Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2021 Ford Bronco Sport owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 60 MPH and entering the base at 15 MPH, the overheating message was displayed. The driver pulled over, and the light turned off. After exiting the vehicle, he noticed the vehicle had caught fire. The driver disconnected the battery. There were no reported injuries. Another driver stopped with a fire extinguisher to assist with putting out the fire. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was contacted, who initially was sending an inspector but changed to viewing the photos. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The contact owned a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. After pulling to the side of the road, the contact noticed that the engine compartment had caught fire. The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department. A fire report was filed, but a fire report number was not provided. The cause of the fire had not yet been determined. A police report was not filed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.
The contact owned a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH the warning message "System Default, Battery" was displayed. After stopping to inspect under the hood the contact discovered smoke and flames were present coming from inside the engine compartment. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who informed that the failure was caused by a faulty serpentine motor belt. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. A fire report was taken at the scene. The failure mileage was 142,000.
When trying to start the vehicle, it would not crank. Instead, all dash indicator lights, interior lights, and exterior lights began flashing. Numerous random error messages began flashing on the dashboard screen. Then a large plume of smoke began coming out from under the hood and there was an acrid burning smell. No flames were visible so the fire department would not respond when called and advised to have it towed. After much difficulty loading onto a tow truck (the parking brake would not disengage--dash indicated a parking brake fault as one of the many errors--so it had to be dragged onto the flatbed tow truck) the vehicle was towed to the local dealership in Dothan, AL. Per the dealership, there was an underhood fire involving the starter and battery. We are unable to inspect the damaged components. …
My 2021 Bronco failed our family on Friday. The Bronco failed to start upon pressing the start and brake pedal. The main console panel started flashing then cycling through all kinds of failure alerts. There was a series loud noises from the engine, the headlights flashed off and on for over 3 minutes and then the engine started smoking. The doors would not open and we were stuck inside while the engine was smoking. That smoke came through the air vents as well. Finally, I was able to get my door open though couldn't open my son's rear passenger side door from the outside. He was stuck inside for what seemed like forever. He was able to open it finally and I carried him inside. My son's legs are paralyzed and he does not walk. My main concern was getting him to a safe place as I was scared to death that the engine was going to explode in that moment. …
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started losing motive power. A message advising a power train failure was displayed. The driver was able to exit the highway at 15 MPH. The vehicle was driven to a nearby dealer, where the computer was rebooted; however, the failure recurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer several times, and the transmission was rebuilt. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The contact stated while her husband was driving 70-80 MPH, the vehicle lost electrical power and stalled. The check engine and the power train warning lights were illuminated. The driver was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart but failed to exceed 15 MPH. The driver continued driving on the shoulder of the roadway. …
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the instrument panel malfunctioned, with the message "Pull Over and Restart the Engine" displayed. The battery was replaced, and failure was resolved. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that later while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started jerking while changing gear. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. …
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the infotainment screen went black or displayed a half-operating screen. An unknown warning light was illuminated with the message "Attention Needed - Service Engine Soon" displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and it was determined that Part Number: BE52 needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer where it was diagnosed, and determined that an unknown part needed to be replaced after retrieving DTC: P0496. The vehicle was not repaired. While the vehicle was parked, the vehicle hesitated while starting. …
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while her son was at a stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle shut off without warning, and started to roll backwards. The contact's son applied the parking brake and later restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, several warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the battery was drained. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V267000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN); however, the contact expressed concern that the same failure might return. The contact also stated that while driving at various speeds, an audible warning chime was coming from the vehicle with the temperature gauge was hot(H). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where coolant was added; however, the failure returned. …
this has happened twice to me. First time, I was driving around a roundabout - and the engine kicked off and there were a lot of alerts across the screen. I was safely able to coast off the road and onto the side where I sat for a little bit trying to restart it. After pushing the start button several times - it started back up and I was on my way. Most recently, last week - I was driving on the highway and the engine died and so many alerts were going across the screen. I couldn't pay much attention to the errors because a semi almost rammed my back end. I was on an incline on an off ramp and was trying to coast to the side as much as I could. It was too scary to monitor what was happening on the screen. I sat there trying to restart the Bronco and after several tries - it started back up and I was able to drive away. The Bronco is at the Dealership right now for them to look it over. …
Related recalls
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.
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.
Engine complaints in other Bronco Sport years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?
NHTSA has 174 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, 25% of the model year's 709 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2021 Ford Bronco Sport engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 22V-191 (oil/lubrication, Mar 25, 2022). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2021 Ford Bronco Sport engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 12 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.