Last updated: 2026-10-10
Ford Bronco Reliability by Year
Ford Bronco repair costs average about $784 a year, but stalling, transmission and brake complaints cluster in the 2021 and 2022 models.
Ford Bronco Reliability Overview
Mixed overall and well below average among SUVs, the Bronco is a used buy that depends heavily on the year. The 2021 and 2022 models draw the most complaints, led by sudden power loss while driving and automatic transmission failure. The 2024 is the steadier pick, while 2025 and 2026 are too new to judge fairly.
Current generation: 6th gen (2021–2023), facelifted 2023.
Best & Worst Ford Bronco Years
Best Ford Bronco Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreComplaints per vehicle sold fall to 7.5 for 2024, from 73.8 for 2021 and 57.9 for 2022. Recalls and fire reports are also lower. Its top complaint is a draining 12V battery, though some owners report transmission faults. It has been on the road long enough to judge, unlike 2025 and 2026.
Ford Bronco Years to Avoid
Electrical faults lead the complaints, including engines shutting off at highway speed while steering and brakes go dead. Some episodes end in smoke or fire under the hood. Automatic transmissions fail soon after the powertrain warranty ends, with dealer quotes of $8K to $13,000. Brake pedals can also turn rock hard.
Ford Bronco Reliability Score Trend
Ford Bronco reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 59/100 compared to 45/100 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 |
| 2026 | 59/100 | Mixed |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Ford Bronco
2 recalls · 0 complaints
One of the stronger Bronco years and 5-star crash rated, but its empty complaint file reflects limited time on the road, and it has two electrical recalls.
2025 Ford Bronco
16 recalls · 30 complaints
The best-standing of six scored Bronco years, with far fewer complaints than 2024, though 16 recalls and blank-cluster reports remain.
2024 Ford Bronco
18 recalls · 104 complaints
Middle of the Bronco pack, with battery drain, early transmission faults, and one do-not-drive recall, but far fewer complaints than the 2023.
2023 Ford Bronco
27 recalls · 295 complaints
Sits in the middle of the six scored Bronco years, better than 2022, with wiper, screen blackout and early engine failure complaints.
2022 Ford Bronco
32 recalls · 576 complaints
Ranks among the weaker Bronco years, with transmission failures, water pump leaks and electrical faults; it has fewer complaints than 2021 but more than 2023.
2021 Ford Bronco
31 recalls · 798 complaints
The weakest scored Bronco year, marked by sudden power loss, early transmission failures, and brake pedals that go hard.
Found Your Ford Bronco? Check Its History
Electrical system (5) problems come up most in Ford Bronco owner complaints, and 126 recalls cover the years we track. A VIN check shows whether the car you found had its recall work done, plus accident and title history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
Ford Bronco Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
2/5
Annual Repair Cost
$784
Repair Frequency
0.4/yr
Ford Bronco Resale Value
The Ford Bronco is estimated to retain about 80.9% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
- Value Retained
- 80.9%
- Depreciation
- 19.1%
- Listings Analyzed
- 360
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . Actual resale value varies by trim, mileage, condition, and location.
Explore Ford Bronco depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comFord 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, Land Rover Defender 110, and Toyota 4Runner.
Bronco vs Jeep Wrangler
9 years tracked · 5160 complaints
Bronco vs Land Rover Defender 110
6 years tracked · 187 complaints
Bronco vs Toyota 4Runner
9 years tracked · 286 complaints
Bronco vs Jeep Grand Cherokee
9 years tracked · 2592 complaints
Bronco vs Volkswagen Atlas
9 years tracked · 2107 complaints
More Ford Bronco comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best year for a used Ford Bronco?
- The 2024 is the site pick. It has been on the road long enough to build a record, and it has far fewer complaints per vehicle sold than 2021 and 2022. The 2025 and 2026 look cleaner, but mostly because they have had less time to collect complaints.
- Is the Ford Bronco reliable?
- Reliability is mixed, and the Bronco rates well below average among SUVs on this site. The early years carry the heaviest load of serious complaints, including stalling, transmission failure and brake trouble. Later years look better, but the data is still thin for the newest ones.
- What are the most common Ford Bronco problems?
- Electrical problems lead, mainly sudden power loss while driving and no-start events. Power train comes next, mostly automatic transmission failure. Service brakes follow, with pedals that turn rock hard, then engine complaints such as sudden shutdowns at highway speed and failed fuel pumps.
- How much does it cost to repair a Ford Bronco?
- Independent repair-cost data puts the estimated annual repair cost at $784. Big failures can cost far more. Owners report dealer quotes of $8K to $13,000 to replace an automatic transmission, usually in 2021 and 2022 models.
- Do Ford Broncos catch fire?
- Fire reports exist, mostly in the earliest years. Owners filed 15 for 2021 and 14 for 2022, against 3 for 2024. Many tie back to the electrical system, with smoke or flames under the hood. One engine bay fire started just after a car was parked.
How we score the Ford Bronco
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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