2021 Ford Bronco Sport Has A Check Engine Light

Resolve Check Engine Light Issues in 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

Find Repair Location
Reviewed by
Aisha
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Emissions System
0%
60% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport has a check engine light are an emissions system component, a sensor, or a catalytic converter.
  • Emissions System: A faulty emissions system component, such as an oxygen sensor or EGR valve, can lead to increased emissions and trigger the check engine light.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport has a check engine light?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

A faulty oxygen sensor is one of the most common causes of a check engine light. Symptoms may include a decrease in fuel mileage, hesitation or misfiring from the engine, rough idling or even stalling. A faulty sensor may cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test.

Any time there is an emissions fault the check engine light will be displayed. The purpose of the check engine light is to inform the driver that an emission related fault has been found, and that there are on-board diagnostic (OBD) trouble codes stored in the powertrain or engine control module. Additionally, since the emissions systems are so intertwined into engine control and transmission control systems, symptoms may include nearly any sort of drivability concerns. This may include harsh shifting, failure to shift, hesitation on acceleration, jerking, engine failure to start or run, loss of power, or any number of other drivability issues.

Due to the nature of electrical systems on modern vehicles, the range of problems these can cause are nearly limitless. However, there is a way to categorize them in two ways. Permanent and intermittent problems. Permanent problems appear and remain. This may be the vehicle will not start, the radio does not work, or the door chime will not turn off among many, many others. These problems are more straight-forward to diagnose since they present themselves at all time. This means there will always be a fault to find. Intermittent electrical problems, however, can be difficult or impossible to locate, since they appear then disappear without warning. The best case scenario for an intermittent issue is when replicating the problem is easily accomplished and understood. This allows a technician to make an issue semi-permanent, allowing them to find the fault. Other issues that come and go without warning and cannot be replicated on demand must occur when the technician is servicing the vehicle, otherwise there is no problem to correct. It is most important to understand that electrical system faults always require inspection, and can include the vehicle working in any manner, or not working at all.

Like we noted in the last section, general diagnosis symptoms are the most vague of the bunch. There are several diagnostic spectrums, electrical diagnosis, drivability diagnostics, engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, and the list could continue for about 5 or 10 more spectrums of diagnostics. The most important take-away here, is that general diagnostics are diagnostics that have no other spectrum in which they fit, or the problem is unknown. This means that any vehicle left outside of a repair facility with the keys and an authorization to perform diagnosis will be diagnosed under the general diagnosis spectrum.

When the Check Engine Light comes on, you may experience engine performance issues such as poor acceleration, rough idling, or an engine that won't start. In some cases, no abnormal symptoms will be experienced. Other systems like the transmission or ABS can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate and lights for those systems can come on at the same time. Similar lights may say "Check Engine Soon", "Malfunction Indicator Light" or just "Check". In rare case the engine can overheat.

What are the diagnostic steps to take for a check engine light on a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach to identify the underlying issue. Begin by checking for any additional warning lights on the dashboard, as they may provide further insights into the problem. Next, inspect the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap is a common culprit that can easily trigger the check engine light. After that, conduct a visual inspection of the vehicle for any signs of damage, such as leaks or loose wires, which could indicate a more significant issue. If these initial checks do not resolve the light, utilize an OBD-II diagnostic scanner to retrieve the specific error code associated with the check engine light. This code is crucial as it directs you to the potential cause of the problem. Once you have the error code, take the time to research its meaning and possible causes, which will help you narrow down the issue. If, after these steps, the cause remains unclear or if the problem appears to require professional expertise, it may be wise to consult a mechanic for a thorough diagnosis and repair. By following this structured approach, you can effectively troubleshoot the check engine light and take informed steps toward resolution.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?

When the check engine light comes on in your 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, it can be concerning, but understanding the common issues can help you diagnose the problem. One frequent culprit is a loose gas cap, which can lead to fuel vapors escaping and trigger the light. Another common issue is a faulty oxygen sensor, which not only affects fuel efficiency but also impacts emissions. If the catalytic converter is malfunctioning, it can also illuminate the check engine light due to its role in exhaust management. Additionally, problems with the mass airflow sensor can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, leading to performance issues. Misfires caused by faulty spark plugs or ignition coils are another reason for the light to activate, as are engine misfires stemming from various ignition or fuel system problems. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system can also be a source of trouble, particularly if the valve is clogged. Lastly, a malfunctioning thermostat can cause overheating or inefficient engine operation, prompting the check engine light to illuminate. By being aware of these common issues, you can take the first steps toward diagnosing and potentially resolving the problem yourself.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light on a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?

When the check engine light illuminates on your 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, it signals a need for immediate attention, as neglecting this warning can lead to serious consequences. The light may indicate anything from a minor issue, such as a loose gas cap, to more severe problems that could compromise engine performance or safety. Ignoring the light not only risks decreased fuel efficiency but can also result in costly repairs down the line, as unresolved issues may escalate into significant engine damage. For those inclined to take a DIY approach, it’s essential to understand that modern vehicles are equipped with sophisticated onboard diagnostic systems that can help identify the root cause of the warning. However, while some issues may be simple to fix, others may require professional expertise to ensure safety and reliability. Therefore, addressing the check engine light promptly is not just about maintaining your vehicle’s performance; it’s also about safeguarding your investment and ensuring your safety on the road.

You’ve got options with RepairPal

Whether you need a more accurate auto repair estimate or help finding a reputable shop in your area, we’ve got you covered.

2021 Ford Bronco Sport Check Engine Light | RepairPal