Last updated: 2026-04-20
2026 Ford Bronco-Sport Reliability Report
The 2026 Ford Bronco-Sport has a predicted reliability score of 71/100 based on prior model year data. Early data shows 2 recalls and 0 owner complaints.
Recalls
2
Complaints
0
Complaint Rate
0per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
N/A
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,200–$2,600
The Verdict
Based on historical reliability patterns, predicted to score 71/100 — worth considering.
Should You Buy the 2026 Ford Bronco-Sport?
The 2026 Ford Bronco-Sport has a predicted reliability score of 71/100 ("Good") based on prior model year performance.
So far: 2 recalls, 0 owner complaints. No owner-reported issues on file yet.
Prior model years suggest dependable ownership. Confirm all recall repairs are completed, and consider a pre-purchase inspection for used examples.
See also the 2025 Ford Bronco-Sport for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable predicted reliability based on prior model years
- +Low recall count
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- −Score is a prediction — real-world data still developing
Compare 2026 Ford Bronco-Sport With
2026 Jeep Wrangler
Predicted: 64/100
2026 Toyota 4RUNNER
Predicted: 81/100
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Predicted: 68/100
2026 Subaru Outback
Predicted: 80/100
2026 Toyota Highlander
Predicted: 72/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2026 Ford Bronco-Sport carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
0
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 4.6
Safety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2026 Ford Bronco-Sport Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2026 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.
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 2026 Ford Bronco-Sport? Check its history first
Every 2026 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
2026 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.
2026 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 2026 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 |
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).
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 2026 Ford Bronco-Sport reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2026 Ford Bronco-Sport?
How many recalls does the 2026 Ford Bronco-Sport have?
How is the predicted score calculated?
Don’t buy a 2026 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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