The Verdict
Worst problem area
Body, Seats & Latches
Body, Seats & Latches leads by volume: 4 of 11 complaints (36%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 57 in 2025 to 11 in 2026.
At a glance
- NHTSA complaints
- 11
- Recall campaigns
- 9
- EPA fuel cost per year
- $3,100–$4,150
- Combined MPG
- 15–20
Complaints by model year
Where owners report problems
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | vs. 2026 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,100–4,150 | 3,100–4,150 | 3,100–4,150 | |
| Combined MPG | 15–20 | 15–20 | 15–20 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 15–20 / 16–21 | 15–19 / 16–22 | 15–19 / 16–22 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 438–577 | 453–577 | 452–577 | |
| Complaints filed | 85 | 57 | 11 | |
| Recalls issued | 16 | 19 | 9 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 4 | 5 | 1 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 4 | 2 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 1 | 2 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 11 | 8 | 7 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2026 Ford Bronco have?
9 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Nov 7, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2026 Ford Bronco?
Body, Seats & Latches: 4 of 11 NHTSA complaints (36%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2026 Ford Bronco get?
EPA rates it 15–20 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2026 Ford Bronco?
EPA estimates $3,100–$4,150 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (9)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S10) | 4 | 2.3L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 18 mpg | 22 mpg (high) | 20 mpg (high) | $3,100 (low) | 453 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S10) | 6 | 2.7L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | $3,650 | 525 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Manual 7-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 18 mpg | 21 mpg | 19 mpg | $3,300 | 452 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S10) | 4 | 2.3L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 17 mpg | 19 mpg | 18 mpg | $3,450 | 494 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Manual 7-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 17 mpg | 19 mpg | 18 mpg | $3,450 | 489 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic (S10) | 4 | 2.3L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 17 mpg | 19 mpg | 18 mpg | $3,450 | 507 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Manual 7-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 17 mpg | 18 mpg | 17 mpg | $3,650 | 504 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic (S10) | 6 | 3.0L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 15 mpg (low) | 16 mpg (low) | 15 mpg (low) | $4,150 (high) | 577 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic (S10) | 6 | 2.7L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 19 mpg (high) | 21 mpg | 20 mpg (high) | $3,100 (low) | 454 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (9)
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
- Defect
- 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.
- Remedy
- Dealers will increase the space between the bracket and air bag to remove the contact condition, free of charge. Owner notification letters were October 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S64. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 10, 2026.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
- Defect
- 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.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the engine pistons and replace the engine long block, if necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 3, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S61. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 28, 2026.
ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
- Defect
- 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.
- 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.
STRUCTURE:BODY
- 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. Owner notification letters were mailed September 1, 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
- 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. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 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.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Defect
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The vehicle specifications listed on the tire placard and safety certification labels may be incorrect, including the VIN, capacity weight, seating capacity, front and rear gross axle weight rating (GAWR), tire and rim dimensions, and recommended cold tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims" and 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
- Consequence
- The incorrect tire size, tire pressures, and GAWR listed on the labels can allow the vehicle to be overloaded or have improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the certification and TREAD labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C24. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 28, 2026.
SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
- 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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
- 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
- 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.