RoadVitals

2026 Ford Bronco

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

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.
11
+2 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.
10
Latest Nov 2, 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.
1

Overview

Our database contains 11 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2026 Ford Bronco, most frequently naming the body & structure, electrical and powertrain (other) categories. 10 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 33 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

  • Body & structure325.0%
  • Electrical216.7%
  • Powertrain (other)216.7%
  • Interior & seats18.3%
  • Engine18.3%
  • Seat belts18.3%
  • Steering18.3%
  • Visibility18.3%

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

10 campaigns cover this model year

View all 10

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
26V725000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

Nov 2, 2026
330 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Bronco vehicles. A wiper arm nut on the driver-side may loosen, causing the windshield wipers to detach.
The risk: A loss of driver-side wiper function can reduce driver visibility in certain weather conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect the wipers, tighten the wiper arm nut, and replace the wiper arms as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S82. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 6, 2026.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26S82View on NHTSA.gov
26V580000

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

Sep 9, 2026
2,711 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Bronco vehicles. The mounting bracket on the right-hand-side side curtain air bag may have a metal burr that can tear the air bag during deployment.
The risk: A torn air bag may fail to properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Dealers will increase the space between the bracket and air bag to remove the contact condition, free of charge. Owner notification letters were October 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S64. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 10, 2026.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26S64View on NHTSA.gov
26V548000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Aug 25, 2026
10,427 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mustang, and Ranger vehicles. The engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead to a loss of drive power.
The risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine pistons and replace the engine long block, if necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 3, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S61. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 28, 2026.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26S61View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 11
Steering
Filed Oct 20, 2026

I have a new bronco with 3,000 miles on it and I used my heated steering wheel for the first time today and the cabin started filling up with smoke. The smoke was coming from the steering column. I’m not sure if something was on fire or just smoking but I didn’t see flames just a lot of smoke. I have a video. Where can I email it?

NHTSA ID
11772543
Incident
Oct 20, 2026
Body & structure
Filed Oct 20, 2026

Hardtop is cracking already. Was built in June of 2026 and purchased in August of 2026. Top needs replacement already. Looked on the dealer lot and every new and used bronco with the M.I.C top had cracks like mine or worse.

NHTSA ID
11772360
Incident
Oct 5, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 8, 2026

Twice, while flat towing the 2026 Ford Bronco something happen and allegedly the neutral tow disabled and I had to replace the transmission. $7,500 each time. The first time the Bronco had 900 miles and the second time the unit had 3,000 miles. Both times the warranty claim was denied. Ford blamed it on a battery voltage drop which in turn disabled the neutral tow. I can not find anywhere in the manual where it says the battery voltage level can not fall below a certain level. Can you help I will upload the first transmission invoice. The unit is currently in the shop getting the second transmission installed. The price is the same as the first.

NHTSA ID
11769798
Incident
Oct 6, 2026
Body & structure
Filed Sep 28, 2026

Vehicle front passenger wheel well flare detached while driving narrowly avoiding impact to other vehicles on the road. After recovering the part noticed front driver wheel well flare starting to detach. Safety clips appeared intact as if they never locked in place.

NHTSA ID
11767441
Incident
Sep 26, 2026
Visibility
Filed Sep 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70-75 MPH in the left lane on the interstate on a sunny day, near the grass, the driver's side rear window exploded without impact. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Another local dealer, Hagerstown Ford Service (1714 Massey Blvd, Hagerstown, MD 21740), was contacted and was able to replace the glass. A warranty claim was filed but was later denied. The manufacturer was contacted and determined that the failure was caused by an unidentified object and declined the claim. The failure mileage was approximately 735.

NHTSA ID
11761529
Incident
Sep 2, 2026
Mileage
735 mi
Body & structure
Filed Aug 31, 2026

While driving on the roadway at approximately 5,841 odometer miles, the vehicle's fender moulding/flare clip retention failed, causing the moulding to loosen and completely detach from the vehicle. The detached fender moulding separated in transit, creating an immediate road debris hazard for surrounding traffic and trailing motorists. The detached component was recovered with cosmetic surface damage and taken to an independent repair facility for repair and repainting. The component and vehicle remain available for inspection upon request. Prior to detachment, there were no interior warning lamps or messages displayed. The failure matches the defect condition identified under NHTSA Safety Recall Campaign 26V403 (Ford Manufacturer Recall 26S47). The manufacturer's customer support center was contacted to report the failure and seek pre-remedy out-of-pocket repair reimbursement under federal recall guidelines. The manufacturer stated that no reimbursement review or escalation could proceed because the official recall remedy status remains 'Remedy Not Available' (anticipated September 2026), leaving the vehicle owner without a remedy or immediate reimbursement pathway after experiencing the safety failure.

NHTSA ID
11760981
Incident
Aug 29, 2026
Seat belts
Filed Aug 14, 2026

Seat beat created a laceration on arm with normal use.

NHTSA ID
11756947
Incident
Aug 13, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH and depressing the accelerator to make a left turn, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The transmission shifted into neutral, and the vehicle coasted forward. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and activated the hazard lights. The system was reset, and the vehicle was able to accelerate. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate or determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure; however, the dealer contacted the manufacturer and confirmed the dealer's decision of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 617.

NHTSA ID
11750827
Incident
Jul 13, 2026
Mileage
617 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

SSM 55301

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY

Some 2021-2026 Bronco vehicles equipped with a hard top may exhibit water leaking between the back glass and hard top. This may be due to dirt and/or debris build up between/on the liftgate window glass seal and/or back glass. To correct this condition, use an approved cleaner according to the Owner's Manual to clean the back glass and/or hard top rear cap seal and check for water leaks again. If water leaks are still present, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-18B for normal diagnostics and repair as necessary outside of this article. For claiming, use causal part 78205G61 and labor operation MT55301SSM up to 0.5 hours.

SSM 55228

ENGINE

Some 2020-2026 Aviator/Explorer/F-150/Bronco/Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L (non-diesel) engine may need the front engine cover removed and reinstalled for various reasons. The Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-01 Engine > Removal and Installation > Engine Front Cover service procedure has been updated to include a new essential special service tool (ESST) guide pin alignment tool (303-1790) that is used to align the engine front cover to the engine block, preventing the O-ring seal on the engine oil galley feed tube from getting damaged during installation.

SYNC-26.2.9.3 F-150,Escap

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Quality improvements include: -Enhanced Android Auto and Car Play connectivity

TCU-26.2.12.2.2 Mach E, F

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Quality improvements include: -Addresses a bug that may cause updates to fail

ECG-26.2.12.3 Bronco,Esca

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Quality improvements include: -ePrivacy enhancements

SSM 55118

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY

Some of the following vehicles: * 2023-2025 F-Super Duty built on or before 02-Feb-2025 * 2024-2026 Ranger/Bronco/Mustang * 2024-2025 F-150 built on or before 15-Jul-2025 * 2024-2025 Nautilus built on or before 16-Feb-2025 * 2025 Explorer/Aviator built on or before 01-Feb-2025 may exhibit all of the following symptoms: - "No Key Detected" message displayed on the instrument panel cluster (IPC). - Key fob does not work in the backup slot. - Remote keyless entry (RKE) (lock and unlock from the key fob) functionality will work to lock/unlock the vehicle. If the vehicle exhibits these symptoms, start the vehicle using both key fobs. If the no crank/no start condition with "No Key Detected" concern is present, reprogram both key fobs and retest. If the no crank/no start condition with "No Key Detected" is still present, replace the body control module (BCM). Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-10. For claiming, use causal part 15604 and labor operation MT55118SSM up to 1.8 hours.

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
2026Viewing1110058.0
20255719064.5
20248516062.2
202323618056.8
202238923263.4
202123120465.7
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.