2021 Ford Bronco Sport Transmission & Powertrain Problems
The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport logged 181 Transmission & Powertrain complaints, 26% of its 691 total complaints for the year, the highest share among Bronco Sport model years. Median mileage at failure was 53,800, with two related recalls covering transmission/powertrain issues.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 181
- 26% of 691 complaints
- All complaints this year
- 691
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 53,800 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Vehicles stall or hesitate at low speeds, including one stall at 25 mph with no warning light and another shortly after purchase at very low mileage.
- Owners report a rattling, shuddering, or whirring noise from the transmission area, sometimes tied to a torque converter diagnosis.
- The transmission can get stuck in gear on the highway, with RPMs rising while the vehicle loses speed, forcing drivers to pull over and restart.
- Some owners describe a lag or hesitation when accelerating where the engine revs but the vehicle does not move, occurring in multiple drive modes.
- A parked vehicle rolled away and caused a collision, later linked to a transmission that had been replaced.
- One owner reported grinding noise and rear differential damage traced to a lubrication issue after unrelated recall service.
When 2021 Ford Bronco Sport transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Apr 28, 2021, latest Sep 15, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport
- NHTSA 25V158000Mar 14, 2025Transmission & Powertrain48,041 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 21V011000Jan 15, 2021Transmission & Powertrain147 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
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.
Remedy: 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.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Bronco Sport model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many 2021 Ford Bronco Sport owners complained about transmission and powertrain problems?
- NHTSA lists 181 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Bronco Sport, which is 26% of the 691 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?
- Yes. Recall 25V158000 covers a body/powertrain control module recalibration after a previous incorrect repair, and recall 21V011000 covers a rear drive unit lubricant issue that could affect the driveline.
- At what mileage do 2021 Bronco Sport transmission problems typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 53,800 miles for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on this model year.
- Were there any crashes or fires linked to transmission complaints?
- NHTSA records show 1 crash and 1 fire among the 181 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Bronco Sport, with no injuries reported.
- Does the 2021 Bronco Sport have more transmission complaints than later model years?
- Yes. The 2021 model's 26% share of complaints tied to Transmission & Powertrain is higher than the 18% for 2022, 12% for 2023, 19% for 2024, and 18% for 2025.