2021 Ford Bronco Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2021 Ford Bronco has a complaint index of 50, ranking 3rd worst among 5 model years, and carries a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 229 complaints and 20 recall campaigns, with Engine problems being the top concern at 34% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #3 of 5 Bronco years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 229
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 20
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 6
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 7
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 18
- 18 city / 18 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 7 / 0
Top 2021 Ford Bronco problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine78 (34%)
- Electrical System32 (14%)
- Fuel System29 (13%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras28 (12%)
- Other28 (12%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires24 (10%)
- Brakes22 (10%)
- Visibility & Wipers17 (7%)
- Structure & Body13 (6%)
- Lane Departure11 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brake pedal reportedly fails to stop the vehicle promptly, sometimes with a stiff pedal feel and illuminated brake warning light.
- Owners describe pre-collision alert and anti-lock brake system malfunctions triggering false warnings or brake failure.
- A drive shaft/coupling caught fire at the front transfer case, matching a transmission-to-transfer-case recall.
- Water reportedly leaks into the cabin near the passenger A-pillar and roof airbag area during rain.
- Airbags reportedly did not deploy during a rear-end collision despite significant impact force.
- Some owners report recall parts for airbag repairs were unavailable for extended periods.
2021 Ford Bronco recalls
20 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V468000Jul 20, 2026Engine565,691 vehicles
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. 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 notify owners on or about 9/1/2026. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S55. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 23, 2026.
- NHTSA 26V299000May 12, 2026Structure & Body16,200 vehicles
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 sections of the outer roof panel to separate and detach from the vehicle.
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 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 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S32. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 12, 2026.
- NHTSA 26V236000Apr 14, 2026Transmission & Powertrain4,922 vehicles
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 to wear of the transmission output shaft splines and transfer case input splines.
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. 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 Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 15, 2026.
2021 Ford Bronco fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 18 MPG
- Combined
- 18 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other Bronco years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Ford Bronco reliable?
- NHTSA data shows a complaint index of 50 for the 2021 Bronco, placing it 3rd worst out of 5 model years. It carries a Caution verdict, with Engine issues making up 34% of complaints.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2021 Ford Bronco?
- Engine complaints lead at 78 reports, 34% of the total, with a median mileage at failure of 10,000 miles.
- Does the 2021 Ford Bronco have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 20 recall campaigns for the 2021 Bronco, covering areas including engine wiring, hardtop roof panels, transmission-to-transfer-case joints, and rearview camera software.
- How does the 2021 Bronco compare to other years?
- The 2021 Bronco's complaint index of 50 is lower than 2022 (100, Avoid) and 2023 (75, Avoid), but higher than 2024 (0, Caution) and 2025 (25, Caution).
- Are there any do-not-drive recalls on the 2021 Bronco?
- No, none of the 20 recall campaigns for the 2021 Bronco are listed as do-not-drive recalls.