Last updated: 2026-03-04

Ford Bronco

2 Ford Bronco Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Ford Bronco average of 51/100

The Ford Bronco 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 41/100. The best Ford Bronco year to buy is 2025 61/100.

Verdict

The 2021, 2022 Ford Bronco score significantly below the model average of 51/100. The weakest year is 2021 with a score of 41/100 due to electrical system (168) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2025 61/100.

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 51/100.

#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

The 2021 Ford Bronco has mixed reliability. There are 31 recalls and 798 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Ford Bronco. Severity signals include 20 crash-related complaints and 15 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (168), Power Train (129), Engine (89).

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

2022 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Ford Bronco has mixed reliability. There are 32 recalls and 576 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Ford Bronco. Severity signals include 17 crash-related complaints and 14 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (79), Electrical System (73), Visibility Wiper (62).

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 2022 reliability report →

What Are Common Ford Bronco Problems?

Top reported issues across all Ford Bronco model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

305 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2023

POWER TRAIN

260 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2023

SERVICE BRAKES

185 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2023

ENGINE

162 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2023

VISIBILITY/WIPER

154 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

138 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2024

Best Ford Bronco Year to Buy Instead

61
GoodReliability score: 61 out of 100, rated Good

2025 Ford Bronco

The 2025 Ford Bronco has good reliability. There are 16 recalls and 30 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Ford Bronco. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (5), Power Train (4), Unknown Or Other (4).

Score: 61/100 (Good)16 recalls30 complaints
View full 2025 reliability report →

All Ford Bronco Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Ford Bronco Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2021–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Ford Bronco years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Ford Bronco years: 2021 (score: 41/100), 2022 (score: 43/100). These model years score significantly below the Ford Bronco average of 51/100.
What is the best year for the Ford Bronco?
The best year for the Ford Bronco is 2025, with a reliability score of 61/100 ("Good"). It has 16 recalls and 30 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Ford Bronco have?
Across all years in our database, the Ford Bronco has a total of 126 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Ford Bronco worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 61/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 51/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Ford Bronco problems?
The most common Ford Bronco problems are electrical system (305 complaints), power train (260 complaints), service brakes (185 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Ford Bronco reliable long-term?
The Ford Bronco has an average reliability score of 51/100 across all model years in our database, rated "mixed". Reliability varies significantly by model year — choose carefully.
Which Ford Bronco generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Ford Bronco generation is the Sixth generation (2021) with an average score of 45/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Ford Bronco?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Ford Bronco is $784 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2025 Ford Bronco a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Ford Bronco is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 61/100 ("Good"). It has 16 recalls and 30 owner complaints, making it a solid 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

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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