Is the 2021 really that bad? Thinking of getting one…

Discussion
1

I’m planning to buy my first car in a few months and love the look of the Bronco Sport. My budget means I’ll likely go for a used 2021 model, but I’ve heard mixed reviews about its reliability. Is it really as bad as some say?

I value reliability and don’t want to deal with frequent repairs. If you own a 2021 Bronco Sport, I’d love to hear your honest experience—the good, the bad, and the frustrating. Any advice would be appreciated!

(For context: I’m driving a 2014 Mazda 3 with 195k miles. Another option I’m considering is a 2021 or 2022 Mazda CX-5.)

2

I bought mine new in 2021, and it’s at about 51k miles now with no issues so far. Just make sure all recall work has been completed.

3

Rowan said:
I bought mine new in 2021, and it’s at about 51k miles now with no issues so far. Just make sure all recall work has been completed.

What happens if the recall work hasn’t been done yet? Can’t it still be fixed after buying?

4

@Fox
Yeah, you can get it done later. But if it’s not done yet, you could use that to negotiate a lower price.

5

A friend of mine bought a 2021 Outer Banks new and hasn’t had any issues. I got a 2021 Big Bend a couple of months ago. From what I’ve seen, most recalls for this model year were just software updates, so used ones should already have those sorted out.

6

I’ve had mine for 8 months and haven’t run into any problems. Hope that helps!

7

I’ve got a 2022 Badlands with no issues so far.

8

The 2021 was the first year, so there were bound to be some hiccups. That said, a lot of the platform is based on the 2020 Escape, which was already in use. If you can, aim for a 2022 model. Alternatively, check out deals on unsold 2024 models. Ford is offering some pretty good incentives, and with lower interest rates or 0% financing, a newer car might end up costing you less in the long run.

9

@Noor
Totally agree—it’s worth looking into 0% interest deals. I got a 2022 last year with zero interest, and it’s saved me a lot over time.

10

I bought a 2021 Outer Banks new, and it’s been fantastic. Even after a $14k repair from an accident, it runs like a champ. Only issue was a burned-out taillight. I’ve read about others having problems like transmission issues, but my experience has been smooth. The recalls haven’t been a big deal either—my dealer handled most of them at my house.

11

I’ve got a 2022 Outer Banks with the 1.5L engine and haven’t had any big issues—just squeaky brakes in damp weather and two quick recalls (a computer update and a fuel drainage fix). If I had to do it over, I’d probably go for the Badlands with the 2.0L engine, which seems to have a better track record. That said, my OB has been great so far.

12

I have a 2021 Badlands, one of the first off the assembly line. No major issues so far. That said, I’ve heard others haven’t been as lucky.

13

I’ve got a 2021 Outer Banks with 79k miles. Had some issues with the differential and transmission, but those seem to be resolved now. My dealership has been amazing, and the extended service plan has definitely paid off. Overall, I still love driving it.

14

We preordered in July 2020 and received ours that December. The first batch of 2021 models seems solid, with a few features that later batches don’t have (like foldable headrests in the back). Models made later during the pandemic appear to have more issues, such as transmission problems and squeaky brakes. If you can, aim for one from the earlier production run.

15

@Kit
Same experience here. The earlier models feel better built.