Ford Bronco Sport Best and Worst Years (2021–2025)
The 2021 and 2022 Ford Bronco Sport are the years to avoid, with 691 and 357 complaints and complaint index scores of 100 and 75, the highest in the lineup. The 2025 model year is the best, with only 38 complaints and a complaint index of 0.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
- Model years
- 5
- 2021–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 1,349
- Recall campaigns
- 29
- Crashes reported
- 50
- Fires reported
- 41
- Top problem area
- Electrical System
Bronco Sport Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Ford Bronco Sport problems and recalls by year
Bronco Sport years to avoid: what went wrong
2021 Ford Bronco Sport Index 100 · 691 complaints · 16 recalls
The 2021 Bronco Sport leads all model years with 691 complaints and a complaint index of 100, the worst in the lineup. Electrical System problems dominate, making up 31% of complaints for the year at a median mileage of 40,000 miles. Owners also reported Transmission & Powertrain and Engine issues near 52,000-53,800 miles, plus Brakes failures around 9,000 miles, including cases where brake pedals felt stiff and failed to engage. NHTSA lists 16 recalls for this year, including one do-not-drive recall involving front lower control arm ball joints. Fires and crashes were also reported.
2021 electrical system problems →2021 transmission & powertrain problems →2021 engine problems →
2022 Ford Bronco Sport Index 75 · 357 complaints · 15 recalls
The 2022 Bronco Sport has 357 complaints and a complaint index of 75, the second-worst year. Engine problems top the list at 26% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 33,000, followed closely by Fuel System issues at 25% and a median of 43,500 miles. Owners described engine fires and smoking, including cases occurring at very low mileage. Electrical System and Transmission & Powertrain complaints were also common. NHTSA recorded 15 recalls for this year, including one do-not-drive recall.
2022 engine problems →2022 fuel system problems →2022 electrical system problems →
Most common Ford Bronco Sport problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Electrical System354 (26%)
- Engine343 (25%)
- Fuel System299 (22%)
- Transmission & Powertrain294 (22%)
- Brakes197 (15%)
- Other196 (15%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires56 (4%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras53 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers49 (4%)
- Steering36 (3%)
Frequently asked questions
- What Ford Bronco Sport years should I avoid?
- The 2021 and 2022 model years are the ones to avoid, based on NHTSA complaint data. The 2021 has a complaint index of 100 and 691 complaints, while the 2022 has an index of 75 and 357 complaints, both well above the other model years.
- What is the best Ford Bronco Sport year to buy?
- The 2025 Bronco Sport is rated Best, with only 38 complaints and a complaint index of 0, the lowest of all five model years covered.
- What is the most common problem with the Ford Bronco Sport?
- Across all model years, Electrical System issues account for 26% of complaints (354 total) and Engine issues account for 25% (343 total), making these the two largest problem areas.
- Does the Ford Bronco Sport have any do-not-drive recalls?
- Yes. Every model year from 2021 through 2025 has at least one do-not-drive recall, including a 2021-2026 Bronco Sport recall for incorrectly installed front lower control arm ball joints.
- Is the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport reliable?
- The 2023 Bronco Sport is rated Caution, with 155 complaints and a complaint index of 50, better than 2021 and 2022 but still behind the 2024 and 2025 model years.