RoadVitals

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.gov
Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
216
+3 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
18
Latest Jul 20, 2026
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
8
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 216 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2023 Ford Bronco, most frequently naming the visibility, electrical and powertrain (other) categories. 18 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 204 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.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

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.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD; ENGINE

Jul 20, 2026
565,691 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Bronco and Bronco Raptor vehicles. The engine compartment wiring harness may become damaged and short circuit.
The risk: A short circuit in the engine compartment can create heat or spark, increasing the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Dealers will install sheathing over the wiring, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S55. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 23, 2026.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26S55View on NHTSA.gov

STRUCTURE:BODY

Jun 24, 2026
36,046 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Bronco vehicles. The fender flares may not be properly secured and detach from the vehicle.
The risk: A detached fender flare can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the fender flares as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 11, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in late August 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S47. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning August 7, 2026.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26S47View on NHTSA.gov

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Apr 14, 2026
4,922 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Bronco vehicles. 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.
The risk: Excessive wear of the transmission and transfer case splines may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect the transmission to transfer case joint and replace the transmission and transfer case as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S26. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 15, 2026.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26S26View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Body & structure
Filed Aug 11, 2026

The MIC hardtop is bubbling some at the top and has a line where it looks like perhaps it is assembled on the back panel over the top that is discolored in comparison to the rest of the top. Furthermore, the middle panel is a different color than the rest of the hardtop. It is available for complete inspection upon request. The car has not been inspected by dealer but was bought used and did not show the bubbling whenever it was purchased--but rather it has happened in the months since it was purchased. It was found when the top was removed and the bubbling was noticeable when running my hand over it. Note that it is not visible to be seen via picture, and the bubble must be felt. It cannot be seen in a photo.

NHTSA ID
11756193
Incident
Aug 10, 2026
Steering
Filed Aug 11, 2026
1 injury reported

I was going really slow down an easy dirt road in 4L and all of the sudden the steering wheel spun violently two full turns left in under a second on its own. This threw my right arm off the wheel where it hit the shifter with force leaving a large bruise. Steering system fault warning appeared, the tire position on the camera screen was stuck all the way left, and i could no longer disconnect my stabilizer bar. i turned the car off for 5 minutes then back on and everything was fine. If this steering glitch happened at highway speeds I could have rolled the car and dies. Luckily i was going really slow on a relatively smooth part of the trail when this occurred and it only shook me and my passengers up a little and bruised my arm. If the trail had been more steep or if there were rocks on the trail, this could have flipped my vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11756156
Incident
Aug 8, 2026
Body & structure
Filed Jul 17, 2026

The MIC hard top component on my Ford Bronco is cracking. I have gotten it replaced twice through Ford for the same issue, but now this is my 3rd top and the issue keeps coming back.

NHTSA ID
11751149
Incident
Mar 1, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 14, 2026

2023 Ford Bronco with 7 speed manual transmission. The transmission started grinding while shifting into 3rd gear and occasionally popping out of 3rd gear. This mostly occurred while upshifting and rarely while downshifting. All other gears are operating as normal. While the grinding problem would pop up occasionally around the 40,000 mile mark, it became chronic at 58,000 mile mark (24Jun2026)

NHTSA ID
11750266
Incident
Jun 24, 2026
Filed Jul 13, 2026

After making a right hand turn, when the steering wheel recenters for some unknown reason it is turning on the left turn signal. I had noticed it in the past and thought I was wrong, but it continuing to do it.

NHTSA ID
11749931
Incident
Jul 13, 2026
Brakes
Filed Jun 29, 2026

TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE IN 2023 BRONCO. What happened is exactly what is described for current recall of the electronic brake booster for 2025 broncos. Mine is a 2023.

NHTSA ID
11747200
Incident
Jun 23, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed Jun 24, 2026

Camera and sensor on driver side does not indicate movement/stops working. This results in the Blindspot detection not working or any cross traffic alerts or object detection, which can lead to an accident. occurs intermittently and car does not issue a warning that the system is not working or down. Also causing an issue when backing up

NHTSA ID
11746140
Incident
Jun 24, 2026
SteeringSuspension
Filed Jun 3, 2026

-Complete steering and suspension failure occurred while driving on highway. Vehicle is currently sitting at Ford dealer. - The safety of all passengers was put at risk and nearly caused a fatal accident. -Dealer and another shop are saying it was lower control arm and bushing failure. They are unclear on path forward for repairs and it seems like something bigger is going on they do not want to disclose. They deny problem has been reproduced on this model, however a similar recall for this type of failure has occurred on other bronco models under recall number 26S36. That recall report matches what happened to my vehicle. -It has been inspected by Ford and Bronco Barn in Las Vegas. I will be getting a third opinion for a clear path forward since none has been supplied by ford or the third party company. -There were no warning lamps, check engine lights, or messages prior to failure. There was a slight misalignment of tires felt while driving just prior to losing full steering control.

NHTSA ID
11741783
Incident
May 10, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SSM 55073

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.

SSM 55031

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

SSM 55028

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.

SSM 55009

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.

26E04

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

TSB 26-2298

STRUCTURE:BODY; VISIBILITY/WIPER

This article supersedes 25-2551. Reason for update: to correct the descriptions for the liftgate glass weather seals. Some of the vehicles listed in the model statement above may exhibit paint wearing along on the top inner edge of the tailgate where the rear window weather strip contacts the tailgate. This may be due to the accumulation of dirt between the rear window seal and tailgate.

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

Ford Bronco by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026470
20254719065.1
20247216062.6
2023Viewing21618055.5
202236223263.4
202122220466.0
1999200
1998200
1997110
1996812163.3
1995942159.8
1994915162.2
1993407055.1
1992374660.6
1991322668.5
1990561660.3
1989842262.2
1988521160.5
1987341056.0
1986271159.7
1985201161.6
1984104170.6
1983421
1982111
1981211
1980040
1979260
1978060
1977120
1976020
1975020
1972010
1971010
1970010
1969100
1967220

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.