2021 Ford Bronco Sport: gas smell in the cabin

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Fuel system · MS

UNKNOWN THE VEHICLE HAS A VERY STRONG ODOR COMING FROM VENTS IT SMELLS LIKE FUEL OR GAS. It feels like it is about to lose power. It stresses me out driving it and no one can fix it!!

Filed Sep 16, 2026 · 128,000 miles · WI · fire

The contact owned a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. Before starting the vehicle, the contact noticed an unknown fluid leaking near the front driver's side tire and detected a fuel odor inside the vehicle. While driving at an undisclosed speed, another driver alerted the contact that the rear tire was on fire. Unknown messages and warning lights appeared two minutes before the vehicle caught on fire. The contact pulled over and exited the vehicle before the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames and then got into the other driver's vehicle. The Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to tow yard and was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The contact stated that the engine had previously been replaced in 2025 due to smoke under the hood. Two weeks prior to the fire, the dealer performed an oil change, and oil was leaking from the vehicle afterwards. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer two days later and was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

Filed Sep 15, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · 124,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, exhaust fumes and a fuel odor entered the cabin, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The engine misfired, and the vehicle hesitated while driving. Upon inspecting under the hood, the contact discovered black soot in the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer for diagnosis, where the dealer determined that the piston solenoid, catalytic converter, and driver’s side lower control arm and bushing needed replacement. The contact stated that the PCM was previously replaced. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V340000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000.

Filed Sep 11, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · 11,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle and the vehicle sputtered. The ABS, traction control, engine, seat belt, battery, and other unknown warning lights illuminated, and the messages, "System off to Save Battery - Please turn off to Start Engine", "Charging System Service Now", "Pre-Collision Assist not Available", "Front Camera Temporarily Unavailable", "Service Vehicle Soon", and "Check Brake System" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced and the body control module software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred five months later. The vehicle was taken to another dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The contact stated that fault codes for the battery and alternator were retrieved. The failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed Jul 25, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA · fire

The bronco sport was being driven, suddenly an gasoline odor was slightly noticed, it was almost dismissed because the intersection the vehicle was currently at has 4 gas stations. The SUV suddenly turned off, alerts popped up on the screen and smoke began to rise from underneath the hood. As the vehicle was exited, the gas odor was noticeable and flames began to shoot from the engine bay. Within a minute the flames had engulfed the whole front end of the vehicle into the interior.

Filed Jul 9, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · 67,830 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated. There was an abnormal odor of exhaust fumes inside the vehicle. Initially, the driver thought it emerged from other vehicles; however, a passenger smelled exhaust fumes, became sick, and vomited once the driver pulled over. The Ford mobile app failed to display any failure codes. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where diagnostic trouble codes for the engine were cleared. The fuel vapor was purged, and the valve was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic shop, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter was fractured. The catalytic converter was replaced, and the fuel injector was serviced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 67,830.

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 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 Sep 2, 2025 · MI

I am reporting a serious and recurring issue with the catalytic converter on my 2021 Ford Bronco Sport (1.5L EcoBoost), which has resulted in reduced efficiency and partial blockage, causing exhaust gases to enter the cabin and triggering engine code P0171. My safety and the safety of others have been compromised because exhaust fumes, including carbon monoxide, have entered the cabin, which is particularly dangerous as I am currently pregnant. In addition, the engine experiences RPM fluctuations and revs up on its own, sometimes hesitating during acceleration, creating a risk of loss of control or accidents, and reduced engine efficiency contributes to unpredictable vehicle behavior. The problem has been confirmed by a dealership, which diagnosed the catalytic converter inefficiency and provided a $2,000 replacement quote. This issue has been widely reported among other 2021 Bronco Sport owners, indicating a recurring problem. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership, which ran diagnostics and verified the codes. Prior to the failure, the Check Engine Light illuminated, and I experienced exhaust fumes in the cabin, unusual odors, reduced engine performance, and RPM surges with hesitation during acceleration, first appearing around 80,000. This defect poses not only a serious safety hazard, but also environmental concerns, as the failing catalytic converter increases emissions of harmful gases, including carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides, contributing to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. I respectfully request that this issue be formally investigated by Ford and the federal safety agency for a possible recall, that consideration be given to goodwill or warranty coverage for affected vehicles, that guidance be provided for the safe operation of vehicles exhibiting this defect, particularly for pregnant passengers or others at risk, and that the environmental impact of this defect be considered during the investigation.

Filed Aug 17, 2025 · Fuel system · CA

The component is the fuel injector, which is a part of the engine's fuel delivery system. According to the recall notice from Ford, this component has the potential to crack. The component is known to be defective and has been inspected by a Ford dealership service department upon my request and was told there's no solution as of yet by Ford. ​My family's safety, including that of my toddler who is a daily passenger, is at significant risk due to the potential for an underhood fire. The recall notice explicitly states that a crack in the fuel injector could lead to a fuel leak, and "liquid fuel and or fuel vapor that accumulates near a sufficiently hot surface may ignite resulting in an underhood fire, increasing the risk of injury." This places my family at risk every time we operate the vehicle, as the threat of a fire is present with no permanent solution available. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by a Ford dealer service center in Montebello, CA. On a specific date (August 16th, 2025), I took the vehicle in to inquire about the recall. The service department confirmed that my vehicle is included in the recall but also stated that Ford does not yet have an official solution to fix the issue. Yes, the vehicle and the recall issue have been inspected by the manufacturer's representative, a Ford dealer service center. The dealer verified the recall issue and confirmed that the permanent repair is not yet available, leaving the safety defect unaddressed. There have been no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem (such as a check engine light or smell of gas) at this time. The complaint is based on the official safety recall notice from Ford and the fact that a known and severe safety defect exists without a remedy. The risk is present despite the lack of a visible symptom or a complete failure at this time.

Filed May 15, 2025 · Engine · 50,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and occupied, while attempting to turn on the air condition or heating system, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vents. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to Meineke Car Care Center where it was diagnosed and determined that the Oxygen sensor threads were stripped. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle warranty had expired. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

Filed May 1, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · KY

Husbands Ford Bronco sport has had a constant smell of exhaust that fills the interior of the vehicle since purchased. Dealer said there was a “recall and fixed the problem”. It only lasted 2 days until it began again. My husband gets lightheaded and dizzy while driving and has to stop and roll his windows down. He almost passed out while driving home with our children. Dealership says “this is a common problem and Ford doesn’t have enough parts at the moment to fix it and it will be around 2-3 months until they do.” Also, the car has suddenly stopped while driving or won’t start back up. It has to sit for a day or so and then it will start. Tried replacing the battery and it didn’t work. We’ve had to leave it sitting in random parking lots several times.