Ford Bronco Best and Worst Years (2021–2025)
Avoid the 2022 and 2023 Ford Bronco: 2022 has the highest complaint index (100) with 376 complaints and 23 recalls, while 2023 carries a do-not-drive recall and a 75 complaint index. The 2024 Bronco is the best year, with only 74 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
- 956
- Recall campaigns
- 47
- Crashes reported
- 27
- Fires reported
- 13
- Top problem area
- Visibility & Wipers
Bronco 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 problems and recalls by year
Bronco years to avoid: what went wrong
2022 Ford Bronco Index 100 · 376 complaints · 23 recalls
The 2022 Bronco ranks worst of all five model years, with 376 complaints and a complaint index of 100. Visibility & Wipers issues lead at 75 complaints (20%), with owners describing wipers that switch modes on their own at a median mileage of 22,000 miles. Fuel System problems follow at 68 complaints (18%, median 32,500 miles), then Engine at 58 complaints (15%, median 39,000 miles). NHTSA recorded 23 recalls for this year, including fender flare detachment and hardtop roof panel manufacturing defects. Owners also reported steering failures and delayed back-over prevention software fixes tied to recall campaigns.
2022 visibility & wipers problems →2022 fuel system problems →2022 engine problems →
2023 Ford Bronco Index 75 · 225 complaints · 18 recalls
The 2023 Bronco ranks second worst, with 225 complaints and a complaint index of 75. Visibility & Wipers dominates the complaint mix at 95 complaints (42%), with a very low median failure mileage of 550 miles, suggesting problems appear almost immediately. Electrical System issues follow at 25 complaints (11%, median 12,000 miles). This year carries a do-not-drive recall, one of only two years in the lineup with that designation, plus 18 total recalls covering engine wiring harness and transmission-to-transfer-case joint defects. Owners also reported wheel separation and collision-avoidance system failures.
2023 visibility & wipers problems →2023 electrical system problems →2023 engine problems →
Most common Ford Bronco problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Visibility & Wipers195 (20%)
- Engine175 (18%)
- Electrical System140 (15%)
- Other121 (13%)
- Fuel System104 (11%)
- Brakes98 (10%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras89 (9%)
- Structure & Body83 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain81 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires78 (8%)
Frequently asked questions
- What year Ford Bronco should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2022 and 2023 Ford Bronco. The 2022 has a complaint index of 100 (the highest of all years) with 376 complaints, and the 2023 has a complaint index of 75 with a do-not-drive recall.
- What is the best Ford Bronco year to buy?
- The 2024 Ford Bronco is the best year based on NHTSA data, with just 74 complaints and a complaint index of 0, the lowest among all covered years.
- Is the 2025 Ford Bronco reliable?
- The 2025 Bronco is a caution year, with a complaint index of 50, 52 complaints, and two do-not-drive recalls, so it's a step below the 2024 model but better than the 2022 and 2023 years.
- Does the Ford Bronco have wiper problems?
- Yes. Visibility & Wipers is the top overall problem area across all Bronco years, accounting for 195 complaints (20% share), with 2022 and 2023 showing the highest concentration of these reports.
- How many recalls does the Ford Bronco have?
- Across the 2021-2025 model years, NHTSA lists 47 recall campaigns for the Ford Bronco, including do-not-drive recalls issued for the 2023, 2024, and 2025 model years.