2023 Ford Bronco Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
75/100
#2 most-complained of 5 Bronco years
The 2023 Ford Bronco ranks 2nd worst out of 5 model years, with a Complaint Index of 75 and 225 NHTSA complaints. Visibility & Wipers issues make up 42% of complaints, and the model carries 18 recalls, including one do-not-drive recall.
- Complaints
- 225
- Recalls
- 18
- incl. Do Not Drive
- Crashes / fires
- 6 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 17
- 17 city / 18 hwy
Top 2023 Ford Bronco problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Visibility & Wipers95 (42%)
- Electrical System25 (11%)
- Engine21 (9%)
- Other21 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain21 (9%)
- Brakes17 (8%)
- Structure & Body16 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires16 (7%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras13 (6%)
- Seat Belts7 (3%)
What owners report
- Wipers on low or interval mode slow down or stop working within seconds during rain, cutting visibility sharply.
- The rearview camera can fail within days of ownership, with long wait times for dealer repair appointments.
- A burning smell and worsening rattle from the transmission/transfer case area appeared within the first 500 miles for some owners.
- One owner reported all six lug studs sheared off, causing a rear wheel to separate from the vehicle while driving.
- An engine compartment fire occurred with smoke entering the cabin through the vents before flames appeared under the hood.
- The 360-degree camera and rear obstacle alerts have failed to activate while backing up, contributing to reported collisions.
2023 Ford Bronco recalls
18 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V468000Jul 20, 2026Engine565,691 vehicles
Engine
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Bronco and Bronco Raptor vehicles. The engine compartment wiring harness may become damaged and short circuit.
Risk: A short circuit in the engine compartment can create heat or spark, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install sheathing over the wiring, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2026 Bronco Raptor notified owners on 7/31/2026. Phase 2 will include 2021-2025 Bronco Raptor vehicle will notify owners on or about 8/14/2026. Phase 3 will include 2021-2026 Bronco will notify owners on or about 9/1/2026. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S55. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 23, 2026.
- NHTSA 26V403000Jun 24, 2026Structure & Body36,046 vehicles
Structure:body
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Bronco vehicles. The fender flares may not be properly secured and detach from the vehicle.
Risk: A detached fender flare can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the fender flares as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 1, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S47. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning August 7, 2026.
- NHTSA 26V236000Apr 14, 2026Transmission & Powertrain4,922 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Bronco vehicles. The transmission to transfer case joint may be misaligned due to an incorrectly performed previous repair, which could lead to wear of the transmission output shaft splines and transfer case input splines.
Risk: Excessive wear of the transmission and transfer case splines may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transmission to transfer case joint and replace the transmission and transfer case as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S26. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 15, 2026.
2023 Ford Bronco fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 18 MPG
- Combined
- 17 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2023 compared with other Bronco years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2023 Ford Bronco reliable?
- Compared to other Bronco model years, 2023 ranks 2nd worst out of 5, with a Complaint Index of 75 and 225 NHTSA complaints. It carries an 'Avoid' verdict relative to other Bronco years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2023 Ford Bronco?
- Visibility & Wipers issues are the top problem area, accounting for 42% of all complaints (95 of 225), with a median failure mileage of 550 miles.
- Does the 2023 Ford Bronco have a do-not-drive recall?
- Yes, NHTSA data shows 1 do-not-drive recall among the 18 total recalls issued for this model year.
- How does the 2023 Bronco compare to the 2024 Bronco?
- The 2024 Bronco has a Complaint Index of 0 and a 'Best' verdict, while the 2023 Bronco has a Complaint Index of 75 and an 'Avoid' verdict, making 2024 the stronger choice between the two.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Ford Bronco?
- EPA rates the 2023 Bronco at 17 mpg combined (17 city / 18 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,800.