The Lemon Index
20226th generation
Avoid · most complaints: engine
Better years to buy
133 owner complaints, first 3 years 17–26 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2021 Jeep Wrangler 3362021 Toyota 4Runner 182021 Jeep Gladiator 218
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
Engines & versions
What breaks most on the 2021 Ford Bronco
- Engine failure25 complaints
- Fuel pump19 complaints
- Engine stalling16 complaints
Specific parts named in the 231 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Ford Bronco (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Only 19 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 26V468000 (engine), 26V299000 (body structure) and 26V236000 (transmission & drivetrain) done? It has 20 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Do the wipers, washers, defrost and mirrors all work?
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Ford sent dealers 324 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Intermittent single hazard lamp”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Ford's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 133 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 1K to 19K miles (2K to 31K km) on the car (19 of all 133 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
The 2.7 L engine failed going down the interstate in the middle lane. Complete loss of power. Was fortunate to be able to coast to the shoulder. Dealer says the engine failed and needs to be replaced.
2021 Ford Bronco owner · NHTSA complaint 11448171
More owner reports
The speed of wipers is not fast enough. In moderate rain on high the wipers do not clear window fast enough.
NHTSA complaint 11477676
The wipers shut off on their own during heavy rains. Need to be turned on and off to get to activate. I took it to dealer and they said Ford said it is normal.
NHTSA complaint 11515230
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 324 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Intermittent single hazard lamp
- Noise when the brakes are applied
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 20
- Engine · recall issued 2026 New: most likely still open
The engine compartment wiring harness may become damaged and short circuit.
- Body structure · recall issued 2026 New: most likely still open
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.
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued 2026 New: most likely still open
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.
Show all 20 recalls
- Back over prevention · recall issued 2026 New: most likely still open
The Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) may overheat and shutdown, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended.
- Back over prevention · recall issued 2025 New: most likely still open
The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended.
- Seats · recall issued 2025
The front seats may have a loose or dislodged seat frame height-adjust pivot bolt.
- Equipment · recall issued 2025
The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued 2025
The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
- Back over prevention · recall issued 2025
A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
- Back over prevention · recall issued 2025
The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended.
- Suspension · recall issued 2025
The rear shock absorbers may corrode and fail, resulting in detachment of the external reservoir.
- Engine · recall issued 2024
The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.
- Back over prevention · recall issued 2023
The rearview camera, or 360-degree view camera if equipped, may not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
- Seat belts · recall issued 2023
The first-row seat belt latch plates may be difficult to access from their stowed position.
- Back over prevention · recall issued 2023
The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended.
- Airbags · recall issued 2022
The right or left side impact sensors may not be properly secured to the vehicle.
- Back over prevention · recall issued 2022
The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended.
- Latches/locks/linkages · recall issued 2022
The passenger-side rear door may be opened from inside of the vehicle when the child safety lock is in the "ON" position.
- Automatic emergency braking · recall issued 2021
The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.
- Airbags · recall issued 2021
During passenger air bag deployment, an air bag vent could open prematurely and result in an improper deployment.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Government investigations
- ClosedLow-pressure fuel pump failure2024–2025
- ClosedLoss of motive power2023–2024
- ClosedLoss of motive power2022
- ClosedLoss of motive power due to valve intake failure on ford bronco vehicles.2022–2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Bronco 4DR SUV 4WD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ford Bronco 2DR SUV 4WD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ford Bronco Sport SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,300–$3,550 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 1.5L 3-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.3L 4-cyl, 2.7L 6-cyl.
Every Ford Bronco year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
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Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2021 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/ford-bronco/?y=2021" title="Ford Bronco reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="330" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/ford-bronco/2021/">Lemon Index</a> (2021 Ford Bronco reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2021 Ford Bronco reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew about 4 times the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 392; 100 is average, lower is better). The Ford Bronco year with the fewest complaints per car sold is 2022.
What are the most common 2021 Ford Bronco problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (44%), wipers & visibility (10%) and brakes (8%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Bronco have?
20 safety recalls (latest: engine). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Ford Bronco get?
17 to 26 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 Ford Bronco safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2021 Ford Bronco have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 Ford Bronco cost in fuel a year?
About $2,300 to $3,550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Ford Bronco have?
1.5L 3-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.3L 4-cyl, 2.7L 6-cyl.
What Ford Bronco year is better than the 2021?
Nearby, the 2022 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about twice the average car's complaints).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works