Is the 2021 Ford BRONCO reliable?

The 2021 Ford BRONCO has 285 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.1x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Ford BRONCO?

Top problems: ENGINE (72 complaints, avg repair $500); DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (38 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (28 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Ford BRONCO?

Yes, there are 19 recall(s): FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: RADAR, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:SIDE IMPACT, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL, SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER, BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER, SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Ford BRONCO?

The 2021 Ford BRONCO gets 20 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2400. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Ford BRONCO?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Ford BRONCO is approximately $1,846/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Ford BRONCO

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Ford BRONCO has 285 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.1x the segment average of 253. The most common issue is engine problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: the 2.7 l engine failed going down the interstate in the middle lane. complete loss of power. was fortunate to be able to coast to the shoulder. dealer says the engine failed and needs to be replaced.. There are 19 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports 7 crash reports 8 injuries

285

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.1x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

72 complaints

25%

• The 2.7 L engine failed going down the interstate in the middle lane. Complete loss of power. Was fortunate to be able to coast to the shoulder. Dealer says the engine failed and needs to be replaced.
• Without any warning lamps, messages or any other symptoms, lost acceleration power going roughly 45mph. I was traveling on a rural road, but this could have caused a serious accident if this would’ve happened in traffic or a highway. Dealer diagnosed a dropped valve in 2.7L engine, almost 2400 miles
• pulled up to stop light. car shuddred coughed and conked out. Got it started, coughing and sputtering. Made is 2 miles to get home. Had it towed to dealer. Dealer first said I got water in engine. There is no way that happend. Then they said ford will be paying for it to be repaired. 4,400 m

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“The 2.7 L engine failed going down the interstate in the middle lane. Complete loss of power. Was fortunate to be able to coast to the shoulder. Dealer says the engine failed and needs to be replaced.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2021 Ford BRONCO

Based on 44 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 25K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 8K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

In line with typicalmedian 32K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SUSPENSION

Later than typicalmedian 40K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (19)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: RADAR16/12/2021

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.

Risk: A misaligned radar module may prevent the vehicle from maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles when adaptive cruise control is active. In addition, the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system may react slowly, or not react at all, during a pre-collision assist braking event. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will adjust the angle of the cruise control radar module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S52.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Ford BRONCO

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,401

Per month

$200

Per mile

20.0¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,667/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,182/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Ford BRONCO

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,846

Full coverage / month

$154

Liability only / year

$639

vs US avg

+10%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1846

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ford BRONCO Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

IOLM (Intelligent Oil Life Monitor) may signal earlier. Older 5.4L Triton engines have specific service needs — check the manual.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ford New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ford. If you're buying a used 2021 BRONCO, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ford dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 285 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: The 2.7 L engine failed going down the interstate in the middle lane. Complete loss of power. Was fortunate to be able to coast to the shoulder. Dealer says the engine failed and needs to be replaced.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: I was pulling into a residential driveway and as soon as the front tires entered the driveway the pre-collision alert warning went off and when I applied the brakes they did nothing. I proceeded to roll 25+ feet and crashed into the back of a parked car in the driveway. There were people standing ju
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: The Wiper Motor or electrical controlling the Wiper Motor. When the two high wiper blade settings are selected, the wipers run for around 30-40 seconds, then slow down and eventually stop. You can watch it happen. This has happened while having snow and rain on my windshield. In order to get them to
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: MY FRONT WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED IN A MANNER THAT IS UNSAFE. IT HAS 2 IDENTICAL CRACKS ON EACH SIDE. SMALL ROCKS HIT THE GLASS AND CAUSED INSTANT CRACKS WELL OVER 8 INCHES IN LENGTH. I FEEL THAT THE GLASS IS NOT IMPACT RATED CORRECTLY OR TOO THIN. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A WINDSHIELD CRACK LIKE THIS FRO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 19 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)