2021 Ford Bronco Sport Electrical Problems

On 9/15/26, while actively driving with my child, the monitor screen suddenly turned black and an error message of "Vehicle Network Communication Error", a few seconds later my dashboard turned black, no display messages, speed limit, or manual gauges were working and that too went blank; blinkers did not work when trying to use them. Luckily I was a short distance from where I was traveling to and when we arrived I turned off my car to see if i restart it, it would reset my car. It did not work. My car did not turn on, did not crank- the light on my start button just flashed rapidly. It was not until after my husband later arrived he disconnected the negative battery terminal and let it stay disconnected for 20-30 minutes and it then restarted. Case #CXH-09342591-W5K1G2 was filed with Ford Customer Relations, but they said further information regarding the case would likely not be provided to me as an update.

NHTSA ID

11764637

Incident

Sep 15, 2026

The vehicle's entire powertrain and transmission system failed completely. The vehicle will not turn on, will not start, and the electronic rotary gear shifter is physically locked out, refusing to shift into Park or Neutral. The transmission assembly component is currently available for physical inspection upon request. The sudden loss of powertrain and electrical control module communication caused an immediate loss of motive power, stalling the vehicle and leaving it completely stranded and un-drivable. The physical lockout of the shifter mechanism prevents rolling or shifting the asset safely, creating an immediate rollaway or crash hazard if stranded on an active roadway. The car was also jerking vilolently in the middle of an intersection almost causing an accident where we would’ve been rear ended. Yes. The failure was formally diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized dealership, Jim Taylor Ford in [XXX], under Repair Order (RO) #XXX. The component has been physically inspected and diagnosed by the certified technicians at Jim Taylor Ford dealership, who confirmed a total internal failure. They have ordered an entire replacement transmission assembly under Ford Part Number LX6Z-7000-F and Fluid XT-12-QULV. Symptoms and warning signs began showing around XXX, starting with minor shift jerking then eventually turning into violent jerking within a few days. The vehicle suffered from electrical system degradation and complete module power loss, which directly aligns with the known failure symptoms of Ford's active Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and battery safety recalls (such as Campaign 24S24). Ford Corporate was contacted but is refusing to cover this catastrophic mechanical destruction under the safety recall mandate due to the vehicle's mileage (118,365 miles), despite the physical damage being explicitly caused by the unaddressed manufacturer safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11764495

Incident

Jun 17, 2026

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 don’t drive my car much just to work mostly) i had an error come up on my dash saying the powertrain control had failed and i was unable to put my car in park. i immediately called the dealership they asked me to bring it back in. they ended up giving me a loaner vehicle and was with out my car for 2 weeks before I called and asked for an update. they said they were so sorry the transmission was compromised and i was going to have to pay $11,500 for a new one. I had never had issues with my transmission before bringing it in for my recalls to be addressed. i am still without my car and figuring out what to do next.

NHTSA ID

11762943

Incident

Aug 12, 2026

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 fuel MPGs, xxx miles to empty, etc seems to all be affected. The dealer won't do anything about it. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I'd say it's safe to drive, just not riding that great. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? They say and act like nothing is wrong. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? See above, they say nothing is wrong. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No but the issues didn't start until they worked on a repair from us trying to avoid something in the middle of the road and we hit it.

NHTSA ID

11762057

Incident

Feb 1, 2025

The vehicle was slowing down after leaving a stop light and within a short distance completely shut down no lights no power nothing wouldnt start to put in neutral so we can get it from the middle of traffic on a 2 lane highway. After about 15 minutes of trying to see what the issues was it turned over and we put the car in gear and pushed ot to the side of the road

NHTSA ID

11757286

Incident

Jul 17, 2026

Pre-Collision System warning activated unexpectedly. The vehicle then accelerated by itself unexpectedly and the accelerator/throttle was engaged by itself. Breaks were then hard to push and vertically impossible to slow down. At the time, there was no vehicle or obstruction immediately around the vehicle other than a possible box, or small obstruction in the road. Yes the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Due to the unexpected activation of the pre-collision system followed by unexpected acceleration by itself, caused the vehicle to move unexpectedly and resulted in a collision with another vehicle, creating a safety risk to the occupants of both vehicles. No. The problem has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. No. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or any other party. The police did come to the accident and a police report was filed. Yes. The vehicle's Pre-Collision System warning activated unexpectedly immediately prior to the incident. There were no other known warning lamps or messages before the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated by itself and collided with another vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11757261

Incident

Aug 14, 2026

Purchased a Ford Bronco Sport brand new in 2021. I received a recall notice for my bronco sport last July. I took my vehicle to the Ford dealership and they told me there was no remedy available. The recall states that my vehicle could catch on fire and crash at any time while I’m driving it. Ford still does not have a remedy almost a year later and they don’t know when they will have one. They don’t have parts even though my VIN number is affected. Ford expects me to risk my life and the life of my passengers, who happen to be my grandsons, by driving this vehicle on a daily basis. At any time, my car can catch on fire because of the fuel injector recall. I filed a claim with the Ford buyback program, but was denied because my vehicle warranty has expired. The recall didn’t even come out until after my warranty had expired. Recall info: Campaign 25S76/25V467

NHTSA ID

11743285

Incident

Jul 16, 2025

There has been a NHTSA recall for AWD module on 2021 and some newer Bronco sports. The letter in reference to this problem dates 4/9/2021 to include only certain VIN at the time based on manufacturing sites. I feel there has been an underestimation of vehicles/parts affected on this recall based on the fact that it included very limited vehicles only 4 month into production. There have been several more known to be experiencing this same exact issues as evidenced by many reviews online by bronco sport owners experiencing the same problem. Specifically detailing the triggering of same codes (mentioned in this letter) leading to faulty AWD module diagnosis and replacement at the owners cost. I have reached out to Ford North America to file a claim and have been told my VIN is not included, without even comparing with specific part serial number. In addition, I have found the part #LX6Z-7P238-AANP as replacement referred in the letter has now recently been replaced with a newer more expensive version with a different name and part number M1PZ*7P238*C. I also find it significant that the old part is still for sale at a now discounted price on ford OEM website as of today. I believe this indicates there are known problems with this original part causing need for an updated replacement. Given this evidence l, I feel it is only fair that Ford acknowledges vehicles with the same problem/part are experiencing these issues and be willing to extend the recall. I have reached out to North American Ford and have a claim #Cxh-07823745-c2n6y4. In hopes that they will do what’s right for this customer and replace at no charge, aware that it is defective. My vehicle is currently at the dealership and I am hoping for a fair resolution. Thank you for your time and attention.

NHTSA ID

11734924

Incident

Apr 21, 2026

On December 13, 2025, we drove to Flagstaff, Arizona from Tucson, Arizona, where we live. As we came into town, the Bronco began to lurch and seemed to have difficulty shifting. I managed to make it to the Babbitt Ford service center’s parking lot, where it seized and died altogether. It stayed at Babbitt Ford where they worked on it until February 3, 2026. They replaced the transmission at great expense. On Feburary 3, we drove it home to Tucson. The next day, February 4, it died in the road twice, once in a major intersection. The first time it eventually resarted. The second time it died completely and required a special tow truck because we couldn't even get it into neutral to roll. It was towed to Holmes Tuttle Ford where they kept it for a week but were able to eventually restart it. They had it for 5 days, ran a diagnostic and reset the system. They drove it for over 80 miles and couldn’t recreate the problem. Then on February 25, I drove to Phoenix. While in Phoenix, it again inextricably had trouble shifting, died and wouldn’t start. I then had it towed to Camelback Ford. On March 6, Camelback Ford called and said they ran numerous tests and still can’t pinpoint the problem and the vehicle still won’t start or shift into neutral.

NHTSA ID

11733302

Incident

Dec 13, 2025

I brought my car in for an emissions state inspection, I was than told the machine wouldn’t connect to my car and the reasoning being was that the gateway module needed to be reprogrammed. I was aware ford had this issue so I was prepared with paperwork from the customer satisfaction program that states any bronco manufactured at the Hermosillo plant between the dates of February 2020 and October of 2021 was covered under a customer satisfaction program 22N15 to repair the gateway module one time regardless of mileage or years on the vehicle. At first I was lied to and told my car wasn’t manufactured at the Hermosillo factory but upon further investigation with another repair shop simply by verifying my vin number it certainly was manufactured their on the date of September 9th 2021. I explained all this to ford of sayville and ford corporation, but they both denied my claim without any reasoning other than its not part of your vin….I asked could you tell me why and never got an answer besides we aren’t covering the repair. My vehicle meets all the criteria for the known problem that ford distributed this vehicle with, I was forced to pay the $260 for a repair that should be covered by ford plain and simple. I ask that you can please help me resolve this matter and maybe help any future scammed consumers from dealing with the lies of ford. Thank you

NHTSA ID

11731287

Incident

Apr 14, 2026

My 2021 ford bronco sport had a very dangerous issue on April 4th 2026. Nearly run over by a huge semi. Traveling at 70 miles per hour on I- 5 my vehicle had a sudden loss of power and wrench light went on, no prior signs. Semi traveling behind me nearly crashed into semi in the next lane as he slammed on his brakes and veered to the left to avoid running me over. Caused a big problem with the transmission .. Ford dealership now has car. Corning ford, Ca Unsafe to ever drive again with no remedy to fix this deadly problem. Recall 25s76 Powertrain control module. Third time this vehicle had a reset for this recall issue.

NHTSA ID

11730190

Incident

Apr 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the infotainment screen went black or displayed a half-operating screen. An unknown warning light was illuminated with the message "Attention Needed - Service Engine Soon" displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and it was determined that Part Number: BE52 needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer where it was diagnosed, and determined that an unknown part needed to be replaced after retrieving DTC: P0496. The vehicle was not repaired. While the vehicle was parked, the vehicle hesitated while starting. The vehicle was taken to another dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the battery charge was lower than 40 percent but did not need to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to another dealer where it was determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but within 24 hours there was an unknown warning light illuminated with an audible chime. The contact believed that the failure was associated with the body control module (BCM). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

NHTSA ID

11729950

Incident

Nov 7, 2020

Mileage

52,000 mi

I purchased the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport in August of 2025. There were issues after about a week with all kinds of messages of components not working cycling through constantly on the display. The electric brake would engage on its own while parked and had to be shut off before I could go forwards after starting the vehicle. I took it to the dealership where I bought it and after a few days they said it was a batter issue and replaced it at no cost to me. It worked okay for a short time and then I had the same issues and now added to those were it wouldn't start for at least 15 minutes and several tries. Cruise Control could not be used and the turn signals would not work while all of the messages were displaying. The windshield wipers would only work at the highest setting and the rear wipers would not work at all. I took it to another Ford Dealership and they said it was an electrical wiring issue that they found. The High Speed Cam wiring is what they found a break in and they fixed it and cleared the codes. I paid $450 for this repair. Just 4 days later the issues have returned. Messages about components not working, this time the right turn signal would not shut off. I am concerned about the safety issues while driving with my turn signal stuck on. I called the same Ford dealership and they can get it in on Friday so that I can have a loaner car. I just don't feel safe driving the Bronco. I don't have the money to loose on trying to trade it in with these issue. Help!!!!

NHTSA ID

11729602

Incident

Mar 26, 2026

Something is happening when I get gas, the vehicle has trouble starting. It often times feels like it's going to die when it idles. Electrical issues have started to occur where I cant switch off the air or my lights wont turn off.

NHTSA ID

11726646

Incident

Mar 23, 2026

My car has been stalling at stops and I am unable to fill my car as it will not start so I have to put increments of 10-15.00 at a time they have told me now for over three months that parts were on back order and the recall that can catch my entire car on fire while driving cannot be fixed as their is no fix for it. Multiple issues continue to pile on when the vehicle isn’t even 5 years old

NHTSA ID

11726118

Incident

Dec 11, 2025

Component failure is the radio not coming on, reading audio off, no matter pressing audio on. Component failure is the radio loading and never comes on. Issue with AIPM communication issues with radio. Screen sometimes doesn’t come on or locks up. Major issue. Dealership worked on it but having issues figuring it out. Similar to recent recall for 2021 ford bronco but it doesn’t include the sport.

NHTSA ID

11726054

Incident

Jan 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 60 MPH and entering the base at 15 MPH, the overheating message was displayed. The driver pulled over, and the light turned off. After exiting the vehicle, he noticed the vehicle had caught fire. The driver disconnected the battery. There were no reported injuries. Another driver stopped with a fire extinguisher to assist with putting out the fire. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was contacted, who initially was sending an inspector but changed to viewing the photos. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11720708

Incident

Feb 17, 2026

Mileage

80,000 mi

Since my car hit 40000 miles it has had nothing but issues. I've had it in the shop at least 10 times. My brakes went out while driving with my [XXX] old, I've had loss of power, smell of exhaust in the cabin for the last 3 months and dealership says it can't be fixed, yesterday I had complete engine failure while on the freeway. Stalled and wouldn't start back up for 5 min. The dealership has never fully fixed anything but has only updated the computer system. I feel very unsafe in this vehicle. We still owe on this vehicle so trading it in is not an option since its not even worth the down payment I put down. It has a fuel injector recall that can't be fixed yet due to not having the parts available. What are we suppose to do if we can't drive the vehicle and can't buy a new one. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11714165

Incident

Jan 27, 2026

Car check engine light came on, I came home parked the car, in about 5 minutes the cars embarked in flames, the car burned down to the ground. The safety of my entire home (flames caught onto house) and neighbors home was at risk. The burning car was inspected by Fire Chief of Christiana Fire Company

NHTSA ID

11713086

Incident

Jan 24, 2026

Rear Belt Monitor Fault continues to be an issue. We received this warning light and supposedly had this repaired in October of 2024. The dealership replaced the rear seat belt buckle and reset the codes. This worked for a while but now is happening again. Additionally, we are receiving an airbag warning related to the rear belt monitor. When driving even short distances the warning light appears on screen maybe 5 or 6 times. If a seat belt is disconnected there is no audible warning alert or light to let the driver know that it is not in use. I believe this may be a faulty restraint control module rather than an actual seat belt issue. This is definitely a safety issue regarding restraints and airbags. I've heard of this issue in several Bronco sports, and Mavericks.

NHTSA ID

11710599

Incident

Sep 29, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V019000 (Electrical System) and 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the passenger-side of the vehicle, and the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that approximately a minute later, the vehicle restarted independently. The contact stated that upon shifting to drive(D) and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact shifted to reverse(R), and the vehicle accelerated forward unintendedly. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact test-drove the vehicle in a parking lot, and the failure persisted. The contact stated that while the hand brake was off, the brakes failed to function and seized. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where the contact test-drove the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as intended. However, the contact was concerned about the failure, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the recall repair of the 12-volt battery was completed, and the PCM software update were performed. Additionally, the contact was informed that the DTC codes found indicated that the transmission had failed. The transmission was not repaired due to cost. The contact picked up the vehicle and drove the vehicle back to the residence with no issues. The contact stated that the battery failed to function as intended, and the vehicle failed to start two days later . The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle on a separate occasion, the message "Parking Not Available" was displayed. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle briefly lost motive power before slamming into gear while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the mechanic shop of the previous owner for inspection most recently. The previous owner repaired the rear differentials; however, the failure persisted. The check engine warning li

NHTSA ID

11707850

Incident

Jul 16, 2025

Mileage

53,000 mi

The car has been dying repeatedly and then decides to work again, got a new battery and new alternator and it still died. Ford techs had it and drove it for 200 miles and couldn’t replicate the issue. Now less than a month after that the car is completely dead and won’t even start with a jump. We are towing it to ford.

NHTSA ID

11703086

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the message "Faulty Battery and Charging System" flashed on the screen, and the vehicle failed to immediately start. The contact stated that while driving later, several messages, including the messages "Faulty Power Steering" and "Faulty ABS" were displayed, and the vehicle suddenly stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V267000 (Electrical System, Power Train), which the contact related the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 56,000.

NHTSA ID

11701887

Incident

Nov 27, 2025

Mileage

56,000 mi

On or about 1/16/2025 I started to have issues battery would get display on the display screen it said to turn off ignition or draw Cato conserve battery and on the ford a] it said all or some options would be disabled to save battery and also the vehicle would shudder upon slow acceleration going forward straightforward I took it to the for inspection and they said it was OK. On 11/19 -2025

NHTSA ID

11700695

Incident

Nov 16, 2025

While driving my 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, I experienced a strong chemical/fume smell entering the cabin, which caused headache and nausea. I later found that the battery installed in the vehicle had vent holes with visible liquid residue indicating leakage. I did not authorize or install this battery — it appears the battery was changed without my knowledge while the vehicle was in a lender’s possession. This created a serious safety concern because the fumes entered the HVAC system and the vehicle became unsafe to operate. I had the vehicle towed to two separate Ford dealerships. Both refused to inspect the HVAC system or provide a proper safety diagnosis. One dealer admitted the battery had “traces of leaking fluid,” but no diagnostic inspection was performed, and they attempted to close the repair order without documenting the safety concern. I was forced to replace the battery out of pocket just to safely drive the vehicle, but the original leaking battery and the exposure incident should still be investigated. My safety was put at risk, and the dealerships refused proper inspection or remediation.

NHTSA ID

11700017

Incident

Nov 8, 2025