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NHTSA FEDERAL EVIDENCE AUDITAudited: 2026-08-24

2023 Ford Bronco Common Problems & Defect Telemetry

Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 216 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 18 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.

Data Grade: HIGH•16 Odometer Verified EntriesMethodology
Executive AI Defect Summary

The 2023 Ford Bronco receives a 5.2/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 216 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 18 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports with a median failure point at 30,113 miles (IQR: 30,113 – 30,113 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $280 – $850 .

Ford Bronco PlatformFord Bronco Series
DLC Port: Beneath steering wheel lower shroud

*Representative vehicle platform imagery. Body styling varies across generations.

MazicBay Reliability Index
5.2 / 10

19.6 complaints / 10k sold

NHTSA Owner Complaints
216

Verified US federal records

Safety Severity Grade
Critical Risk

Crash, fire & stall audit

Federal Safety Recalls
18

18 Active / Free Remedies

Switch Bronco Model Year (2014–2025)
Defect Clustering

Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)

Ranked by NHTSA Complaint Frequency
#1 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & BATTERYCritical Severity81% Match Confidence

Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports

32
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):30,113 milesIQR: 30,113 – 30,113 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$280 – $850 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
  • Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
  • Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11756156 • Filed: 08/11/2026

“I was going really slow down an easy dirt road in 4L and all of the sudden the steering wheel spun violently two full turns left in under a second on its own. This threw my right arm off the wheel where it hit the shifter with force leaving a large bruise. Steering system faul...”

ODI #11734240 • Filed: 04/28/2026

“The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V124000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was in park(P) and running, the infotainment screen turned black after several secon...”

ODI #11730930 • Filed: 04/13/2026

“I am reporting unresolved safety recalls and unreasonable delay in repair for my 2023 Ford Bronco (VIN: ... ). This vehicle currently has two open safety recalls issued by Ford Motor Company • NHTSA Recall 25V721 (issued October 2025) – seat frame defect that may increase inju...”

#2 ENGINE & COOLINGCritical Severity80% Match Confidence

Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports

30
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):2,900 milesIQR: 2,386 – 2,950 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$950 – $3,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
  • Abnormal oil burning / consumption
  • Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
  • Engine overheating / coolant loss
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11741783 • Filed: 06/03/2026

“-Complete steering and suspension failure occurred while driving on highway. Vehicle is currently sitting at Ford dealer. - The safety of all passengers was put at risk and nearly caused a fatal accident. -Dealer and another shop are saying it was lower control arm and bushing...”

ODI #11737859 • Filed: 05/14/2026

“The contact owned a 2023 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while her boyfriend was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal noise. The contact's boyfriend had pulled over. They discovered an unknown fluid leaking under the vehicle and a spark coming fro...”

ODI #11735581 • Filed: 05/04/2026

“when engine is cold and I go down a hill to a stop sign and apply the brakes , the brakes begin to engage almost fully then release and the Bronco lurches forward 6-8" and then the brakes grab and slam the car to a stop. This only happens on an incline and when the engine is c...”

#3 TRANSMISSION & DRIVETRAINCritical Severity81% Match Confidence

Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports

27
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):12,300 milesIQR: 8,213 – 30,113 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$1,400 – $3,800 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
  • Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
  • Transmission slipping between gears
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11756156 • Filed: 08/11/2026

“I was going really slow down an easy dirt road in 4L and all of the sudden the steering wheel spun violently two full turns left in under a second on its own. This threw my right arm off the wheel where it hit the shifter with force leaving a large bruise. Steering system faul...”

ODI #11750266 • Filed: 07/14/2026Odometer: 40,000 mi

“2023 Ford Bronco with 7 speed manual transmission. The transmission started grinding while shifting into 3rd gear and occasionally popping out of 3rd gear. This mostly occurred while upshifting and rarely while downshifting. All other gears are operating as normal. While the g...”

ODI #11722617 • Filed: 03/06/2026Odometer: 30,113 mi

“1. Component/system that failed/malfunctioned — Braking system (electronic parking brake and brake control modules) combined with electrical/communication defect preventing storage of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Vehicle available for inspection upon request. 2. How safety...”

#4 STEERING & SUSPENSIONCritical Severity65% Match Confidence

Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports

24
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):14,936 milesIQR: 1,779 – 30,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$450 – $1,400 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
  • Steering wheel pull or highway wander
  • Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11756156 • Filed: 08/11/2026

“I was going really slow down an easy dirt road in 4L and all of the sudden the steering wheel spun violently two full turns left in under a second on its own. This threw my right arm off the wheel where it hit the shifter with force leaving a large bruise. Steering system faul...”

ODI #11751149 • Filed: 07/17/2026

“The MIC hard top component on my Ford Bronco is cracking. I have gotten it replaced twice through Ford for the same issue, but now this is my 3rd top and the issue keeps coming back.”

ODI #11749931 • Filed: 07/13/2026

“After making a right hand turn, when the steering wheel recenters for some unknown reason it is turning on the left turn signal. I had noticed it in the past and thought I was wrong, but it continuing to do it.”

#5 BRAKING SYSTEM & ABSCritical Severity84% Match Confidence

Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports

21
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):20,057 milesIQR: 15,028 – 25,085 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$350 – $1,100 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
  • ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
  • Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11747200 • Filed: 06/29/2026

“TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE IN 2023 BRONCO. What happened is exactly what is described for current recall of the electronic brake booster for 2025 broncos. Mine is a 2023.”

ODI #11735581 • Filed: 05/04/2026

“when engine is cold and I go down a hill to a stop sign and apply the brakes , the brakes begin to engage almost fully then release and the Bronco lurches forward 6-8" and then the brakes grab and slam the car to a stop. This only happens on an incline and when the engine is c...”

ODI #11729240 • Filed: 04/05/2026

“A couple of times on as well as off pavement when traveling on a decline I depress the brake pedal and it only very softly applied the brakes. I have to press very hard to come to a stop. Much harder than normal. Once (off pavement) they did not work until the third time I pre...”

#6 AIRBAGS & SAFETY RESTRAINTSMedium Severity65% Match Confidence

Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports

14
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):36,000 milesIQR: 36,000 – 36,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$400 – $1,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
  • Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
  • Seat belt retractor lockup
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11712487 • Filed: 01/21/2026

“Front differential mounts are cracking and breaking leading to insecure front differential and damage to adjacent suspension and power train components. This is a significant risk to both the driver/occupants and potentially other vehicles on the road. This problem is appearin...”

ODI #11667594 • Filed: 06/18/2025

“After Avis Ford replaced my seatbelt on the driver’s side, my vehicle began to rattle from underneath the same area and in the front. The seatbelt side was serviced twice, and now the car feels unsafe. The dealership refused to re-inspect and told me to fix it out of pocket. I...”

ODI #11664569 • Filed: 06/03/2025

“We have 3 Diono 3QXT car seats in our 2023 Bronco back seat. I noticed today that two of the car seat's vehicle seatbelts were unlatched. The middle car seat and the passenger-side car seat were loose because the securing seatbelt in the Bronco was unlatched. My concern is tha...”

#7 FUEL SYSTEM & INJECTIONCritical Severity70% Match Confidence

Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports

2
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):55,000 milesIQR: 35,000 – 75,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$650 – $1,250 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
  • Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
  • Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (2)
ODI #11737859 • Filed: 05/14/2026

“The contact owned a 2023 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while her boyfriend was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal noise. The contact's boyfriend had pulled over. They discovered an unknown fluid leaking under the vehicle and a spark coming fro...”

ODI #11548505 • Filed: 10/05/2023

“The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the power train and service engine soon had warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was bad gasoline in the vehicle, and g...”

Safety Enforcement

Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (18)

100% Free Dealer Repair
NHTSA Campaign #23V070000Reported: 10/02/2023

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The transmission may contain a loose bolt which could prevent the transmission from engaging the park gear, although the gear shifter position may indicate that the vehicle has been shifted to "PARK."

Safety Consequence: The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmissions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S06.
NHTSA Campaign #23V155000Reported: 08/03/2023

STEERING

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Bronco Wildtrak and 2022 Bronco Raptor vehicles. Internal damage to the steering gear may require increased steering effort or cause the steering wheel to lock-up.

Safety Consequence: A steering wheel that locks-up can result in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S09.
NHTSA Campaign #23V283000Reported: 20/04/2023

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. The lug nuts on the driver's side wheels may have been improperly tightened.

Safety Consequence: Loose lug nuts may result in wheel detachment while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, retighten the lug nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S17.
NHTSA Campaign #23V358000Reported: 18/05/2023

SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles built with the 5-Door body style. The first-row seat belt latch plates may be difficult to access from their stowed position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Safety Consequence: Difficulty accessing the seat belt latches may result in occupants not wearing their seat belts, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will add a sliding clip latch stop to the driver and front passenger seat belts, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 14, 2023. Owner letters informing owners that parts are available were mailed on October 2, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C16.
NHTSA Campaign #23V379000Reported: 26/05/2023

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco, 2023 Super Duty F-250, and 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles. The Tire and Loading Information (TREAD) label states the incorrect load carrying capacity, which can result in an overloaded vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Safety Consequence: An overloaded vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Ford will mail a new TREAD label to install over the existing label, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the new label installed, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C18.
NHTSA Campaign #23V546000Reported: 03/08/2023

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:PARK PAWL

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Bronco vehicles. The transmission park system may have been damaged during assembly, which can prevent the parking pawl from fully engaging and result in a vehicle rollaway.

Safety Consequence: A vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S44.
NHTSA Campaign #24V142000Reported: 23/02/2024

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Bronco and Bronco Heritage vehicles. The rear quarter glass panels may have been improperly installed to the vehicle hard top, which can allow them to detach.

Safety Consequence: Detached rear glass panels may create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the rear glass panels on Bronco vehicles. On Bronco Heritage vehicles, dealers will replace the rear left-hand removable quarter glass panel. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Bronco owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2024. Bronco Heritage owner letters were mailed June 12, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S10.
NHTSA Campaign #24V189000Reported: 08/03/2024

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Bronco 4-door vehicles. The left-side rear door may be opened from the inside of the vehicle when the child safety lock is in the "ON" position.

Safety Consequence: A malfunctioning child safety lock that allows a rear door to be opened unintentionally can increase the risk of injury.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will inspect the child safety locks and replace the rear door latch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 9, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S15.
NHTSA Campaign #25V025000Reported: 17/01/2025

SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco vehicles. The rear shock absorbers may corrode and fail, resulting in detachment of the external reservoir.

Safety Consequence: An external reservoir that detaches from a vehicle can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear shock absorbers, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S01.
NHTSA Campaign #25V273000Reported: 14/05/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco vehicles. The 360-degree view camera may not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.

Safety Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S48. This recall expands previous recall number 23V-598.
NHTSA Campaign #25V315000Reported: 09/05/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.

Safety Consequence: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.
NHTSA Campaign #25V455000Reported: 07/07/2025

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.

Safety Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
NHTSA Campaign #25V685000Reported: 10/10/2025

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

Safety Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
NHTSA Campaign #25V721000Reported: 23/10/2025

SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles. The front seats may have a loose or dislodged seat frame height-adjust pivot bolt.

Safety Consequence: A seat with a dislodged bolt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the pivot links and bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB5. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 28, 2025.
NHTSA Campaign #26V124000Reported: 03/03/2026

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Summary: 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.

Safety 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.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #26V236000Reported: 14/04/2026

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Summary: 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.

Safety 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.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #26V403000Reported: 24/06/2026

STRUCTURE:BODY

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

Safety Consequence: A detached fender flare can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the fender flares as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 11, 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.
NHTSA Campaign #26V468000Reported: 20/07/2026

ENGINE

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: A short circuit in the engine compartment can create heat or spark, increasing the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer 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.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2023 Ford Bronco

Before purchasing a used 2023 Ford Bronco, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:

1. Cold Start & Idle Diagnostics

Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).

2. Transmission Shift Quality Audit

Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.

3. Federal Recall Completion Check

Verify that all 18 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.

4. Electrical & Infotainment Drain Check

Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.

Frequently Answered Questions

Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2023 Ford Bronco

Is the 2023 Ford Bronco a reliable used car?

The 2023 Ford Bronco earns a 5.2/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 216 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.

What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2023 Ford Bronco?

The leading complaint category is Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports, with a median failure point around 30,113 miles (IQR: 30,113 – 30,113 mi).

Are there free recall repairs available for the 2023 Ford Bronco?

Yes, the NHTSA records 18 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.