Lemberg Law is investigating complaints regarding problems with the hydraulic service brakes recall relating to the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. Vehicle owners are reporting that even though their SUVs aren’t safe to drive, there is no fix for the problem.
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Ford Motor Company issued a recall for 65,429 2021 Ford Bronco Sport SUVs in November 2021. At the time, they stated that the remedy was “currently under development.”
While they have identified the problem, more than eight months later, they still don’t have a remedy. Owners are fed up!
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | |
| Electrical System | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Power Train | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| Visibility/wiper | |
| Suspension |
According to Ford’s November 23, 2021 recall notice, the rear brake linings of as many as 114,666 Ford Bronco Sport and Ford Escape 2021-2022 models may have been incorrectly manufactured. This can affect braking performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
“During certain situations, the driver may have to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended,” Ford announced.
The safety recall report, also issued on November 23, states that 100% of 114,666 vehicles potentially involved are estimated to have the defect.
Of these, 65,429 are 2021 Ford Bronco Sport SUVs. Only 12 are 2022 Bronco Sport vehicles.
It states that affected vehicles are equipped with a brake vacuum booster that doesn’t have a vacuum sensor. They also have a lower than specified rear brake lining coefficient of friction that is outside of the specified tolerances. The vacuum sensor compensated for variation in brake pad friction performance. But, of course, the problem is they don’t have one.
The safety recall report states that the components involved are the brake linings and rear brake caliper assembly.
While they have included the “description of remedy program,” it simply states that “Ford is still validating the service remedy for this issue.” Updates sent to dealers to be forwarded to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is what the law requires.
The manufacturer notified affected Ford Bronco Sport owners about the recall in January 2022. The letter describes the risk and states that when parts become available, they will be notified. Seven months later, they are still waiting.
Another document on file with the NHTSA states that Ford revised owner notification dates for parts availability on July 14, 2022. But it doesn’t state what these dates are.
In a letter to U.S. Ford dealers on February 8, 2022, the Company said the problem was a failed brake vacuum booster. They told dealers to replace the front brake pads at no charge as outlined in the technical instructions supplied.
Furthermore, dealers were told to repair any affected vehicle taken to their dealerships regardless of whether or not the customer had received the January letter. There is no mention about a lack of parts.
As is very clear, when Ford went ahead and issued a recall for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport brakes in November 2021, they didn’t have a remedy. As of August 2022, they still don’t have a remedy.
This is what affected owners have to say:
An Owner from Washington States:
The first complaint to the NHTSA about unavailability of parts to fix the brake problem was received from a Seattle resident on January 12, 2022.
“Vehicle has a recall and (the) manufacturer is not able to fix this. When asked about the timelines within which it can be fixed, Ford mentioned that it would be more than 6 months. More than 6 months is not a reasonable time when there is a risk of crash. I wanted Ford to either replace the vehicle or provide a rental car. They are not able to do that either.
“So I have to either take (a) risk and continue driving the vehicle, which might result in a crash, or not use the vehicle for more than 6 months. Neither of those seem reasonable. Need Ford to provide a solution to the problem instead of simply neglecting the request.”
An Owner from Hawaii States:
The most recent NHTSA complaint was on August 9, 2022, more than five months after the brake recall.
“When coming to a stop and pressing on the brakes it periodically will make a sound and then there is about a 2O SEC DELAY before coming to (a) complete stop. If I am driving downhill the delay is longer. This scares me since I drive over 100 miles a day for work. I have reached out to FORD and the manufacturer, and they still do not have a fix to the issue.”
An Owner from Indiana States:
On January 13, 2022, while pulling into her driveway, the brake warning light went on. It remained on after she had parked the vehicle. After this, the brake warning light illuminated whenever she started the vehicle.
The owner became aware that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V922000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). However, the dealer informed her that parts for the recall repair were not yet available. She stated in her complaint to the NHTSA that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.
At this point, the owner notified the manufacturer of the failure and asked if she could trade-in the vehicle. The manufacturer did not provide any assistance. The vehicle, which had a failure mileage of about 5,025, was not repaired.
The VIN tool confirms that the parts are not available.
An Owner from Tennessee States:
The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport in this complaint was purchased in September 2021. The owner became aware of the safety recall in December 2021. He was told that the “problem with front brakes” would be repaired in the second quarter of 2022.
So, in April 2022, he took the vehicle back to the dealership. They “replaced front pads only.” Two weeks later, the owner took the Ford Bronco Sport back again. This time it was “due to (a) grinding noise coming from brakes and reduced braking distance.”
“When the vehicle was inspected (I was) told nothing is wrong when clearly the vehicle is not safe.”
Lemberg Law understands the frustrations and fears of 2021 Ford Bronco Sport owners. So, we invite those affected to contact us and we will assess your case free of charge.
Call us or fill out our contact form. In lemon law, Ford will be required to pay any legal fees if we claim on your behalf.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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I spent a lot of money on a brand new car. I don’t understand how Ford can do nothing to fix the loud noise every time I back up. I’ve brought my car in multiple times and they said I could make a formal complaint with Ford. That was a year ago…nothing. Yet everyday I’m embarrassed every time I back up my car.
R.S. my Ford Bronco Badlands has been making the same noise in reverse brakes, getting louder..I am scheduled in February for the first recall and two more recalls have popped up.
Prior to the recall I experienced rear brakes moaning when reversing out of my garage. Front brakes no problem whatsoever. After recall front brakes squeeling especially when wheels are turned to the left. It took 5 trips to the dealership to repair and Ford kept saying it was normal. Such irritation and lies. Incompetence!! Now with the recalled brakes the brake dust is ridiculously EXCESSIVE. I am so disappointed with Ford Co as a whole…for their lack if credibility. Rear brakes still moaning everyday….no surprise there…new joke about Ford. Shameful!!
Rear brakes make irritating moaning noise while backing up. I put $7000 down to get this car, I’m very frustrated with this vehicle.
customers expect more from a new car. What can I do to resolve this issue?
Rear brakes make irritating moaning noise while backing up. Dealer initially told me that this was normal and that they all did this. Front brake pads were replaced as per recall notice. This moaning situation is not normal. I have driven Fords for over 70 years and have never experienced this problem. This is not normal!