Ford Bronco years to avoid

How we rated the best and worst Ford Bronco years

CarComplaints rates the 2022 Ford Bronco as the worst year on repair cost and early failures. The 1991 classic Bronco has more total complaints on file, but that is a different measure.

CarComplaints uses PainRank (cost and mileage at failure). NHTSA complaint data counts raw filings. The two often disagree on which year looks worst.

For sixth-gen Broncos (2021–present), we used NHTSA recalls and complaints, CarComplaints PainRank, RepairPal Ford costs, Kelley Blue Book Bronco reviews, and Bronco6G owner threads. Our years to avoid methodology weighs volume, recalls, failure mileage, and repair cost together.

Classic Broncos (1966–1996) have thinner NHTSA year-by-year data. We judged those years by recall history and generation-level PainRank instead.

Every Ford Bronco model year ranked

The sixth-generation Bronco (2021-present) is the primary focus for used buyers today, and the data shows a clear improvement curve from 2021 through 2025. Classic-generation verdicts below reflect generation-level reliability trends and historical recall records rather than per-year NHTSA complaint counts, which are sparse for pre-1995 models.

Most common Ford Bronco problems

These failures drive most Ford Bronco years to avoid calls. The single biggest failure in the modern Ford Bronco is the 2.7L EcoBoost intake valve fracture, which affected 2021-2022 models, triggered a federal recall, and led to Ford extending warranties on covered vehicles. Beyond that engine issue, owners have documented recurring problems across electrical systems, wiper operation, powertrain components, and the hardtop.

1. 2.7L/3.0L EcoBoost intake valve fracture (2021-2022)

Ford issued safety recall 24S55 covering some 2021-2022 Bronco, Edge, Explorer, and F-150 vehicles equipped with 2.7L and 3.0L engines because the engine intake valves may crack and break, which could result in a loss of motive power and increase the risk of a crash. The root cause: those particular engines were built with intake valves made from a material called Silchrome Lite, an alloy "that can become excessively hard and brittle if an over-temperature condition occurs during machining of the component," according to NHTSA, at which point those valves can fracture and lead to a loss of power, or worse - total engine failure.

In October 2021, Ford implemented a design modification replacing intake valves with a new alloy called "Silchrome 1," which is less susceptible to overheating during machining. NHTSA's investigation found that "these corrective actions were successful in eliminating the risk of intake valve fracture for subject vehicles produced after October 2021." This means early-build 2021 and some 2022 Broncos carry the risk, while later production does not.

As part of addressing these concerns, Ford introduced an extended warranty program that will provide coverage for the subject vehicles for either 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, in the event that failures occur later on. Under recall 24S55, dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. If you're shopping a 2021 or 2022 Bronco with the 2.7L or 3.0L engine, verify at the dealer that the recall inspection has been completed and that the 10-year/150,000-mile warranty extension is on file for that VIN.

2. Electrical system failures (2021-2022)

The 2021 Ford Bronco's top reported problem areas include Electrical System with 168 NHTSA complaints, and it is the weakest year - scoring 41/100 - primarily due to those electrical system issues. Problems range from the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) overheating to instrument panel cluster failures.

NHTSA campaign 25V788000 covers certain 2021-2026 Ford Bronco and 2021-2024 Ford Edge vehicles because the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) may overheat and shut down, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. Owners on the Bronco6G forum also report spontaneous warning lights, Sync system crashes, and module resets. Repair costs for out-of-warranty APIM replacement typically run several hundred dollars in parts alone, plus dealer labor. Confirm any 2021-2022 purchase has no open APIM-related recalls.

3. Wiper and visibility system malfunctions (2021-2023)

The 2022 Ford Bronco has 63 NHTSA complaints for the visibility/wiper system at an average of 27 miles, meaning this failure is showing up on virtually new vehicles. The issue traces to the Bronco's "smart wiper" system, which is designed to stop when the windshield is dry but can cut out mid-rain.

The most recent Broncos, including the 2023 model, come with "smart wipers" designed to stop working when the windshield is dry or there's a risk that the wiper motor may be damaged - but Bronco owners don't find this very smart. As one owner described it in an NHTSA complaint, the wiper issue is also common to the 2021 and 2022 model years. Across all model years, wiper/visibility ranks among the most reported complaint areas in NHTSA data for the Ford Bronco. The 2023 model year saw a particularly high concentration: the most commonly reported problem areas for the 2023 Ford Bronco are Visibility Wiper (84 complaints), Electrical System (37), and Power Train (24).

4. Powertrain and transfer case issues (2021-2025)

Ford has recalled certain 2021-2025 Bronco vehicles because 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 - excessive wear of which may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's top powertrain complaint count reached 79 NHTSA filings, making it the single highest complaint category for that year. Symptoms owners describe include shuddering during gear changes, unexpected loss of drive power, and 4WD engagement hesitation. Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission and transfer case as necessary, free of charge, under the relevant recall campaign.

5. Engine block heater fire risk (2021-2024)

Ford recalled certain 2021-2024 Bronco vehicles (among other models) because the engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in, which can increase the risk of a fire. Ford's recall number for this campaign is 25SA4. Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied; dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge.

This matters most for buyers in cold-climate states who rely on block heaters in winter. If you're buying a 2021-2024 Bronco, run the VIN through the NHTSA recall checker and confirm the block heater has been replaced before the first cold season.

6. Hardtop panel cracking and delamination (2021-2022)

Ford's own General Service Bulletin GSB 23-7174 lists rear hardtop panel cracking and edge delamination as warrantable conditions. Owners report that the rear hardtop panel on 2022 Ford Broncos develops serious cracking and surface separation, with the fiberglass fracturing near the seams, exposing the underlying material, and water visibly collecting in the openings - which can lead to internal moisture intrusion, mold, and corrosion of structural components underneath the hardtop mounting area. Replacement panel costs can reach into the thousands of dollars. Ask any 2021-2022 seller for documentation that the hardtop has been inspected and any cracking addressed under GSB 23-7174.

Which Ford Bronco years should you avoid?

The Ford Bronco years to avoid for most shoppers are 2021 and 2022. CarComplaints rates the 2022 Ford Bronco as the worst model year because of higher repair cost and problems occurring at lower mileage. On the NHTSA side, the picture is different: NHTSA complaint volume is highest for the 2022 (361 complaints), followed by 2021 (242 complaints) and 2023 (211 complaints).

Worst Ford Bronco years: 2021, 2022

Sixth-generation Ford Bronco (2021-2022)

The 2021 Ford Bronco has 31 recalls and 798 owner complaints on file, with severity signals including 20 crash-related complaints and 15 fire-related complaints; the most commonly reported problem areas are Electrical System (168 complaints), Power Train (129), and Engine (89).

The 2022 Ford Bronco has a "Mixed" reliability rating of 43/100 and may present some ownership challenges, with 32 recalls and 576 complaints. The 2.7L EcoBoost valve fracture (recall 24S55) is the defining issue for both years, with Ford recalling 90,736 vehicles as engine intake valves in certain 2021-2022 Broncos, F-150s, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine may break while driving. Always confirm recall 24S55 completion before buying either year.

What are the best Ford Bronco years to buy?

After you clear the Ford Bronco years to avoid, the best years to buy are 2024 and 2025. The 2024 and 2025 both show meaningfully lower complaint counts and recall exposure than the 2021-2022 models. Ford Bronco reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 56/100 compared to 42/100 for older years.

Most reliable Ford Bronco years: 2024, 2025

2024 Ford Bronco

The 2024 Ford Bronco has a "Mixed" reliability rating of 58/100 and with 18 recalls and 104 complaints, buyers should research known issues carefully - but that profile is dramatically better than 2021-2022. The valve-fracture issue does not affect 2024 models, as Ford introduced the corrected Silchrome 1 valve alloy in October 2021, eliminating the risk of intake valve fracture for vehicles produced after that point. For buyers who want a used sixth-gen Bronco with modern features and a lower problem history, the 2024 is the sweet spot between price and peace of mind.

2025 Ford Bronco

The 2025 Ford Bronco earns a reliability score of 61/100 - rated Good - and has 16 recalls and only 30 owner complaints on file. That complaint count is roughly 96% lower than the 2021's tally, a meaningful difference. The 2025 is the best Ford Bronco year by reliability score; other solid picks include 2024 (58/100) and 2023 (50/100). The 2025 also benefits from all the off-road refinements added through the generation's production run, with eight available trims including the Bronco Raptor.

Ford Bronco pre-purchase checklist

Before committing to any used Ford Bronco, run through these model-specific checks:

• Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall checker. Confirm every open recall, including campaigns 24S55 (intake valve fracture), 25SA4 (block heater fire risk), and 25V788000 (APIM/rearview camera), has been completed. Never buy a Bronco with an open safety recall.
• On 2021-2022 models with the 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost: verify recall 24S55 inspection status. Ask the dealer to pull service records showing the engine cycle test was performed. If the engine passed, confirm whether the 10-year/150,000-mile warranty extension is recorded in Ford's system for that VIN.
• Test the wipers in a car wash or with the windows washer at all speeds. The "smart wiper" malfunction affects 2021-2023 models and can cut out mid-rain at low mileage. If the wipers hesitate, cut out, or fail to resume, walk away or negotiate for a repair credit.
• Inspect the hardtop panels closely on 2021-2022 Broncos. Look for cracking or surface separation near the seams, especially at panel edges. Ask for documentation that any cracking was addressed under Ford Service Bulletin GSB 23-7174.
• Check the electrical system with a scan tool. The most commonly reported problem areas for the Ford Bronco in NHTSA complaint data are electrical system, service brakes, and visibility/wiper. A pre-purchase scan can catch stored fault codes in the APIM, instrument cluster, or body control module before they become your problem.
• Verify block heater status on 2021-2024 models. If the Bronco has a block heater and you live in a cold climate, confirm recall 25SA4 has been completed; otherwise do not plug in the block heater until it is replaced by a dealer.
• Ask for full service records and confirm mileage matches. If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion - dealer paperwork helps.
• Have a pre-purchase inspection done by a Ford-trained technician, particularly on 2021-2022 units. Pay specific attention to the transfer case joint alignment (covered by a separate recall for 2021-2025 Broncos) and any powertrain noise on acceleration.

Better alternatives to consider

If the Ford Bronco years in your budget land on the avoid list, consider these alternatives instead:

• Jeep Wrangler - the benchmark removable-top off-roader with a longer recent production run and a deeper pool of used inventory across model years, making it easier to find a vetted example
• Ford Ranger - shares the Bronco's platform and many powertrain components but in a truck body with a notably lower complaint profile across its recent generation
• Ford F-150 - a larger, more established platform if towing or payload matter more than rock-crawling capability, with a clearer year-by-year reliability record across trims
• GMC Canyon - a mid-size truck/SUV alternative with AT4 off-road trim that competes on similar ground to the Bronco at comparable used prices