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2021 Ford Bronco engine problems

75 complaints (32% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 10,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
75
of this car's complaints
32%
typical mileage
10,000
crashes
1
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Exhaust system
    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 engine problems in other years

199019952026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Ford Bronco engine

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

Engine failure 34Loss of power 18Check engine light 16Stalling 12Won't start 10

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanicalReported August 23, 2024 · 90,736 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.
Risk
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.

Recall number 24V635000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Loss of Motive PowerOpened September 29, 2023, closed October 31, 2024

On July 22, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) granted a Defect Petition (DP22001) and opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE22007) to investigate allegations of loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles equipped with 2.7L EcoBoost engines. Complainants were reporting sudden engine failure while driving resulting in a loss of motive power, often without the ability to restart. During PE22007, the cause of engine failure and loss of motive power in the subject vehicles was determined to be intake valve fracture, and the full scope of vehicles affected by the subject defect was identified as all MY 2021-2022 Ford and Lincoln models equipped with either the 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost engines, referred to as the “Nano” engine family. If an intake valve fractures in the subject engines, it may drop into the cylinder and contact the piston, often resulting in catastrophic engine damage. On September 29, 2023, PE22007 was upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA23002) to further investigate the subject defect across the full scope of affected vehicles. During EA23002, ODI visited Ford facilities to review technical information related to intake valve fracture in “Nano” engines, coordinated with the federal safety agency’s Vehicle Research and Testing Center (VRTC), and analyzed updated field data relating the subject defect. Forensic analysis of fractured intake valves demonstrated that the defective components exhibited “grinding burn” or out of specification hardness in the area of the keeper grooves. The presence of grinding burn is evidence that during the groove grinding phase of production, the temperature of the valve became sufficiently high to alter the microstructure of the material and is indicative that the valve supplier’s manufacturing processes were not within control specifications. Grinding burn results in a hard, brittle microstructure and high residual stresses toward the surface of the valve. Through normal engine loading, a valve with grinding burn will likely fracture at the area of highest vulnerability, which is the third keeper groove. In its response to the EA23002 Information Request (IR) letter, Ford provided evidence of 396 customer complaints (including field reports), 825 warranty claims, and 936 engine exchanges. When considering both ODI and manufacturer failure report data, there have been reports representing 1066 unique vehicles within the subject vehicle population. Analysis of the failure report data demonstrates that vehicles equipped with potentially defective intake valves were built within a production “spike period” of May 2021 – October 2021. The beginning of the spike period corresponds to a ramp up in production at the valve supplier manufacturing facility, and the end of the spike period aligns with the implementation of several mid-production process improvements and the decision to change the metal alloy used to produce intake valves from “Silchrome Lite” to “Silchrome 1”. Ford began investigating the subject defect in July 2021, determined the root cause, and took corrective measures for the new production vehicles. Analysis of the failure report data demonstrates that these corrective actions were successful in eliminating the risk of intake valve fracture for subject vehicles produced after October 2021. However, Ford did not take any field action to address vehicles produced during the spike period, and in the several months following the implementation of the production changes, a significant number of field failures continued to occur. It is Ford’s assessment that not all valves produced during the spike period are defective, and that failures associated with the subject defect occur at low time in service. Analysis of the failure report data demonstrates that the vast majority of failures have occurred before 20,000 miles with over half of all reported failures occurring before 5,000 miles. The rate of reported failures related to the subject defect has steadily decreased since November 2021. ODI coordinated with the federal safety agency’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA) to conduct statistical analysis and predict the number of future failures associated with the subject defect. The results of this analysis, and the trends identified through the failure report data are generally consistent with Ford’s assessment that defective intake valves will likely fail at a low time in service and indicate that the majority of subject vehicles equipped with defective valves have already experienced a failure. On August 23, 2024, Ford submitted recall 24V635 for subject vehicles equipped with “Nano” engines and built within the production spike period identified above (total population 90,736 vehicles). The remedy includes an inspection at a Ford/Lincoln dealership where the lifetime engine cycles of the vehicle will be determined. If a vehicle does not meet a threshold for lifetime engine cycles, the dealership will conduct a high RPM engine cycle accumulation procedure, which aims to identify if the vehicle is equipped with defective intake valves. Any vehicle that fails the accumulation procedure will receive an engine replacement under the recall. In addition to recall 24V635, Ford has stated that it will launch customer satisfaction campaign 24N12, which will provide extended warranty coverage to the subject vehicles through the earlier of 10 years or 150,000 miles. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

EA23002

Loss of motive power due to valve intake failure on Ford Bronco vehicles.Opened July 22, 2022, closed October 2, 2023

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition dated March 16, 2022, requesting an investigation regarding allegations of defective intake valves in model year (MY) 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles equipped with the 2.7L Eco-boost (“Nano”) engines. The petitioner alleged these vehicles are experiencing loss of motive power at any highway speeds with no-restart as a result of catastrophic engine failures. To date ODI is aware of 42 submitted Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ’s) alleging a loss of motive power. On July 22, 2022, ODI opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE22-007) to investigate allegations of stalling/loss of motive power on the subject vehicles. Upon receiving Ford’s Information Request (IR) response, ODI learned Ford was aware of 110 consumer complaints (including field reports), 125 warranty claims and 136 engine exchanges related to the 2021 Ford Bronco. Ford’s response indicated these failures are across the “Nano” engine family, which includes both the 2.7L and 3.0L EcoBoost engine variants with a total estimated population of 708,837 vehicles. Additionally, ODI became aware that the subject engines contained intake valves that were manufactured out of a specific alloy known as “Silchrome Lite”, which can become excessively hard and brittle if an over-temperature condition occurs during machining of the component. The overly brittle intake valve can fracture at the keeper grove causing the intake valve to freely contact the piston, resulting in catastrophic engine failure. A design modification was implemented in October 2021, which changed the intake valve material to a different alloy known as “Silchrome 1”, that is less susceptible to over-temperature during machine grinding. ODI is upgrading this PE to an Engineering Analysis (EA23-002) to better understand the failure mechanism identified by Ford and to ascertain the complete scope. To review the reports cited in the attached Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

PE22007

Loss of Motive PowerOpened May 27, 2022, closed July 28, 2022

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received three petitions on March 17, March 18, and March 29, 2022, which requested a defect investigation into an alleged defect of the valves on model year (MY) 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles equipped with the 2.7L Eco-boost engines. The petitioners alleged that MY 2021 Ford Broncos vehicles are experiencing loss of motive power at highway speeds with no-restart due to catastrophic engine failures.On May 27, 2022, ODI opened this Defect Petition to evaluate whether to grant or deny the petition.ODI has identified 26 Vehicle Owners Questionnaires (VOQs) that relate to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. Based on ODI's review of the applicable materials, including VOQs, the federal safety agency has decided to grant the petition and open a Preliminary Evaluation (PE22-007) to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety-related consequences of the alleged defect.Accordingly, this Defect Petition is closed.The ODI complaints cited above can be reviewed at under the following ODI numbers:11448171, 11448461, 11450659, 11450702, 11450737, 11450788, 11450871, 11450879, 11451158, 11451503, 11451957, 11452074, 11452692, 11453669, 11453933, 11454098, 11455294, 11456219, 11456713, 11459262,11460124, 11460125, 11461178, 11463199, 11463296, 11464516.

DP22001

What 2021 Ford Bronco owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 3, 2026 · Engine · NY

[XXX] notice oil leak Left side turbo [XXX] an appointment with Mavis for an oil change. Technician notify me that he sees an oil leak by the left side turbo. Maybe his technician tells me to bring him back to the dealership [XXX]. I drop it off at Ford Haley Brothers for service. [XXX] service department calls me valve cover is leaking work is perform [XXX] pick up vehicle from Healey Brothers from [XXX] through [XXX] notice a blue smoke coming from my exhaust by [XXX]. I returned back to Healey Brothers. I was consuming so much oil they notify me that one of the turbos was the cause of it the 2021 Ford bronco Badlands has 85,000 miles on it for a turbo to go bad that fast impossible. It is my daily driver. I’ve maintain all the oil changes Maintenance so far on this vehicle my concerns why so fast the turbo would go with 85,000 miles on it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Engine · NV

The engine block may develop a coolant leak which could cause a short circuit while the engine block heater system is plugged in - increasing the risk of an underhood fire

Filed Aug 4, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · PA

Fuel pump.has low pressure therefore making vehicle stop running completely. Has happened twice , once while driving on highway. This is extremly dangerous to have your vehicle just come to complete dead stop in middle.of road. FORD has no remedy to fix and now i am without a car I am paying for since it wont start now.

Filed Feb 18, 2026 · Engine · VA

A Safety Recall was issued on the vehicle with no remedy. The recall was in reference to the Engine Intake Valves and stated; "The engine intake valves may crack and break, which could result in loss of motive power and increase the risk of a crash". It also stated, " Prior to losing motive power, an engine malfunction indicator lamp may illuminate in the cluster and the driver may notice that the vehicle is running rough". This issue was the result of Ford manufacturing using a material that had "hardness issues". This all came out prior to the vehicle reaching the end of its warranty mileage. A test was required on the engine at the dealership at which time, the technician determined there was no need to perform the "recall test" (confirmed by video sent to us). On or around Dec. 17th, while my wife was driving the vehicle and entering a gas station, the check engine light came on, and the vehicle began losing power. She parked and immediately contacted the Ford dealership. They advised her to not drive the vehicle and have it towed to the nearest dealership (She was in Pennsylvania picking up our daughter from college). It was determined by the dealership in Pa. that compression in a cylinder was down 5% and the vehicle needed a new engine. We had the vehicle towed back to Virginia and inspected by the dealership who services the vehicle. Parts of the engine were removed for visual inspection at which time a crack intake valve was found, confirming the engine was no good. Also, confirming the issue Ford had stated in its recall. All information and pictures were sent to Ford manufacturing for determination on fixing the problem. Ford has said they will not cover the total cost to make good on their recall because the vehicle was out of warranty (miles were exceeded). How are consumers protected from manufactures taking advantage of mileage? The SAFETY recall was issued long before the warranty ran out. What if my wife had crashed w/ our daughter?

Filed Feb 1, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Component or system that failed or malfunctioned: The fuel delivery system, specifically the fuel pump, which is subject to an active safety recall. The recall states that fuel pump failure can result in loss of fuel pressure and flow, leading to engine stall. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How safety was put at risk: A sudden engine stall while driving would result in an immediate loss of propulsion and power, creating a significant risk of collision, particularly at highway speeds or in traffic. This creates a dangerous situation for the driver, passengers, and surrounding vehicles due to the inability to accelerate or maintain speed. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center: The defect has been confirmed by the manufacturer through an official safety recall. At this time, there is no repair remedy available. The vehicle has not yet been repaired due to lack of an available fix. Has the vehicle or component been inspected: The vehicle has not yet been physically inspected for this specific failure because the recall remedy is not available. The defect has been acknowledged by the manufacturer as part of the active recall. Warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to failure: At this time, there is no warning indicating when or if the fuel pump may fail. The recall states the failure may occur without warning. No prior warning lamps or messages have reliably indicated when the failure could occur. Additional information: Due to the nature of this defect and the lack of an available repair, I no longer feel the vehicle is safe to operate. The uncertainty of a sudden engine stall has created ongoing safety concerns and financial hardship, as I am responsible for a vehicle that may fail without warning.

Filed Dec 18, 2025 · Engine · MI

Ford has 3 safety recalls on 2021 ford bronco and they have no remedy to fix any of them yet. My car stalled out 3 times now because of the low pressure fuel pump failure recall. I was pulling out into traffic and it stalled out while a car was coming at me. The only solution Ford had was to put old parts in the car which I refused. I asked for a loaner vehicle and they said they don’t have any. Recall warning is going on 6 months. I am at a risk and other people are at a risk having my car on the road, tried lemon law and Ford denied me. Nobody feels safe in my car and someone is going to get seriously hurt if this happens at the wrong time.

Filed Aug 10, 2025 · Engine · OK · crash

Ford has issued a recall (24S55) stating the Intake valves on the ford bronco with engine2.7L and 3.0L will harden and crack or break and loss of power. I had the same issue in my 2021 Ford Bronco with the 2.3L engine while I was driving in the highway I got a check engine light then it started cutting out horribly so I slowed down to pull off the road through a metal gate that was open with a cattle guard and the engine died as I was turning in and loss power steering trying to turn the wheel back in time I didn’t and ended up side swiping the pole and knocking off my side mirror and damaging my front quarter panel along with the front door. No damage to the solid metal pole. But I took my vehicle to the local ford dealership to see what the issue was and at the time they should have gotten the recall and at least put two and two together and let ford know about the issue in the 2.3L also but they didn’t mention anything about the valve being broken but said it had no compression and the spark plug diode was broke off. I’ve never seen a diode and the diodes ground hook break off on its own it’s always been broken off from being hit by something but they said it needed a whole new engine for $13,000 so I took it to another mechanic since that’s always that dealerships go to answer for everything is it needs a new engine so the new mechanic did the same stuff and also used a bore scope but instead of just saying the cylinder was bad he seen the hole in the valve and said it just needs a new head with new valves so since I needed my ride to be able to get to work and for half the price they tore it down and sure enough the valve was cracked with a hole just as they said and just like the recall (24S55) but had that dealership paid attention to safety alerts and ran the issue up with ford and let them know the same issue had happened in the bronco with the 2.3L engines also I wouldn’t be writing this right now. I’d be putting a 5 star review on their page not a 1.

Filed Jul 21, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · NV

I was notified that there is a safety recall on my vehicle and there is no remedy available. I am concerned because of the issue may cause me to stall and likely crash. This is very concerning . I am not sure why there’s not a remedy. I hope there is soon. Please tell me what can be done as soon as possible.

Filed Jul 14, 2025 · Driver assistance, Engine · OR

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact had received notifications of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 24V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), 25V025000 (Suspension), 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts for all four recalls were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the rear camera intermittently displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available for the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 25V025000, 25V315000, and 25V455000. Parts distribution disconnect for the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V635000.

Filed Jul 11, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · 14,000 miles · PR

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that water was entering the vehicle through the roof. While the vehicle was parked, the vehicle started rolling down the hill. The contact stated that the brake pedal was continuously pumping while being depressed. The contact stated that the brake lights were illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle occasionally failed to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the battery. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the battery was replaced. The vehicle was returned to the contact with rust and mold throughout the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case and discussed a buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.

Questions about the 2021 Ford Bronco engine

Does the 2021 Ford Bronco have engine problems?

Owners have filed 75 complaints about the engine of the 2021 Ford Bronco, 32% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2021 Ford Bronco engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 10,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2021 Ford Bronco engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 24V635000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

Other 2021 Ford Bronco problems

Driver assistance 30Fuel system 30Electrical 29Suspension 24Brakes 22Visibility 17Body 11Transmission 9Airbags 7Acceleration 5Lights 3Steering 3Seats 2Seat belts 1

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