 · manufacturer #25SA4 · 10/10/2025

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.

Fix: 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. In…

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #25V455000 · manufacturer #25S75 · 07/07/2025

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.

Fix: 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 num…

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera NHTSA Campaign #25V312000 · manufacturer #25C14 · 09/05/2025

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."

Fix: 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.

Back Over Prevention:software NHTSA Campaign #25V315000 · manufacturer #25S49 · 09/05/2025

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.

Fix: 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 safet…

Suspension:rear:shock Absorber NHTSA Campaign #25V025000 · manufacturer #25S01 · 17/01/2025

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.

Fix: 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.

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/mechanical NHTSA Campaign #24V635000 · manufacturer #24S55 · 23/08/2024

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.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2021 Ford Bronco common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 230 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Back Over Prevention
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

2021 Ford Bronco safety ratings

Rollover★★★★★

Rollover risk: 25.6% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2021 Ford Bronco 4DR SUV 4WD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2021 Ford Bronco MPG & running costs

Combined17–26 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway20 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,529
EPA size classSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Transmission4 options
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Engine start-stopYes
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$5,646 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 12 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2021 Ford Bronco costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,645
Fuel only$17,645
Per mile$0.24

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
165.0–180.7 in
Width
74.4–79.5 in
Height
71.3–72.8 in
Wheelbase
100.4–116.1 in
Curb weight
3,457–4,628 lb
Front track
63.4–66.9 in
Rear track
63.0–66.9 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2021 Ford Bronco — ranges cover the 6 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 4

Low-pressure fuel pump failure Closed

On July 29, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE24019 to investigate complaints of low-pressure fuel pump failures in MY 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles. Some consumers reported that the failure occurred without warning while driving, resulting in a complete loss of motive power with no ability to restart the engine.Ford determined that several other vehicle models contain low-pressure fuel pumps substan…

NHTSA #PE24019 · Fuel System, Gasoline · opened Jul 2024 · closed Sep 2025

Loss of Motive Power Closed

On July 22, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) granted a Defect Petition (DP22001) and opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE22007) to investigate allegations of loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles equipped with 2.7L EcoBoost engines. Complainants were reporting sudden engine failure while driving resulting in a loss of motive power, often without the ability to restart. During…

NHTSA #EA23002 · Engine · opened Sep 2023 · closed Oct 2024

Loss of motive power due to valve intake failure on Ford Bronco vehicles. Closed

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition dated March 16, 2022, requesting an investigation regarding allegations of defective intake valves in model year (MY) 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles equipped with the 2.7L Eco-boost (“Nano”) engines.  The petitioner alleged these vehicles are experiencing loss of motive power at any highway speeds with no-restart as a result of catastrophic engine failures.  To…

NHTSA #PE22007 · Engine · opened Jul 2022 · closed Oct 2023

Loss of Motive Power Closed

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received three petitions on March 17, March 18, and March 29, 2022, which requested a defect investigation into an alleged defect of the "valves" on model year (MY) 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles equipped with the 2.7L Eco-boost engines. The petitioners alleged that MY 2021 Ford Broncos vehicles are experiencing loss of motive power at highway speeds with no-restart due to catastr…

NHTSA #DP22001 · Engine · opened May 2022 · closed Jul 2022

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 322

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 322.

Some 2021-2024 Bronco vehicles may exhibit an illuminated red brake warning indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0049:01 stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. This may be due to pin fitment at the brake fluid level sensor connector. To re…

Bulletin SSM 55240 · Electrical System, Service Brakes · Oct 2026

Some 2020-2026 Aviator/Explorer/F-150/Bronco/Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L (non-diesel) engine may need the front engine cover removed and reinstalled for various reasons. The Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-01 Engine > Removal and Installati…

Bulletin SSM 55228 · Engine · Oct 2026

This article supersedes TSB 25-2575 to update the Parts list to add the applicable body wiring harnesses and underbody shield bolts. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a "Sta-bar Disconnect Service Required" message in the instrument…

Bulletin TSB 26-2380 · Suspension, Electrical System, Structure · Sep 2026

25S75 Recall remedy -Powertrain Control Module update to introduce logic to prevent low pressure fuel pump binding and maintain fuel flow to the engine.

Bulletin PCM-26.2.11.3 Bronco · Electrical System, Fuel/propulsion System · Sep 2026

25S75 Recall remedy -Powertrain Control Module update to introduce logic to prevent low pressure fuel pump binding and maintain fuel flow to the engine.

Bulletin PCM-26.2.11.4 Bronco · Electrical System, Fuel/propulsion System · Sep 2026

25S75 Recall remedy -Powertrain Control Module update to introduce logic to prevent low pressure fuel pump binding and maintain fuel flow to the engine.

Bulletin PCM-26.11.5 Bronco · Electrical System, Fuel/propulsion System · Sep 2026

For Various Ford and Lincoln vehicles, if diagnostics lead to the replacement of the front seat cushion cover J-clips, lower-level service parts are now available. Use service part W709919-S901 if the J-clip is completely detached from the seat cover and W7153…

Bulletin SSM 55100 · Seats · Aug 2026

Some 2021-2026 Bronco vehicles may require the removal and installation of the transfer case for various reasons. Installation requires Loctite® 243 adhesive applied to the mounting bolt threads in the transmission. Make sure that the mating faces are clean an…

Bulletin SSM 55073 · Power Train · Aug 2026

Some 2021-2026 Ford/Lincoln vehicles may exhibit various symptoms including but not limited to the auto start/stop system not operating as intended with a "Check Charging System" message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) while the charging system is operat…

Bulletin SSM 55031 · Electrical System, Fuel/propulsion System · Jul 2026

Some 2021-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an "Updating SYNC" message on the vehicle center display screen after an over the air (OTA) update. The message can be cleared from the center display screen and SYNC can be used normally, but it will re-app…

Bulletin SSM 55028 · Electrical System · Jul 2026

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the BRONCO 4WD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 14

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2021 Ford Bronco. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Visual System

Issue: On certain vehicles, the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recall 22C27 (Transport Canada recall no. 2022-636) may not have been done correctly. As a result, a second repair is required. Under certain conditions when the vehicle is operated in 4WD-Low (4L) mode, the rearview camera image could reappear on the display after shifting out of reverse. Note: Th…

Transport Canada #2025255 · May 2025

Visual System

Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display or to freeze when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display correctly could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notif…

Transport Canada #2025260 · May 2025

Visual System

Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to appear on the SYNC display screen. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the vehicle is reversing. Note: This recall replaces Transport Canada recall no. 2023-477. Vehicles that were repaired under that recall don't require this…

Transport Canada #2025223 · Apr 2025

Visual System

Issue: On certain vehicles, the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recall 23S48 (Transport Canada recall no. 2023-477) may not have been done correctly. As a result, a second repair is required. On certain vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to appear on the SYNC display screen. Canadian regulati…

Transport Canada #2025199 · Apr 2025

Suspension

Issue: On certain vehicles, the mounting flange between the external reservoirs and the rear shock absorbers may corrode and fail. If this happens, the external reservoir(s) could detach from the vehicle. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles equipped with Bilstein shock absorbers. Safety Risk: An external reservoir that detaches from the vehicle could create a hazard…

Transport Canada #2025020 · Jan 2025

Engine

Issue: On certain vehicles, the intake valves may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the valves could break and cause the engine to fail. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost engine. This problem would cause the engine to run rough and the engine malfunction indicator lamp to turn on. Safety Risk: An engine failure…

Transport Canada #2024492 · Aug 2024

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Ford Bronco

The Ford Bronco is a model line of SUVs manufactured and marketed by Ford. The first SUV model developed by the company, five generations of the Bronco were sold from the 1966 to 1996 model years. A sixth generation of the model line was introduced for the 2021 model year. The nameplate has been used on other Ford SUVs, namely the 1984–1990 Bronco II compact SUV, the 2021 Bronco Sport compact crossover, and the China-only 2025 Bronco New Energy.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2021 Ford Bronco vehicles on record

Other Ford Bronco model years

2021 Ford Bronco — frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Ford Bronco have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 20 recall campaigns for the 2021 Ford Bronco. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Bronco?

Across all 230 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, suspension.

What is the 2021 Ford Bronco safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2021 Ford Bronco crash-test ratings of rollover 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2021 Ford Bronco get?

The 2021 Ford Bronco has U.S. EPA estimates of 17–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (12 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.