NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Ford Bronco Safety Ratings
The 2021 Ford Bronco scores 47 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Weak), 20 recalls, and 214 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Ford Bronco earns a "Weak" designation on the NHTSA Safety Index, with a score of 47 out of 100. This assessment is largely influenced by an incomplete crash-test record from NHTSA; most categories for the 2021 model year remain unrated. The published crash protection sub-score stands at 42 out of 70. Further impacting its safety profile are the 19 recall campaigns issued for this specific model year, a figure that demands careful scrutiny for potential buyers.
The 2021 Ford Bronco 4DR SUV 4WD received a NHTSA Safety Index of 47/100 and a 3-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Ford Bronco ranks 118 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA Safety Index | 47 / 100 (Weak) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 25.6% |
| Recalls on file | 20 |
| Owner complaints | 214 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 118 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Ford Bronco?
The 2021 Ford Bronco, in its initial year of reintroduction, presents an uneven safety profile, underscored by a high volume of recalls. A total of 19 recall campaigns address critical components such as hardtop roof panels, the transmission-to-transfer-case joint, and front seat fasteners. The recall regarding front seat fasteners is particularly significant, as proper seat positioning is essential for occupant protection in a crash. This record contributes to a defect sub-score of 0 out of 20. The vehicle’s overall Safety Index stands at 47 out of 100, placing it in the Weak band. This score is heavily influenced by a crash protection sub-score of 42 out of 70. Further impacting the overall assessment is an avoidance technology score of 4.5 out of 10, a reflection of forward collision warning being an optional feature and the complete absence of lane departure warning. Compounding these factors are 214 unverified owner complaints, some alleging fires and injuries. Without prior-year data, there is no direct benchmark to assess improvement or decline for this model.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Ford Bronco perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Ford Bronco 4DR SUV 4WD presents an incomplete picture based on federal safety evaluations. NHTSA did not assign overall, frontal, or side crash-test star ratings for this model. The single available rating is for rollover, where it received 3 out of 5 stars, indicating a 26 percent rollover risk. The dynamic tip test concluded with a "No Tip" result. Consequently, the extent of its full crash protection remains unassessed by federal standards.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15372
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Ford Bronco have any recalls?
Yes, the 2021 Ford Bronco carries 19 recall campaigns. Named components include the MIC hardtop roof and pillars, the automatic transmission-to-transfer-case joint, back-over prevention software, the backup camera on 8-inch SYNC screens, and front seat frame critical fasteners. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is listed in the data provided, but shoppers should verify current remedy status by VIN directly with NHTSA.
ENGINE26V468000
Risk: A short circuit in the engine compartment can create heat or spark, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install sheathing over the wiring, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2026 Bronco Raptor notified owners on 7/31/2026. Phase 2 will include 2021-2025 Bronco Raptor vehicle will notify owners on or about 8/14/2026. Phase 3 will include 2021-2026 Bronco will notify owners on or about 9/1/2026. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2026. Owners may
Reported 2026-07-20
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS26V299000
Risk: A detached section of roof can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the hard top as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed May 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S32. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in thi
Reported 2026-05-12
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION26V236000
Risk: Excessive wear of the transmission and transfer case splines may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transmission to transfer case joint and replace the transmission and transfer case as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S26. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 15, 202
Reported 2026-04-14
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE26V124000
Risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The APIM software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S09. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
Reported 2026-03-03
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA25V888000
Risk: A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealer will update the SYNC module software ,free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 28, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C72. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 30, 2026.
Reported 2025-12-18
SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS25V721000
Risk: A seat with a dislodged bolt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the pivot links and bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB5. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 28, 2025.
Reported 2025-10-23
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER25V685000
Risk: 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. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters
Reported 2025-10-10
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP25V455000
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
Reported 2025-07-07
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V315000
Risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is avail
Reported 2025-05-09
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA25V312000
Risk: A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update SYNC module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C14.
Reported 2025-05-09
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER25V025000
Risk: An external reservoir that detaches from a vehicle can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear shock absorbers, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S01.
Reported 2025-01-17
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL24V635000
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.
Reported 2024-08-23
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Ford Bronco?
NHTSA has received 214 unverified owner allegations for the 2021 Ford Bronco, including reported claims of 6 crashes, 3 fires, and 7 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Engine (67 reports), Electrical System (28), and Suspension (24). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
214 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Ford Bronco?
With 19 recall campaigns spanning structural, powertrain, and seating systems, any shopper considering a used 2021 Ford Bronco should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. Confirming that every remedy has been completed at a dealership is a critical step, not an optional one.
- The 2021 Bronco carries 19 NHTSA recall campaigns, including one covering the MIC hardtop roof panels and another addressing front seat frame critical fasteners that may be loose or dislodged, both of which have direct crash-safety implications.
- NHTSA did not assign overall, frontal, or side crash-test star ratings to this specific model year, leaving the majority of occupant crash-protection performance unquantified by federal testing.
- The avoidance tech sub-score of 4.5 out of 10 reflects a meaningful gap: forward collision warning is only optional on the 2021 Bronco and lane departure warning is not available, limiting the standard safety-tech baseline.
- NHTSA has logged 214 unverified owner complaint reports for this model year, with alleged Engine issues leading at 67 reports and unverified allegations of 3 fires included in the total, making complaint monitoring on NHTSA's site a worthwhile ongoing step for current owners.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Ford Bronco places
The 2021 Ford Bronco qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Ford Bronco safety questions
Was the 2021 Ford Bronco crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Ford Bronco, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 47 out of 100, placing it in the Weak band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Ford Bronco crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Ford Bronco earned 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 25.6%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Bronco have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 20 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Ford Bronco. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Ford Bronco?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 214 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Ford Bronco. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Bronco years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15372), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Bronco 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 118 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.