Last updated: 2026-03-04
2025 Ford Bronco Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2025 Ford Bronco scores 61/100 ("Good"). With 16 recalls and 30 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
16
Complaints
30
Complaint Rate
2.2
per 10k sold
Below 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
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
16 recalls on record
Should You Buy the 2025 Ford Bronco?
The 2025 Ford Bronco scores 61/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory.
With 30 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to electrical system (5). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2026 Ford Bronco. See also the 2024 Ford Bronco for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- Below-average complaint rate for SUV
- 5-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- Above-average recall count
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (6 complaints)
- POWER TRAIN: Clutch and transmission malfunctions (4 complaints)
- Safety recall: park-it advisory issued
Compare 2025 Ford Bronco With
2025 Jeep Wrangler
Score: 74/100
2025 Toyota 4RUNNER
Score: 81/100
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Score: 75/100
2025 Mazda CX-90
Score: 63/100
2025 Volkswagen Atlas
Score: 65/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 16 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
- POWER TRAIN (4)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4)
- STEERING (3)
- SEAT BELTS (2)
- SERVICE BRAKES (2)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2)
- WHEELS (1)
- VISIBILITY (1)
- SEATS (1)
- ENGINE (1)
- STRUCTURE (1)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)
- AIR BAGS (1)
Recall Overview
16
recalls on record
The 2025 Ford Bronco has 16 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
2.2
per 10k soldSegment avg: 4.1
Safety Incidents
Crashes
4
Fires
0
Injuries
3
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2025 Ford Bronco Recall Details
16 recalls have been issued for the 2025 Ford Bronco. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2023-2025 Escape, 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2025 Lincoln Corsair, Maverick, and Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L MPC engine and an engine block heater. The engine block heater may overheat when the vehicle is parked with the block heater plugged in.
Consequence
An overheated engine block heater can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the block heater element and inspect the electrical cord, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug coupled, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 11, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. The parts are anticipated to be available the fourth quarter of 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S52.
ENGINE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Escape, and 2025 Bronco Sport vehicles. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak.
Consequence
An oil leak can result in loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil 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 replace the cylinder head assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S61.
Showing 10 of 15 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
2025 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 2025 Ford Bronco
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Check instrument cluster for blank or non-functional display at startup
- Test audio system for intermittent sound loss during operation
- Inspect clutch operation for full disengagement and smooth shifting
- Verify brake functionality, especially in cold conditions
- Ensure seat belts retract properly and buckles latch securely
- Examine steering for unexpected movements or loss of control
- Check for ice buildup on headlights in cold weather
Check Any 2025 Ford Bronco's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2025 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.
2025 Ford Bronco Common Problems by Component
30 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Ford Bronco frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, specifically involving the instrument cluster and audio system. Common symptoms include the instrument panel turning blank or failing to activate, which occurs at low mileages, such as around 80 miles, and can persist despite restarting the vehicle. Additionally, the audio system intermittently cuts out, affecting music, phone calls, and navigation instructions, which has been confirmed by dealerships but remains without a fix. Safety implications are noted in cases where the vehicle's acceleration and braking systems fail, leading to loss of control and collisions, as well as distractions caused by the audio system failure. These issues appear shortly after purchase, suggesting potential early-stage reliability concerns for prospective buyers.
POWER TRAIN
4 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Ford Bronco frequently report issues related to the power train, particularly involving clutch and transmission malfunctions. One common complaint involves the slave cylinder failing, which leads to the clutch not fully disengaging and subsequent clutch burnout, observed as early as 783 miles. Another issue involves a loss of engine power after a missed downshift, where the engine does not produce usable torque and stalls or resets after a few seconds. These issues can occur in traffic and adverse weather conditions, posing potential safety risks. Buyers should be aware of these recurring problems and check if recall services have been completed.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2025 Ford Bronco report several issues, with some involving safety concerns. A notable problem involves the vehicle unexpectedly shifting gears, as one owner describes an incident where the vehicle rolled into a tree after being parked and another instance where it shifted into neutral while driving. Another complaint highlights the child safety locks on the back left door failing to engage, posing a risk to passengers. Additionally, there are reports of cosmetic defects with the backup camera rod appearing scratched and used, and multiple dashboard warnings such as ABS and pre-collision system alerts when parked on an incline. These issues suggest potential safety and quality control concerns that prospective buyers should consider.
STEERING (3 complaints)
STEERING
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2025 Ford Bronco report issues with steering, including sudden, unexpected movements of the steering wheel and complete loss of control, which are linked to crashes in two cases. One owner describes the steering wheel being jerked from their hands, resulting in a rollover accident, with a separated front wheel assembly observed post-crash. Another owner experiences multiple instances where the steering moves by itself on highways. Additionally, one incident involves a collision attributed to an instrument panel cluster failure, leading to loss of dashboard visibility and subsequent steering difficulties. These complaints highlight significant safety implications, including crashes and one reported injury.
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
2 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Ford Bronco report issues with seat belt buckles and retraction mechanisms. One complaint describes rear seat belt buckles failing to retain the belt tongue due to a broken internal component, with the issue occurring shortly after purchase. Another owner reports a rear passenger seat belt failing to retract fully, leading it to extend outside the vehicle and get caught under a tire, causing a sudden stop. These issues present potential safety risks, especially if they occur at high speeds. Buyers should be aware of these complaints, particularly if considering a vehicle with low mileage.
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2025 Ford Bronco report issues with brake functionality, particularly in cold and snowy conditions. Complaints frequently mention a loss of braking ability, with one incident resulting in a crash and injury. Symptoms include multiple warning lights for the brakes, electronic brake booster (EBB), collision detection, and anti-lock braking system (ABS) faults, leaving only the electronic parking brake operational. One owner describes the problem occurring shortly after switching drive modes, with the issue temporarily resolving after restarting the vehicle. These incidents suggest a potential safety risk, especially at higher speeds or in busy traffic situations.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Ford Bronco report issues with the factory-installed LED headlights becoming obscured by ice buildup in freezing weather conditions. Complaints frequently mention that the headlights do not generate enough heat to clear frozen precipitation, leading to significantly reduced visibility during nighttime driving. This issue typically arises in sub-freezing temperatures with precipitation, requiring drivers to stop and manually remove the ice, which poses a safety risk when pulling over on high-speed or busy roads. These reports do not specify mileage, indicating the problem may be related to environmental conditions rather than vehicle age or use. Potential buyers in colder climates may want to consider this factor when evaluating the vehicle for winter use.
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.
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.
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.
When Do 2025 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(this page)
16 recalls · 30 complaints
2024
18 recalls · 104 complaints
2023
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 2025 Ford Bronco reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Ford Bronco?
How many recalls does the 2025 Ford Bronco have?
Is the 2025 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.
Browse More Ford Models
Browse More 2025 Vehicles
2025 Honda HR-V
Score: 88/100
2025 Hyundai Elantra
Score: 87/100
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
Score: 86/100
2025 Chevrolet Trax
Score: 85/100
2025 Honda Ridgeline
Score: 85/100
2025 Chevrolet Silverado
Score: 85/100
2025 Nissan Rogue
Score: 84/100
2025 Toyota RAV4
Score: 84/100
See incorrect data? Report an issue