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2021 Ford Bronco Sport: won't start

34 of the 716 complaints about the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport describe won't start.

owner complaints
34
of this car's complaints
5%
typical repair cost reported
$510
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 22 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Won't start by model year

  • 2024
    4
  • 2023
    3
  • 2022
    12
  • 2021
    34

What owners say

Filed Sep 25, 2026 · Engine · CA

After refueling car the car will not start after several attempts. Brought into ford dealership they said they cannot locate issue. They said have a small EVAP leak but would not repair unless a large leak and this would not cause an issue, but online this is exactly the cause of this problem. Additionally now 3rd battery to replace in only 5 years and they claim this is normal. In the past this car has spontaneously turned off while driving as well.

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 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 May 1, 2026 · Transmission · IA

In January of 2026, I took my 2021 Ford bronco sport Outer Banks to the dealership because my car had a wrench light come on and it went into limp mode. Supposedly it was fixed and now it is April 2026 and my car went into limp mode again, it would not shift in the park and would not start and now the dealership is telling me that there’s transmission issues but from what I’ve read, there is clearly been a lot of transmission issues in these vehicles.

Filed Apr 7, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · OH

I purchased the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport in August of 2025. There were issues after about a week with all kinds of messages of components not working cycling through constantly on the display. The electric brake would engage on its own while parked and had to be shut off before I could go forwards after starting the vehicle. I took it to the dealership where I bought it and after a few days they said it was a batter issue and replaced it at no cost to me. It worked okay for a short time and then I had the same issues and now added to those were it wouldn't start for at least 15 minutes and several tries. Cruise Control could not be used and the turn signals would not work while all of the messages were displaying. The windshield wipers would only work at the highest setting and the rear wipers would not work at all. I took it to another Ford Dealership and they said it was an electrical wiring issue that they found. The High Speed Cam wiring is what they found a break in and they fixed it and cleared the codes. I paid $450 for this repair. Just 4 days later the issues have returned. Messages about components not working, this time the right turn signal would not shut off. I am concerned about the safety issues while driving with my turn signal stuck on. I called the same Ford dealership and they can get it in on Friday so that I can have a loaner car. I just don't feel safe driving the Bronco. I don't have the money to loose on trying to trade it in with these issue. Help!!!!

Filed Mar 22, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · OR

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

Filed Jan 29, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · WA

Since my car hit 40000 miles it has had nothing but issues. I've had it in the shop at least 10 times. My brakes went out while driving with my [XXX] old, I've had loss of power, smell of exhaust in the cabin for the last 3 months and dealership says it can't be fixed, yesterday I had complete engine failure while on the freeway. Stalled and wouldn't start back up for 5 min. The dealership has never fully fixed anything but has only updated the computer system. I feel very unsafe in this vehicle. We still owe on this vehicle so trading it in is not an option since its not even worth the down payment I put down. It has a fuel injector recall that can't be fixed yet due to not having the parts available. What are we suppose to do if we can't drive the vehicle and can't buy a new one. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 1, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · NJ

I was driving 70mph on [XXX] in New Jersey when all of a sudden with no prior warning the battery light came on and my vehicle became very hard to control, I felt it shutting down so I immediately pulled to the only shoulder which happened to be on the left. The car shut down and would not start again. A State Trooper said I can not stay on the left shoulder and decided to push my car to the next exit. Since it was an electrical problem my car kept locking up and would not stay in neutral and the steering kept locking as well. I was being pushed on the left shoulder with car speeding past me while my car was locking up which also cause my tires to blow out, I was afraid for my life but the officer continued to push me. This is the second time my vehicle shut down on me leaving me in a dangerous situation, I'm afraid that next time it happens It could cause me to get seriously injured or my life! I had to have it towed to the dealership and I was charged almost $1000 for repairs and 2 weeks later I received a recall letter on this issue for the software. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 17, 2025 · OR

The vehicle sometimes ran a little rough while idle at drive thru. Then week later the push start did not work... engine turned over but not start. After 6 times it finally started and ran good on way home. Later that week, kept having traffic lights in town turn red... constant slow so stop and go. Vehicle started sputtering and stalled out in the highway and died in middle of road and would not start. Had to let it sit several minutes and it finally started. We immediately turned around and went home. Made appointment at dealership. Tried to start vehicle to drop off for appointment but would not start. Had towed in. They claim fuel pump replacement required. Drove home and ran ok. Next day power inconsistent and runs rough at start and slow speed with one push start did not work. Reporting since my spouse is in a wheelchair and can not walk. This vehicle is only one we have that my spouse can get in due to disability and I am seriously concerned if vehicle stalls out on public highway again it is likely to result in an accident and he gets seriously hurt. Never had a vehicle I felt unsafe to have my family be in before and do not think it is safe for this vehicle be on the highway.

Filed Mar 4, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · CA

Vehicle would not start on two occasions, both times the vehicle was jumped and started. On the third occasion the car would not start, the electrical panel flashed all the warning lights and the dashboard continually flashed on and off. It was towed to the Ford Dealership in Oxford, MS in December 2024. The dealership looked over the car, no other issues and advised that this was likely a recall and recommended a battery replacement which I did. I paid $202.65 for the repairs and in February I received a notice for 12 Volt battery recall but no instructions were provided to seek reimbursement nor was there any recall fix given (time was Q2 2025). The instrumental panel upon attempting to the start the vehicle would light up but the engine would not turn over, all warning lights would come on. Yes the vehicle is available for inspection.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine: oil/lubricationReported March 25, 2022 · 345,451 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. The engine oil separator housing may crack and develop an oil leak.
Risk
An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the oil separator for damage or oil leaks, and replace the oil separator and seals, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S21.

Recall number 22V191000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport won't start

Is won't start a common problem on the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?

34 of 716 owner complaints about the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport (5%) mention won't start. The model year with the most reports is 2021.

How much does it cost to fix won't start on the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $510 (median of 6 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?

There is 1 recall and 22 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

Stalling 62Grinding brakes 59Check engine light 49Loss of power 49Transmission failure 32Engine failure 28Fire or smoke 25Jerking 22Shudder 21Fuel smell 16Hesitation 14Overheating 11Start-stop 10Warning lights 10Brake failure 9Collision warning 8Screen failure 8Slipping 8Won't shift 8Ball joint 7Battery drain 7Wipers 7Knocking 6Fuel pump 6Misfire 6Backup camera 5Fuel leak 5Windshield crack 5

All model years of the Ford Bronco Sport

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