CarBrief

Owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA about the 2026 Bronco[1], which is a small number. The recall list is longer, with 9 recalls on file[2], and two engine recalls do not have a remedy yet[3][4].

11owner complaints[1]
9recalls[2]
15–20MPG combined (EPA)[5]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 11 owner complaints for the 2026 Bronco[1]. One mentions a crash. None mention a fire, an injury or a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part, so the groups below add up to more than 11[1].

Component group Complaints
Structure[6] 3
Electrical system[7] 2
Power train[8] 2
Unknown or other[9] 1
Engine[10] 1
Seats[11] 1
Seat belts[12] 1
Visibility[13] 1

The crash is filed under unknown or other[9]. Counts this small do not point to a common problem. They are a few things owners chose to report.

We read the text of the sampled complaints for the three largest groups. It is a small sample, so treat it as examples, not a ranking.

The other groups have one complaint each, so we can say little about them[10][11][12][13].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2026 Bronco[2]. Here they are, newest first. Many cover other models or years too, so the unit counts are not for the 2026 Bronco alone.

Recalls are free to fix. Two of the nine, the engine recalls above, have no remedy available yet[3][4].

Fuel economy

EPA combined ratings run from 15 to 20 MPG depending on the version[5][21]. All are rated for regular fuel with part-time 4-wheel drive[5]. Annual cost is EPA's estimate using its current fuel price assumptions.

Version Engine and transmission City / highway / combined Annual fuel cost
Bronco 4WD[5] 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10) 18 / 22 / 20 $3,350
Bronco 4WD[22] 2.7L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10) 17 / 17 / 17 $3,950
Bronco 4WD[23] 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 7-spd 18 / 21 / 19 $3,550
Bronco Sasquatch 4WD[24] 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10) 17 / 19 / 18 $3,700
Bronco Sasquatch 4WD[25] 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 7-spd 17 / 19 / 18 $3,700
Bronco Badlands 4WD[26] 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10) 17 / 19 / 18 $3,700
Bronco Badlands 4WD[27] 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 7-spd 17 / 18 / 17 $3,950
Bronco Raptor 4WD[21] 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10) 15 / 16 / 15 $4,450
Bronco Outer Banks 4WD[28] 2.7L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10) 19 / 21 / 20 $3,350

The Raptor is the thirstiest at 15 combined[21]. The 2.3L Bronco 4WD with the automatic and the Outer Banks tie at the top with 20 combined[5][28].

Engine and size

EPA test vehicles list three engines for the 2026 Bronco:

Sizes below are Canadian-market specifications, converted to inches and pounds, and can differ slightly from US models.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
2-door, 2.3L[32] 165 in 80 in 72 in 100 in 4,288 lb
2-door, 2.7L[33] 165 in 80 in 72 in 100 in 4,458 lb
4-door, 2.3L[34] 181 in 80 in 73 in 116 in 4,467 lb
4-door, 2.7L[35] 181 in 80 in 73 in 116 in 4,627 lb
Raptor 4-door[36] 181 in 86 in 78 in 116 in 5,732 lb

How 2026 compares with other years

1995: 94 complaints, 1 recalls19951996: 82 complaints, 1 recalls19962021: 230 complaints, 20 recalls20212022: 383 complaints, 23 recalls20222023: 230 complaints, 18 recalls20232024: 82 complaints, 16 recalls20242025: 55 complaints, 19 recalls20252026: 11 complaints, 9 recalls112026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Bronco model year. The 2026 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
1995941
1996821
202123020
202238323
202323018
20248216
20255519
2026119

NHTSA lists complaints and recalls for these Bronco model years[2]:

Model year Complaints Recalls
1995 94 1
1996 82 1
2021 230 20
2022 383 23
2023 230 18
2024 82 16
2025 55 19
2026 11 9

The 2026 model year has the fewest complaints of any year listed. On recalls, 2026 has fewer than 2021 through 2025, but more than 1995 and 1996. The 2022 model year has the most of both. These counts are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, so use them as a rough guide only[2].

Should you buy a 2026 Bronco?

The complaint record is thin, with 11 reports and no fire, injury or death mentioned[1]. That is not a reliability rating, and our data has none. The recall list is the bigger item, with 9 recalls on file[2]. The other seven recalls describe a free fix[14][15][16][17][18][19][20]. The two engine recalls matter most, because they involve a loss of drive power and the remedy is not yet available[3][4]. Before buying, ask a Ford dealer whether any recall is open on the exact vehicle, and which engine it has.

Our data does not cover oil capacity, towing, tire size or safety ratings, so check those elsewhere.

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2026 Ford Bronco have?
NHTSA has 11 owner complaints, led by structure with 3, then electrical system and power train with 2 each[1][6][7][8]. In the sample we read, owners describe fender flares coming off, a blank instrument cluster and transmission trouble[6][7][8].
Does the 2026 Ford Bronco have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 9 recalls[2]. Two engine recalls, 26V548 and 26V343, have no remedy available yet[3][4].
What is the gas mileage of the 2026 Ford Bronco?
EPA combined ratings range from 15 MPG for the Raptor to 20 MPG for the 2.3L Bronco 4WD automatic and the Outer Banks[21][5][28].
How much horsepower does the 2026 Ford Bronco have?
EPA test vehicles are rated 275 hp with the 2.3L, 315 hp with the 2.7L and 400 hp with the 3.0L[29][30][31].
Which Bronco year has the fewest complaints?
Of the years NHTSA lists, 2026 has the fewest at 11 complaints, but counts are not adjusted for sales[2].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 11 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Ford Bronco (1 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 0 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Bronco model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. Recall 26V548, filed August 25, 2026: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal / Mechanical. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 26V343, filed May 27, 2026: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal / Mechanical. NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for Bronco 4WD, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 22 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. 3 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 2 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 2 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 1 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 1 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 1 complaints name the seats component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 1 complaints name the seat belts component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 1 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. Recall 26V580, filed September 9, 2026: Air Bags › Side / Window › Curtain. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 26V468, filed July 20, 2026: Engine. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 26V403, filed June 24, 2026: Structure › Body. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 26V335, filed May 26, 2026: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 26V268, filed April 28, 2026: Seats › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 26V124, filed March 3, 2026: Back Over Prevention › Software. NHTSA recall database
  20. Recall 25V788, filed November 14, 2025: Electrical System › Instrument Cluster / Panel. NHTSA recall database
  21. 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
  22. EPA rating for Bronco 4WD, 2.7L 6-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
  23. EPA rating for Bronco 4WD, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 7-spd, Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 21 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for Bronco Sasquatch 4WD, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 19 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. EPA rating for Bronco Sasquatch 4WD, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 7-spd, Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 19 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. EPA rating for Bronco Badlands 4WD, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 19 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. EPA rating for Bronco Badlands 4WD, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 7-spd, Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 18 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  28. EPA rating for Bronco Outer Banks 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
  29. EPA Test Car List, 2026 Ford Bronco with 2.3L 4-cylinder: rated 275 hp. www.epa.gov
  30. EPA Test Car List, 2026 Ford Bronco with 2.7L 6-cylinder: rated 315 hp. www.epa.gov
  31. EPA Test Car List, 2026 Ford Bronco with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 400 hp. www.epa.gov
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. 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
  35. 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
  36. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, BRONCO RAPTOR 4DR SUV: length 181 in, width 86 in, height 78 in, wheelbase 116 in, curb weight 5,732 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.