Major safety recalls for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport cover potential fuel injector leaks on 1.5L EcoBoost engines, 12-volt battery degradation that can cause unexpected loss of drive power, improperly installed front lower control-arm ball joints, and electrical short risks involving engine block heaters on 2.0L models. Authorized Ford service centers perform all safety recall inspections and factory repairs free of charge to vehicle owners.

Safety recalls are issued when a manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) identifies a safety defect or non-compliance with federal motor vehicle standards. For the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, several specific safety recall campaigns have been recorded to address electrical, powertrain, and chassis components. Other campaigns, such as an engine oil separator housing recall on 1.5L models, may also apply, so a VIN lookup is the only way to see every open recall on a specific vehicle.

Key recall campaigns recorded for this model year include:

• 12-Volt Battery Failure (NHTSA Campaigns 24V-267 & 25V-019): Certain vehicles may experience sudden 12-volt battery degradation while driving, which can cause a loss of drive power and 12-volt accessories, including the hazard lights. The first recall (24V-267) updated body control and powertrain control module software. The follow-up recall (25V-019 / Ford 25S02) replaces the original battery with an AGM battery, and vehicles already repaired under 24V-267 still need this newer remedy.
• Fuel Injector Cracking Risk (NHTSA Campaign 25V-467 / Ford 25S76): On models with the 1.5-liter engine, high-pressure fuel injectors may crack, allowing fuel or fuel vapor to leak inside the engine compartment. This campaign expands and replaces earlier recalls 22V-859, 24V-187 and 25V-165.
• Front Lower Control Arm Separation (NHTSA Campaign 26V-340 / Ford 26S36) – Do Not Drive: A 2026 recall covers a small number of vehicles whose front lower control-arm ball joints may have been incorrectly installed or repaired at the assembly plant, creating a risk that the control arm could detach from the front wheel knuckle. Ford advises affected owners not to drive the vehicle until the inspection is completed.
• Engine Block Heater Short Circuit (NHTSA Campaign 25V-685 / Ford 25SA4): On 2.0L EcoBoost models equipped with a factory engine block heater, the heater may develop a coolant leak that can cause a short circuit and fire risk when plugged in. Owners of affected vehicles should not plug in the block heater until the recall repair is completed.

Keeping up with manufacturer service campaigns helps ensure your crossover maintains its long-term durability and safety on every drive. Crossover owners taking on daily riverfront commutes through West Terre Haute rely on dependable electrical and fuel systems during cold winter conditions. If you need assistance checking your vehicle's history or organizing service, you can visit our main Clinton service facility or get immediate help by calling our service counter at (765) 820-2276.

Table of Contents

• What Major Engine and Fuel System Recalls Affect the 2021 Bronco Sport?
• What Chassis, Suspension, and Brake Recalls Impact the 2021 Bronco Sport?
• How Do Crash Safety Ratings Compare Between the 2021 Bronco Sport and Toyota RAV4?
• How Can Owners Verify Open Recalls and Find Official Fixes for the 2021 Bronco Sport?
• Frequently Asked Questions About 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Recalls
• Scheduling Free Recall Repairs at Pilson Ford of Clinton

What Major Engine and Fuel System Recalls Affect the 2021 Bronco Sport?

The primary fuel system safety recall for the 2021 Bronco Sport involves potential cracking in the high-pressure fuel injectors on models powered by the 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder engine.

Under recall campaign 25S76 (NHTSA campaign 25V-467), a cracked fuel injector can allow liquid fuel or fuel vapor to accumulate near hot engine or exhaust components, increasing the risk of an under-hood fire. Earlier recalls added a drain tube and engine control software designed to detect a cracked injector, but those measures did not prevent injectors from cracking. Under 25S76, dealers update the engine control software as an interim repair, then replace the high-pressure fuel rail assembly and fuel injectors once final remedy parts are available. Vehicles repaired under the earlier recalls still need the new remedy, so contact our service department to check parts availability for your VIN.

It is important to note engine configuration differences across the model lineup:

• 1.5L EcoBoost Engine: This three-cylinder engine, standard on Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims, is the subject of the high-pressure fuel injector cracking recall.
• 2.0L EcoBoost Engine: The larger four-cylinder engine, standard on the Badlands and First Edition trims, utilizes a different fuel injection assembly and is not included in the fuel injector cracking recall campaign.

When crossover owners visit our service bay with questions about the 1.5L EcoBoost fuel injector recall, our advisors can look up the VIN to confirm which remedy steps have already been completed and which are still open.

Drivers who notice a strong odor of gasoline around the engine compartment, visible fuel leaks beneath the vehicle, an illuminated check engine light, or engine misfires should have their crossover inspected by a certified technician immediately.

​

What Chassis, Suspension, and Brake Recalls Impact the 2021 Bronco Sport?

Chassis and braking recalls for the 2021 Bronco Sport address front lower control-arm ball joints that could disconnect, loose or missing rear subframe bolts, and rear brake linings with lower-than-specified friction.

Suspension integrity directly affects vehicle handling, tire wear, and passenger safety. Select 2021 Bronco Sport models are included in recall 26V-340 (Ford 26S36) because their front lower control-arm ball joints may have been improperly installed or repaired at the assembly plant. If a ball joint separates from the knuckle, the driver could experience a sudden loss of steering control. Ford has issued a Do Not Drive warning for affected vehicles. Your dealer can arrange a mobile technician or a free tow to the dealership, then inspect both front lower control arm ball joint assemblies and repair them as necessary at no charge.

Other chassis and brake service campaigns include:

• Rear Subframe Attachment Bolts (NHTSA 21V-075 / Ford 21S04): Certain early-production models built between July and November 2020 may have loose or missing rear suspension subframe bolts, which can affect vehicle stability and reduce rear-impact crash performance. Dealers inspect the bolts and secure or replace them as necessary.
• Rear Brake Lining Friction (NHTSA 21V-922 / Ford 21C31): Certain 1.5L models with a vacuum brake booster were built with rear brake linings that have a lower-than-specified friction coefficient, which could lengthen stopping distances if the brake booster fails. Dealers install upgraded front brake pads free of charge so the vehicle meets the required stopping performance.

Driving across unpaved county roads around Clinton demands structural integrity from your vehicle's suspension and braking systems. Staying proactive with routine multi-point inspections ensures that chassis components remain secure. You can check your vehicle's maintenance status or reserve a service bay by using our online service scheduling tool.

​

How Do Crash Safety Ratings Compare Between the 2021 Bronco Sport and Toyota RAV4?

Both the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 earned a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA. The 2021 Bronco Sport also earned a Top Safety Pick+ award, the highest honor from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), while the 2021 RAV4 earned a Top Safety Pick when equipped with specific headlights.

In IIHS evaluations, the 2021 Bronco Sport earned the highest rating of Good across all primary crashworthiness tests, including driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength, and head restraint performance. During roof strength testing, the Bronco Sport sustained a peak force of 21,970 lbs, yielding a 6.39 strength-to-weight ratio that comfortably exceeds industry standards.

Crash avoidance and driver-assist technology comparisons between the two crossovers highlight strong standard equipment packages:

• Standard Driver-Assist Suites: The Bronco Sport comes equipped with standard Ford Co-Pilot 360, featuring Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane-Keeping System, and Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert. The RAV4 features standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0.
• Crash Avoidance Ratings: The IIHS awarded the Bronco Sport a Superior rating for front crash prevention in both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluation scenarios.
• Lighting Performance: Every Bronco Sport trim comes equipped with standard LED headlights that earned a Good rating from IIHS for night visibility.
• Child Seat Anchor Ease of Use: The Bronco Sport received an Acceptable rating for LATCH ease of use, featuring accessible lower anchors and tether positions in the rear seat.

Both vehicles deliver excellent occupant protection, but the Bronco Sport's high-strength steel unibody structure and standard Co-Pilot 360 technology make it a highly capable choice for families. To keep your Bronco Sport's electrical system dependable after recall work, review our battery service guide.

​

How Can Owners Verify Open Recalls and Find Official Fixes for the 2021 Bronco Sport?

Vehicle owners can confirm whether their specific 2021 Bronco Sport has an open safety recall by entering its 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the Ford Owner Support recall portal or the NHTSA recall lookup tool.

Because recall applicability depends on production dates, engine configurations, and trim levels, a general model-year search cannot verify whether an individual vehicle requires service. Searching by VIN provides exact information regarding completed campaign repairs, open safety recalls, and customer satisfaction programs.

You can easily locate your vehicle's 17-digit VIN in three places:

1. Dashboard/Windshield: Look through the lower driver-side corner of the front windshield from outside the vehicle.
2. Driver's Door Frame: Check the safety compliance certification label attached to the driver's side door jamb.
3. Official Documents: Refer to your vehicle title, state registration card, or auto insurance policy paperwork.

When an open recall is identified, repairs must be performed by an authorized Ford dealership using genuine OEM parts. Ford covers all labor and parts costs associated with official recall campaigns, meaning owners pay nothing out of pocket for recall service work.

​

Frequently Asked Questions About 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Recalls

Q: Does the 1.5L fuel injector recall apply to the 2.0L Badlands trim?

The cracked fuel injector recall specifically targets vehicles equipped with the 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder engine. The 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine featured in the Badlands and First Edition trims uses a different fuel rail and injector design and is not included under recall campaign 25S76.

Q: What signs indicate a potential fuel injector leak in my crossover?

Common indicators of a fuel injector leak include a distinct odor of gasoline near the engine compartment or inside the cabin, visible liquid fuel leaking under the front of the vehicle, engine misfires, or an illuminated check engine light. If you notice any of these signs, have your vehicle inspected immediately.

Q: Do recall repairs cost anything out of pocket at an authorized dealer service center?

Safety recall repairs are performed free of charge to the owner. Ford provides replacement parts, necessary hardware updates, and factory software patches to authorized dealership service departments to resolve safety campaigns at zero cost to customers.

Q: How do certified technicians resolve the rear brake lining recall on affected models?

Under recall 21C31, technicians install upgraded front brake pads that compensate for the lower-friction rear linings, restoring the stopping distances required by federal brake standards. To learn more about maintaining your stopping system, review our comprehensive brake service guide.

Q: How long does a typical software update or inspection recall appointment take?

Software updates, such as the body control module or powertrain control module patches, can often be completed in under an hour. Repairs requiring physical component replacements, such as fuel rail installations or battery swaps, may take longer depending on service bay scheduling and parts availability. If you are considering adding a vehicle to your household, explore our selection of new Bronco Sport models.

​

Scheduling Free Recall Repairs at Pilson Ford of Clinton

Keeping your crossover up to date on factory safety recalls is one of the most effective ways to maintain overall vehicle safety, resale value, and long-term dependability. At Pilson Ford of Clinton, our factory-trained technicians utilize specialized diagnostic tools and genuine OEM parts to complete all Ford recall campaigns and warranty services efficiently.

If you suspect your 2021 Bronco Sport has an uncompleted recall or requires routine maintenance, our team is ready to help. You can check your VIN, arrange a service visit, or speak directly with our service advisors today. For directions to our department, visit our Clinton service center location page. You can also confirm open campaigns by calling our service advisors at (765) 820-2276 or order replacement components through our online Ford parts department.

---

© 2026 Pilson Ford of Clinton. All rights reserved.