Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2021 Ford Bronco Sport
The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport has numerous recalls and complaints, particularly concerning the electrical system, power train, and engine. With 16 recall campaigns and 709 owner complaints, this model year shows significant issues in these areas. Prospective buyers should be cautious and check these systems thoroughly during inspection and test drive.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport has 16 NHTSA recall campaigns and 713 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V340000 Do Not Drive: Loss of Control from Control Arm Separation NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V685000 Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V467000 Cracked Fuel Injector May Leak and Cause a Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V442000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V158000 Loss of Drive Power from Undetected Low Battery NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V165000 Cracked Fuel Injector May Leak and Cause a Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V019000 Loss of Drive Power from Battery Failure NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V267000 Loss of Drive Power from Undetected Low Battery NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V859000 Cracked Fuel Injector May Leak and Cause a Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V191000 Engine Oil Leak NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V922000 Reduced Braking Performance/FMVSS 135 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V809000 Inadequate Bonding on Moonroof Glass Panel NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V625000 Fuel Delivery Module May Leak NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V074000 Incorrect Front Lower Control Arms NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V075000 Missing or Loose Rear Suspension Bolts NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V011000 Inadequate Lubrication In Rear Drive Unit NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 212 complaints
- Power Train 192 complaints
- Engine 152 complaints
- Service Brakes 101 complaints
- Unknown or Other 98 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 64 complaints
Of the 713 complaints on file, 18 report a crash and 17 a fire; across all 713 complaints, owners report 12 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Battery may suddenly fail
How to check: Inspect battery for signs of corrosion and test voltage
Fuel injector may leak
How to check: Examine engine bay for fuel smells or leaks
Front control arm may disconnect
How to check: Inspect control arms for secure connection
Rearview camera software error
How to check: Test rearview camera functionality
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or rough idle
Red flag: Persistent knocking or rough idle
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights
Red flag: Check Engine or Battery Light
- 03
City driving
What to check: Monitor brake performance and feel
Red flag: Spongy brakes or delayed response
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth gear shifts and power delivery
Red flag: Hesitation or jerking during acceleration
- 05
Steering
What to check: Feel for vibrations or alignment issues
Red flag: Pulling to one side
- 06
Parking
What to check: Test rearview camera and sensors
Red flag: Camera malfunction or error messages
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the fuel injector ever leaked?
- Have all recall repairs been completed?
- Are there issues with the electrical system?
- Are there any lingering suspension problems?
- Has the battery been replaced recently?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service records
- Recall repair documentation
- Vehicle history report
- Warranty details
- Title and registration
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2021 Ford Bronco Sport? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.