Last updated: 2026-10-10

Ford Bronco

Ford Bronco Years to Avoid

6 scored model years (2021–2026) · model average 52/100

Skip the 2021 and 2022 Bronco. Both years collect the most owner complaints, led by sudden power loss, transmission failure and electrical faults. The 2024 is the year to buy, with far fewer complaints for every vehicle sold.

Verdict

Avoid
2021 41/1002022 43/100
Buy
2024 58/100
Model average
52/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Ford Bronco Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Ford Bronco average of 52/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202141/100Mixed31798Electrical System (168)
2202243/100Mixed32576Power Train (79)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

41
MixedReliability score: 41 out of 100, rated Mixed

2021 Ford Bronco

Electrical faults lead the complaints, including engines shutting off at highway speed while steering and brakes go dead. Some episodes end in smoke or fire under the hood. Automatic transmissions fail soon after the powertrain warranty ends, with dealer quotes of $8K to $13,000. Brake pedals can also turn rock hard.

31 recalls798 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (168), Power Train (129), Engine (89), Service Brakes (68), Unknown Or Other (61), Fuel System, Gasoline (44)

View full 2021reliability report →
43
MixedReliability score: 43 out of 100, rated Mixed

2022 Ford Bronco

Transmission failures and water pump coolant leaks top the list, with replacement quotes of $10,000 to $13,000. Electrical trouble follows: batteries that drain repeatedly, floods of dash warnings, and engine compartment fires. Wipers also change speed on their own in rain, briefly blinding the driver.

32 recalls576 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Power Train (79), Electrical System (73), Visibility Wiper (62), Unknown Or Other (56), Service Brakes (48), Fuel System, Gasoline (35)

View full 2022reliability report →

What Are Common Ford Bronco Problems?

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

305 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2023

2021: Sudden, total power loss while driving is the most common report.

POWER TRAIN

260 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2023

2021: Automatic transmission failure is the main pattern.

SERVICE BRAKES

185 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2023

2021: The brake pedal suddenly turns rock hard and the car barely slows, sometimes at walking speed and sometimes in traffic.

ENGINE

162 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2023

2021: Sudden shutdowns without warning, often at highway speed, lead these reports, and the car usually will not restart.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

154 complaints

Most reported in 2023, 2022

2023: Wipers set to low or high drop to intermittent or stop after about a minute of steady use, even in heavy rain.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

138 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2024

2021: Fire and sudden power loss lead this mixed category.

Best Ford Bronco Year to Buy Instead

58
MixedReliability score: 58 out of 100, rated Mixed

2024 Ford Bronco

Complaints per vehicle sold fall to 7.5 for 2024, from 73.8 for 2021 and 57.9 for 2022. Recalls and fire reports are also lower. Its top complaint is a draining 12V battery, though some owners report transmission faults. It has been on the road long enough to judge, unlike 2025 and 2026.

Score: 58/100 (Mixed)18 recalls104 complaints
View full 2024reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2024 Ford Bronco has 18 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Ford Bronco Years by Generation

Ford Bronco Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Ford Bronco years should I avoid?
Avoid 2021 and 2022. Both sit well below the model's own average, with the highest complaint counts, the most recalls and the most fire reports. Stalling, transmission failure and electrical faults dominate. The 2024 is the better year to shop for.
Which Ford Bronco years have transmission problems?
The 2021 and 2022 years show the clearest transmission trouble. Owners report slipping, harsh shifts, limp mode and complete failure, with replacement quotes up to $13,000. The 2024 has reports too, including a transmission that fails to go into gear, but far fewer overall.
Is the 2023 Ford Bronco a good year?
The 2023 is not on the avoid list, but it is only a middle option. Complaints are well below 2021 and 2022, and wipers that act up are its top issue. Electrical and power train complaints still appear. The 2024 remains the stronger pick.
Is a 2025 or 2026 Bronco safer than a 2024?
Not necessarily. The 2025 and 2026 show few or no complaints mainly because they are newer and have had less time on the road. Their records are too short to prove they are better. The 2024 has a longer record and still looks good.
Why is the 2021 Bronco worse than the 2024?
The 2021 has many more complaints for every vehicle sold. Its reports include engines shutting off at highway speed, transmission failure, and brake pedals that turn rock hard. The 2024 mostly draws battery drain complaints, along with some transmission and leak problems.

How we score every Ford Bronco model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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