2021 Ford Bronco Sport Engine 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

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, exhaust fumes and a fuel odor entered the cabin, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The engine misfired, and the vehicle hesitated while driving. Upon inspecting under the hood, the contact discovered black soot in the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer for diagnosis, where the dealer determined that the piston solenoid, catalytic converter, and driver’s side lower control arm and bushing needed replacement. The contact stated that the PCM was previously replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V340000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000.

NHTSA ID

11764351

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

Mileage

124,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle and the vehicle sputtered. The ABS, traction control, engine, seat belt, battery, and other unknown warning lights illuminated, and the messages, "System off to Save Battery - Please turn off to Start Engine", "Charging System Service Now", "Pre-Collision Assist not Available", "Front Camera Temporarily Unavailable", "Service Vehicle Soon", and "Check Brake System" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced and the body control module software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred five months later. The vehicle was taken to another dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The contact stated that fault codes for the battery and alternator were retrieved. The failure mileage was 110,000.

NHTSA ID

11763559

Incident

Jul 4, 2025

Mileage

11,000 mi

My 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is subject to Ford Safety Recall 25S76 / NHTSA Recall 25V467 concerning cracked fuel injectors that may leak fuel and create an under-hood fire risk. This recall was issued in July 2025. Approximately 14 months later, Ford still has not made the final repair available for my vehicle. I had Ford’s interim PCM software update performed by an authorized Ford dealer on December 12, 2025. My repair order specifically identifies the work as “Campaign number: 25S76 POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE PCM SOFTWARE UPDATE.” The replacement parts necessary for the final remedy have never been installed on my vehicle. Ford has repeatedly moved the anticipated availability date for the final remedy. I was previously told September 2026. On September 4, 2026, after spending approximately an hour on the telephone with Ford, I was told it could now be October. I am also concerned about the information Ford is providing to owners through its own app. Despite the fact that the final recall remedy has not been performed on my vehicle, the Ford app currently displays a green checkmark and states “0 active recalls.” There is also no unresolved recall shown in my alert history. This creates the impression that my vehicle has no outstanding safety recall even though Ford confirmed to me that the permanent remedy has not been completed and the required replacement parts are still unavailable. I am concerned both about the approximately 14-month delay in providing a final remedy for a defect involving potential fuel leakage and fire, and about Ford’s consumer-facing system representing that there are zero active recalls after completion of only the interim software update. I am requesting that NHTSA review Ford’s continuing delay in providing the final remedy for Recall 25V467/25S76 and the manner in which Ford is communicating the recall status to owners who have completed the interim software update but have not received the final remedy.

NHTSA ID

11762129

Incident

Jul 16, 2025

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 Oil pump wet belt, made of rubber, experienced the same premature tooth degradation as under the 1.0L EcoBoost engines that were recalled. Rubber components blocked my oil pump resulting in a failure to pump oil while I was driving. This required me to make an emergency stop on an interstate. I have reported this to Ford and they could care less about the safety concern.

NHTSA ID

11761819

Incident

Mar 22, 2026

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

The bronco sport was being driven, suddenly an gasoline odor was slightly noticed, it was almost dismissed because the intersection the vehicle was currently at has 4 gas stations. The SUV suddenly turned off, alerts popped up on the screen and smoke began to rise from underneath the hood. As the vehicle was exited, the gas odor was noticeable and flames began to shoot from the engine bay. Within a minute the flames had engulfed the whole front end of the vehicle into the interior.

NHTSA ID

11752828

Incident

Jul 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated. There was an abnormal odor of exhaust fumes inside the vehicle. Initially, the driver thought it emerged from other vehicles; however, a passenger smelled exhaust fumes, became sick, and vomited once the driver pulled over. The Ford mobile app failed to display any failure codes. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where diagnostic trouble codes for the engine were cleared. The fuel vapor was purged, and the valve was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic shop, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter was fractured. The catalytic converter was replaced, and the fuel injector was serviced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 67,830.

NHTSA ID

11749362

Incident

Feb 25, 2026

Mileage

67,830 mi

Continuously when I am driving the vehicle, it will randomly loose acceleration and come to an almost complete stop when driving, including on major interstates.

NHTSA ID

11747377

Incident

Jun 28, 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

This vehicle has had the same recall for longer than a year now that Ford doesn't seem to have any kind of remedy for. They just keep "inspecting" and "reprogramming." How many fires need to happen under the hood of these vehicles before Ford is forced to either replace the fuel injectors or compensate their customers in some way? I drive around with kids in my car. Safety is not up for negotiation and this has taken far longer than it should have.

NHTSA ID

11743230

Incident

Jul 16, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on two separate occasions, the turbocharger became inoperable. The contact reported hearing a knocking sound coming from the engine at the time of the failures. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that the remedy was not available to complete the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11742985

Incident

Jan 21, 2026

Mileage

80,000 mi

This recall has not been handled as of yet due to unavailable parts at it has almost been a year since it was issued on 7.16.2025.

NHTSA ID

11742085

Incident

Jun 4, 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 chose the engine and fuel questions as I believe these would be the issue. While driving on the I 10 east towards [XXX] there are areas on the freeway that you drive upward from a flat freeway service to (up hill). Today 04/22/2026, my bronco sport lost drive power from 65 mph to 45 mph which caused the warning lights of the engine and wrench notifications to come on. It was a little difficult and scary but I was able to get off the freeway safely and park. I looked under the hood and under the car for leaks but there were non found and after about 30 minuets, I got back on the freeway and went back home. Back in July of 2025, I believe their was a recall for the fuel injector system and I think this issue of today is based on that recall. I have not been able to confirm with Ford if this has anything to do with the 2025 recall and I have not seen any repair options. I have however, seen other's reporting the same issue. I don't know if you can doing anything but I wanted to provide my experience of today. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11733128

Incident

Apr 22, 2026

I own a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Base (VIN: [XXX] ) equipped with the 1.5L EcoBoost 3-cylinder engine. I am experiencing a complete and repeated loss of engine coolant with no visible external leak. Upon inspection, air bubbles were observed rising through the coolant reservoir when coolant was added, indicating combustion gases are entering the cooling system through a compromised seal. On multiple occasions upon startup, sweet-smelling white smoke has been emitted from the exhaust, consistent with coolant burning in the combustion chamber. The vehicle has overheated as a result of coolant loss. These symptoms are consistent with the known 1.5L EcoBoost cracked engine block or head gasket failure defect affecting 2021 Ford Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Ford Escape vehicles. I have been advised by a ford dealership mechanic that the vehicle is unsafe to drive due to the risk of engine failure and potential engine fire. The vehicle has been parked and is not being driven. I am filing this complaint as a safety concern given Ford’s history of engine fires related to this defect, which was the basis of recall 22S43 and ongoing federal class action litigation. I am requesting NHTSA investigate whether an expanded recall or additional consumer remedy is warranted for this vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11732849

Incident

Apr 17, 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

While driving, the vehicle stutters during acceleration, creating hesitation and inconsistent power delivery. This occurs during normal driving conditions and has not improved after being inspected by a dealership. The issue has been reproduced multiple times and remains unresolved. The vehicle was taken in for service, but no effective repair was provided, and the condition persists. There is an active recall related to a potential fuel injector defect, which may cause fuel to accumulate on top of the engine. The recall remedy is currently unavailable. Given the ongoing stuttering and known fuel system issue, there is concern this condition is related. This creates a safety risk, particularly when merging into traffic or accelerating from a stop, as the vehicle does not respond consistently. No warning lights have consistently appeared. The issue continues despite dealership involvement and lack of available recall repair.

NHTSA ID

11727115

Incident

Mar 21, 2026

While driving between [XXX] and [XXX] , the vehicle suddenly lost fuel. The estimated miles to empty started to drop rapidly from 70 miles to 50 miles within minutes. At a safe point, I pulled over, there was no pooling of fuel under the vehicle, no other warning lights were issued. I turned around to return to [XXX] , the engine stalled and ran out of gas at mile marker 18 just north of [XXX] . I left the vehicle on the side of the road and walked back to [XXX] . This stretch of road has no cell service. The vehicle was towed to Corwin Ford for inspection. I requested that Recall CSP25S76 be completed on the vehicle, and replace the fuel injectors. The response was that the fuel tank needs to be replaced. They have not provided diagnostic evidence of why. I think this falls under CSP 21S38. Additionally, the catalytic converter was replaced in January under [XXX] and the emissions warranty extension. The vehicle has high mileage, but the purge valve should not have stuck open and this is a known issue with the Ford Bronco Sports. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11726583

Incident

Mar 20, 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

2921 FORD BRONCO SPORT HIGHWAY 14, Santa Clarita CA Driver noticed another car pointing to the Bronco’s hood frantically. As the Bronco slowed, the driver noticed flames coming out of the sides of the hood on both sides. Driver pulled to shoulder of highway and the driver and passenger VERY QUICKLY got out and moved approx.. 100 feet behind vehicle to safety. Flames very quickly engulfed the entire Bronco. 911 was called by driver. Santa Clarita Fire Department responds in 10 minutes. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. The fire burned for about 30 minutes and COMPLETELY DESTROYED THE VEHICLE Towing/Wrecker company was called to remove destroyed vehicle. Tow truck driver provided transportation of passengers to the Freeway Towing Company in Santa Clarita. Freeway Towing held the destroyed vehicle at their lot. Insurance company took possession of the destroyed vehicle on March 11 and is currently holding it at their location. In January the Bronco owner noticed the check engine light was on and took it to a Ford dealership in California to have it serviced. We have videos of the fire as well.

NHTSA ID

11726002

Incident

Mar 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The vehicle was taken to Take 5 Oil Change for an oil change, and the contact was informed that the coolant reservoir was empty. The vehicle was taken to Ritchie Automotive, where it was diagnosed that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11725042

Incident

Mar 16, 2026

Mileage

80,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH in traffic, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle was in Fuel Saver Mode, and the vehicle turned off unexpectedly and failed to restart. The check engine and the battery warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer; however, a diagnostic test was unable to be performed because the parking brake independently engaged whenever shifted into neutral(N). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,400.

NHTSA ID

11725037

Incident

Mar 14, 2026

Mileage

60,400 mi