ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD; ENGINE
2023 Ford Bronco
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
NHTSA has issued a “do not drive” advisory affecting this model year.
Campaign 23V283000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.
Check your VIN on NHTSA.govOverview
Our database contains 225 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2023 Ford Bronco, most frequently naming the visibility, electrical and engine categories. 18 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 205 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 2022 | 1 | 1 |
| Jan 2023 | 9 | 10 |
| Feb 2023 | 25 | 35 |
| Mar 2023 | 37 | 72 |
| Apr 2023 | 10 | 82 |
| May 2023 | 7 | 89 |
| Jun 2023 | 2 | 91 |
| Jul 2023 | 6 | 97 |
| Sep 2023 | 2 | 99 |
| Oct 2023 | 4 | 103 |
| Nov 2023 | 4 | 107 |
| Dec 2023 | 6 | 113 |
| Jan 2024 | 2 | 115 |
| Feb 2024 | 4 | 119 |
| Mar 2024 | 7 | 126 |
| Apr 2024 | 3 | 129 |
| May 2024 | 1 | 130 |
| Jun 2024 | 4 | 134 |
| Jul 2024 | 3 | 137 |
| Aug 2024 | 2 | 139 |
| Sep 2024 | 2 | 141 |
| Oct 2024 | 3 | 144 |
| Nov 2024 | 5 | 149 |
| Jan 2025 | 4 | 153 |
| Feb 2025 | 8 | 161 |
| Mar 2025 | 1 | 162 |
| May 2025 | 4 | 166 |
| Jun 2025 | 4 | 170 |
| Jul 2025 | 5 | 175 |
| Aug 2025 | 5 | 180 |
| Oct 2025 | 1 | 181 |
| Dec 2025 | 4 | 185 |
| Jan 2026 | 4 | 189 |
| Feb 2026 | 4 | 193 |
| Mar 2026 | 4 | 197 |
| Apr 2026 | 7 | 204 |
| May 2026 | 4 | 208 |
| Jun 2026 | 3 | 211 |
| Jul 2026 | 3 | 214 |
| Aug 2026 | 4 | 218 |
| Sep 2026 | 7 | 225 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Visibility9538.3%
- Electrical228.9%
- Engine218.5%
- Powertrain (other)218.5%
- Brakes176.9%
- Driver assistance156.0%
- Body & structure156.0%
- Suspension135.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
18 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govSTRUCTURE:BODY
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced an issue with the rearview camera while in use. The contact received a notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V124000 (Back Over Prevention), and the recall repair was subsequently performed. However, after the recall repair was completed, a new 'overheating' warning appeared on the infotainment system. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, where technicians tested the system and confirmed that during a single operation, the system's temperature spiked from 93°F to 150°F. The contact confirmed that they received an overheating warning on the infotainment system display. The manufacturer has been notified of the failure, but the vehicle has not yet been repaired. The failure mileage was 32,752.
- NHTSA ID
- 11766792
- Incident
- Aug 29, 2026
- Mileage
- 32,752 mi
The steering rack on my 2023 Ford Bronco Outer Banks failed at approximately 23,000 miles. This caused my steering wheel to lock up and become very difficult to turn, especially while making turns. The dealer confirmed that the steering rack failed and needed to be replaced. They performed the repair. There were no other warning lights or indicators.
- NHTSA ID
- 11766201
- Incident
- Aug 10, 2026
Rear defroster connector becomes detached from the defroster grid rendering it inoperable. Ford has acknowledged it is a common issue due to poor design. My local dealership repaired the broken tab and it once again broke off within a week or two. When I returned to the dealership, they refused to cover it under the vehicles original owner warranty or their labor warranty for working on it previously. After some back and forth with management and Ford Customer Care, they told me they have changed the design of the entire rear glass and the only way to fix it would be to pay $1600~ to have it replaced with the updated design. Upon researching the issue online, it is clear that the rear defroster has an astonishingly high failure rate, and Ford should be pushed to offer a better solution than to charge owners to fix something that was sold to them defective. To learn more about this issue, simply search “Bronco Rear Defroster” and you will see the amount of owners complaining
- NHTSA ID
- 11765386
- Incident
- Sep 16, 2026
We sometime have loss of drive power while driving or a total failure to engage a gear. Happens sometimes when moving from a stop sign or stop light. Like the transmission is slipping in def case.
- NHTSA ID
- 11764606
- Incident
- Aug 28, 2026
Cracking of the roof which has caused leaks. Common issue for Broncos, but only recalled for 2021-2022 Broncos. My Bronco is 2023 and has the same issue. It should also be a recall.
- NHTSA ID
- 11763143
- Incident
- Sep 9, 2026
Front roof panel is cracking and chipping. Rear roof panel is cracking around the side windows. Bronco is never in direct sunlight unless driving. And the vehicle is never driven off-road.
- NHTSA ID
- 11762533
- Incident
- Jan 1, 2026
When making a right turn with the turn signal on, as you complete the turn and straighten the steering wheel the left turn signal turns on as the right turn signal turns off. This is intermittent and occurs when turning from a complete stop or a turn while moving. This is very unsafe as it looks like your making a quick left after completing your right turn to the driver behind you. This has happened many times over the last couple of months so I don’t have a date of incident but it happened 6 times while running errands on 8/29. Lafontaine Ford has had my vehicle in service all day today, 9/1, without resolution.
- NHTSA ID
- 11761412
- Incident
- Aug 29, 2026
On XXX, our 2023 Ford Bronco, VIN [XXX], was stopped on an incline. The vehicle was not moving, and the driver exited the vehicle believing it was in Park. The vehicle was actually still in Drive. A passenger remained in the vehicle. While the Bronco was stationary, the passenger pressed the START/STOP button from the passenger seat to turn the vehicle off. Immediately after the vehicle was switched off, it began rolling backward down the incline. The passenger was unable to safely stop the vehicle and attempted to exit the moving Bronco. The open vehicle door struck the passenger in the back of the leg/hip area. The passenger had to throw herself to the ground to avoid being dragged, run over, or more seriously injured. The Bronco went off a significant drop off and crashed into a tree. The passenger narrowly escaped the vehicle before it went over the drop off. After the incident, the vehicle displayed a "Park Aid Fault" warning. Ford's 2023 Bronco Owner's Manual states that a "Transmission Not In Park (P)" audible warning is supposed to sound if the vehicle is switched off before being shifted into Park and also if the driver's door is opened before the vehicle is shifted into Park. [IF TRUE: We do not recall hearing a Transmission Not In Park warning before the rollaway.] I am concerned that the vehicle remained stationary on the incline while still in Drive, creating the appearance that it was secured, but began rolling backward when the START/STOP button was pressed. I am also concerned about whether the transmission-not-in-park warning, braking/holding systems, ignition system, and related safety systems functioned as designed. The unexpected rollaway resulted in an injury and created an immediate risk of the passenger being crushed, dragged, or run over. I request that NHTSA investigate whether this vehicle's behavior and warning systems operated as designed and whether this represents a potential vehicle safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.
- NHTSA ID
- 11759700
- Incident
- Aug 23, 2026
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
SEATS
For Various Ford and Lincoln vehicles, if diagnostics lead to the replacement of the front seat cushion cover J-clips, lower-level service parts are now available. Use service part W709919-S901 if the J-clip is completely detached from the seat cover and W715386-S424 if the clip is still partially attached. It is not necessary to replace the seat cover if only the J-clip is separating from the cover. Refer to PTS Home > Technical Assistance > Technical Support Videos > Section 501- Body and Paint > Seat J-Clips. For claiming, use causal parts from list below and labor operations 63100A and 63100A5. Causal Parts for claiming: Bronco/Bronco Sport/Escape/Explorer/Expedition/Navigator: 7862900 or 7862901 F-150/F-Super Duty: 1562900 or 1562901 Ranger/Maverick: 6062900 or 6062901
POWER TRAIN
Some 2021-2026 Bronco vehicles may require the removal and installation of the transfer case for various reasons. Installation requires Loctite® 243 adhesive applied to the mounting bolt threads in the transmission. Make sure that the mating faces are clean and dry. Tightening the mounting bolts also requires an updated two-stage tightening sequence. Workshop Manual (WSM), Sections 307-07C/D and 308-07C/D Installation > Transfer Case have been updated to reflect this change.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Some 2021-2026 Ford/Lincoln vehicles may exhibit various symptoms including but not limited to the auto start/stop system not operating as intended with a "Check Charging System" message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) while the charging system is operating properly with no charging related diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) stored. This may be due to someone using an aftermarket programmer to change the body control module (BCM) configuration to disable the auto start/stop system or perform other unsupported programming modifications. To correct this condition on F-150 and Bronco vehicles, download and run the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) application titled "BCM-Charging System Configuration Correction". Running this application will determine if the BCM configuration was modified by the customer and if so, provide the option to return the configuration back to factory settings. For other vehicle models exhibiting concerns related to unsupported aftermarket BCM programming, submit a Technical Support Request (TSR) requesting support to revert the BCM configuration
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Some 2021-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an "Updating SYNC" message on the vehicle center display screen after an over the air (OTA) update. The message can be cleared from the center display screen and SYNC can be used normally, but it will re-appear at every subsequent ignition cycle. Inform customers that engineering is currently working on a software update solution for this condition to be delivered OTA expected in late Q3 2026. Software will update automatically if vehicle connectivity is enabled in the vehicles settings. Monitor Professional Technician System (PTS) for additional information.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY
Some 2021-2026 Bronco vehicles may exhibit a "Park Brake Limited Function Service Required" message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC). This may be due to an issue with the driver door harness connector after removing and installing the removeable doors. If diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1625:29 is stored in the driver door module (DDM), inspect connector C322C between the upper and lower door hinges that attaches to the body for proper installation and/or pin fitment. Repair as necessary. If the condition was caused by improper door installation, do not submit a claim for this condition. If no concerns are found with the connector, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-11 > Diagnosis and Testing for normal diagnostics.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 26E04 Certain 2021-2025 Model Year F-150, Maverick, Mustang, Ranger, Expedition, Bronco Sport, Explorer, Bronco, Navigator, and Aviator Vehicles Powertrain Control Module Software Update
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 9 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 52 | 19 | 0 | 65.1 |
| 2024 | 74 | 16 | 0 | 62.3 |
| 2023Viewing | 225 | 18 | 0 | 56.0 |
| 2022 | 376 | 23 | 2 | 63.4 |
| 2021 | 229 | 20 | 4 | 65.9 |
| 1999 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1998 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1997 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1996 | 81 | 2 | 1 | 63.3 |
| 1995 | 94 | 2 | 1 | 59.8 |
| 1994 | 91 | 5 | 1 | 62.2 |
| 1993 | 40 | 7 | 0 | 55.1 |
| 1992 | 37 | 4 | 6 | 60.6 |
| 1991 | 32 | 2 | 6 | 68.5 |
| 1990 | 56 | 1 | 6 | 60.3 |
| 1989 | 84 | 2 | 2 | 62.2 |
| 1988 | 52 | 1 | 1 | 60.5 |
| 1987 | 34 | 1 | 0 | 56.0 |
| 1986 | 27 | 1 | 1 | 59.7 |
| 1985 | 20 | 1 | 1 | 61.6 |
| 1984 | 10 | 4 | 1 | 70.6 |
| 1983 | 4 | 2 | 1 | — |
| 1982 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — |
| 1981 | 2 | 1 | 1 | — |
| 1980 | 0 | 4 | 0 | — |
| 1979 | 2 | 6 | 0 | — |
| 1978 | 0 | 6 | 0 | — |
| 1977 | 1 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1976 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1975 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1972 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1971 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1970 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1969 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1967 | 2 | 2 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.