Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 3 NHTSA variants

2025 Ford BroncoRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 19 safety recalls and 56 owner complaints for the 2025 Ford Bronco. Most complaints involve electrical system (18) and engine (9). The EPA rates it 15–20 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
15–20mpg
EPA · 10 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
19campaigns
Latest Jul 2026
Owner complaints
56
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

19 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Suspension: lower arm

Park It: do not driveFree remedy

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.

SuspensionReported May 9, 2025NHTSA 25V308000

Suspension: upper ball joint

Park It: do not driveFree remedy

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.

SuspensionReported Apr 18, 2025NHTSA 25V260000

Engine

Free remedy

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.

EngineReported Jul 20, 2026NHTSA 26V468000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

56 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2025 – Oct 2026
  1. Electrical system18
  2. Engine9
  3. Service brakes7
  4. Forward collision avoidance6
  5. Vehicle speed control5
  6. Power train5
  7. Visibility/wiper4
  8. Structure4
  9. Air bags3

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Bronco model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996100
2021230
2022386
2023230
202482
202556
202611
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
2
Deaths reported
1
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

18 reports1 crash1 fire
“The tubes running along the roof line according to my service report could not handle the heavy rain and was the resulted in a heavy stream of water inside my vehicle while driving. The water "backfilled" into the cabin through dome light just behind the sunglasses holder. Incident occurred on October 1, 2026 while I was driving with my two children in the vehicle. The incident was witnessed by the construction manager over seeing the construction of our home. There was so much rain inside the vehicle that it soaked my pants, my seat, the carpet, ran down the navigation screen into the cup holders and warped my dash. I wash my vehicle 2 to 3 times a week and have never had an issue with the roof leaking until driving in this storm. When I arrived home I lifted the t-top on the drivers side and there was no water in the weather stripping. I did take my vehicle to the dealer and was told this is a "common issue" with Broncos, for the tubing to wear out and that it and the electrical would be replaced. The dealer did not inspect the tubes or the electrical components in the over head compartment. They reported that several trips through the car wash did not result…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 22, 2026Electrical system, Visibility/wiperODI 11772992

Engine

9 reports1 crash
“The contact's wife owns a 2025 Ford Bronco. Upon taking delivery of the vehicle, the door stops on both rear doors began detaching and the plastic fender components fell off while the vehicle was parked. Additionally, the rear passenger’s side window intermittently failed to roll up. The contact then received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V468000 (Engine, Electrical System) and 26V403000 (Structure). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a wiring harness recall repair; however, the dealer stated that the fix was ineffective and too complex to perform. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were available; however, the vehicle was unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 500.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 18, 2026Electrical system, Structure, EngineODI 11765342

Service brakes

7 reports1 crash
“I purchased a 2025 Ford Bronco Outer Banks to flat tow behind my motorhome. Ford dealership in [XXX] said the Bronco can be flat towed and I reviewed the owners [XXX] , regarding flat towing, with the dealership prior to purchase. I went to a reputable hitch installer to add a demco/Air Force one braking system. We went on a 3 month trip out west and followed the directions in the Ford owners [XXX] to flat towing. Unfortunately while being towed the car came out of neutral tow 3 times while and there is no warning system to alert us when this happens. It cannot be felt or detected in our 44 ft coach. Luckily kind strangers saw our rear tires dragging and smoking and signaled to us. The last time we were on I55 near [XXX]. This was quite frightening as this could have easily turned into an accident for us and others on the road. I was able to drive a nearby Ford dealership who assessed the damage. We were lucky that only the rear tires were badly damaged and Ford replaced them for free. It was only at this time that we learned Ford sends out bulletins to dealerships re: updates. Per the dealership a bulletin was sent out in March 2026 stating that fuses 28 and…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 20, 2026Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11765695
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

10 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl turbo · 2.7L 6-cyl turbo · 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S10) · Manual 7-spd
Drive
Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Bronco 4WD
Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
182220$3,200464
Bronco Outer Banks 4WD
Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
192120$3,200453
Bronco 4WD
Man 7-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
182119$3,400468
Bronco 4WD
Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
171818$3,550494
Bronco 4WD
Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
171818$3,550506
Bronco Badlands 4WD
Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
171918$3,550517
Bronco Sasquatch 4WD
Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
171918$3,550464
Bronco Sasquatch 4WD
Man 7-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
171918$3,550468
Bronco Badlands 4WD
Man 7-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
171817$3,800526
Bronco Raptor 4WD
Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
151615$4,300577
  • Bronco 4WD
    Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI
    18 city · 22 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Bronco Outer Banks 4WD
    Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo
    19 city · 21 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Bronco 4WD
    Man 7-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI
    18 city · 21 hwy · $3,400/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • Bronco 4WD
    Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI
    17 city · 18 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Bronco 4WD
    Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI
    17 city · 18 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Bronco Badlands 4WD
    Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo
    17 city · 19 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Bronco Sasquatch 4WD
    Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo
    17 city · 19 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Bronco Sasquatch 4WD
    Man 7-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo
    17 city · 19 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Bronco Badlands 4WD
    Man 7-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo
    17 city · 18 hwy · $3,800/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • Bronco Raptor 4WD
    Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    15 city · 16 hwy · $4,300/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2025 Ford Bronco as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 20296Vehicle 20297
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2025 Bronco questions

How many recalls does the 2025 Ford Bronco have?

19 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2025 Ford Bronco problems?

Owners filed 56 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (18), engine (9), service brakes (7). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2025 Ford Bronco get?

The EPA rates the 2025 Ford Bronco at 15–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (10 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026