How common are engine problems in the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?

NHTSA lists 177 Engine-related complaints for the 2021 model year, accounting for 26% of the 691 total complaints filed for that year.

Is there a recall for engine problems on the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?

Yes. Recall 22V191000, reported March 25, 2022, covers 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape vehicles with 1.5L engines where the oil separator housing may crack and leak oil. The remedy is inspection and replacement of the oil separator and seals as needed.

Have there been fires linked to engine issues in the 2021 Bronco Sport?

NHTSA data for this engine complaint category shows 12 fires and 3 injuries reported among the 177 complaints, along with 5 crashes.

At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this engine complaint category is 52,000 miles, though individual sample complaints range from very low mileage to 142,000 miles.

2021 Ford Bronco Sport Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 177 Engine complaints for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, 26% of all 691 complaints that year, with 12 fires and 5 crashes reported. Ford recall 22V191000 covers a cracking engine oil separator housing that can leak oil, tied to the same 1.5L engine.

Engine complaints: 177; 26% of 691
Crashes reported: 5
Fires reported: 12
Injuries reported: 3
Median mileage: 52,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden engine compartment fires, sometimes starting with a pop or smoke shortly after parking or while driving at low speed.
Several complaints describe smoke or flames coming from under the hood accompanied by a burning or gasoline smell before the fire spread.
Some owners noticed a warning message such as an overheating alert or a battery/system default message just before smoke or fire appeared.
A few complaints describe the engine revving on its own after startup or while parked, leading to unintended acceleration.
Fires have been reported at a range of mileages, including cases at 80,000 and 142,000 miles, as well as very low mileage shortly after purchase.
The related recall for the 1.5L engine's oil separator housing cracking and leaking oil overlaps with several of the fire complaints in this area.

When 2021 Ford Bronco Sport engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 21, 2022, latest Sep 16, 2026.

177 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2022 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2024 Q2 (20).

Engine recalls for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

NHTSA 22V191000Mar 25, 2022Engine345,451 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication
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.
Remedy: 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.

Engine complaints by Bronco Sport model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

2021177 (26%)
202293 (26%)
202337 (24%)
202426 (24%)
202510 (26%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?: NHTSA lists 177 Engine-related complaints for the 2021 model year, accounting for 26% of the 691 total complaints filed for that year.
Is there a recall for engine problems on the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?: Yes. Recall 22V191000, reported March 25, 2022, covers 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape vehicles with 1.5L engines where the oil separator housing may crack and leak oil. The remedy is inspection and replacement of the oil separator and seals as needed.
Have there been fires linked to engine issues in the 2021 Bronco Sport?: NHTSA data for this engine complaint category shows 12 fires and 3 injuries reported among the 177 complaints, along with 5 crashes.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this engine complaint category is 52,000 miles, though individual sample complaints range from very low mileage to 142,000 miles.