Years to avoid
Ford Bronco Sport Years to Avoid
The 2021, 2022, 2023 model years stand out as the weakest in this Ford Bronco Sport dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated April 2026
- Weakest year
- 2021
- Model average
- 67/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 622
- Recalls, weakest year
- 15
54/100 reliability
23-point range
16 crash · 15 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport ranks last
The 2021 scores 54/100, rated mixed, versus a model average of 67/100. NHTSA data contains 622 owner complaints and 15 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (147), Power Train (137), Service Brakes (68), Unknown Or Other (47). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2021 Ford Bronco Sport record →Evidence by year
The weakest Ford Bronco Sport model years compared
2021 Ford Bronco Sport
- Complaints
- 622
- Recalls
- 15
- Crash reports
- 16
- Fire reports
- 15
Top issues: Electrical System (147), Power Train (137), Service Brakes (68)
View 2021 details →2022 Ford Bronco Sport
- Complaints
- 303
- Recalls
- 14
- Crash reports
- 11
- Fire reports
- 12
Top issues: Electrical System (50), Power Train (48), Fuel System, Gasoline (38)
View 2022 details →2023 Ford Bronco Sport
- Complaints
- 114
- Recalls
- 13
- Crash reports
- 5
- Fire reports
- 5
Top issues: Electrical System (23), Fuel System, Gasoline (21), Power Train (12)
View 2023 details →Better alternatives
Stronger Ford Bronco Sport years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
Source trail
Where this Ford Bronco Sport data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Ford Bronco Sport research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Ford Bronco Sport research FAQ
Which Ford Bronco Sport years should I avoid?
2021, 2022, 2023 score materially below the strongest Ford Bronco Sport years in this dataset. The 2021 is the weakest at 54/100, with 622 owner complaints and 15 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring Ford Bronco Sport year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst Ford Bronco Sport year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2026 (77/100), 2025 (73/100), 2024 (72/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Ford Bronco Sport you are considering.