Last updated: 2026-03-04
Ford Bronco Reliability by Year
The Ford Bronco averages 51/100 across 5 model years, rated mixed.
Ford Bronco Reliability Overview
The Ford Bronco, covering model years 2021 to 2026, shows a mixed reliability reputation with scores ranging from 22/100 to 98/100, indicating significant improvement over time. Common issues reported by owners include electrical system malfunctions and power train concerns, particularly in earlier models, with repair costs averaging $784 annually. The 2026 model, however, achieves a high reliability score of 98/100 with no complaints, suggesting it may be better suited for buyers prioritizing reliability.
Current generation: 6th gen (2021–2023), facelifted 2023.
Best & Worst Ford Bronco Years
Best Ford Bronco Years to Buy
The best Ford Bronco year is 2025 with a reliability score of 61/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (58/100) and 2023 (50/100).
Ford Bronco Years to Avoid
The worst Ford Bronco year is 2021 with a score of 41/100, primarily due to electrical system (168) issues. Also avoid 2022 (43/100).
2021
31 recalls · 798 complaints
2022
32 recalls · 576 complaints
Ford Bronco Reliability Score Trend
Ford Bronco reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 56/100 compared to 42/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 41/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 43/100 | Mixed |
| 2023 | 50/100 | Mixed |
| 2024 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2025 | 61/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Ford Bronco
2 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2026 Ford Bronco has mixed reliability. There are 2 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Ford Bronco.
2025 Ford Bronco
16 recalls · 30 complaints
The 2025 Ford Bronco has good reliability. There are 16 recalls and 30 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Ford Bronco. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (5), Power Train (4), Unknown Or Other (4).
2024 Ford Bronco
18 recalls · 104 complaints
The 2024 Ford Bronco has mixed reliability. There are 18 recalls and 104 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Ford Bronco. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (21), Power Train (18), Unknown Or Other (17).
2023 Ford Bronco
27 recalls · 295 complaints
The 2023 Ford Bronco has mixed reliability. There are 27 recalls and 295 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Ford Bronco. Severity signals include 10 crash-related complaints and 5 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (84), Electrical System (37), Power Train (24).
2022 Ford Bronco
32 recalls · 576 complaints
The 2022 Ford Bronco has mixed reliability. There are 32 recalls and 576 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Ford Bronco. Severity signals include 17 crash-related complaints and 14 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (79), Electrical System (73), Visibility Wiper (62).
2021 Ford Bronco
31 recalls · 798 complaints
The 2021 Ford Bronco has mixed reliability. There are 31 recalls and 798 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Ford Bronco. Severity signals include 20 crash-related complaints and 15 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (168), Power Train (129), Engine (89).
Ford Bronco Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
2/5
Annual Repair Cost
$784
Repair Frequency
0.4/yr
Ford Bronco Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Ford Models
Compare all Ford models by reliability
Compare Ford Bronco With Similar SUVs
The Ford Bronco competes with other midsize suvs such as Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4RUNNER, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Jeep Wrangler reliability
9 years tracked · 5160 complaints
Toyota 4RUNNER reliability
9 years tracked · 286 complaints
Jeep Grand Cherokee reliability
9 years tracked · 2592 complaints
Mazda CX-90 reliability
3 years tracked · 280 complaints
Volkswagen Atlas reliability
9 years tracked · 2107 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Ford Bronco reliable?
- The Ford Bronco has mixed reliability with an average score of 51/100. Buyers should research specific model years carefully and consider an extended warranty.
- What is the best year for the Ford Bronco?
- The best year for the Ford Bronco is 2025 with a reliability score of 61/100, rated good. It has 16 recalls and 30 owner complaints on record. See full 2025 Ford Bronco analysis →
- What are the Ford Bronco years to avoid?
- The Ford Bronco years to avoid include 2021 (41/100), 2022 (43/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Ford Bronco?
- The Ford Bronco has an estimated annual repair cost of $784. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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