After an absence of 25 years, the Bronco nameplate returned in 2021 with funky retro styling in a selection of two- and four-door configurations, with a soft top and available removable hardtop. With seven trim levels ranging from barebones to very well-equipped, the Bronco was designed from the off to tackle the dominant Jeep Wrangler at its own game.
With standard four-wheel drive and a choice of two turbocharged engines the Bronco had the off-road capabilities and performance to seriously challenge the Wrangler, and it has come close to toppling the old stager in overall sales. While those cool ‘60s-inspired looks may get potential customers into the dealership, the Bronco’s impressive on-road manners and proper off-road features (like floor drains, water-resistant controls, and navigation with trail maps) have made it very popular with buyers wanting a truly capable multi-purpose SUV. A 418-hp Raptor trim has been added to the range, and annual updates have kept the Bronco fresh.
Now in its fifth year of production, the Bronco has been around long enough to accurately assess its reliability. We chose to look at the Consumer Reports (CR) reliability data as it is known for its rigorous testing and independence, as it does not accept advertising from automakers and purchases every vehicle it tests. The reliability scores are based on feedback from actual owners, reflecting real-world performance rather than manufacturer claims. Â
Ford Bronco Historical Reliability Data
Ford
Ford
Ford
| Bronco Model Year | CR Reliability Verdict out of 100 |
| 2021 | 56 |
| 2022 | 32 |
| 2023 | 37 |
| 2024 | 39 |
| 2025 | 36 |
In most cases, a new model tends to suffer from a few reliability gremlins which tend to be ironed out as production wears on. In the case of the Ford Bronco, it started off rather well, with a 56/100 reliability verdict, but that figure soon dropped into the 30s and has stayed there for the past four years. Looking into the reasons behind this poor overall performance, the issues range from faulty sensors to glitchy infotainment systems, transmission issues on the 10-speed auto, and premature wear on the suspension components. Several owners have also complained of wind noise, leaks and misalignment on removable hardtops.
Powertrain issues with the early 2021-2022 2.7-liter V6 engine intake valves which were addressed by Ford with a recall. According to the NHTSA, there have been 21 recalls since the introduction of the Bronco, ranging from rearview camera image issues to transmission failures. As the platform matures and these issues are resolved, the overall reliability rating should rise as well. So, how does the 2026 model fare?
The 2026 Ford Bronco
Ford
Ford
Predicted Reliability Score: 40/100
The Ford Bronco manages to get into the 40s -just – for 2026, but this is a promising sign, and while it still has a long way to go, it is always best to get some perspective by comparing these results to its closest body-on-frame rivals.
Bronco Vs. Rivals:
| Make and Model | Predicted Reliability Score out of 100 |
| Toyota 4Runner | 95 |
| Ford Bronco | 40 |
| Land Rover Defender | 30 |
| Jeep Wrangler | 26 |
Despite its continued sales dominance, the Jeep Wrangler is popular thanks to its impressive off-road capabilities and customization options, not because of a faultless reliability record. In fact, it is one of the most troublesome vehicles on the road at the moment. Owners have complained of everything from engine issues to electrical gremlins and poor on-road refinement. The steering system has been criticized for its vagueness, and several recalls have been carried out for these as well as other problems.
The Land Rover Defender doesn’t fare much better, and despite its premium pricing it has suffered from air suspension issues and build quality problems. If these were the Ford Bronco’s only rivals, it would emerge from this test victorious, but Toyota brings a reality check to the segment in the form of the 4Runner. Despite having undergone a recent redesign, the 4Runner continues to be as durable as ever, and owners have reported largely trouble-free motoring aside from a few minor issues like smartphone connectivity problems.
Aside from the over-achieving Toyota 4Runner, the mid-size body-on-frame SUV class is not doing particularly well in the reliability stakes. That said, the Ford Bronco is slowly getting better in this area, and thanks to the introduction of new trims, and its inherent competence both on and off-road, it remains a very popular option in this segment.
About the author
John Tallodi
Senior Editor