Problems With the Ford Bronco Sport Are Beginning to Surface
If the waiting list for the larger Ford Bronco is too long, you can probably pull out of the dealership in a Ford Bronco Sport instead. However, before buying the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, check out a few issues that are starting to emerge.
The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport may have quality issues
A mechanical review of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport revealed a few issues. It comes with a standard 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that’s also found in the Ford Escape. It provides 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque.
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 245 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque is reserved for higher trim levels. According to autoevolution, this fits the notion that Ford takes aggressive cost-cutting measures.
Anyways, the mechanical review mentioned that Ford might have work to do in terms of build quality, reliability, and simple maintenance if people plan on keeping this SUV long term. The criticism is back by loose cables and wires, a struggling fuel line, rough cylinder deactivation, and one-position floating brake calipers.
The driveshaft is very thin, and so are the skinny rear half shafts. While the Bronco Sport feels cheap, the fully-stamped steel subframe and magnesium-alloy lower control arms are robust features to be proud of.
The Bronco Sport might overheat
A few automotive journalists found that the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport may be prone to overheating. One driver with the Outer Banks model was driving up an incline with all-wheel drive engaged.
Then the Outer Banks model displayed a “4WD Drive Temporarily Disabled” message. But the Outer Banks trim doesn’t have the liquid-cooled Power Transfer Unit that’s in the Badlands trim. So, perhaps it was pushed too hard.
But another driver in a Bronco Sport Badlands model was driving in the sand for about 15 minutes before the vehicle entered limp mode. It had to be shut off for five minutes before it was ready to move again.
Again, the driver was blamed in this situation. Ford claims that they put each Bronco model through rugged off-roading testing. These drivers weren’t doing everyday things. But the Bronco Sport is for adventuring, right?
There have been two recalls
The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport has faced two recalls so far. One was for faulty rear suspension. Suspension modules may not be properly attached to the subframe. This issue was pretty disabling.
Then the Bronco Sport had a second recall for being equipped with the wrong front lower control arms. If not properly attached wasn’t enough, somehow a few models received the wrong parts.
It’s a little early to determine how reliable the Ford Bronco Sport is, but the Ford Escape doesn’t have the best record, and they share a lot of the same parts. The 2020 Escape has 11 reports of engine problems listed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) so far.
While it’s a great SUV to consider, we will keep you updated about its quality and dependability. Waiting to see how new models perform before making your purchases is regarded as a safe practice.
