Bronco Sport (1st)
Verdict Choose a Badlands or First Edition with the 2.0L GTDI, which draws 131 complaints to the 1.5L's 1,219 and avoids its fuel injector and oil separator failures. On a 1.5L, confirm the latest fuel injector recall remedy was performed.
Data covers 3 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
DRAGON
1.5L 3-cyl / 181 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
GTDI
2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 245 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Ford Bronco Sport Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
2.7-V6-Gas
2.7L 6-cyl / 310 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Reliability Overview
The first-generation Ford Bronco Sport, launched for 2021 on Ford's C2 platform shared with Escape and Lincoln Corsair, has accumulated 1,369 NHTSA complaints across five model years and 29 separate recall campaigns. That works out to roughly 274 complaints per year. NHTSA has logged 42 fire reports on this generation, which is unusually high for a compact SUV and traces to repeated fuel injector and engine compartment recalls on the 1.5-liter Dragon three-cylinder engine.
The two-engine lineup divides cleanly. The 1.5-liter Dragon turbocharged three-cylinder (181 horsepower) sits in base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims and accumulated 1,219 of the 1,369 complaints on this generation (89.0%). It scores 3.8, on 531 powertrain complaints from an estimated 505,000 vehicles, and the 2.0-liter scores 8.1. The 2.0-liter GTDI four-cylinder (245 horsepower) sits in Badlands and First Edition trims and accumulated 131 complaints across the same five model years. Engine choice is the largest single reliability lever on this generation by a wide margin.
The 29-recall ledger is dominated by the 1.5-liter Dragon engine. The fuel injector cracking issue has been recalled three times: November 2022, March 2024, and March 2025 (the third campaign covering cars previously repaired incorrectly under the prior two campaigns). A separate July 2025 fuel injector recall covers 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape with 1.5L engines. A March 2022 recall addressed engine oil separator housing cracking on 2021-2022 Bronco Sport. An October 2025 broad Ford recall covered engine block heater cracking across 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and several other Ford and Lincoln nameplates. A 12-volt battery monitoring software defect on the body and powertrain control modules has been recalled three times (April 2024, January 2025, March 2025 re-do) for failures that can lead to a 12-volt battery suddenly going dead. Earlier 2021 launch-year recalls covered incorrect front lower control arms, loose rear suspension subframe assembly bolts, moonroof glass bonding, fuel delivery module leak, rear drive axle lubricant inadequacy, and incorrectly manufactured rear brake linings.
The first-generation Bronco Sport is a new nameplate built on Ford's C2 platform. The 1.5-liter Dragon three-cylinder engine and the related fuel system are the source of most serious recalls and most fire reports on this generation. The 2.0-liter GTDI four-cylinder is a Ford EcoBoost engine with a longer service history outside the Bronco Sport, and the complaint and recall profile on the 2.0L cars reflects that maturity.
The Bronco Sport makes sense for buyers who want a compact off-road-capable Ford and either select a 2.0L GTDI trim (Badlands, First Edition) or accept the 1.5L Dragon's recall ledger and confirm completion of the three fuel injector campaigns. Buyers shopping the 1.5L should treat the fuel injector and 12V battery monitoring recalls as serious gates rather than routine recall checks.
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Ford Bronco Sport, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
Buyer's Guide
The 1.5L Dragon fuel injector recall is the central question on any 2021-2024 Bronco Sport with the 1.5L engine. Three separate NHTSA campaigns have been issued (November 2022, March 2024, and March 2025), with the March 2025 campaign covering cars previously repaired incorrectly under the earlier two. Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the latest fuel injector recall remedy has been performed. Also confirm completion of the March 2022 engine oil separator housing recall (2021-2022 cars), the October 2025 engine block heater recall, and the three 12V battery monitoring software recalls (April 2024, January 2025, March 2025 re-do).
At inspection on a 1.5L candidate, prioritize the engine bay. With the hood open and the engine warm, look for any fuel odor, fuel residue, or coolant residue around the injectors and the oil separator. Check the underside for any oil leaks. Drive a 30-minute mixed route and confirm normal idle behavior, no rough running on light throttle, and no engine warning lights. On any candidate, verify the 12V battery state of charge through the OBD-II or a digital multimeter (anything below 12.4 volts at rest indicates 12V system stress). On 2021 launch-year cars, confirm the front lower control arm recall, the rear suspension subframe bolt recall, the rear drive axle lubricant recall, and the rear brake lining recall have all been performed.
For buyers who can step up to a Badlands or First Edition trim with the 2.0L GTDI, the engine carries 131 complaints across five model years against 1,219 on the 1.5L. The 2.0L cars still inherit the broader Bronco Sport recall ledger (12V battery monitoring, engine block heater, windshield wiper motor, tire manufacturing on some 2023 cars), but they avoid the central 1.5L fuel injector and oil separator failure modes. For 1.5L buyers, the 2024-2025 cars are nominally closer to having clean recall remedies, but the March 2025 re-do recall on prior repairs is a reminder that recall verification at a Ford dealer is more than a paperwork check.
What to check on a used 2021-2025 Ford Bronco Sport
On a used 2021-2025 Ford Bronco Sport, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the electrical system (354), the engine (333) and the fuel system (308). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 354 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Ford Bronco Sport about the electrical system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 333 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Ford Bronco Sport about the engine, all engines combined.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 308 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Ford Bronco Sport about the fuel system, all engines combined.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 299 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Ford Bronco Sport about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 197 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Ford Bronco Sport about the brakes.
Recalls (29)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Bronco Sport and 2022-2026 Maverick vehicles. The front lower control arm ball joints may have been incorrectly installed or incorrectly repaired at the vehicle assembly plant, allowing the control arm to disconnect from the front wheel knuckle.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Bronco Sport and Maverick vehicles. The Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) unit may fail to correctly detect the presence of an adult or child in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Bronco and Bronco Sport vehicles. The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail at startup.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Show 24 older recalls
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Escape, and 2025 Bronco Sport vehicles. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2023-2025 Escape, 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2025 Lincoln Corsair, Maverick, and Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L MPC engine and an engine block heater. The engine block heater may overheat when the vehicle is parked with the block heater plugged in.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-267. The body and power train control modules may fail to detect a change in the 12-volt battery state of charge.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 22V-859 or 24V-187. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Bronco Sport, Escape, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may not illuminate at startup or while driving. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 102, "Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect" as well as FMVSS numbers 126, 108, 135, 138, 208, and 305.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles. The 12-volt battery may experience degradation and suddenly fail.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Bronco Sport vehicles. The body and power train control modules may fail to detect a change in the 12-volt battery state of charge.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Maverick, Ford Bronco Sport, and Mustang Mach-E vehicles. The front windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles. The body and power train control modules may fail to detect a change in the 12-volt battery state of charge.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Maverick and Bronco Sport vehicles. The tires may have been manufactured incorrectly, which may result in a loss of vehicle handling and control.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Bronco Sport vehicles. Valves inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module may have been damaged during manufacturing, causing an internal ABS module leak.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Bronco Sport vehicles. The fuel pump control module (FPCM) bracket may not be secured to the fuel tank assembly, which can lead to FPCM failure and cause an engine stall.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022 F-150 vehicles. The parking lights may flicker when the headlights are activated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles. The rear brake linings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can affect braking performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
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.
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles. These vehicles may have been produced with incorrect front lower control arms.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles. The rear suspension subframe assembly may have loose or missing bolts.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Edge, 2020 Lincoln Nautilus and Ford Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair and Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. An inadequate amount of lubricant in the rear drive unit may cause seizure of the rear drive axle.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2021-2025 Ford Bronco Sport complaints?
Owners have filed 1,369 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021-2025 Ford Bronco Sport. The systems they name most often are the electrical system, the engine and the fuel system.
Is the 2021-2025 Ford Bronco Sport a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 1,369 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021-2025 Ford Bronco Sport. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021-2025 Ford Bronco Sport have?
NHTSA has 1,369 owner complaints on file for the 2021-2025 Ford Bronco Sport as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2021-2025 Ford Bronco Sport?
NHTSA lists 29 recalls covering some 2021-2025 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Ford Bronco Sport?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the electrical system, the engine and the fuel system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Bronco Sport?
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (17.4% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,369 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.