2021 Ford Bronco Sport · symptom sheet

Driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems

35owner reports
44,000median miles
0involved a crash

Newest report Jun 16, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026

179 of the 684 complaints on this car are about the transmission and drivetrain. 35 of those describe drivetrain problems.

Tick what matches of 35 reports

a clunk or bang from underneath

a vibration that changes with speed

a leak under the differential

a 4WD or AWD warning light

it happened turning or at slow speed

a recall covers the part

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the differential (28 reports) and the CV joint or axle (9 reports).

Recalls and investigations

2 recalls on the transmission and drivetrain cover the 2021 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

25V-158Mar 14, 2025

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-267. The body and power train control modules may fail to detect a change in the 12-volt battery state of charge.

Risk and remedy

Risk: An undetected low battery charge can result in a loss of electrical accessories such as hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will recalibrate the body control module and power train control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 23, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S26.

21V-011Jan 15, 2021

Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Edge, 2020 Lincoln Nautilus and Ford Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair and Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. An inadequate amount of lubricant in the rear drive unit may cause seizure of the rear drive axle.

Risk and remedy

Risk: If the rear drive unit seizes, there may be a loss of drive and/or a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the rear drive unit lubricant level. Axles found to have lubricant at the minimum level will be filled to the full level. Axles found to be below the minimum lubricant fill level will be replaced, free of charge. This recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S02.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 27,000 and 70,000 miles, from the 21 reports that gave a mileage.

121

122

223

1524

1525

126

What owners wrote

“The rearend is making a shuddering on tight turns . Vehicle only has 24,700 miles on it. Unknown if oil is low in differential oil or if vent hose is plugged. May be contaminated oil in differential.”
Filed Jun 16, 2026 · 24,700 miles

“The main symptom is chatter/shudder during low speed turning events. This is due to a faulty rear differential unit. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer. No lamps or other warnings present prior to the failure. The manufacturer has issued multiple TSBs, latest being TSB 25 2351.”
Filed Dec 10, 2025

“Vehicle is experiencing issues with shuttering from the rear differential and a 4wd fault code with vehicle just out of warranty. Rear differential speed sensor has failed and possibly need entire rear differential unit relaxed Iâm told. Also water pump on engine has failed prematurely with ford avoiding responsibility”
Filed Oct 30, 2025

“Car making terrible noise when backing up and turning left. Mechanic said its rear differential and its being recalled. Contacted Ford and my vehichle was manufactured 2 months after the recall issued. And saying they eont fix it. However it is thecexact same issue.”
Filed Aug 25, 2025

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 35 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.