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2021 Ford Bronco Sport electrical problems

213 complaints (30% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 41,426. 4 crashes reported.

owner complaints
213
of this car's complaints
30%
typical mileage
41,426
crashes
4
recalls
2

Which part fails

  • Instrument cluster/panel
    6
  • 12v/24v/48v battery
    5
  • Instrument panel: speedometer/odometer
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Bronco Sport electrical problems in other years

202120222023202420252026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport electrical

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Fire or smoke 25Start-stop 10Warning lights 10Screen failure 8Battery drain 7Backup camera 5

Related recalls

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v batteryReported January 17, 2025 · 272,817 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles. The 12-volt battery may experience degradation and suddenly fail.
Risk
Battery failure can result in a loss of electrical accessories, including the hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the 12-volt battery, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S02. Vehicles in this recall were previously repaired under 24V‑267 and will need to have the new remedy completed.

Recall number 25V019000 · Recall details

Electrical system: body control module/bcmReported April 12, 2024 · 456,565 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles. The body and power train control modules may fail to detect a change in the 12-volt battery state of charge.
Risk
An undetected low battery charge can result in a loss of electrical accessories such as hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will recalibrate the body control module and power train control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 4, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S24.

Recall number 24V267000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Loss of Motive PowerOpened November 15, 2024, closed October 10, 2025

On January 31, 2024, The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE24002) to investigate loss of motive power allegations in model year (MY) 2021 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. Consumers reported a loss of engine power accompanied by complete electrical system failure either while driving or after stopping at a traffic light or stop sign. The vehicles generally could not be restarted, and the incidents were commonly diagnosed by dealerships to a failed 12-Volt (12V) battery. On April 12, 2024, Ford issued safety recall 24V‑267 covering 456,565 MY 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Sport and MY 2022-2023 Ford Maverick vehicles. The recall addressed loss of motive power resulting from sudden degradation of the 12V battery during the drive cycle. The recall remedy consisted of software updates to the body control module and the powertrain control module. The updated software aimed to provide warning to consumers when the battery is failing and inhibit certain vehicle functions which can lead to loss of motive power incidents. Additionally, Ford removed the existing 12V Enhanced Flooded Battery (EFB) as both a service component for the subject vehicles and original equipment for newly built Bronco Sport vehicles (during MY 2024 production), replacing it with a more robust absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery. The same AGM battery had been incorporated into Ford Maverick production in late 2022. Following recall 24V‑267, ODI received loss of motive power complaints in vehicles that had previously received Ford’s software-based remedy. Consumers reported that they did not receive warnings related to the 12V battery or the vehicle’s electrical system before the loss of power. On November 15, 2024, ODI opened Recall Query (RQ24014) to assess the effectiveness of the 24V‑267 recall remedy. On January 19, 2025, Ford issued recall 25V‑019 covering 272,817 MY 2021-2023 Bronco Sport and MY 2022-2023 Ford Maverick vehicles. The new recall addressed the same hazard as 24V‑267 but required replacement of the existing 12V battery with an AGM battery as the remedy. Ford reported that following the opening of RQ24014, it evaluated several field-returned 12V batteries, and determined that EFBs produced by battery supplier Camel potentially contained internal manufacturing defects causing loss of motive power. Ford further concluded that the software updates provided in the 24V‑267 recall remedy were unable to detect battery failures quickly enough to avoid loss of motive power. Vehicles previously within the scope of recall 24V‑267, but outside of the scope of recall 25V‑019, are equipped with EFBs produced by a different battery supplier (Clarios). When recall 25V‑019 was issued, Ford had not identified any Clarios EFBs exhibiting the same failure mode as the Camel EFBs. In light of Ford’s recall action, ODI is closing this Recall Query. The agency will continue to monitor loss of motive power complaints in Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with Clarios EFBs and reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

RQ24014

Loss of Motive PowerOpened January 31, 2024, closed August 19, 2024

On January 31, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE24002 to investigate allegations of loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2021 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. At that time, ODI had received 31 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs), with consumers commonly reporting a loss of engine power accompanied by complete electrical system failure which occurred either while driving, or after coming to a stop. The investigation revealed that MY 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Sport and certain MY 2022-2023 Ford Maverick vehicles are equipped with a 12V enhanced flooded battery (EFB), which may experience an abrupt failure during a drive cycle. The failure is the result of an internal corrosion issue, which is influenced by long exposure to high under-hood temperatures. If the sudden loss of 12V battery voltage is not detected by the vehicle’s battery management sensor, the vehicle can experience a loss of power event without providing any warning to the driver. Following a loss of power due to battery failure, the vehicle may be without all 12V accessories including hazard lights and typically will not be able to be restarted. In its March 2024 response to ODI’s information request, Ford provided 367 customer complaints (including field reports, lawsuits, and legal claims) and 1005 warranty claims relating to the alleged defect. When combining ODI and manufacturer failure report data, there are 1,368 unique VINs represented across MY 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. One of the VOQs submitted to the federal safety agency reported a minor rear-end collision resulting from a loss of power event. Included within Ford’s complaints were a reported single-vehicle collision and a vehicle fire which occurred following a loss of power event at a traffic light (fire cause and origin was not determined). Additionally, across ODI and manufacturer data, there were 12 allegations of either acid leaking from the 12V battery or smoke emitting from the battery area within the engine compartment. On April 12, 2024, Ford submitted recall 24V267 for MY 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Sport and certain MY 2022-2023 Ford Maverick vehicles (total population 456,565). The recall remedy provides updated calibrations to the body control module and powertrain control module. Ford indicated that the update will result in improved detection of 12V battery state of charge during drive cycles and will provide notification to the driver if the battery significantly degrades while driving. Additionally, Ford has replaced the EFB with an absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery as both a service component for the subject vehicles and as original equipment for Bronco Sport vehicles with production dates beginning in mid-March 2024. The warranty claim rate for peer vehicles equipped with an AGM battery is substantially lower than that for the subject vehicle population. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

PE24002

What 2021 Ford Bronco Sport owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Electrical · 74,310 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 46,427, and at the time of the vehicle registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 74,310.

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TX

My vehicle is subject to open the federal safety agency recall 25S76 regarding a fuel injector that may crack and cause fuel to accumulate on top of the engine near hot surfaces, creating a fire risk. This recall was identified months ago, but Ford has stated parts are not currently available and no repair date has been given. I have not received any further communication or updated timeline since the recall was issued. In the meantime, my vehicle has also been experiencing intermittent jerking during acceleration between approximately 40-50 mph, which I am concerned may be an early symptom of the injector issue described in this recall. I am continuing to drive the vehicle because no remedy is currently available, but I am concerned about the extended delay in providing parts for a safety recall involving a known fire risk. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review the length of this delay and Ford's plan for remedying affected vehicles

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 35,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle lost automotive power while driving and while stopped and idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle required several restarts before continuing to drive. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the battery was prematurely draining and that the EVAP was clogged, and that the battery and EVAP needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000.

Filed Sep 16, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CT

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.

Filed Sep 15, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · LA

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)

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · OK

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.

Filed Sep 4, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TX

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.

Filed Aug 16, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · WA

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

Filed Aug 16, 2026 · Acceleration, Brakes · KY · crash

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.

Filed Jun 10, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · WV

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

Questions about the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport electrical

Does the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 213 complaints about the electrical of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, 30% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2021 Ford Bronco Sport electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 41,426 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport electrical?

Yes, 2 recalls: 25V019000, 24V267000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford Bronco Sport have the most electrical problems?

The Ford Bronco Sport model years with the most electrical complaints are 2021 (213 complaints), 2022 (77 complaints) and 2023 (38 complaints).

Other 2021 Ford Bronco Sport problems

Transmission 194Engine 175Brakes 128Fuel system 125Visibility 26Suspension 24Driver assistance 22Steering 16Acceleration 13Lights 10Airbags 8Body 7Seat belts 6Wheels 4Seats 2Locks 1Tires 1

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