Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 684 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, and it carries 16 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 86 | 13% |
| Electrical system | 78 | 11% |
| Service brakes | 64 | 9% |
| Unknown or other | 45 | 7% |
| Fuel system | 42 | 6% |
| Engine | 34 | 5% |
| Power train | 22 | 3% |
| Service brakes | 21 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 18 | 3% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 17 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
I had recalls for body control module and power train control module calibration updates. i took it to my ford dealership on august 12th, 2026 they had it done with within the day i picked it up. within a week after (i d
NHTSA complaint: Power train
Car is failing to pick up speed and shuttering around 20mph to 60mph. Took it to the dealer and they said it’s the transmission. Im currently in talks with dealership about a goodwill repair. I’m at approx 65000 miles a
NHTSA complaint: Power train
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle bucks and runs really rough. I believe it has to do with the open recall that has NOT yet been fixed. The fue
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
Ford has not provided a repair for fuel injector recall in a reasonable amount of time
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
My 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is subject to Ford Safety Recall 25S76 / NHTSA Recall 25V467 concerning cracked fuel injectors that may leak fuel and create an under-hood fire risk. This recall was issued in July 2025. Approx
NHTSA complaint: Power train
The Oil pump wet belt, made of rubber, experienced the same premature tooth degradation as under the 1.0L EcoBoost engines that were recalled. Rubber components blocked my oil pump resulting in a failure to pump oil whil
NHTSA complaint: Engine
Recall letter received dated AUGUST 2025 advising of fire risk. To date NO PARTS AVAILABLE. UNACCEPTABLE. Recall 25S76/25V467
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact state
NHTSA complaint: Fuel system
NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles. These vehicles may have been produced with incorrect front lower control arms.
Risk: An incorrect lower control arm may affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a rollover crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the front lower control arms, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles. The rear suspension subframe assembly may have loose or missing bolts.
Risk: Loose or missing bolts may affect the vehicle's handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash. It could also reduce the vehicle's performance in a rear impact crash, increasing the risk of inj
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear suspension bolts, and secure or replace the bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2021. Owners may contact Ford c
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles. The moonroof glass may not have been bonded correctly to the moonroof frame, which could result in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle.
Risk: A detached glass panel can become a road hazard, and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the moonroof glass date code and replace the glass, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer serv
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles. The fuel delivery module may leak inside the fuel tank, causing low fuel pressure which could result in an engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. Interim notification letters (remedy not available) were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on Decemb
| Reliability raw | 64 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 67 | good |
| Maintenance | 72 | good |
| Depreciation | 84 | excellent |
| Performance | 56 | average |
| Efficiency | 46 | below average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 684 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and power train is the most reported area with 86 of them (13%). There are 16 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 64/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 67/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2021 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 69/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.