2021 Ford Bronco Sport

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

Ford Bronco Sport
Pictured: 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend, front 3.15.21. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Body styles
SUV 1.5l, SUV 2.0l
Engines
1.5L 3-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
26 combined · 25 city / 28 hwy
Length
172.8 in
Curb weight
3,457–3,713 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
16 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints711 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 147 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (1.5L 3-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 173 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,457 lb (SUV 1.5l).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (25 city / 28 highway), 9% better than the 2021 small SUV average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 16 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 711 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
SUV 1.5l172.8 in74.4 in71.3 in105.1 in63.4 / 63 in3,457 lb57/43
SUV 2.0l172.8 in74.4 in71.3 in105.1 in63.4 / 63 in3,713 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Bronco Sport 4WD1.5L 3-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive25 / 28 / 26+9%$2,600342
Bronco Sport 4WD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Part-time 4-Wheel Drive21 / 26 / 23-4%$2,900387
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.9 MPG2021 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2021 Ford Bronco Sport SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.4%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2021 Ford Bronco Sport SUV 4WD
Frontal crash test — 2021 Ford Bronco Sport SUV 4WD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2021 Ford Bronco Sport SUV 4WD
Side crash test — 2021 Ford Bronco Sport SUV 4WD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2021 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Ford Bronco Sport (this car)26 MPG★★★★★16
2021 Toyota RAV440 MPG★★★★★1
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime38 MPGNot rated4
2021 Honda CR-V38 MPG★★★★★5
2021 Ford Bronco21 MPGNot rated20
2021 Hyundai Tucson25 MPG★★★★★1
2021 Subaru Forester29 MPG★★★★★0

Recalls (16)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint · May 27, 2026 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 26V340000 · 4,653 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Bronco Sport and 2022-2026 Maverick vehicles. The front lower control arm ball joints may have been incorrectly installed or incorrectly repaired at the vehicle assembly plant, allowing the control arm to disconnect from the front wheel knuckle.
Risk
A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and repair the front lower control arm ball joints as necessary, free of charge.Owner notification letters were mailed September 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S36. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 29, 2026.
Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater · Oct 10, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V685000 · 59,006 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
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. 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 December 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System · Jul 11, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V467000 · 694,271 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will update the engine control software. In addition, dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel rail assembly and fuel injectors, free of charge. As an interim repair, dealers will update the engine control software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 29, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in July 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S76. This recall expands and replaces previous recall numbers 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165 will need to have the new final remedy performed once it is available.
Back Over Prevention › Software · Jun 27, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V442000 · 200,237 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Risk
A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) · Mar 14, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V158000 · 48,041 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-267. The body and power train control modules may fail to detect a change in the 12-volt battery state of charge.
Risk
An undetected low battery charge can result in a loss of electrical accessories such as hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will recalibrate the body control module and power train control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 23, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S26.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System · Mar 14, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V165000 · 33,576 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 22V-859 or 24V-187. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S21.
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery · Jan 17, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V019000 · 272,817 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles. The 12-volt battery may experience degradation and suddenly fail.
Risk
Battery failure can result in a loss of electrical accessories, including the hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the 12-volt battery, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S02. Vehicles in this recall were previously repaired under 24V-267 and will need to have the new remedy completed.
Electrical System › Body Control Module/Bcm · Apr 12, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V267000 · 456,565 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles. The body and power train control modules may fail to detect a change in the 12-volt battery state of charge.
Risk
An undetected low battery charge can result in a loss of electrical accessories such as hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will recalibrate the body control module and power train control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 4, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S24.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System · Nov 18, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V859000 · 521,746 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed January 9, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 1st Quarter of 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S73. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 22V-191. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-191 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication · Mar 25, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V191000 · 345,451 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. The engine oil separator housing may crack and develop an oil leak.
Risk
An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the oil separator for damage or oil leaks, and replace the oil separator and seals, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S21.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Nov 23, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V922000 · 114,666 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles. The rear brake linings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can affect braking performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk
During certain situations, the driver may have to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the front brake pads, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C31.
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · Oct 15, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V809000 · 1,036 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles. The moonroof glass may not have been bonded correctly to the moonroof frame, which could result in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle.
Risk
A detached glass panel can become a road hazard, and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the moonroof glass date code and replace the glass, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S46.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump › Control/Drive Module · Aug 10, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V625000 · 13,773 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles. The fuel delivery module may leak inside the fuel tank, causing low fuel pressure which could result in an engine stall.
Risk
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. Interim notification letters (remedy not available) were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 14, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S38.
Suspension › Rear · Feb 16, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V075000 · 1,638 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles. The rear suspension subframe assembly may have loose or missing bolts.
Risk
Loose or missing bolts may affect the vehicle's handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash. It could also reduce the vehicle's performance in a rear impact crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear suspension bolts, and secure or replace the bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S04.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm · Feb 16, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V074000 · 106 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles. These vehicles may have been produced with incorrect front lower control arms.
Risk
An incorrect lower control arm may affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a rollover crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the front lower control arms, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S03.
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft · Jan 15, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V011000 · 147 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Edge, 2020 Lincoln Nautilus and Ford Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair and Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. An inadequate amount of lubricant in the rear drive unit may cause seizure of the rear drive axle.
Risk
If the rear drive unit seizes, there may be a loss of drive and/or a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the rear drive unit lubricant level. Axles found to have lubricant at the minimum level will be filled to the full level. Axles found to be below the minimum lubricant fill level will be replaced, free of charge. This recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S02.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

711Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
18Involved a crash
17Involved a fire
12Injuries reported
40,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System203
Power Train183
Engine152
Service Brakes101
Unknown Or Other98
Fuel/Propulsion System64
Fuel System, Gasoline55
Service Brakes, Hydraulic26
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 1324/12: 1525/01: 1425/02: 2425/03: 2025/04: 2225/05: 2025/06: 1125/07: 1225/08: 1525/09: 1725/10: 2025/11: 1125/12: 726/01: 1026/02: 526/03: 1626/04: 1526/05: 826/06: 2026/07: 526/08: 1026/09: 2126/10: 1224/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 24

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Ford Bronco Sport buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 16 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Electrical System — 203 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Power Train — 183 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Engine — 152 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 40,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Bronco Sport years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Bronco Sport27172.8 inNot rated68
2025 Bronco Sport27172.8 inNot rated740
2024 Bronco Sport26172.8 in★★★★★8115
2023 Bronco Sport26172.8 in★★★★★14163
2022 Bronco Sport26172.8 in★★★★★15370

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →