Last updated: 2026-05-15

Ford Bronco-Sport vs Toyota 4RUNNER: Reliability Compared

Ford Bronco-Sport reliability comparison

Ford Bronco-Sport

65
GoodReliability score: 65 out of 100, rated Good
VS
More ReliableToyota 4RUNNER reliability comparison

Toyota 4RUNNER

80
ExcellentReliability score: 80 out of 100, rated Excellent

Choosing between the Ford Bronco-Sport and the Toyota 4RUNNER? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Toyota 4RUNNER currently leads with an average score of 80/100 compared to 65/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Ford Bronco-Sport and Toyota 4RUNNER Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Toyota 4Runner is in its sixth generation (N500), which launched in 2025. Historically, the 4Runner has undergone significant generational changes, with its fifth generation (2010–2024) being particularly long, suggesting a mature and well-sorted platform. This extensive duration typically implies improved reliability due to the refinement of earlier design and mechanical issues. Meanwhile, the Ford Bronco-Sport, introduced in 2021, completed its first generation (CX430) by 2023, with notable updates in 2022 and 2023. As the Bronco-Sport is early in its lifecycle, it might exhibit typical first-generation challenges, unlike the well-established 4Runner.

Verdict

The Toyota 4RUNNER is more reliable than the Ford Bronco-Sport, scoring 80/100 vs 65/100.

The Toyota 4RUNNER demonstrates superior reliability compared to the Ford Bronco-Sport, with an average reliability score of 80/100 versus the Bronco-Sport's 65/100. The 4RUNNER also has a significantly lower owner complaint rate of 1.5 per 10,000 units compared to the Bronco-Sport's 17.3. Additionally, the 4RUNNER has experienced fewer recalls over a longer period, with 17 recalls across nine years as opposed to the Bronco-Sport's 57 recalls in six years. With its lower estimated annual repair cost and fewer common issues, the 4RUNNER stands out as the more reliable midsize SUV option.

Key Differences

  1. 1Toyota 4RUNNER has 40 fewer total recalls
  2. 2Toyota 4RUNNER has 15.8 fewer complaints per 10k sold
  3. 3Toyota 4RUNNER scores 15 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

1Ford Bronco-Sport
—
3Toyota 4RUNNER
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Ford Bronco-Sport vs Toyota 4RUNNER: Which Is More Reliable?

Ford Bronco-Sport vs Toyota 4RUNNER at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricFord Bronco-SportToyota 4RUNNER
Reliability Score65/10080/100
Years Tracked69
Total Recalls5717
Complaints per 10k Sold17.31.5
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2026 NHTSA
2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins05

What Are the Common Problems With the Ford Bronco-Sport and Toyota 4RUNNER?

The Toyota 4RUNNER and Ford Bronco-Sport exhibit distinct problem profiles. The 4RUNNER has a notably high incidence of airbag-related issues, with 20 of its 24 complaints linked to crashes, indicating a critical safety concern. In contrast, the Bronco-Sport faces significant challenges with its electrical system and powertrain, collectively accounting for nearly 40% of its complaints, with eight crash-linked incidents. While both models have issues with service brakes, the Bronco-Sport records more complaints in this area, including a higher number of crash-linked cases compared to the 4RUNNER.

Ford Bronco-Sport vs Toyota 4RUNNER common problem areas comparison
ComponentFord Bronco-SportToyota 4RUNNER
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3.6Average0.1Very Low
POWER TRAIN3.3Average—None
SERVICE BRAKES2.1Low0.2Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM1.7Low0.1Very Low
ENGINE1.3Low—None
UNKNOWN OR OTHER0.8Very Low0.2Very Low
STEERING0.4Very Low0.2Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING0.4Very Low—None
SUSPENSION0.3Very Low0.1Very Low
AIR BAGS0.2Very Low0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY0.2Very Low—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM0.2Very Low—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.1Very Low—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER0.1Very Low—None
SEAT BELTS0.1Very Low—None
STRUCTURE—None—None
TIRES—None—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION—None—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING—None—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Ford Bronco-Sport or Toyota 4RUNNER?

Based on independent repair cost data, the Toyota 4RUNNER incurs an annual repair cost of $514, with an average of 0.4 repair visits per year and a 13% risk of major repairs. Unfortunately, specific data for the Ford Bronco-Sport is not available, but industry estimates suggest that newer models like the Bronco-Sport generally have lower repair frequencies and costs, especially in their initial years due to warranty coverage. For cost-conscious buyers, the Toyota 4RUNNER offers clear insights into potential maintenance expenses, making it easier to budget for ownership. However, if the Ford Bronco-Sport follows typical trends for new vehicles, it might offer lower initial maintenance costs, but the lack of specific data makes it a less predictable choice.

How Does Ford Bronco-Sport vs Toyota 4RUNNER Reliability Compare by Year?

Ford Bronco-Sport vs Toyota 4RUNNER year-by-year reliability scores
YearFord Bronco-SportToyota 4RUNNEREdge
202573/1006R / 14C81/1001R / 36CToyota 4RUNNER
202472/1007R / 66C79/1001R / 8CToyota 4RUNNER
202367/10013R / 114C82/1001R / 28CToyota 4RUNNER
202259/10014R / 303C79/1003R / 36CToyota 4RUNNER
202154/10015R / 622C82/1001R / 31CToyota 4RUNNER
2026(predicted)71/100(predicted)81/100(predicted)Toyota 4RUNNER

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Ford Bronco-Sport scored 73/100 and the 2023 Toyota 4RUNNER scored 82/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Ford Bronco-Sport vs the Toyota 4RUNNER?

If you prioritize reliability and low running costs, the Toyota 4RUNNER is the better choice. With a reliability score of 80/100 and an estimated annual repair cost of $514, it offers a balanced mix of dependability and affordability. The 4RUNNER's major repair risk is relatively low at 13%, and it has a modest repair frequency of 0.4 times per year. Though it has faced 17 recalls, the low owner complaints rate of 1.5 per 10,000 sold indicates a generally positive ownership experience. On the other hand, if you're drawn to the Ford Bronco-Sport for its features or style, be prepared for potential challenges. Its reliability score of 65/100 and a high recall count of 57 suggest a less dependable track record. With 17.3 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, issues related to the electrical system, power train, and engine may be more frequent. While specific repair costs and frequencies aren't available, these factors hint at potentially higher maintenance demands.

Ford Bronco-Sport vs Toyota 4RUNNER: Common Questions

Is the Ford Bronco-Sport more reliable than the Toyota 4RUNNER?
Based on our data, the Toyota 4RUNNER is more reliable with an average score of 80/100 compared to 65/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the Ford Bronco-Sport or the Toyota 4RUNNER?
The Ford Bronco-Sport has more recalls (57) compared to the Toyota 4RUNNER (17). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Ford Bronco-Sport or the Toyota 4RUNNER?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Toyota 4RUNNER has a lower complaint rate at 1.5 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 17.3 for the Ford Bronco-Sport. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Ford Bronco-Sport or Toyota 4RUNNER safer?
Based on NHTSA crash test ratings, the Ford Bronco-Sport has a higher overall safety rating of 5/5 stars compared to 4/5 for the Toyota 4RUNNER. Check sub-ratings (frontal, side, rollover) above for a more detailed safety comparison.

Related Reliability Comparisons

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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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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