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Last updated: 2026-10-10

2025 Ford Bronco Sport Reliability Report
The 2025 Ford Bronco-Sport has a good reliability standing, but steering jerks at highway speed and six recalls deserve a check before you buy.
Recalls
6
Complaints
14
Complaint Rate
1per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
N/A
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,200–$2,600
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Light complaint load and a 5-star federal crash rating, offset by steering, brake and rear seat belt reports and six recalls.
Top Issues to Watch
- SERVICE BRAKES (2)
- SEAT BELTS (2)
- STEERING (2)
Should You Buy the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport?
Reliability for this model year is good. It sits close to average against other 2025 SUVs and ranks among the stronger of the six scored Bronco-Sport years. Owners filed only 14 complaints, and the federal crash-test rating is 5 of 5 stars. The 2024 model rates about the same but has 66 complaints. The 2026 rates better, yet it has no complaints so far, which mostly reflects little time on the road.
The reports that matter involve safety. Two owners describe the steering wheel jerking on its own at highway speed. One of those cases ended in a rollover where a front wheel assembly came off, though the cause is not confirmed. One brake failure complaint led to a crash with an injury, and it does not say what failed. Two complaints cover rear seat belts that will not latch or will not retract. Federal records also list six recalls, covering air bags, engine and engine cooling, and the electrical system (three).
Ask the seller for proof that every recall was completed. Buckle each rear belt and check that it retracts. On a test drive, hold highway speed and watch for any steering movement you did not ask for.
Compared to the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport, which scored 4 points higher. See also the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- −Above-average recall count
- −SERVICE BRAKES: Brake failure that led to a crash is the most serious report here (2 complaints)
- −STEERING: Both complaints describe the steering wheel jerking or moving suddenly on its... (2 complaints)
Compare 2025 Ford Bronco Sport With

2025 Jeep Wrangler
Reliability: 74/100

2025 Toyota 4Runner
Reliability: 81/100

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Reliability: 75/100

2025 Subaru Outback
Reliability: 82/100

2025 Toyota Highlander
Reliability: 76/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 6 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- SERVICE BRAKES (2)
- SEAT BELTS (2)
Recall Overview
6
recalls on record
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport has 6 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
1
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 3.5
Safety Incidents
2
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2025 Ford Bronco Sport Recall Details
6 recalls have been issued for the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
AIR BAGS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Bronco Sport and Maverick vehicles. The Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) unit may fail to correctly detect the presence of an adult or child in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence
Failure to correctly detect a passenger may result in the air bag not deploying as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the passenger seat occupant classification sensor, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed April 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C19. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 2, 2026.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
Consequence
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
The remedy is currently under development. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 20, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Bronco and Bronco Sport vehicles. The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail at startup.
Consequence
An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or vehicle speed, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
The instrument panel cluster software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SC3.
Buying a used 2025 Ford Bronco Sport? Check its history first
Service brakes problems lead owner complaints about the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport, and 6 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2025 Ford Bronco Sport NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 17.4%
Safety Technologies
Ford Bronco SportRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2025 Ford Bronco Sport Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Tire & Wheel Assembly Rotate & Balance | $110 – $161 |
| Windshield Wiper Arm Replacement | $92 – $110 |
| Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir Replacement | $198 – $261 |
| Fuel Evaporative Canister Replacement | $530 – $581 |
| Intake Manifold Gasket Replacement | $388 – $480 |
| Power Seat Switch Replacement | $261 – $307 |
| Radiator Replacement | $1,629 – $1,925 |
| Suspension Shock or Strut Replacement | $872 – $1,021 |
| Exhaust Manifold Gasket Replacement | $1,073 – $1,569 |
| Backup Warning System Sensor Replacement | $125 – $152 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
23–27 MPG
Fuel cost: $2,200–$2,600/yr
Fuel only
21–25 city / 26–30 hwy MPG
Based on EPA fuel-cost estimates. Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2025 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronco Sport 4WD 1.5L 3-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 25 | 30 | 27 | $2,200 |
| Bronco Sport Sasquatch 4WD 1.5L 3-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 23 | 26 | 24 | $2,500 |
| Bronco Sport 4WD 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,600 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2025 Ford Bronco Sport.
Back out of a parking spot after a cold start and listen for a brake squeal.
Brake firmly in an empty lot and confirm the pedal stays firm and the car stops straight.
Drive at highway speed with a light grip and watch for any sudden steering movement you did not make.
Run the VIN through federal recall records and confirm any steering or brake recall work is complete.
Buckle every rear seat belt and tug hard to confirm each tongue latches and stays held.
Pull each rear belt all the way out, release it, and confirm it retracts fully on its own.
Inspect rear belt tongues for bends and rear buckles for debris before signing.
2025 Ford Bronco Sport Common Problems by Component
14 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsSafety-relatedBrake failure that led to a crash is the most serious report here. That complaint lists 1 injury and vehicle damage, but it does not say what failed or when. The other complaint covers a loud squeal when backing up in the morning that sounds like worn-pad indicators. The dealer called the noise normal. With only 2 complaints on file, no clear failure pattern or mileage trend shows up yet.
SEAT BELTS
2 complaintsRear seat belt faults account for both complaints. In one, rear buckles will not hold the belt tongue, so passengers may skip buckling up. The dealer refused warranty coverage, and one buckle worked again once a bent tongue was freed. In the other, a rear belt does not retract, hangs out of the closed door, and gets caught under a tire, bringing the car to a hard stop at low speed. No injuries are reported, and neither complaint gives a mileage.
STEERING
2 complaintsSafety-relatedBoth complaints describe the steering wheel jerking or moving suddenly on its own at highway speed. One report involves a crash in which the vehicle rolled over and a front wheel assembly came off. The owner suspects a defect, but the complaint does not confirm the cause. The other report describes several unexpected steering movements on highways. The main risk is losing control at speed. Neither complaint gives a mileage.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2025 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V122000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling or accelerating from 0 - 25 MPH, the vehicle was shaking and failed to accelerate properly. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available for the recall repair. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaintI am submitting a safety concern regarding the 2025 Ford Bronco Off‑Road. Within 24 hours of purchasing my vehicle, a front sensor failed. The dealership reported that the sensor was damaged by a small rock while driving on normal paved roads. The repair cost is approximately $1,500 and is not covered under warranty. My concern is that a critical sensor—part of the vehicle’s safety and driver‑assistance systems—can be disabled by minor road debris. If this component is so vulnerable that everyday driving conditions can render it inoperable, it may pose a broader safety issue for consumers. This appears to be a design vulnerability that could affect many owners, potentially compromising safety features and creating significant financial burden. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether the placement and durability of this sensor meet reasonable safety expectations. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
VISIBILITY (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2025 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the sunroof glass shattered. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be inspected; however, the dealer stated that the cause of the failure was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
POWER TRAIN (1 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
1 complaint2025 Bronco Do not drive your vehicle until your recall service is complete. Safety Recalls* Loose or missing upper ball joint fastener Recall incomplete Loose or missing upper ball joint fastener Recall incomplete Front upper control arm to knuckle ball joint loose or missing fastener Recall incomplete Inspect seat bolt presence and torque - recall is unable to be performed at this time. Please check the fsa landing page for more details. Recall incomplete Do not drive - front lower arm to frame attachment fastener inspection Recall incomplete Transmission main control valve body replacement Recall incomplete Rear door child safety lock inspection Recall incomplete Passenger airbag replacement Recall incomplete
WHEELS (1 complaints)
WHEELS
1 complaintThis year does not have a spare tire included. Dealer said we have vehicle help in case of problem. We have many sections of highways here in Idaho that does not have cell service. This is a safety concern in case you are in one of these areas if you have total tire failure. I think a spare tire is needed in these situations. Thank you.
SEATS (1 complaints)
SEATS
1 complaintDrivers side: the track the power seat slides back/forth in. Since purchasing the vehicle 4/18/25 I have cut the back of my right leg getting into the vehicle on that track multiple times requiring the bleeding to be stopped and bandaging. At least 5 times to date and I've had the vehicle about a month. I try to be extremely careful getting into the vehicle because I know that piece will cut my leg every time but sometimes, I'm not thinking and inevitably I get cut again but I really shouldn't have to worry about that, it's obviously a design flaw. I also thought I could try to remember to put the seat all the way up when I get out but then it's a pain to get back in and again, I don't think I should have to worry about that either. There should be some sort of cap or something on the end of it do that won't happen. Have included a picture below. Called the Ford part department and they suggested covering that area with tape which WILL work BUT really, it's a new vehicle and covering a part of the vehicle with tape to keep from getting cut by it shouldn't be how to solve the problem. It ruins the aesthetics of the vehicle, and I shouldn't have to do that to begin with. The piece shouldn't be that sharp or should have some time of protective covering over it.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2025 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the instrument cluster turned blank. The vehicle was steered to the side the side of the road and was restarted; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80.
Best & Worst Ford Bronco Sport Years
Best Ford Bronco Sport Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreFord Bronco Sport Years to Avoid
Ford Bronco Sport Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 54/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 59/100 | Mixed |
| 2023 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 77/100 | Good |
Ford Bronco Sport Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2025 Ford Bronco-Sport reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Ford Bronco-Sport?
Does the 2025 Ford Bronco-Sport have steering problems?
Does the 2025 Ford Bronco-Sport have any recalls?
Is the 2025 Ford Bronco-Sport better than the 2024?
Don’t buy a 2025 Ford Bronco Sport without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport does best on how many systems draw complaints (78/100) and worst on recall impact (65/100). 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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