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Last updated: 2026-04-20

2 Ford Bronco-Sport Years to Avoid
Years that score significantly below the Ford Bronco-Sport average of 65/100
The Ford Bronco-Sport years to avoid are 2021, 2022 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2021 with a reliability score of 54/100. The best Ford Bronco-Sport year to buy is 2025 73/100.
Verdict
The 2021, 2022 Ford Bronco-Sport score significantly below the model average of 65/100. The weakest year is 2021 with a score of 54/100 due to electrical system (147) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2023 67/100.
Ford Bronco-Sport Years to Avoid
These model years score significantly below the Ford Bronco-Sport average of 65/100.
Why These Years Should Be Avoided
2021 Ford Bronco-Sport
The 2021 Ford Bronco-Sport has mixed reliability. There are 15 recalls and 622 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Ford Bronco-Sport. Severity signals include 16 crash-related complaints and 15 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (147), Power Train (137), Service Brakes (68).
Top issues: Electrical System (147), Power Train (137), Service Brakes (68), Unknown Or Other (47), Fuel System, Gasoline (45), Engine (37)
View full 2021reliability report →2022 Ford Bronco-Sport
The 2022 Ford Bronco-Sport has mixed reliability. There are 14 recalls and 303 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Ford Bronco-Sport. Severity signals include 11 crash-related complaints and 12 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (50), Power Train (48), Fuel System, Gasoline (38).
Top issues: Electrical System (50), Power Train (48), Fuel System, Gasoline (38), Unknown Or Other (36), Engine (32), Service Brakes (26)
View full 2022reliability report →What Are Common Ford Bronco-Sport Problems?
Top reported issues across all Ford Bronco-Sport model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
234 complaintsMost reported in 2021, 2022, 2023
POWER TRAIN
211 complaintsMost reported in 2021, 2022, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES
135 complaintsMost reported in 2021, 2022, 2023
FUEL SYSTEM
111 complaintsMost reported in 2021, 2022, 2023
ENGINE
85 complaintsMost reported in 2021, 2022, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
50 complaintsMost reported in 2022, 2023, 2024
Best Ford Bronco-Sport Year to Buy Instead
2023 Ford Bronco-Sport
The 2023 Ford Bronco-Sport has good reliability. There are 13 recalls and 114 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Ford Bronco-Sport. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints and 5 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (23), Fuel System, Gasoline (21), Power Train (12).
Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car
Even the best Ford Bronco-Sport year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
All Ford Bronco-Sport Years by Generation
All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.
Ford Bronco-Sport Reliability Scores by Year
First generation (CX430) (2021–2023)
2023 Ford Bronco-Sport
13 recalls · 114 complaints
2022 Ford Bronco-Sport
14 recalls · 303 complaints
2021 Ford Bronco-Sport
15 recalls · 622 complaints
Our data covers 2021–2025 model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Ford Bronco-Sport years should you avoid?
What is the best year for the Ford Bronco-Sport?
How many recalls does the Ford Bronco-Sport have?
Is a used Ford Bronco-Sport worth buying?
What are common Ford Bronco-Sport problems?
Is the Ford Bronco-Sport reliable long-term?
Is the 2025 Ford Bronco-Sport a good used buy?
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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