Model research hub
Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco is an SUV that returned for the 2021 model year after five earlier generations ended in 1996. Its recall counts are high every year: 2022 has 23 recalls and 369 complaints, the peak, and guides name 2021 and 2022 for engine defects. The 2026 Bronco is rated 15 to 20 mpg combined.
What the Ford Bronco is and who buys it
Wikipedia (opens in a new tab) describes the Bronco as a model line of SUVs made by Ford, with five generations sold from the 1966 to 1996 model years and a sixth generation from 2021, a body-on-frame, four-wheel-drive mid-size SUV offered in 2-door and 4-door forms. U.S. News (opens in a new tab) says the Jeep's huge popularity helped inspire the Bronco's 2020 resurrection and that the two compete for many of the same buyers. The Car Connection (opens in a new tab) says shoppers chasing rugged weekends and weekday usability will likely prefer the Bronco's mix of agile steering, trail tech and attractive starting price.
Model years on this site
This site covers the revival, 2021 to 2026. The 2021 Bronco is the launch year, and the 2026 Bronco offers a 2.3L four-cylinder, a 2.7L V6 and a 3.0L V6 with part-time four-wheel drive. The EPA puts its combined economy at 15 to 20 mpg and yearly fuel cost at $3,100 to $4,150. Kelley Blue Book base prices run from $42,490 for the Base to $50,885 for the Badlands, $53,620 for the Heritage Edition and $71,990 for the Stroppe Edition.
Best and worst Bronco model years
Federal counts are very high for a new model, and every year is above the norm. The 2021 has 20 recalls and 225 complaints, and the 2022 has 23 recalls and 369 complaints, the most of any year, with backup camera, powertrain, equipment and structure among its components. The 2023 has 18 recalls and 219 complaints, the 2024 has 16 recalls and 74 complaints, the 2025 has 19 recalls, and the 2026 has 8 so far, covering engine cooling, the electrical system, the backup camera and seats.
Guides agree on the first two years. CarsCounsel (opens in a new tab) says buyers should avoid the 2021 through 2022 models due to severe engine defects, and CarGurus (opens in a new tab) says CarComplaints.com even calls 2022 the worst model year due to engine problems. With 16 to 19 recalls a year, check any Bronco's VIN for open campaigns before buying.
Strengths and weaknesses
The strengths are capability and price. The Car Connection says the Wrangler still climbs rocks like a mountain goat, especially in Rubicon form, but that its jittery ride and noisy cabin feel old-school next to the more settled Bronco on daily commutes. Dealer Sarchione Ford says the Bronco Badlands with the 2.7-liter V6 still has a price advantage over its competition, which is a seller's view. The weaknesses are the recall load above, fuel economy at 15 to 20 mpg, and prices that climb steeply on special editions.
Questions buyers ask
Which Ford Bronco years should I avoid?
CarsCounsel (opens in a new tab) says to avoid the 2021 through 2022 models due to severe engine defects. In federal data the 2022 has the most recalls (23) and complaints (369).
Is the Ford Bronco the same as the old Bronco?
No. Wikipedia says five generations were sold from the 1966 to 1996 model years and the sixth generation began in 2021.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2025 Ford Bronco is built around 2.3L turbo four-cylinder, 2.7L twin-turbo V6 or 3.0L twin-turbo V6, rated at 300–418 horsepower across its off-road SUV body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2025 U.S. lineup has 6 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe most the 2025 Ford Bronco is published to tow is up to 4,500 lb.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA lists 19 recall campaigns for the 2025 Bronco.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2025 Ford Bronco
The 2025 Bronco is a body-on-frame 4x4 offered with two- and four-door bodies, three engine families and a wide range of axle, tire and package combinations.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
2 indexed Ford Bronco model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Ford Bronco | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Ford Bronco | 2025 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Ford Bronco.
The Ford Bronco is a model line of SUVs manufactured and marketed by Ford. The first SUV model developed by the company, five generations of the Bronco were sold from the 1966 to 1996 model years. A sixth generation of the model line was introduced for the 2021 model year.
- Chassis
- The first-generation Bronco is built upon a chassis developed specifically for the model range, shared with no other Ford or Lincoln-Mercury vehicle. Built on a 92-inch wheelbase (sized between the CJ-5 and Scout; only an inch shorter than the later CJ-7), the Bronco used box-section body-on-frame construction.
- Powertrain
- At its August 1965 launch, the Bronco was offered with a 170-cubic-inch inline six. Derived from the Ford Falcon, the 105-hp engine was modified with solid valve lifters, a 6-US-quart (6 L) oil pan, heavy-duty fuel pump, oil-bath air cleaner, and carburetor with a float bowl compensated against tilting.
- Sales
- In 1965, race car builder Bill Stroppe assembled a team of Broncos for long-distance off-road competition. Partnering with Holman-Moody, the Stroppe/Holman/Moody (SHM) Broncos competed in the Mint 400, Baja 500, and Mexican 1000 (later named the Baja 1000). In 1969, SHM again entered a team of six Broncos in the Baja 1000.
- Special editions
- To commemorate 25 years of production, Ford offered a Silver Anniversary Edition Bronco for the 1991 model year. A cosmetic option package, the Silver Anniversary Edition featured Currant Red exterior paint (package exclusive) and a gray leather interior (the first time leather seating was available for a Bronco).
- Specifications
- The standard engine is a 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost inline-four that makes 300 hp (304 PS; 224 kW) and 325 lb⋅ft of torque. A 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 is optional; the larger variant makes 330 hp (335 PS; 246 kW) and 415 lb⋅ft of torque.
Source: Ford Bronco (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Ford Bronco at a glance
- Production
- 1965–1996, 2021–present
- Model years
- 1966–1996, 2021–present
- Class
- Compact SUV (1965–1977, 2004 concept), Full-size SUV (1978–1996), Mid-size SUV (2021–present)
- Body style
- 2-door SUV (1965–1996, 2004 concept, 2021–present), 4-door SUV (2021–present)
- Layout
- Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
- Chassis
- Body-on-frame
- Successor
- Ford Expedition (for full-size model)
Recent recalls (29 campaigns across the latest model years)
- September 2026, Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Bronco vehicles. The mounting bracket on the right-hand-side side curtain air bag may have a metal burr that can tear the air bag during deployment. Consequence: A torn air bag may fail to properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- August 2026, Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mustang, and Ranger vehicles. The engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead to a loss of drive power. Consequence: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- July 2026, 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. Consequence: A short circuit in the engine compartment can create heat or spark, increasing the risk of a fire.
Owners filed 74 complaints with NHTSA for the 2024 Ford Bronco, most often about unknown or other (21), electrical system (18), structure (13).
Year by year
The Ford Bronco across 6 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Ford Bronco | 15–20 | $3,250–$4,300 | 9 | 8 | 5 stars | |
| 2025 Ford Bronco | 15–20 | $3,100–$4,150 | 10 | 19 | 5 stars | |
| 2024 Ford Bronco | 15–20 | $3,100–$4,150 | 12 | 16 | 74 | |
| 2023 Ford Bronco | 15–20 | $3,100–$4,150 | 13 | 18 | 219 | |
| 2022 Ford Bronco | 15–20 | $3,100–$4,150 | 12 | 23 | 369 | |
| 2021 Ford Bronco | 17–21 | $2,950–$3,650 | 10 | 20 | 225 |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Ford Bronco, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 to 2026 | 10 to 9 | |||
| 2024 to 2025 | 12 to 10 | Labels: Bronco Outer Banks 4WD; Engines: 2.3L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI | Labels: Bronco Black Diamond 4WD; Engines: 2.3L 4-cyl SIDI | |
| 2023 to 2024 | 13 to 12 | Engines: 2.3L 4-cyl SIDI | Engines: 2.3L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI | |
| 2022 to 2023 | 12 to 13 | |||
| 2021 to 2022 | 10 to 12 | 19.0 to 17.5 | Labels: Bronco Raptor 4WD; Engines: 3L 6-cyl SIDI; Size classes: Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
Buying used
What the Ford Bronco recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 | electrical system (instrument cluster/panel); back over prevention (software); seats (critical fasteners); 5 more | None |
| 2025 | 19 | suspension (front); power train (automatic transmission); seats (critical fasteners); 10 more | 2 stop-driving or park-outside |
| 2024 | 16 | visibility (glass, side/rear); latches/locks/linkages (doors); suspension (front); 8 more | 1 stop-driving or park-outside |
| 2023 | 18 | power train (automatic transmission); steering; wheels (lugs/nuts/bolts/studs); 12 more | 1 stop-driving or park-outside |
| 2022 | 23 | latches/locks/linkages (doors); visibility (windshield); back over prevention (sensing system); 13 more | 2 fixable over the air |
| 2021 | 20 | air bags (frontal); forward collision avoidance (sensing system); latches/locks/linkages (doors); 12 more | 2 fixable over the air |
Recalls that told owners to stop driving or park outside
- 2023, campaign 23V-283 (Apr 2023): wheels (lugs/nuts/bolts/studs). Loose lug nuts may result in wheel detachment while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 2024, campaign 25V-308 (May 2025): suspension (front). A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle steering and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 2025, campaign 25V-260 (Apr 2025): suspension (front). A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle steering and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 2025, campaign 25V-308 (May 2025): suspension (front). A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle steering and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| visibility/wiper | 168 | 19% | 2023 (89) |
| engine | 144 | 16% | 2021 (68) |
| electrical system | 108 | 12% | 2022 (39) |
| unknown or other | 108 | 12% | 2022 (41) |
| service brakes | 89 | 10% | 2022 (42) |
| power train | 66 | 7% | 2022 (39) |
Trim by trim
Every 2026 Ford Bronco trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 4WD | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | 300 | 325 | 4,504 | 3,500 | 19 | – |
| Big Bend | 4WD | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | 300 | 325 | 4,523 | 3,500 | 19 | $42,990 |
| Outer Banks | 4WD | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | 300 | 325 | 4,637 | 3,500 | 20 | $50,085 |
| Badlands | 4WD | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | 300 | 325 | 4,897 | 3,500 | 17 | $50,885 |
| Heritage Edition | 4WD | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | 300 | 325 | 4,871 | 3,500 | 19 | $53,620 |
| Stroppe Edition | 4WD | 2.7-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) | 330 | 415 | 5,334 | 3,500 | 17 | $71,990 |
| Raptor | 4WD | 3.0-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) | 418 | 440 | 5,814 | 4,500 | 15 | $81,990 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2026 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Ford Bronco model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) / 2.7-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) / 3.0-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) | 300–418 | 4,504–5,814 | 3,500–4,500 | 20.8 |
| 2025 | 7 | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) / 2.7-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) / 3.0-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) | 275–418 | – | – | – |
| 2024 | 15 | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) / 2.7-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) / 3.0-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) | 275–315 | – | 3,340–3,500 | 16.9–20.8 |
| 2023 | 18 | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) / 2.7-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) / 3.0-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) | 275–315 | 4,864 | 3,500 | 16.9–20.8 |
| 2022 | 14 | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) / 2.7-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) / 3.0-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) | 275–315 | – | 3,500 | 16.9–20.8 |
| 2021 | 14 | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) / 2.7-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) | 300–330 | – | 3,500 | 16.9–20.8 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Model-year recall record
Ford Bronco: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | not available | engine cooling, electrical system, backup camera, seats |
| 2025 | 19 | not available | suspension, powertrain, seats, brakes |
| 2024 | 16 | 74 | suspension, door latches, powertrain, backup camera |
| 2023 | 18 | 219 | powertrain, backup camera, equipment, steering |
| 2022 | 23 | 369 | backup camera, powertrain, equipment, structure |
| 2021 | 20 | 225 | backup camera, airbags, forward collision system, door latches |
| 2020 | not available | ||
| 2019 | not available | ||
| 2018 | not available | ||
| 2017 | not available | ||
| 2016 | not available | ||
| 2015 | not available |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Known gap: the NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Ford Bronco model years 2025, 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream, not returning a genuine zero. Those years are marked "not available" above instead of shown as clean; recall counts for those years are unaffected and come from the separate recalls API, which returned data for every year listed.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Ford Bronco?
Federal recall records don't single out a best Ford Bronco model year: recall counts across the 6 published model years checked here stay within a normal range of this nameplate's own average (about 17.3 recalls per year), with no year standing out as notably higher or lower. Recall count is one input, not a purchase verdict. It says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record.
Q02What are common recall-related problems on the Ford Bronco by model year?
2026: engine cooling, electrical system, backup camera, seats. 2025: suspension, powertrain, seats, brakes. 2024: suspension, door latches, powertrain, backup camera. 2023: powertrain, backup camera, equipment, steering. 2022: backup camera, powertrain, equipment, structure. 2021: backup camera, airbags, forward collision system, door latches.
Q03Why do some Ford Bronco model years show "not available" for complaints?
The NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Ford Bronco model years 2025, 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream instead of the count genuinely being zero. Recall counts for those years are unaffected; they come from a separate NHTSA endpoint that returned data for every year listed.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Climate and electrical, Buying, records and recalls, Transmission and drivetrain, Brakes, tires and steering, Engine and cooling.
Compared with
Models this Ford Bronco is most often compared with.
Nearest Ford models
Other Ford models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2025 Bronco come in?
The 2025 Ford Bronco (off-road SUV) comes in 6 trims: Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, Badlands, Stroppe Edition, Raptor.
Q02What are the 2025 Bronco trims?
The 2025 Ford Bronco trims are Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, Badlands, Stroppe Edition, Raptor, listed from the entry Base up to the top Raptor.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2025 Bronco use?
The 2025 Ford Bronco is built around 2.3L turbo four-cylinder, 2.7L twin-turbo V6 or 3.0L twin-turbo V6, rated at 300–418 horsepower across its off-road SUV body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2025 Bronco have?
The 2025 Ford Bronco is rated at 300–418 horsepower (2.3L turbo four-cylinder, 2.7L twin-turbo V6 or 3.0L twin-turbo V6).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2025 Bronco?
The 2025 Ford Bronco is offered with Standard 4x4.