Bronco (6th)
Verdict Buy on recall history rather than model year, favoring a Bronco whose rearview-camera and engine campaigns show complete by VIN. Give an early 2.7L V6 the closest scrutiny, since it carries the heaviest complaint load.
Data covers 3 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
2.7-V6-Gas
2.7L 6-cyl / 310 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
TIVCT
2.3L 4-cyl / 270 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Ford Bronco Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Reliability Overview
The sixth-generation Bronco brought the nameplate back for 2021 to enormous demand, and it has spent the years since as one of the most heavily recalled vehicles in its class. Ford has issued 47 separate recall campaigns against the 2021 through 2025 Bronco, alongside 966 NHTSA complaints. For a single generation still in production, that recall count is the headline no amount of trail-rated hardware can offset. Some of the campaigns are minor, but the volume itself is the story, and it puts the Bronco near the bottom of the midsize SUV field for regulatory actions.
The campaigns cluster around a handful of repeat offenders. A long series of back-over prevention recalls addresses a rearview camera image that can fail or freeze, a defect Ford has returned to again and again across model years. Suspension, powertrain, and door-latch recalls show up repeatedly too, and the list runs through air bags, seat belts, seats, fuel-system leaks, and brakes. The early 2.7-liter V6 drew an engine-and-cooling campaign tied to internal failures that can leave the engine damaged. Several of these problems generated more than one campaign as Ford revised earlier fixes, which is part of how the count climbed so high.
The complaint file tracks the recalls closely. Engine problems lead at 164 and are rated serious, while electrical, safety-system, and brake complaints, 124, 117, and 97 respectively, all carry a critical severity flag. Thirteen fire reports, 27 crashes and one death appear in the record. Brake complaints carrying a critical flag on a vehicle this popular are worth pausing over.
No engine choice sidesteps the pattern. The 2.7-liter V6 carries the most complaints at 613, the 2.3-liter four follows at 338, and the 3.0-liter V6 used in the Raptor is thinner on data. All three land in the same middling tier, which means the trouble is spread across the lineup rather than isolated to one powertrain.
The Bronco remains a genuinely capable and desirable off-roader, which is why the complaint volume has not slowed its sales. The reliability data simply asks for eyes open. A used Bronco can be a rewarding buy for someone who wants the capability and the look, provided every one of its many recalls has been closed and the early-engine risk is understood going in.
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Ford Bronco, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
Buyer's Guide
The Bronco's recall list grows almost every year, so a newer build is not automatically a safer one. Remedy status matters more than model year. Prioritize a truck whose full recall history shows complete against the VIN, and pay particular attention to the rearview-camera and engine campaigns, which are the ones most likely to recur. Among engines, the 2.7-liter V6 carries the heaviest complaint load, so an early example so equipped deserves the closest scrutiny.
Turn the weaknesses into checks. Confirm the rearview camera displays instantly and holds a stable image in reverse, since camera faults drive the largest group of recalls. On a 2.7-liter car, ask for engine service records and listen for rough running or ticking that could point to the internal failures behind the engine recall. Test every driver-assistance feature, work the brakes hard on the drive given the critical-rated brake complaints, and check the removable hardtop for leaks and secure latching.
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and expect a long list. That length is normal for this Bronco, but each open campaign is a reason to negotiate or walk. A well-documented truck with its recalls closed is manageable. One with a stack of open safety campaigns and no service history is a risk that the Bronco's charm should not paper over.
What to check on a used 2021-2025 Ford Bronco
On a used 2021-2025 Ford Bronco, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (164), the electrical system (124) and the airbags and driver-assist systems (117). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 164 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Ford Bronco about the engine, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 124 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Ford Bronco about the electrical system.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 117 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Ford Bronco about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 106 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Ford Bronco about the fuel system, all engines combined.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 97 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Ford Bronco about the brakes.
Recalls (47)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Bronco and Bronco Raptor vehicles. The engine compartment wiring harness may become damaged and short circuit.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Bronco vehicles. The fender flares may not be properly secured and detach from the vehicle.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles. The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles. The 3-door and 5-door Molded-In-Color (MIC) hardtop roof panels may have been manufactured improperly, which can allow sections of the outer roof panel to separate and detach from the vehicle.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The front seats may have a loose or dislodged seat frame height-adjust pivot bolt.
Show 42 older recalls
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Bronco vehicles. The transmission to transfer case joint may be misaligned due to an incorrectly performed previous repair, which could lead to wear of the transmission output shaft splines and transfer case input splines.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Ford Bronco and 2021-2024 Ford Edge vehicles. The Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) may overheat and shutdown, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYNC infotainment screens that were previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V165. The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Bronco and Bronco Sport vehicles. The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail at startup.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles. The front seats may have a loose or dislodged seat frame height-adjust pivot bolt.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. The bolts securing the high pressure fuel pump may not be tightened properly, which can result in a fuel leak.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Bronco four-door vehicles. The left-hand rear door may be able to be opened from inside the vehicle when the child safety lock is in the "ON" position.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Bronco vehicles. The active vent flap on the passenger side may prevent the air bag from deploying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco vehicles. The 360-degree view camera may not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYNC infotainment screens that were repaired incorrectly under recall 22V-825. The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Bronco vehicles. The front lower control arm fasteners may not have been tightened properly, allowing the control arm to detach from the frame.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Bronco vehicles. The left-side rear door may be opened from the inside of the vehicle when the child safety lock is in the "ON" position.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. The front upper control arm ball joint fastener may be missing or tightened improperly, allowing the front upper control arm to detach from the knuckle assembly.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The bolts that secure the driver's seat frame to the body may be loose or missing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 207, "Seating Systems."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Bronco vehicles. The front upper control arm ball joint nut may be missing or tightened improperly, allowing the front upper control arm to detach from the knuckle assembly.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco vehicles. The rear shock absorbers may corrode and fail, resulting in detachment of the external reservoir.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ranger, and 2024-2025 Bronco vehicles. The front upper control arm ball joint nut may not have been installed or tightened properly, allowing the front upper control arm to detach from the knuckle assembly.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Bronco 4-door vehicles. The left-side rear door may be opened from the inside of the vehicle when the child safety lock is in the "ON" position.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Bronco and Bronco Heritage vehicles. The rear quarter glass panels may have been improperly installed to the vehicle hard top, which can allow them to detach.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator, 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator, 2022-2023 Ford Transit, and 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles. The rearview camera, or 360-degree view camera if equipped, may not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Bronco vehicles. The transmission park system may have been damaged during assembly, which can prevent the parking pawl from fully engaging and result in a vehicle rollaway.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco, 2023 Super Duty F-250, and 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles. The Tire and Loading Information (TREAD) label states the incorrect load carrying capacity, which can result in an overloaded vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles built with the 5-Door body style. The first-row seat belt latch plates may be difficult to access from their stowed position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. The lug nuts on the driver's side wheels may have been improperly tightened.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYNC infotainment screens that were previously remedied under recall 22V-825. The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Bronco Wildtrak and 2022 Bronco Raptor vehicles. Internal damage to the steering gear may require increased steering effort or cause the steering wheel to lock-up.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The transmission may contain a loose bolt which could prevent the transmission from engaging the park gear, although the gear shifter position may indicate that the vehicle has been shifted to "PARK."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles. The right or left side impact sensors may not be properly secured to the vehicle.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with rearview camera systems and 8-inch screen displays. The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. The windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, which could allow it to detach during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain four-door 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles. The passenger-side rear door may be opened from inside of the vehicle when the child safety lock is in the "ON" position.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco vehicles. During passenger air bag deployment, an air bag vent could open prematurely and result in an improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Alternatives in Midsize SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2021-2025 Ford Bronco complaints?
Owners have filed 966 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021-2025 Ford Bronco. The systems they name most often are the engine, the electrical system and the safety systems.
Is the 2021-2025 Ford Bronco a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 966 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021-2025 Ford Bronco. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021-2025 Ford Bronco have?
NHTSA has 966 owner complaints on file for the 2021-2025 Ford Bronco as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2021-2025 Ford Bronco?
NHTSA lists 47 recalls covering some 2021-2025 Ford Bronco vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Ford Bronco?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the electrical system and the safety systems, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Bronco?
The 2025 Ford Bronco received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 3 stars (25.6% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard & Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 966 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.