Last updated: 2026-05-15

Ford Bronco vs Land Rover Defender 110: Reliability Compared

Ford Bronco reliability comparison

Ford Bronco

51
MixedReliability score: 51 out of 100, rated Mixed
VS
More ReliableLand Rover Defender 110 reliability comparison

Land Rover Defender 110

60
GoodReliability score: 60 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Ford Bronco and the Land Rover Defender 110? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Land Rover Defender 110 currently leads with an average score of 60/100 compared to 51/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Ford Bronco and Land Rover Defender 110 Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Ford Bronco is in its sixth generation, which was introduced in 2021 and received a facelift in 2023 with the introduction of the Raptor trim. Being relatively early in its generation cycle, the Bronco may still experience some first-year issues typical of new platforms, although the 2023 facelift likely addressed initial feedback and improved reliability. In contrast, the Land Rover Defender 110 lacks detailed generation history, making direct comparisons challenging. Without this data, it's harder to assess its reliability based on generational context. Overall, the Ford Bronco's recent redesign and facelift suggest it is still maturing, while the Defender's reliability would need to be assessed through other means.

Verdict

The Land Rover Defender 110 is more reliable than the Ford Bronco, scoring 60/100 vs 51/100.

The Land Rover Defender 110 demonstrates superior reliability compared to the Ford Bronco, with a higher average reliability score of 60/100 versus 51/100 for the Bronco. The Defender also has significantly fewer recalls, with only 23 over six years compared to the Bronco's 126. While both vehicles share common issues like electrical system problems, the Bronco has a higher complaint rate at 29.4 per 10,000 sold, compared to the Defender's 20.7. Additionally, the Bronco's estimated annual repair cost of $784 highlights potential higher maintenance expenses, making the Defender a more reliable choice overall.

Key Differences

  1. 1Land Rover Defender 110 has 103 fewer total recalls
  2. 2Land Rover Defender 110 scores 9 points higher in reliability
  3. 3Land Rover Defender 110 has 8.7 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

0Ford Bronco
—
3Land Rover Defender 110
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Ford Bronco vs Land Rover Defender 110: Which Is More Reliable?

Ford Bronco vs Land Rover Defender 110 at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricFord BroncoLand Rover Defender 110
Reliability Score51/10060/100
Years Tracked66
Total Recalls12623
Complaints per 10k Sold29.420.7
Year Wins14

What Are the Common Problems With the Ford Bronco and Land Rover Defender 110?

The Ford Bronco exhibits a higher volume of complaints, particularly in the electrical system and power train categories, with 305 and 260 complaints respectively, and a notable number of crash-linked incidents, especially in service brakes with 11 crash-linked complaints. In contrast, the Land Rover Defender 110 has significantly fewer total complaints, with the most issues reported in the electrical system at 59 complaints and minimal crash-linked incidents. While both models face electrical system challenges, the Bronco's higher incidence of crash-linked complaints in critical areas such as brakes indicates a potentially more severe reliability concern. The Defender 110's problem profile suggests fewer systemic issues, particularly in areas impacting vehicle safety.

Ford Bronco vs Land Rover Defender 110 common problem areas comparison
ComponentFord BroncoLand Rover Defender 110
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5Average6.5Average
VISIBILITY/WIPER2.5Low4.3Average
POWER TRAIN4.2Average1.1Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER2.3Low1.3Low
ENGINE2.6Low0.6Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES3Low—None
STEERING0.8Very Low1.8Low
FUEL SYSTEM1.8Low—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING0.1Very Low1.7Low
SUSPENSION1.3Low—None
STRUCTURE0.3Very Low0.4Very Low
AIR BAGS0.4Very Low—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING0.3Very Low—None
SEAT BELTS0.2Very Low—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION—None0.2Very Low
VISIBILITY0.1Very Low—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM—None—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Ford Bronco or Land Rover Defender 110?

Independent repair cost data suggests that the Ford Bronco incurs an annual repair cost of $784 with an average of 0.4 repair visits per year. Though specific figures for the Land Rover Defender 110 are unavailable, Land Rover vehicles typically have higher maintenance costs and more frequent repair visits due to their complexity and luxury features. For cost-conscious buyers, the Ford Bronco may offer better value. Its lower repair frequency implies less time spent at the mechanic, translating to fewer disruptions and potential savings. Over five years, the Bronco’s predictable maintenance costs could save owners approximately $3,920, assuming the Defender's costs align with industry norms for luxury SUVs.

How Does Ford Bronco vs Land Rover Defender 110 Reliability Compare by Year?

Ford Bronco vs Land Rover Defender 110 year-by-year reliability scores
YearFord BroncoLand Rover Defender 110Edge
202561/10016R / 30C59/1001R / 8CFord Bronco
202458/10018R / 104C64/1004R / 16CLand Rover Defender 110
202350/10027R / 295C57/1007R / 70CLand Rover Defender 110
202243/10032R / 576C59/1004R / 61CLand Rover Defender 110
202141/10031R / 798C59/1007R / 32CLand Rover Defender 110
2026(predicted)56/100(predicted)60/100(predicted)Land Rover Defender 110

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Ford Bronco scored 61/100 and the 2024 Land Rover Defender 110 scored 64/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Ford Bronco vs the Land Rover Defender 110?

If you prioritize a vehicle with fewer recalls and lower owner complaints, the Land Rover Defender 110 might be the better choice. It has a higher reliability score of 60/100, with significantly fewer recalls (23) and complaints per 10,000 sold (20.7), suggesting a more dependable ownership experience. Despite the lack of detailed repair cost estimates, the lower incidence of issues like electrical system and visibility/wiper problems might offer peace of mind. On the other hand, if minimizing annual repair costs is more critical for you, consider the Ford Bronco. With an estimated annual repair cost of $784 and a repair frequency of 0.4 times per year, it could be more budget-friendly in terms of maintenance. However, be aware of its lower reliability score of 51/100 and higher recall count (126), which may lead to more frequent visits to the service center.

Ford Bronco vs Land Rover Defender 110: Common Questions

Is the Ford Bronco more reliable than the Land Rover Defender 110?
Based on our data, the Land Rover Defender 110 is more reliable with an average score of 60/100 compared to 51/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Ford Bronco or the Land Rover Defender 110?
The Ford Bronco has more recalls (126) compared to the Land Rover Defender 110 (23). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Ford Bronco or the Land Rover Defender 110?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Land Rover Defender 110 has a lower complaint rate at 20.7 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 29.4 for the Ford Bronco. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Related Reliability Comparisons

Decided between Ford Bronco and Land Rover Defender 110? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue