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2021 FORD BRONCO Safety Overview

The 2021 FORD BRONCO has been closely monitored for safety issues.

Official NHTSA Recalls

The NHTSA has issued 20 official safety recalls for this vehicle. Key affected components include:

  • Engine
  • Structure:body:roof and pillars
  • Power train:automatic transmission

Severe Defect Warnings

Notably, some of these defects carry severe risks, such as a short circuit in the engine compartment can create heat or spark, increasing the risk of a fire.

Consumer Complaints

Consumers have also filed 20 safety complaints.

Common areas of concern reported by owners include:

  • Fuel system
  • Brakes
  • Engine
  • Visibility
  • Airbags

Why It Matters

Staying informed about these safety records is critical for FORD BRONCO owners to ensure ongoing reliability and safety on the road. Always consult an authorized dealer for official remedy repairs.

Latest Vehicle Recalls

2021 FORD BRONCO 26V468000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Bronco and Bronco Raptor vehicles.

A short circuit in the engine compartment can create heat or spark, increasing the risk of a fire.

NHTSA Recall 26V468000: A short circuit in the engine compartment can create heat or spark... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 7/20/2026
2021 FORD BRONCO 26V299000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles.

A detached section of roof can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Recall 26V299000: A detached section of roof can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 5/12/2026
2021 FORD BRONCO 26V236000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Bronco vehicles.

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.

NHTSA Recall 26V236000: Excessive wear of the transmission and transfer case splines may result in... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 4/14/2026
2021 FORD BRONCO 26V124000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Ford Bronco and 2021-2024 Ford Edge vehi...

A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Recall 26V124000: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver’s... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 3/3/2026
2021 FORD BRONCO 25V888000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYN...

A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Recall 25V888000: A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 12/18/2025
2021 FORD BRONCO 25V721000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles.

A seat with a dislodged bolt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

NHTSA Recall 25V721000: A seat with a dislodged bolt may not properly restrain an occupant in a... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 10/23/2025
2021 FORD BRONCO 25V685000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-20...

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

NHTSA Recall 25V685000: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 10/10/2025
2021 FORD BRONCO 25V455000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250...

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Recall 25V455000: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash. Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 7/7/2025
2021 FORD BRONCO 25V312000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYN...

A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Recall 25V312000: A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 5/9/2025
2021 FORD BRONCO 25V315000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025...

A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Recall 25V315000: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 5/9/2025
2021 FORD BRONCO 25V025000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco vehicles.

An external reservoir that detaches from a vehicle can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Recall 25V025000: An external reservoir that detaches from a vehicle can create a road... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 1/17/2025
2021 FORD BRONCO 24V635000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln N...

A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Recall 24V635000: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 8/23/2024
2021 FORD BRONCO 23V598000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator, 2018-2021 Lincoln Navig...

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Recall 23V598000: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 8/25/2023
2021 FORD BRONCO 23V358000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles built with the 5-Door bo...

Difficulty accessing the seat belt latches may result in occupants not wearing their seat belts, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

NHTSA Recall 23V358000: Difficulty accessing the seat belt latches may result in occupants not... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 5/18/2023
2021 FORD BRONCO 23V165000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYN...

A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Recall 23V165000: A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 3/10/2023
2021 FORD BRONCO 22V928000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles.

An improperly secured side impact sensor may cause the air bags to unintentionally deploy, or not to deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

NHTSA Recall 22V928000: An improperly secured side impact sensor may cause the air bags to... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 12/14/2022
2021 FORD BRONCO 22V825000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with rearview c...

A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Recall 22V825000: A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 11/3/2022
2021 FORD BRONCO 22V411000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain four-door 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles.

A malfunctioning child safety lock increases the risk of injury to a child occupant.

NHTSA Recall 22V411000: A malfunctioning child safety lock increases the risk of injury to a child... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 6/10/2022
2021 FORD BRONCO 21V982000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Ranger and Bronco vehicles.

A misaligned radar module may prevent the vehicle from maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles when adaptive cruise control is active. In addition, the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system may react slowly, or not react at all, during a pre-collision assist braking event. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Recall 21V982000: A misaligned radar module may prevent the vehicle from maintaining a safe... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 12/16/2021
2021 FORD BRONCO 21V770000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco vehicles.

Improper air bag deployment increases the risk of injury during a crash.

NHTSA Recall 21V770000: Improper air bag deployment increases the risk of injury during a crash. Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 10/1/2021

Recent Complaints

ODI ID: 11766598.0

Component: STRUCTURE

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0

"I am concerned about the hard top for my Bronco. There are cracks showing above the furthest back window on the passenger side, and above the same window on the driver's side. And when it rains, it leaks in the very back, causing the carpet to get wet under the rubber mat and smell like mildew. I did request a Ford dealer to document the cracks when I had some recalls completed."

Reported: 9/24/2026
ODI ID: 11765821.0

Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0

"The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue."

Reported: 9/21/2026
ODI ID: 11758618.0

Component: SERVICE BRAKES

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0

"I contacted my Ford dealership, and they informed me that the recall is not currently showing as applicable to my VIN. Because my vehicle is experiencing similar issues, the dealership recommended that I contact Ford directly to have my vehicle and VIN reviewed. I would like to request that Ford review my vehicle to determine whether it may be affected by the same issue and whether my VIN could potentially be included in the affected vehicle population. My vehicle intermittently displays a “Check Brake System” warning, with the red brake warning light remaining illuminated. I have also experienced intermittent changes in braking, particularly when initially applying the brakes, where the brake pedal feels harder than normal and requires increased effort to slow or stop the vehicle. This is meaningful overlap between what I am experiencing and the recall description. Now I’m being told to reach back out to Ford, which I’ve done, or file a claim which is this"

Reported: 8/10/2026
ODI ID: 11755232.0

Component: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0

"- POTENTIAL FUEL PUMP FAILURE WHILE DRIVING - MAJOR CONCERN WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE FOR MYSELF AND FOR CHILDREN AND ELDERLY PASSENGERS - YES - YES BUT NO SOLUTION AVAILABLE - NO"

Reported: 8/6/2026
ODI ID: 11754883.0

Component: SERVICE BRAKES

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0

"There is multiple anti lock braking faults that pop up while driving and then go away the next time the vehicle is used. Brake fluid, pads, rotors and calipers all seem to spec and are working at the moment, but major concerns with the software or possible release and reengagement of the emergency brake."

Reported: 8/5/2026
ODI ID: 11754851.0

Component: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0

"Fuel pump.has low pressure therefore making vehicle stop running completely. Has happened twice , once while driving on highway. This is extremly dangerous to have your vehicle just come to complete dead stop in middle.of road. FORD has no remedy to fix and now i am without a car I am paying for since it wont start now."

Reported: 8/3/2026
ODI ID: 11756704.0

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0

"While driving, I experienced the brakes beginning to fail, followed shortly by a complete loss of engine power. My 2021 Ford Bronco is subject to recall 25S75 (NHTSA 25V455) for a low pressure fuel pump defect that can cause loss of fuel pressure or flow and engine stall. I was stranded on the side of the interstate in 100 degree heat with my newborn in the vehicle. This was a dangerous situation, not a minor inconvenience. I had the vehicle towed to an AAA Car Care Center in Charlotte, NC, where the fuel pump failure was diagnosed. AAA could not perform a repair because the issue falls under an open safety recall. I contacted the Ford Recall Assistance Center and was told no remedy is currently available for recall 25S75. I also visited Capital Ford Charlotte, who confirmed the same, that no remedy exists yet. With the vehicle inoperable and no repair available anywhere, I paid out of pocket for private transport to move the vehicle to my home in Newnan, GA, since Ford could not confirm coverage for towing to my home dealership. As of August 12, 2026, NHTSA materials still list the remedy for 25S75 as under development. My vehicle remains inoperable with no path to repair. This is now also preventing me from selling or trading the vehicle. A dealership (Buford Toyota) declined to even appraise it because it will not run. I am filing this complaint to document that an open, unremedied safety recall directly caused a vehicle failure that endangered myself and my infant child, and continues to leave the vehicle unusable and unsellable months later."

Reported: 8/1/2026
ODI ID: 11753780.0

Component: UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0

"Corrosion of the entire spare tire carrier mount"

Reported: 7/30/2026
ODI ID: 11750401.0

Component: UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0

"Component or system that failed/malfunctioning:Climate Control System / Rear Passenger Cabin Ventilation.Is the component available for inspection?Yes, the vehicle and the climate control system are completely intact, unaltered, and available for physical inspection upon request.Description of Incident & Safety Risks:There is little to no airflow reaching the rear passenger seating area of the vehicle. The 4-Door 2021 Ford Bronco relies entirely on hidden, under-seat floor ducts to regulate back-seat temperatures, as it lacks center console or upper B-pillar vents. Under normal operation, the air reaching the back row is severely restricted, leaving the rear cabin isolated from proper climate regulation. My safety and the safety of others have been severely put at risk during travel. Because of the near-zero airflow, the rear passenger compartment quickly traps extreme ambient heat or freezing cold. This environment is highly unsafe for vulnerable occupants riding in the back seat—specifically young children, elderly family members, and animals—who cannot properly regulate their body temperatures and face an immediate risk of heat exhaustion, heatstroke, or hypothermia. Additionally, the lack of air circulation creates a critical safety hazard by causing severe fogging on the rear side windows, obstructing driver blind-spot visibility and increasing crash risks.Dealer/Service Confirmation & Manufacturer Inspection:The problem has not yet been confirmed by a Ford dealer or independent service center, nor has the vehicle or system been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. The vehicle remains exactly as it was when the issue was identified.Warning Lamps, Messages, or Prior Symptoms:There were absolutely no dashboard warning lamps, digital error messages, or physical symptoms prior to this issue. The lack of adequate airflow is a continuous condition."

Reported: 7/12/2026
ODI ID: 11769227.0

Component: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0

"My car would not start. Turns out it was the fuel pump/filter low pressure recall issue. It was towed to the dealership and has been there since without a remedy from Ford, despite the recall being released over a year ago. Absolutely ridiculous that my vehicle is being held hostage because the manufacturer has not come up with a remedy."

Reported: 7/3/2026
ODI ID: 11751184.0

Component: POWER TRAIN

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0

"Persistent highway-speed vibration (45 to 82 mph) present since July 2022, documented at five Ford dealerships between 21,000 and 100,000 miles, and still unresolved and undiagnosed after four years. It is a whole-vehicle shake felt primarily through the seat and from the rear of the vehicle at highway speed, occurring on highways nationwide (documented in [XXX], [XXX], and [XXX]). Wheel and tire causes were controlled for and eliminated: three complete wheel-and-tire set swaps (two on factory stock sets) did not change the vibration; a dealer road-force balance (08/2024) did not resolve it; it persists while coasting in neutral. On XXX an independent facility (Heritage Auto Solutions, [XXX]) road-tested and lift-inspected the vehicle and identified objective anomalies at the rear driveshaft: an abnormal welded balance-weight cluster and visible play at the slip yoke; the facility recommended replacement. The shaft is currently at an independent driveline facility for balance testing; the root cause of the vibration has NOT been definitively confirmed by any facility. That is the safety concern: a sustained, unresolved vibration consistent with a driveline-area defect at 70+ mph, present for four years, with no dealer ever performing an instrumented driveline diagnosis. A driveline component failing at highway speed is a loss-of-control hazard. Ford has issued driveline field actions on this platform (Customer Satisfaction Program 22B27, front driveshaft, noise/vibration; Recall 26V236, transfer-case misalignment, possible loss of drive power). The manufacturer was formally notified in writing of the independent findings on XXX (Ford case XXX) and has not responded as of XXX. Attached: the independent facility's written report and driveshaft photographs. The vehicle is currently out of service. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)"

Reported: 6/26/2026
ODI ID: 11746859.0

Component: AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0

"I was driving in the northbound left hand lane on creasy lane in Lafayette, Indiana, approaching Rome Drive. A driver from a side street took an illegal left hand turn to head towards the northbound lanes of creasy lane, I was traveling over 30 mph, maybe 40 at the time of the collision. I was unable to see the other driver until it was too late as they passed by drivers turning from the right hand lane onto the side road they had been at. My airbags did not deploy during the collision, nor did my pre collision assist alert nor did my brake system engage. I suffered extensive front end damage at the time of the incident. There was a previous recall for my airbags in this vehicle, as well as notifications in 2024 that my collision systems had been disengage during warranty work."

Reported: 6/25/2026
ODI ID: 11744621.0

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0

"Window actuator does not properly open or close passenger window to open door properly, which is a safety risks to a child. Window could shatter because window will not roll down the inch or so to pull the door open. In order to open the door, the window will shake vibrantly and risk of a child of a possible window shatter. Ford says this is a normal wear and tear and it’s at owners cost to replace. To me that’s unacceptable."

Reported: 6/1/2026
ODI ID: 11744011.0

Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0

"I was driving on the highway with standard cruise control (I don't have adaptive cruise) and I went to press the brakes and the brake pedal was SUPER stiff and I had to press unreasonably hard to disengage the cruise control and slow down. When the pedal finally gave, I ended up slamming on the bakes so much that my passenger was startled and we both lurched forward due to our momentum. Afterwards, my brake light light came on, on the dashboard. I went to AutoZone to get a reading and it said it was the brake assist vacuum or something like that. This could have caused a very bad accident in too different ways. One, if I didn't stop in time due to the delayed braking from the stiff pedal or getting rear ended due to inadvertently slamming on the brakes at highway speed."

Reported: 5/1/2026
ODI ID: 11741008.0

Component: SUSPENSION

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0

"After my Ford dealer applied their recall "fix" on the rear shocks of my 2021 Bronco with Sasquatch package my passenger side rear shock reservoir came off while driving down the freeway. It didn't hit anyone but it was scary never the less."

Reported: 4/10/2026
ODI ID: 11766130.0

Component: ENGINE

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0

"The engine block may develop a coolant leak which could cause a short circuit while the engine block heater system is plugged in - increasing the risk of an underhood fire"

Reported: 10/15/2025
ODI ID: 11747918.0

Component: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0

"Ford has failed to remedy RECALL 25V455 issued OVER 1 YEAR AGO !!!!!!!! My fuel pump failed in August of 2025 and left me (single female) stranded on side of interstate highway in 100' heat. Dealer confirmed in-tank fuel pump failed and replaced with another recalled pump. There was no warning that failure was happening until vehicle stopped in traffic. Had over 1/4 tank of gas at the time. Afraid to drive vehicle out of town because it could strand me again. Can not trade in vehicle because open recall reduces value of vehicle"

Reported: 8/22/2025
ODI ID: 11766132.0

Component: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0

"Loss of fuel pressure from fuel pump failure"

Reported: 7/8/2025
ODI ID: 11748607.0

Component: UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0

"It has now been 1 year since the recall 25V455 was issued for my 2021 Ford Bronco. I use my Bronco for business but due to the recall, it has been unable to be used due to legal reasons in my state. I have lost thousands of dollars from the vehicle sitting and Ford continues to fail to provide a timely remedy. The date of the recall being issued has been pushed back over a dozen times and now shows "no eta". They have no communication with their dealers as to what the delay is and Ford Customer Service will not disclose anything other then "we will notify you when it becomes available". This delay, lack of communication and constant failure to uphold recall release dates are causing undue financial burden on my business and Ford displays a glaring lack of caring to get this issue resolved. Dealerships are likewise frustrated as they are bearing the front of peoples questions and anger regarding the recall fix but Ford does not communicate anything with them. I am formally demanding that Ford be held accountable toward being transparent with their customers. Provide timely and transparent updates on the progress toward the recall fix and ensure that progress is actually happening. In addition, I have in my possession a 2023 Bronco's fuel pump that is a newer design that Ford has been installing in their 2023+ Bronco's. This new design is not affected by the recall and fits into my 2021 Bronco without modification. Ford has proven that they have a fix as they are installing it in new Bronco's from 2023+. When I ask if I can install a unaffected fuel pump into my 2021 Bronco to get the recall cleared, I am denied. That is unacceptable."

Reported: 7/8/2025
ODI ID: 11758268.0

Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,LANE DEPARTURE

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0

"The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration while driving. The lane departure feature also steered the vehicle in the opposite direction while there was construction on the road. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000. The VIN was not available."

Reported: 6/1/2025