2021 Ford Bronco Sport: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Transmission · TN

Rear differential makes grinding noise. Repaired by Ford in 10/24 but grinding has returned.

Filed Jun 12, 2026 · Suspension, Transmission · 90,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that there was an abnormally loud grinding sound detected while driving, reversing, and turning the steering wheel. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, who related the failure to a recall. The mechanics referred the contact to the dealer. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 21V011000 (Power Train), 21V074000 (Suspension) and 21V075000 (Suspension). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed there were no open recalls. The dealer diagnosed and determined that the rear clutch needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Filed May 7, 2026 · Brakes · CO

The front and rear brake system has repeatedly malfunctioned across at least 7 dealer visits since 2022 on my 2021 Ford Bronco Sport (VIN: [XXX] ). Brake squealing and grinding (particularly in reverse at low speeds) have persisted despite multiple repair attempts. Ford's own SSM 52515 acknowledges engineering was working on a fix and that rotor resurfacing is "not a guaranteed fix." TSB 23-2308 was performed in March 2024 (caliper bushings/guide pins replaced). In June 2024 a dealer verbally confirmed a brake recall was coming in Oct/Nov 2024 and that rotors would be covered — that recall never materialized. Front brake pads were replaced under Recall 21C31 in September 2022 at ~8,797 miles. Front pads and rotors required full replacement again in April 2025 at ~28,833 miles — just 20,000 miles later and well below the typical 50,000–70,000 mile service life — at my out-of-pocket cost of $747. Rear brakes were documented as "in the red" in January 2026 at ~38,000 miles. The vehicle is currently at a Ford dealership. In August 2024, one dealer attributed the issue to driving habits despite Ford's own TSBs acknowledging the defect. Brake wear across both axles is abnormally premature for a [XXX] vehicle. Across brake-related and recall visits the vehicle has been out of service for approximately 30 days. Relevant: TSB 23-2308, TSB 25-2143, SSM 52515 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 1, 2026 · Transmission · IL

I have 130,000 miles on my 2021 Ford Bronco sport. With no warning I'm unable to put vehicle in gear. I attempt to put the car into drive, then reverse and it will not go. The gear gets stuck in park, but unable to park, The car instructs me to intiated emergency park with many warning lights appearing. when driving it jerks , make grinding noises, and I even lost momentum. Ford said the help line states they have attempted to fix the codes and replace the parts on the inside of the transmission and no luck. Ford recommends a new transmission. I believe the 2021 Bronco sport have a faulty transmission and replacing with another will result with the same issue due to the transmission being a close system it isn't preventable. Many other owners have experienced this very same safety issue and Ford should address ot and be responsible.

Filed Apr 28, 2026 · Fuel system, Transmission · NY

Since purchasing the vehicle, I have had ongoing issues: a rattling noise when accelerating, a squeaking noise in reverse, and a fuel odor. The fuel injector recall (the federal safety agency 25V467) is still open, and Ford has not provided a remedy." Keep it simple and focused on the recurring noise and the recall.

Filed Apr 27, 2026 · FL

Grinding noises started to occur coming from the back of my vehicle. This only occurs when turning the wheel and driving slowly. I took my vehicle to Ford to get it checked out and they stated that my rear axle differential needed to be replaced. I asked why does this need to be replaced as I have not been in any accidents. They told me that it was due to wear and tear on the vehicle. The car has just hit over 80k miles and no accidents, I have taken great care of this vehicle and get it serviced regularly. I have done some research on this issue with other Bronco owners and it seems like it is a VERY common thing. There are many complaints on Reddit on the same exact issue with their Ford Bronco Sports. Would love for this to be a recall as I do not want my vehicle to just stop out of nowhere on the highway as I was told this is a VERY serious situation that needs to be taken care of immediately, I do not have $2k to get this fixed, with taking care of this vehicle regularly there is no way that this is on my driving or just regular wear and tear. This should be taken care of by Ford as a recall so none of us Bronco Sport owners get hurt or get screwed out of money for an issue that we did not cause.

Filed Mar 3, 2026 · Transmission · FL

dragging, grinding, or rubbing noises from the rear of a 2021 Bronco Sport during low-speed turns are a known issue commonly associated with a faulty rear drive unit (RDU), often appearing around 40k-60k miles. This problem, sometimes described as a, shutter or chattering, is often tied to contaminated fluid caused by a defective or improperly designed vent hose that allows debris to enter the system.

Filed Jan 13, 2026 · Fuel system · 39,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a grinding sound coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 39,000.

Filed Nov 21, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 81,421 miles · NC

The contact's son owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver heard an abnormal grinding sound coming from the rear differential. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed vent tube and water intrusion. The contact was informed that the water intrusion damaged the clutch and gears. The contact was informed that the rear differential and vent tube needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was provided a discount on the cost of the part. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was a known failure with the model vehicle; however, a recall had not been initiated. The failure mileage was approximately 81,421.

Filed Oct 2, 2025 · Transmission · KS

RDU (Rear Drive Unit) is beginning to I think fail and I have read on other forums with other people saying there’s failed and can be a safety risk. They are put at risk if the RDU fails while driving resulting in an accident. I haven’t gone to the dealership yet or let anyone else know. I thought doing a simple fluid change would do but it still persist. I’ve done research to understand what’s wrong. There was no warning lights but shuddering or grinding noise would occur and I believe it appeared a few hundred miles ago then go worse overall.

Filed Sep 10, 2025 · Transmission · NC

Grinding noise when turning. Determined noise was coming from rear drive unit due to failed clutches. Had to get rear drive unit assembly and vent line. There appears to be many broncos with this problem.

Filed Sep 9, 2025 · Transmission · 75,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds and turning in either direction, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered and hesitated while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the rear differential and transmission were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 75,000.