FordBronco Sport2021Overview/ford/bronco-sport/2021/base/

2021 Ford Bronco Sport

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 Bronco Sport.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is the first model year in the 2021–2026 complaint record, and its maintenance specification calls for a 5.5-quart 5W-30 engine oil fill. With 664 owner complaints—more than any other year in that span—and Power Train issues ranking as the top complaint category alongside 16 recalls, this inaugural year carries the heaviest documented reliability footprint in the model’s short history. For researchers, that volume makes the 2021 Bronco Sport the natural reference point when assessing how later, lower-complaint years such as 2026 evolved.

Model year2025202420232021

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.5 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30OEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI H6 · Enhanced Flooded Battery: 700 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI H6 · Enhanced Flooded Battery: 700 CCAOEM · verified
Tire size225/65R17 102HOEM · verified
Wheel / rim7 inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length172.8 in
Overall width74.4 in
Overall height71.3 in
Wheelbase105.1 in
Curb weight3457 lb
Track (front / rear)63.4 / 63 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)57/43

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Bronco Sport of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.9–9.2 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.90 sec — 2021 Badlands
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2021Badlands 2.0L Turbo I-45.90 sec14.50 sec245 hpAWD
2021Badlands 2.0L Turbo I-46.50 sec15.30 sec245 hpAWD
2021Outer Banks 1.5L Turbo I-38.20 sec16.30 sec181 hpAWD
2021Outer Banks 1.5L Turbo I-38.50 sec16.40 sec181 hpAWD
2021Outer Banks 1.5L Turbo I-38.60 sec16.40 sec181 hpAWD
2021Outer Banks 1.5L Turbo I-39.20 sec16.80 sec181 hpAWD
2023Limited Heritage 2.0L Turbo I-47.30 sec15.80 sec250 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.5 qt of 5W-30 engine oil, Motorcraft Disconnect Rear Drive Unit Fluid in the differential, Dot 4 brake fluid. The firing order is 1-3-4-2.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity8.45 qt
Brake FluidDot 4
Differential Gear OilMotorcraft Disconnect Rear Drive Unit Fluid
Differential Gear Oil Capacity.80 qt
Differential Gear OilMotorcraft Disconnect Rear Drive Unit Fluid
Differential Gear Oil Capacity1.23 qt
Engine CoolantMotorcraft Yellow Concentrated

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.91 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.14 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)8.083 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.16 ft-lbs
Cylinder Head InstructionsUse new bolts.
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)6.0 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)35.0 ft-lbs
Knock Sense (KS) Bolt(s)14.75 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Differential Fill PlugRDU: 21.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain PlugRDU: 21.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug30.0 ft-lbs
Automatic Transmission Drain PlugLeveling Plug: 26.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3
Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)850 @ 6,300 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)850 @ 6,300 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap0.030 in

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant CapacityR-1234yf
Oil GroupPAG
Oil TypeYN-35; Compresor Oil: YN-12-D
Oil Capacity2.70 oz
Refrigerant CapacityR-1234yf
Oil GroupPAG
Oil TypeYN-35; Compresor Oil: YN-12-D
Oil Capacity3.40 oz

Service checks

Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)51.0-88.0
Engine Oil PressureTemperature @ 175.9°F: 15.0, 19.0 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM850 rpm's, 2,000 rpm's rpm
Engine Oil Pressure27.6-37.7 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM1,500 rpm

Brakes

Minimum Pad Thickness0.079 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Transfer Case Fill Plug — tightening sequence 1 stages
111.083 ft. lbs., Step 2: 360°11.083 ft. lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug — tightening sequence 1 stages
111.083 ft. lbs., Step 2: 360°11.083 ft. lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
15.16 ft. lbs., Step 2: 11.835.16 ft. lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
13.66 ft. lbs., Step 2: 7.14 ft. lbs., Step 3: 7.14 ft. lbs., Step 4: 30°3.66 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
114.75 ft. lbs., Step 2: 30.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 90°14.75 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 13.25 ft. lbs., Step 3: 18.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 90°7.14 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
174.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°74 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1103.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: Loosen 90°, Step 3: 74.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 90°, Step 5: 15°103 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
13.66 ft. lbs., Step 2: 7.14 ft. lbs., Step 3: 30.0 ft. lbs., Tighten bolts in 8 Steps: Step 4: Loosen 45°, Step 5: 33.0 ft. lbs., Repeat Steps 4 & 5 seven more times in order, Step 6: 90°, Step 7: 90°3.66 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
15.16 ft. lbs., Step 2: 11.08 ft. lbs., Step 3: 41.0 ft. lbs., Step 4 90°, Step 5: 90°5.16 ft. lbs
Flex or Driveplate Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
137.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 59.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 83.037 ft. lbs
Flex or Driveplate Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 14.75 ft. lbs., Step 3: 22.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 90°7.14 ft. lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 7.147.14 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
13.66 ft. lbs., Step 2: 18.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 90°3.66 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 14.75 ft. lbs., Step 3: 26.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 37.0 ft. lbs., Step 5: 90°7.14 ft. lbs
Oil Pan to Block Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 7.147.14 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant at 200,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 200,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect)
Every 20,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
At 100,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 100,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Timing Belt (replace) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)
At 200,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport recorded the highest number of complaints (664), recalls (16), investigations (2), and technical service bulletins (183) among the years shown in the federal record. Complaint volumes dropped sharply to 330 in 2022, continued to fall to 143 in 2023 and 89 in 2024, and were only two complaints in 2026, indicating a clear downward trend in reported issues over the generation’s early years. Recall counts followed a similar pattern, decreasing from 16 in 2021 to eight in 2024 and four in 2026, while investigations and TSBs also declined each year. The data does not specify root causes for any of the complaints, recalls, or investigations, so no specific known issues can be asserted from these figures alone. Given the markedly higher incidence of problems in the 2021 model year compared with later years, a buyer seeking fewer potential concerns might prefer a 2022 or newer Bronco Sport.

16
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
183
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
2
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
664
Owner complaints
17 involved a crash · 15 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 664 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train81
Electrical System78
Service Brakes64
Unknown Or Other43
Fuel System, Gasoline38
Engine33
Power Train,Electrical System21
Service Brakes, Hydraulic21

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 16 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

21V074000Suspension:Front:Control ArmReported 16/02/2021

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles. These vehicles may have been produced with incorrect front lower control arms. 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…

21V075000Suspension:RearReported 16/02/2021

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles. The rear suspension subframe assembly may have loose or missing bolts. 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 183 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
SSM 549392026-06-16Power TrainSome 2020-2026 Corsair/Escape, 2021-2026 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2026 Maverick vehicles…
SSM 548572026-05-21Fuel/Propulsion System2020-2026 Explorer/Escape/Corsair, 2021-2026 Bronco Sport/Bronco, 2022-2026 Maverick…
TSB 26-22052026-05-18Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin supersedes 25-2346. Reason for update: add Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles…
25B512026-05-08EngineCertain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model…
SSM 547972026-05-04Power TrainSome 2020-2026 Corsair/Escape, 2021-2026 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2026 Maverick vehicles…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Bronco Sport. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2021 Bronco Sport take?

5.5 qt of Motorcraft 5W-30 Synthetic, per the factory manual.

Does the 2021 Bronco Sport have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 16 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.