Ford

Bronco Sport (1st)

2021-2025 · Compact SUV · 2 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.8)
1,130 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
35 Fire Reports
41 Crash Reports
Includes data from: BRONCO SPORTBRONCO SPORT EARLY RELEASEBRONCO SPORT LATER RELEASE
📋 Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (17.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (17.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard & Optional LDW: Standard
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (17.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard & Optional LDW: Standard
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (17.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (17.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard

Engine Reliability Ratings

GTDI

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 245 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.8)
112 complaints 22.4 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

DRAGON

1.5L 3-cyl / 181 hp
Avoid (1.0)
999 complaints 199.8 per year Gasoline
33 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
275
engine
235
transmission
201
fuel system
201
brakes
168

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (275 complaints)
Typical onset: 26,884–53,842 mi Est. repair: $274–$1,000 (14 reports)
Engine Issues (235 complaints)
Typical onset: 25,000–78,000 mi Est. repair: $249–$4,000 (13 reports)
Transmission Issues (201 complaints)
Typical onset: 26,900–80,316 mi Est. repair: $638–$10,000 (18 reports)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Ford Bronco Sport regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (313 complaints)
electrical critical
Engine Issues (254 complaints)
engine critical
Transmission Issues (224 complaints)
transmission critical
Fuel System Issues (201 complaints)
fuel_system critical
Brakes Issues (189 complaints)
brakes critical

Alternatives in Compact SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2021-2025 Ford Bronco Sport problems?

The 2021-2025 Ford Bronco Sport has accumulated 1,130 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Engine, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Ford Bronco Sport engine is most reliable?

The 2021-2025 Ford Bronco Sport was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 1.5L 3-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 solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,130 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 1,130 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 0 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. 1,130 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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