CarBrief

NHTSA has 230 owner complaints for the 2023 Bronco, and the biggest group is about wipers[1][2]. The model year also has 18 recalls on file, so check your VIN before you buy[3].

230owner complaints[1]
18recalls[3]
15–20MPG combined (EPA)[4]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 230 owner complaints for the 2023 Bronco[1]. Six mention a crash, three a fire and three an injury. None report a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component. The counts are not adjusted for sales.

Component group Complaints
Visibility/wiper[2] 90
Electrical system[5] 23
Power train[6] 22
Engine[7] 21
Unknown or other[8] 20
Brakes[9] 17
Structure[10] 16
Suspension[11] 13

We also read a small sample of complaint texts in the four largest named groups. It is a sample, so it shows what owners describe and not how common a problem is.

Recalls

Our data lists 18 recalls for the 2023 Bronco[3]. Newest first:

The recall notices in our data describe the repairs as free of charge[13][14][16]. Enter your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see which ones apply to your car.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings change with the version of the Bronco. The Bronco 4WD with the 2.3L four-cylinder turbo is rated 20 city, 21 highway and 20 combined MPG, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350[4]. The 2.7L six-cylinder turbo in the same version has the same 20 combined rating[30].

The Badlands is rated 17 combined with an estimated $3,950 a year[31]. The Black Diamond gets 18 combined with the automatic and 17 with the manual 2.3L[32][33]. The Raptor with the 3.0L six-cylinder turbo is rated 15 city, 16 highway and 15 combined, at an estimated $4,450 a year[34].

EPA fuel costs use EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star ratings for the 4WD SUV show 4 stars for frontal crash and 3 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 25.6%[35]. The 2-door 4WD rating also shows 3 stars for rollover[36]. We do not have an overall rating for this model year.

Engine and size

EPA lists three engines for the 2023 Bronco. The 2.3L four-cylinder is rated 270 hp[37]. The 2.7L six-cylinder is rated 315 hp[38]. The 3.0L six-cylinder is rated 400 hp[39].

Sizes below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Body and engine Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
2-door, 2.3L[40] 165 in 80 in 72 in 100 in 4,288 lb
2-door, 2.7L[41] 165 in 80 in 72 in 100 in 4,458 lb
4-door, 2.3L[42] 181 in 80 in 73 in 116 in 4,467 lb
4-door, 2.7L[43] 181 in 80 in 73 in 116 in 4,627 lb

How 2023 compares with other years

1995: 94 complaints, 1 recalls19951996: 82 complaints, 1 recalls19962021: 230 complaints, 20 recalls20212022: 383 complaints, 23 recalls20222023: 230 complaints, 18 recalls23020232024: 82 complaints, 16 recalls20242025: 55 complaints, 19 recalls20252026: 11 complaints, 9 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Bronco model year. The 2023 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
1995941
1996821
202123020
202238323
202323018
20248216
20255519
2026119

NHTSA's counts by Bronco model year show 2022 with the most complaints at 383 and the most recalls at 23[3]. The 2023 model year has 230 complaints, the same as 2021, and 18 recalls[3]. For recalls, 2023 sits fourth among the listed years, behind 2022 with 23, 2021 with 20 and 2025 with 19[3]. The 2024 model year has 82 complaints and 16 recalls[3]. Some recalls cover several model years and counts are not adjusted for sales, so read these as rough context.

Should you buy a used 2023 Bronco?

The 2023 Bronco has a long recall list, so run the VIN on NHTSA.gov and ask for proof that each recall was done[3]. Two recalls, the engine wiring harness and the block heater, have remedies that are phased or still pending, so ask the seller what has and has not been completed[12][17]. The largest complaint group is wipers that slow down on their own, so test them in rain or with a wet windshield[2]. Complaints are unverified and we cannot say how common any one problem is[1]. A car with every recall completed is a fairer bet than one with open recalls.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on the 2023 Ford Bronco?
Visibility and wiper is the largest named group with 90 of 230 complaints[1][2]. Electrical has 23, power train 22 and engine 21[5][6][7]. In the complaint sample we read, owners describe wipers that slow down on their own[2].
How many recalls does the 2023 Ford Bronco have?
NHTSA data lists 18 recalls for the 2023 model year[3]. They include engine wiring, rearview camera software, steering gear and lug nuts[12][15][28][27]. See the recalls section for each one.
What is the gas mileage of the 2023 Ford Bronco?
EPA combined ratings run from 15 MPG for the Raptor to 20 MPG for the Bronco 4WD[34][4]. Estimated annual fuel cost runs from $3,350 to $4,450[4][34].
Is the 2023 Ford Bronco the worst year?
By NHTSA counts, 2022 has more complaints at 383 and more recalls at 23 than 2023, which has 230 complaints and 18 recalls[3]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
How much horsepower does the 2023 Ford Bronco have?
EPA lists 270 hp for the 2.3L four-cylinder, 315 hp for the 2.7L six-cylinder and 400 hp for the 3.0L six-cylinder[37][38][39].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 230 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Ford Bronco (6 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 3 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 90 complaints name the visibility/wiper component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Bronco model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. EPA rating for Bronco 4WD, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 21 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. 23 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 22 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 21 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 20 complaints name the unknown or other component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 17 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 16 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 13 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. Recall 26V468, filed July 20, 2026: Engine. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 26V403, filed June 24, 2026: Structure › Body. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 26V236, filed April 14, 2026: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 26V124, filed March 3, 2026: Back Over Prevention › Software. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 25V721, filed October 23, 2025: Seats › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 25V685, filed October 10, 2025: Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 25V455, filed July 7, 2025: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 25V273, filed May 14, 2025: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
  20. Recall 25V315, filed May 9, 2025: Back Over Prevention › Software. NHTSA recall database
  21. Recall 25V025, filed January 17, 2025: Suspension › Rear › Shock Absorber. NHTSA recall database
  22. Recall 24V189, filed March 8, 2024: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Lock. NHTSA recall database
  23. Recall 24V142, filed February 23, 2024: Visibility › Glass, Side / Rear. NHTSA recall database
  24. Recall 23V546, filed August 3, 2023: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Internal › Park Pawl. NHTSA recall database
  25. Recall 23V379, filed May 26, 2023: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
  26. Recall 23V358, filed May 18, 2023: Seat Belts › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
  27. Recall 23V283, filed April 20, 2023: Wheels › Lugs / Nuts / Bolts / Studs. NHTSA recall database
  28. Recall 23V155, filed March 8, 2023: Steering. NHTSA recall database
  29. Recall 23V070, filed February 10, 2023: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
  30. EPA rating for Bronco 4WD, 2.7L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 21 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  31. EPA rating for Bronco Badlands 4WD, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 17 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  32. EPA rating for Bronco Black Diamond 4WD, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 18 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  33. EPA rating for Bronco Black Diamond 4WD, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 7-spd, Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 18 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  34. EPA rating for Bronco Raptor 4WD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 16 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  35. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: frontal 4 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 25.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
  36. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2DR 4WD: rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 25.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
  37. EPA Test Car List, 2023 Ford Bronco with 2.3L 4-cylinder: rated 270 hp. www.epa.gov
  38. EPA Test Car List, 2023 Ford Bronco with 2.7L 6-cylinder: rated 315 hp. www.epa.gov
  39. EPA Test Car List, 2023 Ford Bronco with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 400 hp. www.epa.gov
  40. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, BRONCO 2DR 2.3L SUV: length 165 in, width 80 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 100 in, curb weight 4,288 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  41. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, BRONCO 2DR 2.7L SUV: length 165 in, width 80 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 100 in, curb weight 4,458 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  42. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, BRONCO 4DR 2.3L SUV: length 181 in, width 80 in, height 73 in, wheelbase 116 in, curb weight 4,467 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  43. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, BRONCO 4DR 2.7L SUV: length 181 in, width 80 in, height 73 in, wheelbase 116 in, curb weight 4,627 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.