The Bronco Sport was introduced in 2021 and it already has some bugs to work out. Owners’ complaints are accruing over powertrain issues, paint chipping, and engine knocks. Several recalls have been issued in its first year, including one for an ongoing braking problem.
Key Points
- Ford reintroduced the Bronco nameplate for 2021, which includes an Escape-based Bronco Sport compact crossover.
- The 2021 Bronco Sport has seven National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recalls, and two carry over into the 2022 model year.
- The recalls involve problems with reduced braking performance and fuel delivery module leak that can lead to engine stall.
- Owner complaints for the 2021 Bronco Sport about paint chipping, rattling noises, and powertrain issues are more prevalent than expected for a new vehicle.
- Multiple automotive journalists reported the Bronco Sport’s four-wheel-drive system overheated while off-roading.
Bronco Sport Recalled Seven Times in its First Year Over Problems with Braking and the Fuel Delivery Module
Ford brought the Bronco back in 2021 as its own sub-brand within the automaker’s lineup. The Bronco lineup includes two models, but the focus here is on the Escape-based compact crossover, the Bronco Sport.
Seven NHTSA recalls have been issued for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, and two have carried over into the 2022 model year.
One significant recall involves reduced braking performance. The rear brake linings have been manufactured incorrectly, requiring the driver to apply more brake-pedal force. Also, the distance required to stop the SUV may be extended.
A fuel delivery module recall also affects both 2021 and 2022 Bronco Sports. The module may leak inside the fuel tank, possibly causing the engine to stall. Ford will replace the fuel delivery module for free.
Three Other Recalls Exclusive to the 2021 Bronco Sport Pose Potential Safety Hazards
The 2021 Bronco Sport has been recalled four more times over additional issues that could create a significant safety risk.
One recall involves vehicles that may have incorrect front lower control arms that could impact the vehicle’s handling.
The ’21 Bronco Sport’s moonroof glass was recalled for inadequate bonding to the frame, which may cause the glass to detach.
The 2021 model was also recalled for missing or loose rear suspension bolts.
The bolt problem could affect the vehicle’s handling as well as weaken its ability to withstand a rear-impact crash.
Paint Chipping Problems, Engine Rattling Noises, and Powertrain Issues are Accruing for the Bronco Sport
Additional problems shared among owners of the 2021 Bronco Sport are being discussed across several forums, including issues with paint chipping, rattling noises, and powertrain problems.
Also, 2021 Bronco Sport owners have reported paint chipping in several areas around their vehicles.
Another prevalent complaint is related to rattling noises. Some have singled out the infotainment screens or moonroof shades as the cause of the noise.
Other owners report that what they thought were minor noises turned out to be bigger problems that led to having to replace mechanical components, including a new transmission in one case.
The Bronco Sport’s eight-speed automatic has also received complaints, with reports in the Bronco Nation forums about transmission shuddering.
Bronco Sport Reviews Reveal Overheating of Four-wheel Drive System When Off-roading
Given Ford’s enhancement of the Bronco Sport’s four-wheel-drive system over the Escape, it should be able to handle almost any off-road situation, right? Not exactly.
A couple journalists reported issues with the power transfer unit (front-drive-based 4WD system) overheating. In one instance, the Bronco Sport was driving through sand, while the other was performing a hill ascension test.
Only certain Bronco Sport models are equipped with transmission coolers. However, overheating occurred in models that did and did not have transmission coolers. Thus, there seems to be a limit to the Bronco Sport’s off-road capabilities.
The Bronco Sport is a Rugged Mall-crawler, and Mild Off-roader too, But a Few Problems Need to Be Worked Out
Ford brought the Bronco back for diehard enthusiasts, and it introduced the Bronco Sport for everyone else that wants an off-road-looking vehicle that probably won’t take it off-road.
While the Bronco Sport’s first year on the road is off to a rocky start with several recalls, time should make the Bronco Sport better.
Consumer Reports says they expect Bronco Sport reliability to improve for 2022. So, it may be best to avoid a used 2021 Bronco Sport and look at 2022 or later model years.
Photos: Ford
