Last updated: 2026-03-04

2023 Ford Bronco Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2023 Ford Bronco scores 50/100 ("Mixed"). With 27 recalls and 295 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.
2023 received a introduction of raptor trim update for the Sixth generation (2021).
Recalls
27
Complaints
295
Complaint Rate
23.1
per 10k sold
Above avgEst. Annual Cost
$784
Major Repair Risk
N/A
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.
Top Issues
27 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2023 received a introduction of raptor trim update for the Sixth generation (2021).
- Changes: New Raptor trim level with enhanced performance and features.
- Year 3 in this generation (2021–2023).
- 6th generation Bronco (US).
What this means for buyers
Refresh years bring updates but can also introduce new issues. Check early recall data before buying.
Sixth generation (2021)
Should You Buy the 2023 Ford Bronco?
The 2023 Ford Bronco scores 50/100 ("Mixed"). Buyers should proceed with caution. 2023 received a introduction of raptor trim update for the Sixth generation (2021).
With 295 owner complaints and 27 recalls, the complaint volume is above average. Reported issues — particularly in visibility wiper (84) — can be costly to repair.
An extended warranty is strongly recommended. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on visibility wiper (84) is essential before committing.
Compared to the 2024 Ford Bronco, which scored 8 points higher. See also the 2022 Ford Bronco for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- 5-star NHTSA crash rating
- Well-established generation
Cons
- Below-average reliability score
- Above-average recall count
- Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- VISIBILITY/WIPER issues reported (89 complaints)
- 5 fire incidents reported in owner complaints
- Safety recall: park-it advisory issued
Compare 2023 Ford Bronco With
2023 Jeep Wrangler
Score: 62/100
2023 Toyota 4RUNNER
Score: 82/100
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Score: 63/100
2023 Volkswagen Atlas
Score: 58/100
2023 Chevrolet Blazer
Score: 78/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 27 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (89)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (37)
- POWER TRAIN (24)
- ENGINE (21)
- FUEL SYSTEM (17)
- SERVICE BRAKES (17)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14)
- SUSPENSION (13)
- SEAT BELTS (10)
- STRUCTURE (9)
- VISIBILITY (9)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (7)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4)
- TIRES (4)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3)
- STEERING (3)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3)
- SEATS (2)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2)
- WHEELS (2)
- AIR BAGS (2)
- LANE DEPARTURE (1)
- PARKING BRAKE (1)
- EQUIPMENT (1)
Recall Overview
27
recalls on record
The 2023 Ford Bronco has 27 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
23.1
per 10k soldSegment avg: 12.7
Safety Incidents
Crashes
10
Fires
5
Injuries
7
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2023 Ford Bronco Recall Details
27 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Ford Bronco. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
EQUIPMENT
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Consequence
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated February 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
Consequence
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will update the engine control software. and replace the high pressure fuel rail assembly and the fuel injector ,free of charge. As an interim repair, dealers will update the engine control software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 29, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in July 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S76. This recall expands and replaces previous recall numbers 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165 will need to have the new final remedy performed once it is available.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Consequence
A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Showing 10 of 26 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
2023 Ford Bronco NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 17.4%
Safety Technologies
Ford Bronco Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
2Maintenance rating: 2 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$784
Repair Frequency
0.4
unscheduled repair visits per year
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2023 Ford Bronco
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect for fuel odor entering cabin through vents
- Test transmission for rough shifting and jerking
- Check for engine knocking or misfires
- Verify windshield wipers function correctly in continuous mode
- Inspect hard top for cracks or detachment
- Test brakes for responsiveness and unusual noises
- Check for any active recalls and confirm remedy availability
Check Any 2023 Ford Bronco's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2023 Bronco in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Ford Bronco with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2023 Ford Bronco Common Problems by Component
295 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
89 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Ford Bronco frequently report issues with the windshield wipers, specifically that they unexpectedly switch from continuous to intermittent mode during use, particularly in rain and snow. This malfunction often requires drivers to manually reset the wipers, which can pose a safety risk by reducing visibility and necessitating drivers to remove a hand from the steering wheel. Complaints also mention windshield wipers becoming inoperable due to faulty motors or poor design in snowy conditions. Some owners note these issues occurring at low mileage, with symptoms such as wipers stopping entirely or slowing down unexpectedly. Additionally, a few reports mention windshield cracks appearing without clear impact, though these are less common than wiper-related issues. Safety implications include reduced visibility and near-miss incidents, with one complaint involving a crash attributed to visibility obstruction from a reflective dash strip.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
37 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the electrical system of the 2023 Ford Bronco, including problems with the vehicle's display screens going black or freezing, and audio systems producing loud noises or failing to function. Multiple complaints describe instances where the vehicle loses power or stalls, sometimes while in motion, and occasionally without any prior warning indicators. These issues are often noted to occur at various mileages, with some reports mentioning as early as 4,100 miles. Safety implications are evident, with reports of crashes, a fire, and two injuries linked to these electrical failures, highlighting potential risks for loss of control or vehicle immobilization. Buyers should be aware of these recurring electrical problems when considering this vehicle model.
POWER TRAIN
24 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Ford Bronco frequently report transmission issues, including rough shifting, jerking, and failure to engage gears properly. Complaints often describe symptoms such as unexpected acceleration during downshifts, grinding noises, and difficulties with shifting, particularly in cold weather. These issues typically emerge at various mileages, with some problems appearing as early as 1,800 miles. Safety implications are noted, with reports of vehicles losing power at highway speeds and one instance involving a small fire. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring powertrain concerns, which could affect vehicle reliability and safety.
ENGINE (21 complaints)
ENGINE
21 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several engine-related issues with the 2023 Ford Bronco, with common complaints involving fuel injector problems that can lead to under-hood fires, as well as engine failures and misfires. Symptoms frequently described include unexpected engine shutdowns, loss of power, and misfiring, often accompanied by warning lights such as "check engine" and low oil pressure alerts. These issues are reported at varying mileages, with some occurring under 1,000 miles and others around 3,000 to 6,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of fires, two injuries, and instances of sudden loss of vehicle control. For prospective buyers, these patterns suggest potential risks related to engine reliability and safety, particularly concerning the fuel injector and engine components.
FUEL SYSTEM (17 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
17 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport frequently report issues related to a strong fuel odor entering the cabin, especially through the air vents, with some experiencing this while the vehicle is idling in the garage or driving. Complaints also mention hesitation during acceleration and unexpected vehicle lurching, often accompanied by illuminated warning lights such as the check engine light. These issues typically arise around 15,000 to 45,000 miles. A significant number of complaints reference an ongoing recall for the fuel system, with parts not yet available, leaving some owners concerned about safety implications. Notably, one report involves a severe incident where the vehicle caught fire, resulting in a crash and injury, highlighting a potential safety risk for buyers to consider.
SERVICE BRAKES (17 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
17 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Ford Bronco frequently report issues with the service brakes, with common complaints involving grinding noises, brake pedal hardness, and unexpected vehicle movement while braking. Some owners describe a loud grinding sound when depressing the brake pedal, while others experience a hard brake pedal that is difficult to press, particularly at lower speeds. A pattern emerges around the "Check Brake System" warning light, often accompanied by brake fluid level concerns or sensor issues, typically appearing around 10,000 to 40,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with three reports involving crashes due to brake failures, including incidents where the brakes did not stop the vehicle in time or where the ABS system failed. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues, as they may impact the vehicle's safety and reliability.
SUSPENSION (13 complaints)
SUSPENSION
13 complaintsOwners report several issues with the suspension of the 2023 Ford Bronco, particularly with leaking and corroding rear shock absorbers. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as vehicle bouncing, swerving, and rough rides, especially noticeable over uneven surfaces or when accelerating. Some reports indicate that these issues occur at mileages as low as approximately 12,842 miles. Safety implications are noted, with one owner describing a near crash due to loss of control after a shock absorber failure. Buyers should be aware that parts for related recalls are reportedly unavailable, leading to delays in repairs.
SEAT BELTS (10 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
10 complaintsOwners report several issues with the seat belts in the 2023 Ford Bronco. A recurring complaint involves malfunctioning seat belts in the rear seats that fail to retract properly, with one instance leading to a minor injury when a child’s head contacted the window. Another issue involves overly sensitive driver's side shoulder restraints that lock up during deceleration, obstructing the driver's view and forcing unexpected stops. Additionally, multiple owners mention a recall for seat belts that remains unresolved due to unavailable parts, leading to delays in repairs. These issues are reported at low mileages, around 3,000 miles, and involve safety implications, particularly concerning child safety and impaired driver visibility.
STRUCTURE (9 complaints)
STRUCTURE
9 complaintsOwners report several structural issues with the 2023 Ford Bronco, primarily involving the hard top and other exterior components. Complaints frequently mention hard tops developing cracks or detaching, with some cases occurring as early as 1,500 miles. Water leaks are another common issue, with reports of water entering through the windshield and roofline, affecting visibility and potentially compromising safety. Additionally, some owners describe problems with the hood unexpectedly opening while driving and front flares detaching at highway speeds. These issues may pose safety risks, such as obstructed vision or parts detaching while the vehicle is in motion, which could lead to potential hazards on the road.
STEERING (3 complaints)
STEERING
3 complaintsOwners of the 2023 Ford Bronco report steering-related issues, including a complete loss of steering control while driving, as described in one instance where the steering wheel spun freely without affecting the vehicle's direction, leading to a near-collision. Another complaint involves a sudden power loss affecting the power steering, resulting in a complete vehicle shutdown without warning. Additionally, an owner mentions a defective steering wheel surface with bumps that cause discomfort. These issues occur in new vehicles shortly after delivery, indicating potential early-life defects. The loss of steering control poses significant safety risks, including the potential for collisions.
When Do 2023 Ford Bronco Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Ford Bronco Years
Best Ford Bronco Years to Buy
The best Ford Bronco year is 2025 with a reliability score of 61/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (58/100) and 2023 (50/100).
2025
16 recalls · 30 complaints
2024
18 recalls · 104 complaints
2023(this page)
27 recalls · 295 complaints
Ford Bronco Years to Avoid
The worst Ford Bronco year is 2021 with a score of 41/100, primarily due to electrical system (168) issues. Also avoid 2022 (43/100).
2021
31 recalls · 798 complaints
2022
32 recalls · 576 complaints
Ford Bronco Reliability Score Trend
Ford Bronco reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 56/100 compared to 42/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 41/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 43/100 | Mixed |
| 2023 | 50/100 | Mixed |
| 2024 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2025 | 61/100 | Good |
Ford Bronco Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2023 Ford Bronco reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Ford Bronco?
How many recalls does the 2023 Ford Bronco have?
Is the 2023 Ford Bronco expensive to maintain?
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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