2021 Ford Bronco: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Ford Bronco? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 207 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2021 Ford Bronco Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2021 Ford Bronco trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2021 Ford Bronco Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2021 Ford Bronco 4DR SUV 4WDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated25.6% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
25.6% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Ford Bronco has 207 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 18 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Bronco
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 207
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- Safety recall campaigns
- 18
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 18
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 19
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2021 Ford Bronco Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Back Over Prevention
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Back Over Prevention. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Ford Bronco?
The 2021 Ford Bronco shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Ford Bronco
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine for reported issues such as stalling or loss of power.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect engine for reported issues such as stalling or loss of power.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Ford Bronco, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 207 complaints for the 2021 Ford Bronco, issues are concentrated in the engine and electrical systems. The data suggests potential concerns with engine performance and electrical faults, though the low confidence level and limited model year range warrant caution.
- Engine Problems account for the highest number of complaints at 72.
- Electrical Faults are the second most reported issue with 26 complaints.
- Back Over Prevention and Suspension Failures each have 23 complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
- Back Over Prevention
All 2021 Ford Bronco Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Ford Bronco. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 72 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 26 | — | 1 | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 23 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 23 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 23 | — | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 18 | 3 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Ford Bronco. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The digital gauge cluster where it shows sensitive information is a blacked out screen. I took it an automotive shop to investigate the issue. They ran a diagnositic and confirmed the screen is receiving power, fuses are good, but the screen is not powering up. I cannot view th…
3 separate safety-related components have failed on my 2021 Ford Bronco, all of which correspond to open federal safety recalls that remain unremedied: 1. Infotainment/APIM Module & Backup Camera System (Recall Campaign 26V124): my infotainment screen fails to turn on, particula…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 25V721000 (Seats); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not r…
See attached document for complaint.
My BLIS module on the passenger side does not work and I have a constant warning light displayed that there is a system malfunction. Under further investigation, this is a KNOWN design issue caused by the rear wiring harness that contains the BLIS sensor rubbing against componen…
The instrument cluster cracked. Woke up one day and it was cracked. The crack is traveling through the important screens. Cord won’t do anything, but dozens have reported online.
Brake fault warning occurring continuously. Seems to be a wide issue with Broncos 2021-2025. The brakes become “squishy” and have to push them to the floor to stop.
A Safety Recall was issued on the vehicle with no remedy. The recall was in reference to the Engine Intake Valves and stated; "The engine intake valves may crack and break, which could result in loss of motive power and increase the risk of a crash". It also stated, " Prior to l…
The wiring harness is rubbing against the bumper, causing it to wear and eventually cut through. This causes an error to my BSM/Cross Traffic alert. I have an extended warranty, but it doesn't cover it. This is a problem I have seen on the Bronco6G forums.
Component or system that failed or malfunctioned: The fuel delivery system, specifically the fuel pump, which is subject to an active safety recall. The recall states that fuel pump failure can result in loss of fuel pressure and flow, leading to engine stall. The vehicle is avai…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the parking assist fault warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed wiring harness. The contact was informed that a wire f…
I received an alert on the dash stating there was an issue with the blind spot monitoring/rear cross traffic system. It was erroring off and on for that entire drive. When I got home, I googled the issue and it appears it's a known issue with '21 and some early '22 broncos wher…
While driving I lost most/all ADAS system. I received several alerts that kept repopulating. No Cross Traffic working No Blind Sport working No Cruise Control No Forward Collision working No Lane Departure working I took the rear assembly by the taillight and rear bumper. The w…
Bronco wire corrosion cross traffic refers to a known issue where wiring under the rear bumper, often for the blind spot/cross-traffic sensors, chafes, frays, and corrodes, causing system faults and failures, sometimes due to design flaws or environmental exposure to salt, requir…
Brake Light issue: Red Brake Light appears when driving over 40 MPH. To fix issue Tube Vacuum had to be replaced. Part# MB3Z 2420 This seems to be an on going issue with 2021 Broncos.
A serious safety recall advised in July of 2025 still has not been fixed.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V025000 (Suspension); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the reca…
Location of wiring from the factory for Blind Spot Warning and Cross Traffic Alert systems is not protected. The wiring has frayed and broken due to the wiring being unprotected, loose and rubbing on the rear bumper, causing the systems to not function. This is a blatant design …
Ford has 3 safety recalls on 2021 ford bronco and they have no remedy to fix any of them yet. My car stalled out 3 times now because of the low pressure fuel pump failure recall. I was pulling out into traffic and it stalled out while a car was coming at me. The only solution For…
While driving in snowy conditions the headlights become covered with snow to the point of not illuminating enough to see. Which then makes trying to find a spot to pull over safely to wipe them becomes extremely dangerous. The snow covered lights happens quickly. Creating hazardo…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Ford Bronco.
2021 Ford Bronco Recalls
18 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Ford Bronco. 18 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2021 Ford Bronco Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Ford Bronco reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 207 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 18 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Ford Bronco shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Bronco?▾
#1: Engine Problems (72 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (26 complaints). #3: Back Over Prevention (23 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Ford Bronco?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Ford Bronco?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Ford Bronco, NHTSA complaints include 5 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 207 total complaints. 7 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Ford Bronco have any recalls?▾
Yes. 18 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Ford Bronco. A major recall area is FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: RADAR. 18 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Ford Bronco?▾
The 2021 Ford Bronco shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Bronco reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Ford Bronco based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.