2021 Ford Bronco Problems: 16 Known Issues

On the 2021-2022 Ford Bronco EcoBoost 2.7, recall 24S55 (NHTSA 24V635) covers certain 2021–2022 Broncos with 2.7L EcoBoost engines whose intake valves may break and cause engine failure or loss of propulsion. Engine identity and symptoms alone do not establish VIN eligibility or a broken valve.

On the 2021-2024 Ford Bronco, multiple Bronco owners report a brief but pronounced rattling or knocking noise on cold start caused by worn or defective cam phasers, often accompanied by timing chain slack. Ford issued service guidance for EcoBoost engines using updated phaser parts. While some vehicles only exhibit noise, others progress to rough running, check-engine lights, or repeat repairs if only partial components are replaced.

On the 2021-2023 Ford Bronco, some Bronco owners have documented rear differential failures marked by whining, grinding, binding in turns, or sudden loss of propulsion. Reports include failures of the locking differential assembly and internal gear damage, sometimes at relatively low mileage and occasionally after normal on-road use. In severe cases, the rear axle assembly requires full replacement.

On the 2021-2024 Ford Bronco, owners of lifted or Sasquatch-equipped Broncos have reported front CV axle clicking, grease sling from torn boots, and vibration under load, especially after off-road articulation or suspension modifications. Even on stock vehicles, the steep operating angles on some setups appear to accelerate outer joint or boot wear. Left unaddressed, the axle can lose grease and develop severe joint play.

On the 2021-2024 Ford Bronco, multiple Bronco owners reported sudden loss of power steering assist, often accompanied by warning messages and very heavy manual steering effort at low speeds. The issue has been tied to failures in the electric power steering system and steering gear/rack assembly, and Ford issued a safety recall (23V155) for certain 2022 Bronco Raptor and 2023 Bronco Wildtrak vehicles because a cracked steering gear ball nut retainer could cause increased steering effort or prevent the steering wheel from turning. Owner complaints and forum reports describe intermittent assist loss first, then complete failure requiring rack replacement.

On the 2021-2024 Ford Bronco, ford recalled certain Broncos because corrosion between the external reservoir and rear shock absorber could cause the reservoir to detach. Owners reported clunking noises, visible shock damage, and degraded rear suspension control, especially on vehicles exposed to road salt and moisture. The problem is most associated with specific shock assemblies used on Sasquatch and other off-road-oriented configurations.

On the 2021-2023 Ford Bronco 2.3L EcoBoost I4, a subset of 2.3L Bronco owners report unexplained coolant loss, startup misfires, white exhaust smoke, and rough running traced to coolant entering one or more cylinders. Similar to other Ford 2.3L applications, the root cause is often linked to cylinder head casting issues or sealing failure in the head-gasket area. If ignored, the condition can lead to catalytic converter damage or engine replacement.

On the 2021-2022 Ford Bronco, the Molded-In-Color (MIC) hardtop exhibits surface crazing, snakeskin patterns, delamination, and cracking. Issues include peeling headliner, warping around mounting bolts, rattling, and water leaks. Ford acknowledged the issue and implemented Customer Satisfaction Program 21B49.

On the 2021-2024 Ford Bronco, the soft top experiences adhesive failure causing interior panels to sag, separate from the frame, and delaminate. Heat exposure accelerates adhesive melting, particularly at front corners.

On the 2021-2024 Ford Bronco, bronco frameless doors rely on a programmed window drop when opening and closing. Owners have reported doors bouncing back, failing to latch, or glass contacting weatherstrips because the window does not index correctly or the latch module loses calibration. Ford issued service information (SSM 52470) with a door module software update for repeat loss of window initialization and short-drop operation on affected vehicles.

On the 2021-2023 Ford Bronco, hardtop equipped Broncos experience water intrusion during rain or car washes. Common leak points include the seal along the back of T-tops, door seals, A-pillar areas, and where removable midsection connects to the rear portion.

On the 2021-2023 Ford Bronco, the smart windshield wiper motor, which senses blade load on the glass, malfunctions during rain causing wipers to slow down, operate intermittently, or stop entirely. Built-in protection features may incorrectly trigger, reducing wiper speed even when conditions require full operation.

On the 2021-2024 Ford Bronco, a recurring owner complaint on newer Broncos is unexpected battery discharge after sitting, sometimes leading to a no-start condition, multiple warning messages, or modules behaving erratically. Reports often mention the vehicle being parked for only a few days before the battery is too weak to crank, with some cases linked to software/module sleep issues or accessory loads. The problem is documented in owner forums and complaint databases, though root causes can vary by vehicle.

On the 2021-2024 Ford Bronco, bronco owners have widely reported SYNC 4 system instability including frozen screens, random reboots, black displays, loss of audio, and backup camera image failures. Ford has issued software-related service communications for infotainment and camera concerns, and owner forums contain many repeat reports across trims. While often software-related, some vehicles also needed APIM updates or module replacement.

On the 2021-2024 Ford Bronco, the Getrag MT88 7-speed manual transmission exhibits rotational scraping or grinding noises, particularly in cold temperatures below 50°F. The noise occurs in neutral, 1st, and 2nd gears with clutch engaged and may diminish as transmission warms up. Issue traced to 5th and 6th gear synchronizer rings.

On the 2021-2023 Ford Bronco, the 10R60 automatic transmission may exhibit harsh or delayed engagement when shifting, particularly from park to reverse when cold. Some vehicles skip gears during deceleration around 28 mph causing lurching.