The Ford Bronco back on the road since 2021 after being gone for 25 years has really caught people’s eyes as a top off-road SUV. It’s up against tough competitors like the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4Runner, and Land Rover Defender but what sets the Bronco apart is its tough performance, cool tech, and options to personalize it. But you might be wondering how it holds up with things like reliability over time, maintenance costs, and common issues.
This article is here to give you some good insights about how the Ford Bronco stacks up in terms of reliability ratings, possible mechanical problems, and what it costs to own, pulling information from sources like J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, RepairPal, and NHTSA.
Reliability Scores from Credible Sources
| Source | Reliability Score (Out of 100 or 5) | Category |
|---|---|---|
| J.D. Power | 77/100 | “Average” |
| Consumer Reports | 2/5 | #6 out of 10 |
| RepairPal | – | No score yet |
| NHTSA Recalls | Multiple Recalls Reported | “Moderate Concerns” |
J.D. Power: 77/100 Reliability Rating
J.D. Power rates the Ford Bronco at a score of 77 out of 100, which puts it in the “Average” range. It’s pretty solid when it comes to off-road toughness and the reliability of its drivetrain. However, there have been some complaints about how responsive the transmission is and problems with some of the electronic features.
Consumer Reports: 2/5 Rating
Consumer Reports gives the Bronco a below average rating of 2 out of 5 for reliability. Even though they point out its good drivability, sturdy frame, tough capability, and decent resale value. But some owners are mentioning issues like early wear on the transmission, rattling roof panels, and problems with the infotainment system.
RepairPal: 3/5 Rating
RepairPal gave the 2022 Bronco a 3 out of 5 rating. They mentioned that on average, you’ll spend about $502 a year on repairs for the Bronco. That’s pretty similar to what you’d pay for a Toyota 4Runner but a bit less than a Jeep Wrangler. They pointed out 15 common problems that folks have faced. The top issues include a “no-start” situation because of ignition module failure and a broken EGR system tube that can cause exhaust leaks under the hood.
NHTSA Recalls and Safety Concerns
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has put out 11 recalls for the 2022 Bronco. Four of those were made in the same year which raises some eyebrows and makes it seem like Ford might’ve rushed the Bronco to market without thorough testing. Here’s a closer look at the other recalls for this model.
- Rear Shock Absorber Reservoir May Detach (January 2025)
- Engine Intake Valves May Break (August 2024)
- Incorrect Load Carrying Capacity/FMVSS 110 (May 2023)
- Seat Belt Latch Difficult to Access/FMVSS 208 (May 2023)
- Rearview Camera Malfunction/FMVSS 111 (March 2023)
- Steering Wheel May Lock-Up While Driving (March 2023)
- Loose Bolt in Transmission May Cause Rollaway (February 2023)
- Improperly Secured Side Impact Sensors (December 2022)
- Rearview Camera Malfunction/FMVSS 111 (November 2022)
- Inadequate Front Windshield Bonding/FMVSS 212 (June 2022)
- Child Safety Lock Malfunction (June 2022)
On the other hand the 2023 Bronco has 9 recalls, one of them is a serious recall that comes with a “Do Not Drive” warning. It’s about improperly tightened wheel lug nuts. If those lug nuts are loose, your wheel could come off while you’re driving, which is a big safety issue. So, if your vehicle hasn’t been fixed yet, it’s better to play it safe and not drive it. Here are the list of recalls
- Rear Shock Absorber Reservoir May Detach (January 2025)
- Child Safety Lock Malfunction (March 2024)
- Rear Glass Panels May Detach (February 2024)
- Unsecured Transmission May Cause Rollaway (August 2023)
- Incorrect Load Carrying Capacity/FMVSS 110 (May 2023)
- Seat Belt Latch Difficult to Access/FMVSS 208 (May 2023)
- Improperly Tightened Wheel Lug Nuts (April 2023)
- Steering Wheel May Lock-Up While Driving (March 2023)
- Loose Bolt in Transmission May Cause Rollaway (February 2023)
The 2024 Bronco in comparison has only 4 recalls so farl:
- Rear Shock Absorber Reservoir May Detach (January 2025)
- Loss of Steering from Front Control Arm Separation (October 2024)
- Child Safety Lock Malfunction (May 2024)
- Rear Glass Panels May Detach (February 2024)
Looks like almost every version of the Ford Bronco has a pretty long list of safety recalls. The 2023 Ford Bronco stands out with the most problems, so it might be a good idea to steer clear of that one unless you really want it for some reason. If you’re curious about recall dates and stuff, be sure to check out the NHTSA website for more details.
Common Issues with the Ford Bronco
While the 2022 Bronco excels in off-road capability, it has several known reliability concerns reported by owners and mechanics:
1. Transmission & Gearbox Issues
- The 10-speed automatic transmission is prone to hard shifts, delayed engagement, and occasional slipping.
- Some manual transmission models exhibit clutch wear issues sooner than expected.
2. Roof Panel Rattling & Water Leaks
- Hardtop models sometimes experience roof panel detachment at highway speeds.
- Water leaks around the A-pillars and rear windows have been reported.
3. Infotainment & Electrical System Malfunctions
- SYNC 4 infotainment may freeze, reboot randomly, or experience lag.
- Some owners report intermittent failures with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
4. Engine Cooling & Overheating Risks
- The 2.7L EcoBoost V6 has sporadic cooling system failures, leading to overheating concerns.
- Some turbocharged models experience boost leaks due to hose clamp failures.
5. Suspension & Steering Concerns
- Early models reported loose front suspension components, affecting alignment and handling stability.
- Steering rack failures have been noted in high-mileage off-road driven models.
Maintenance and Ownership Costs
Owning a 2022 Ford Bronco comes with higher-than-average upkeep costs, particularly if used for off-road adventures. Below is an estimated breakdown of expected service costs:
| Service Type | Estimated Cost | Frequency |
| Oil Change | $100–$200 | Every 7,500 miles |
| Brake Pad Replacement | $400–$700 | Every 40,000 miles |
| Transmission Service | $600–$1,000 | Every 60,000 miles |
| Cooling System Flush | $300–$600 | Every 50,000 miles |
| Roof Panel Inspection | $150–$400 | As Needed |
Is the Ford Bronco Worth Buying?
Pros
- Superior Off-Road Capability – Built for rugged terrain with advanced 4×4 systems.
- Retro-Inspired Styling – Unique design that stands out in the SUV market.
- Strong Resale Value – Retains value better than many competitors.
- Spacious & Versatile – Ample cargo and seating space for a midsize SUV.
Cons
- Transmission & Gearbox Quirks – 10-speed automatic can be rough at times.
- Roof Panel Rattling – Hardtop issues persist in some early models.
- Higher Maintenance Costs – More expensive than Toyota and some Jeep models.
Final Verdict
The 2022 Ford Bronco is a really cool off-road SUV that offers great style, performance, and tough durability. But when it comes to reliability, it’s still getting there. Some common hiccups include early transmission problems, roof panel issues, and bugs in the infotainment system.
If you’re thinking about buying a used Bronco, make sure to check for regular service records. It’s a good idea to steer clear of the first-year models from 2021 due to reliability issues and the 2023 model because of some safety concerns—unless you find one that’s already fixed those safety problems. There are definitely better options out there like the new Toyota Land Cruiser, but the Bronco, with its classic look and history, might still attract some buyers even with the negatives. Just remember that getting updates from the dealer can really help with long-term reliability.
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