2021 Ford Bronco Sport: engine overheating

Filed Apr 21, 2026 · Engine · IL

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 the federal safety agency 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)

Filed Feb 26, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 80,000 miles · KS · fire

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Feb 11, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · PA · crash

This vehicle is subject to the federal safety agency Recall 25V467 involving potential fuel injector cracking and risk of fuel leaking onto the engine, creating a fire hazard. The recall status shows “Remedy Not Yet Available,” leaving the defect unresolved. While driving, the vehicle suddenly displayed an engine overheating warning and immediately entered limp mode, causing abrupt loss of power. The vehicle decelerated unexpectedly and was not able to maintain normal driving speed. This created a dangerous situation in active traffic and required a safety tow. The sudden power reduction could have resulted in a rear-end collision or loss of vehicle control. There were no prior overheating warnings immediately before this incident. The failure occurred abruptly. A warning message appeared at the time of the event, followed by limp mode activation. The vehicle had to be towed to a dealership for inspection. Given that the open recall involves fuel injector cracking and potential fuel accumulation near hot engine components, there is concern that the unresolved recall condition may be related to engine overheating and loss of power. The vehicle remains under an active fire-risk recall, yet no repair remedy is available. Owners are left operating vehicles with a known safety defect and no corrective action timeline. The defect has not been remedied because parts are not available. The vehicle was inspected by a dealership after the overheating event. The primary safety concern is the combination of an open fire-risk recall and a sudden overheating/limp mode event causing abrupt power loss in traffic, creating a serious risk of injury. Due to this open recall with no available remedy, the vehicle cannot be listed or rented on a peer-to-peer vehicle sharing platform, resulting in loss of legitimate income. The vehicle was previously eligible for use, but is now restricted solely because the safety recall remains unresolved without a repair solution. Owners are financially impacted.

Filed Oct 15, 2025 · Engine · FL

My 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend 1.5L EcoBoost (VIN: [XXX] ) suffered a turbocharger failure due to oil leakage, which caused overheating and smoke from the engine bay. The vehicle became unsafe to drive due to loss of power and risk of fire from leaking oil near hot engine components. I’ve found numerous reports online of similar failures in other 2021–2022 Bronco Sport 1.5L models, suggesting a possible design or component defect. This issue poses a serious safety concern, as the engine can overheat or lose power suddenly while driving, increasing the risk of crash or fire. Please investigate this matter to determine if a recall or safety campaign should be initiated to address recurring turbocharger and oil leak failures in these vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 30, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

I own a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport that has had repeated premature failures of critical components. At ~52,000 miles the water pump failed and was replaced along with coolant and belts. Less than 21,000 miles later (at ~73,000 miles) the water pump has failed again, with coolant leakage and a burning coolant smell. Ford has issued TSB 23-2104 acknowledging coolant leaks at the water pump/hose connection, yet no recall or extended coverage has been offered. This is not the only issue. My alternator has also failed twice and required multiple replacements in under 4 years of ownership. Having two major components (water pump and alternator) fail repeatedly within such a short period clearly shows a systemic defect, not normal wear and tear. Safety risks: coolant leaks can drip or vaporize onto hot engine components, creating a fire hazard. Alternator failure risks sudden loss of power and stalling in traffic. Both are unacceptable in a vehicle this new. The dealership confirmed the latest water pump diagnosis and quoted over $1,000 in labor alone, placing an unreasonable financial burden on the owner. This is the second water pump and second alternator within 73,000 miles. Ford and its dealers know this is an ongoing issue in Bronco Sports, as confirmed by widespread owner reports and TSBs, but continue to deny responsibility. A recall or customer satisfaction program should be issued to address these repeated failures.

Filed May 10, 2025 · Engine · IA

I took my 21 Bronco Sport Big Bend in to have a different recall fixed and also have an oil change performed. I told the service technician that my coolant level was always low but I could not find any leaks under the vehicle. The service department called me and told me that there was coolant leaking into the cylinders of my engine and I needed the long block replaced. There was no indicator light for the low coolant or any type of engine light that would alert me of an issue. I eventually got a call that they had received parts for my engine replacement. The service technician told me that they are seeing a lot of Bronco Sports have this issue, but I never received a recall notice nor can I find an open recall online for this issue. I believe my family and I were put at risk due to this issue because of the potential for engine failure or damage.

Filed Mar 13, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · OR

I was unaware of any previous recalls before I purchased my Bronco Sport used. There is an active recall that has no remedy for the battery. I am actively having issues with my fuel system. It was inspected more than once. Diagnostics returned zero issues 3 times and no warning lights. I insisted further inspection this time which revealed bad purge valve, charcoal canister full of fuel, coolant leak resulting in water pump replacement needed. No warning lights. No codes, active or stored. Due to the absence of codes, they will not replace my fuel injectors per customer satisfaction program 22N18. Was not ever informed that recalls 22S73, 22S21, and 21C31 were either inspected or completed on my vehicle as it was not ever disclosed to me and the Ford website only state "scheduled maintenance" was performed. I still cannot obtain documentation of those previous service records so that I may be informed on what could have led to the current issues I am having with this vehicle. I have 3 kids I drive around and do not feel safe putting them in it anymore due to official documents issued by Ford that state my car could either lose power in the middle of driving it, or catch on fire due to a cracked fuel injector.

Filed Nov 18, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · 32,468 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V267000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but was unable to confirm when the parts would become available. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The Fire Department was called, and the engine temperature was checked inside and outside the vehicle and it was determined that the engine had overheated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the water pump was leaking, the alternator had overheated, and the battery had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 32,468.

Filed Oct 1, 2024 · Engine · 100,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the engine started overheating. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump and the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Sep 28, 2024 · Transmission · PA

My 2021 Bronco Sport has had its water pump replaced 3 times and today I discovered the one put on in July 2024 is failing again. Each time it starts to fail there are no warning lights for low coolant. If your not actually checking the coolant reservoir under to hood consumers have no idea the water pump is leaking and failing until it's possibly too late and your vehicle overheats possibly causing more issues. This is a known issue by Ford, but no recall has been issued nor have these faulty water pumps been redesigned or updated to resolve the issue. Unfortunately, you see no coolant drippings where you park due to the fabric skid plate that covered underneath absorbing the coolant as it leaks out.

Filed Jul 22, 2024 · Engine · NY

My 2021 Ford Bronco Sport has had its water pump replaced twice. Most recently, in April 2024. In June of 2024, that water pump also failed. My Ford dealer then discovered "catastrophic" damage to the turbo and engine, including a possible cracked engine as the result of the vehicle overheating because of the lack of coolant circulation. This obvious defect in the Ford water pump resulted in a serious safety risk and potential for the engine to completely overheat and catch fire, threatening the occupants inside.