2023 Ford Bronco problems & reliability
223 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Ford Bronco, alongside 18 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Sep 23, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several components.
3 complaints report injuries (3 injured).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2023 Ford Bronco vehicles were involved in 6 fatal crashes with 1 occupant death. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper → | 90 | 40% |
| Electrical System → | 22 | 10% |
| Power Train → | 21 | 9% |
| Engine → | 19 | 9% |
| Unknown / Other | 18 | 8% |
| Service Brakes → | 16 | 7% |
| Structure → | 15 | 7% |
| Suspension → | 13 | 6% |
| Back Over Prevention | 9 | 4% |
| Seat Belts | 7 | 3% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 26 reported components →Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“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…”
Visibility/wiper · filed Sep 18, 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.”
Power Train · filed Sep 16, 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.”
Unknown / Other · filed Sep 9, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
205 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2023 Ford Bronco. The 10 most recent:
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…
SSM 55100 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 22, 2026
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…
SSM 55073 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 10, 2026
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…
SSM 55031 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 23, 2026
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…
SSM 55028 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 21, 2026
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…
SSM 55009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 14, 2026
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…
26E04 · Emissions · issued Jul 9, 2026
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…
TSB 26-2298 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 26, 2026
Some of the vehicles listed in the model statement above equipped with SYNC4 may experience a blank center display screen or black center display after welcome animation. The rear-view camera will still function when…
TSB 26-2297 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 24, 2026
Some 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles may exhibit a condition where short drop windows, window bounce-back, and/or one-touch close does not operate properly. This may be due to loss of window initialization. Replacement or…
SSM 54961 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 23, 2026
This bulletin supersedes 26-2006. Reason for update: update the Parts list to correct the ambient air temperature service part number. Some vehicles listed in the model statement above may require the replacement of the…
TSB 26-2291 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 19, 2026
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2023 Ford Bronco has 18 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2023 Ford Bronco?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.