The 2021 Bronco Sport shares the Escape platform and its 1.5L three-cylinder EcoBoost has proven catastrophically unreliable with rod bearing and cooling failures leading to complete engine destruction, often under 60,000 miles. The 2.0L four-cylinder is significantly more durable but still sees transmission cooler and PTU issues.
Symptoms: Knocking/ticking from engine block that worsens with acceleration, White smoke from exhaust indicating coolant intrusion into cylinders, Sudden loss of power and seized engine, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Metal shavings in oil at change intervals
Fix: Complete engine replacement or rebuild required. Rod bearings fail due to design flaw and/or coolant intrusion through head gasket/block cracks contaminates oil. Ford has extended warranty coverage on some VINs but not all. Replacement short block: 18-24 labor hours. Many shops won't rebuild due to core design issues.
Estimated cost: $8,000-12,000
8F35 Transmission Oil Cooler Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid mixing with coolant (strawberry milkshake in overflow), Transmission slipping or harsh shifting, Overheating warnings on dash, Pink residue in coolant reservoir
Fix: Internal cooler in radiator fails, cross-contaminates ATF and coolant. Requires radiator replacement, transmission fluid flush (multiple cycles), sometimes full transmission rebuild if contamination caused internal damage. Critical to catch early. 6-10 hours labor if caught before trans damage, 20+ if rebuild needed.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,500 (cooler/flush), $4,500-7,000 (with trans rebuild)
PTU (Power Transfer Unit) Fluid Leak and Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Fluid dripping from front center of vehicle, Grinding or whining noise during turns (AWD models), Binding sensation in tight turns, Burning smell after driving
Fix: Seal leaks cause fluid starvation and PTU overheating. Ford service interval calls for drain/fill every 30k miles but most owners miss this. Seal replacement: 3-4 hours. Complete PTU replacement if run dry: 5-7 hours. Check fluid level every oil change on AWD models.
Fuel Injection System Failure (High-Pressure Fuel Pump)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting or extended cranking, Loss of power under acceleration, Check engine light with fuel pressure codes (P0087, P0191), Engine stalling at idle or low speed, Rough idle and misfires
Fix: High-pressure fuel pump on both EcoBoost engines fails prematurely. Multiple recalls issued but problems persist beyond recall scope. Pump replacement requires removing intake components. 4-6 hours labor. Some pumps contaminate fuel system requiring injector cleaning or replacement.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,000
Transmission Control Module (TCM) Software Glitches and Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Transmission stuck in gear or won't shift, Harsh/delayed shifts especially when cold, Limp mode activation, Check engine light with transmission codes, Shifter won't move from Park position
Fix: TCM software issues and module failures across production runs. Ford has issued TSBs and recalls for reprogramming. Many cases resolve with reflash (1.5 hours), but some require TCM replacement (3-4 hours). Always try software update first before replacing hardware.
Symptoms: Battery dead after sitting 2-3 days, Multiple warning lights on dash at startup, Accessories not shutting off properly, Body control module staying awake (parasitic draw)
Fix: BCM software bugs cause parasitic draw. Ford issued recalls for reprogramming but some vehicles still affected. Requires parasitic draw diagnosis (1-2 hours) to isolate module. BCM reflash typically resolves. Battery replacement often needed after repeated deep discharge. Some cases need BCM replacement.
AVOID the 1.5L three-cylinder EcoBoost at all costs—known widespread engine failure issue with inadequate Ford warranty response
If you have the 1.5L, monitor oil consumption religiously and listen for ANY knocking sounds—catch bearing failure early
PTU fluid change every 30,000 miles on AWD models is critical—this is not optional maintenance
Check transmission cooler at every service: look for pink coolant or fluid cross-contamination
Keep all Ford recall and TSB service current, especially fuel pump and TCM software updates
If buying used, get pre-purchase inspection with borescope cylinder inspection and oil analysis on 1.5L engines
Hard pass on any 1.5L three-cylinder model—catastrophic engine failures are too common and expensive; 2.0L four-cylinder is tolerable if PTU and transmission cooler are properly maintained, but better compact SUVs exist for the money.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM · 25V467000
2025-07-11
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
Consequence: A fuel 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 update the engine control software. and replace the high pressure fuel rail assembly and the fuel injector ,free of charge. As an interim repair, dealers will update the engine control software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 29, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in July 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S76. This recall expands and replaces previous recall numbers 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165 will need to have the new final remedy performed once it is available.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE · 25V442000
2025-06-27
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) · 25V158000
2025-03-14
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-267. The body and power train control modules may fail to detect a change in the 12-volt battery state of charge.
Consequence: An undetected low battery charge can result in a loss of electrical accessories such as hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will recalibrate the body control module and power train control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 23, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S26.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM · 25V165000
2025-03-14
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 22V-859 or 24V-187. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
Consequence: A fuel 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 update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S21.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY · 25V019000
2025-01-17 · RQ24014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles. The 12-volt battery
may experience degradation and suddenly fail.
Consequence: Battery failure can result in a loss of electrical accessories, including the hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the 12-volt battery, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S02. Vehicles in this recall were previously repaired under 24V-267 and will need to have the new remedy completed.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM · 24V267000
2024-04-12 · PE24002
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles. The body and power train control modules may fail to detect a change in the 12-volt battery state of charge.
Consequence: An undetected low battery charge can result in a loss of electrical accessories such as hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will recalibrate the body control module and power train control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 4, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S24.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM · 22V859000
2022-11-18
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
Consequence: A fuel 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 update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed January 9, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 1st Quarter of 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S73. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 22V-191. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-191 will need to have the new remedy performed.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION · 22V191000
2022-03-25
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.
Consequence: 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER · 21V922000
2021-11-23
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles. The rear brake linings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can affect braking performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence: During certain situations, the driver may have to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front brake pads, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C31.
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY · 21V809000
2021-10-15
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles. The moonroof glass may not have been bonded correctly to the moonroof frame, which could result in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle.
Consequence: A detached glass panel can become a road hazard, and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the moonroof glass date code and replace the glass, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S46.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles. The fuel delivery module may leak inside the fuel tank, causing low fuel pressure which could result in an engine stall.
Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. Interim notification letters (remedy not available) were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 14, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S38.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM · 21V074000
2021-02-16
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles. These vehicles may have been produced with incorrect front lower control arms.
Consequence: An incorrect lower control arm may affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a rollover crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the front lower control arms, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S03.
SUSPENSION:REAR · 21V075000
2021-02-16
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles. The rear suspension subframe assembly may have loose or missing bolts.
Consequence: Loose or missing bolts may affect the vehicle's handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash. It could also reduce the vehicle's performance in a rear impact crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear suspension bolts, and secure or replace the bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S04.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT · 21V011000
2021-01-15
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Edge, 2020 Lincoln Nautilus and Ford Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair and Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. An inadequate amount of lubricant in the rear drive unit may cause seizure of the rear drive axle.
Consequence: If the rear drive unit seizes, there may be a loss of drive and/or a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the rear drive unit lubricant level. Axles found to have lubricant at the minimum level will be filled to the full level. Axles found to be below the minimum lubricant fill level will be replaced, free of charge. This recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S02.
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