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Last updated: 2026-04-20

2025 Ford Bronco-Sport Reliability Report
The 2025 Ford Bronco-Sport scores 73/100 ("Good"). With 6 recalls and 14 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
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
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- SERVICE BRAKES (2)
- SEAT BELTS (2)
- STEERING (2)
Should You Buy the 2025 Ford Bronco-Sport?
At 73/100, the 2025 Ford Bronco-Sport lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading.
Owners log 14 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to service brakes (2). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2026 Ford Bronco-Sport. 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: Owners of the 2025 Ford Bronco-Sport report issues with the service brakes,... (2 complaints)
- −SEAT BELTS: Two primary issues with the seat belts of the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport (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: 4.1
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
Every 2025 Ford Bronco-Sport has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- 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.
Inspect engine for misfire and check engine light at low mileage
Verify recall completion for engine and engine cooling issues
Test brakes for squealing and ensure proper function
Check seat belt buckles for secure latching and proper retraction
Inspect steering for unexpected movements or looseness
Ensure all safety sensors are intact and functioning
2025 Ford Bronco-Sport Common Problems by Component
14 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2025 Ford Bronco-Sport report issues with the service brakes, with two distinct patterns emerging. One complaint describes a recurring issue where the brakes squeal during initial use each morning, resembling the sound of wear pad indicators, though a dealer has indicated this is normal. Another complaint involves a brake failure that resulted in a crash and one injury, highlighting a significant safety concern. These reports suggest potential inconsistencies in brake performance, with symptoms occurring both during routine operation and in critical situations. Buyers should be mindful of these issues, particularly the severe implications of brake failure.
SEAT BELTS
2 complaintsOwners report two primary issues with the seat belts of the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport. First, there are instances of rear seat belt buckles failing to secure the belt tongue due to internal component breakage, as described by one owner who found a broken internal part in the center buckle. Second, some owners describe the rear seat belts as excessively long, with one incident involving a belt extending enough to get caught under a rear tire, causing a sudden stop. These issues appear in new vehicles, as one owner experienced them shortly after purchase, indicating potential safety concerns, especially at higher speeds.
STEERING
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report issues with the steering of the 2025 Ford Bronco-Sport, specifically sudden and unexpected movement of the steering wheel. One complaint describes a severe incident where the steering wheel was jerked from the driver's hands, leading to a crash and rollover on the highway, with the right front wheel assembly detaching from the vehicle. Another owner mentions experiencing the steering moving on its own multiple times while driving on highways. These complaints suggest that the incidents can occur at highway speeds, posing significant safety risks, including loss of control and potential crashes.
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.
When Do 2025 Ford Bronco-Sport Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Ford Bronco-Sport Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Ford Bronco-Sport Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Ford Bronco-Sport year is 2025 with a reliability score of 73/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (72/100) and 2023 (67/100).
2025
(Current Model)
2024
2023
Ford Bronco-Sport Years to Avoid
The worst Ford Bronco-Sport year is 2021 with a score of 54/100, primarily due to electrical system (147) issues. Also avoid 2022 (59/100).
Ford Bronco-Sport Reliability Score Trend
Ford Bronco-Sport reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 71/100 compared to 57/100 for older years.
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 |
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?
How many recalls does the 2025 Ford Bronco-Sport have?
Is the 2025 Ford Bronco-Sport expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2025 Ford Bronco-Sport without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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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