VehicleVerdict

2025 Ford Bronco problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 66 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 8.3 times the median Bronco year — the 2025 model ranks #11 of 36 Bronco years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across driver assistance (10), electrical system (10), and engine (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

66

NHTSA complaints

18

Recalls

0

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2025 compare to other Bronco years?

See all Bronco years to avoid →

What are the most common 2025 Ford Bronco problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1015%
Driver Assistance1015%
Other812%
Engine812%
Transmission58%
Brakes58%
Speed Control46%
Visibility & Wipers35%
Steering35%
Body & Structure35%
Airbags23%
Lighting23%
Fuel System12%
Suspension12%
Seat Belts12%

Does the 2025 Ford Bronco have recalls?

18 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V403000Body & StructureJune 24, 2026 · 36,046 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Bronco vehicles. The fender flares may not be properly secured and detach from the vehicle.

Consequence

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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed August 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in late August 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.

26V343000EngineMay 27, 2026 · 1,536 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles. The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.

Consequence

A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S35. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 28, 2026.

26V268000SeatsApril 28, 2026 · 179,698 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The front seats may have a loose or dislodged seat frame height-adjust pivot bolt.

Consequence

A seat with a dislodged bolt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the pivot links and bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 26S30. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 30, 2026.

26V236000TransmissionApril 14, 2026 · 4,922 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 8, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in July 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.

26V122000EngineMarch 3, 2026 · 47,804 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.

Consequence

An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 20, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.

26V124000Driver AssistanceMarch 3, 2026 · 849,310 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Ford Bronco and 2021-2024 Ford Edge vehicles. The Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) may overheat and shutdown, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended.

Consequence

A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The APIM software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S09. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.

25V823000BrakesDecember 1, 2025 · 679 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.

Consequence

An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the electronic brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 26, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 3, 2025.

25V788000Electrical SystemNovember 14, 2025 · 229,609 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Bronco and Bronco Sport vehicles. The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail at startup.

Consequence

An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or vehicle speed, increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The instrument panel cluster software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SC3.

25V683000Visibility & WipersOctober 10, 2025 · 9 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."

Consequence

In the event of a crash, windshield detachment can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will remove and replace the windshield, free charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 20, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C52. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.

25V488000BrakesJuly 25, 2025 · 312,120 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.

Consequence

An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The EBB module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S77.

25V397000Latches & LocksJune 13, 2025 · 27,768 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Bronco four-door vehicles. The left-hand rear door may be able to be opened from inside the vehicle when the child safety lock is in the "ON" position.

Consequence

A malfunctioning child safety lock that allows a rear door to be opened unintentionally can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the rear door latch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S64.

25V396000AirbagsJune 13, 2025 · 2,272 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Bronco vehicles. The active vent flap on the passenger side may prevent the air bag from deploying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C27.

25V311000SeatsMay 9, 2025 · 46 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The bolts that secure the driver's seat frame to the body may be loose or missing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 207, "Seating Systems."

Consequence

A seat with loose or missing fasteners may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the seat fasteners and tighten or install new fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 23, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C16.

25V310000SuspensionMay 9, 2025 · 4,497 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. The front upper control arm ball joint fastener may be missing or tightened improperly, allowing the front upper control arm to detach from the knuckle assembly.

Consequence

A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle steering and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the ball joint fastener as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 23, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S45.

25V308000SuspensionMay 9, 2025 · 3 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Bronco vehicles. The front lower control arm fasteners may not have been tightened properly, allowing the control arm to detach from the frame.

Consequence

A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle steering and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. Dealers will inspect and verify that the lower control arm fasteners are tightened properly. If a fastener is loose or missing, the dealer will replace the fastener. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S48.

25V260000SuspensionApril 18, 2025 · 2 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Bronco vehicles. The front upper control arm ball joint nut may be missing or tightened improperly, allowing the front upper control arm to detach from the knuckle assembly.

Consequence

A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle steering and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. Dealers will inspect and verify that the ball joint fastener is tightened properly. If a fastener is loose or missing, the dealer will replace the ball joint and knuckle assembly. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in April 2025. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S40.

25V164000TransmissionMarch 14, 2025 · 269 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.

Consequence

Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S19.

24V770000SuspensionOctober 16, 2024 · 2,416 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ranger, and 2024-2025 Bronco vehicles. The front upper control arm ball joint nut may not have been installed or tightened properly, allowing the front upper control arm to detach from the knuckle assembly.

Consequence

A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle steering and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and verify that the ball joint fastener is tightened properly. If a fastener is loose or missing, the dealer will replace the ball joint and knuckle assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 20, 2024. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S64.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

Accident Statement – Instrument Panel Cluster Failure & Collision While driving my 2025 Ford Outerbanks, the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) screen suddenly went completely black without warning. At the time of the malfunction, I was attempting to merge into traffic on my left with my left turn…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 30, 2025 · crash

The Pre-Collision Assist false-triggers on turns daily, flashing the red collision warning and actively applying autonomous emergency braking without any obstruction present. This phantom braking is a severe safety hazard. The vehicle has been serviced before for this issue - and is going back to…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · June 2, 2026

on Jan 15, 2025. A cold start for the Bronco, putting in reverse, the vehicle lurched back and to the hard right, uncommanded acceleration at a high rate of speed, steering locked up, brakes locked up, tires spinning, engine revving causing the bronco to smash into the exterior of my home garage…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 15, 2026 · crash

Vehicle was parked in driveway and put into park. After getting out of vehicle and walking into house we noticed the car started to roll forward and by the time we could react the car was picking up speed and rolled into a tree at the end of our driveway. A few days prior while driving 40 mph near…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 13, 2025 · crash

on Jan 15, 2025. A cold start for the Bronco, putting in reverse, the vehicle lurched back and to the hard right, uncommanded acceleration at a high rate of speed, steering locked up, brakes locked up, tires spinning, engine revving causing the bronco to smash into the exterior of my home garage…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 15, 2026 · crash

2025 Ford Bronco — common questions

Is the 2025 Ford Bronco reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 66 complaints put the 2025 model at #11 of 36 Bronco years. It is one of the Bronco years to avoid.

What are the most common 2025 Bronco problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (10 complaints), electrical system (10 complaints), engine (8 complaints).

Does the 2025 Ford Bronco have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 18 recall campaigns affecting the 2025 Ford Bronco. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ford Bronco years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Bronco years to avoid are 2022, 2021, 2023, 1995, 1989, 1994, 1996, 2024, 1990, 1988, 2025, 1987, 1992, 1993, 1986, 1991. The cleanest record among Bronco years belongs to 1980.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.