Bronco Sport (1st)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Reliability Overview
The first-generation Ford Bronco Sport, launched for 2021 on Ford's C2 platform shared with Escape and Lincoln Corsair, has accumulated 1,115 NHTSA complaints across five model years and 22 separate recall campaigns. That works out to roughly 223 complaints per year against a compact-SUV segment median near 47 complaints per year. NHTSA has logged 34 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 987 of the 1,115 complaints on this generation (88.5%). It rates avoid with a 1.0 score, which is the lowest engine score in this dataset for current-production compact SUVs. The 2.0-liter GTDI four-cylinder (245 horsepower) sits in Badlands and First Edition trims, accumulated 111 complaints across the same five model years, and rates caution with a 2.9 score. Engine choice is the largest single reliability lever on this generation by a wide margin.
The 22-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.
Engine Reliability Ratings
Ford Bronco Sport Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
GTDI
2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 245 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
DRAGON
1.5L 3-cyl / 181 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Ford Bronco Sport regardless of engine variant.
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 111 complaints across five model years against 987 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.
Recalls (22)
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 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 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 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 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.
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 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 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 2023-2024 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 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 2020-2022 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 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 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 2022-2023 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 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. 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 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 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.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2021-2025 Ford Bronco Sport problems?
The 2021-2025 Ford Bronco Sport has accumulated 1,115 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Engine, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Ford Bronco Sport engine is most reliable?
The 2021-2025 Ford Bronco Sport was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.0L Turbo 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2021-2025 Ford Bronco Sport a good used car?
The 2021-2025 Ford Bronco Sport can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,115 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021-2025 Ford Bronco Sport have?
The 2021-2025 Ford Bronco Sport has 1,115 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2021-2025 Ford Bronco Sport?
There are 22 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2021-2025 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Ford Bronco Sport?
Before buying a used Ford Bronco Sport, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Engine, Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or 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. 1,115 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.