MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

MODEL

Ford Bronco Sport Early Release

NHTSA safety across every Ford Bronco Sport Early Release model year we cover.

Across the 1 model year of the Ford Bronco Sport Early Release we cover (2025 to 2025), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2025 at 94 on the NHTSA Safety Index. No recalls are on record across those years.

THE MOTORCALIBER REVIEW
MotorCaliber editorial Reviewed against NHTSA data 2026-07-03

The Ford Bronco Sport Early Release is a compact SUV that carves out a rugged, adventure-oriented identity in a crowded segment. Aimed at outdoor enthusiasts and daily drivers who want trail-capable styling without sacrificing urban practicality, the 2025 model arrives with a strong safety foundation that deserves serious attention from safety-conscious shoppers.

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Early Release earns a Best NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band - a genuinely impressive result for a compact SUV that also carries off-road ambitions. The underlying crash-test geometry backs that score up: five stars in both the frontal and side disciplines, with a solid four stars in rollover protection. That rollover rating is worth contextualizing - taller, narrower SUVs carry an inherent physics disadvantage in rollover testing compared to sedans, so a four-star result here is respectable rather than concerning. On the recall front, the 2025 model year shows zero recalls at the time of our review. That is a clean slate and a meaningful data point, though shoppers should always monitor NHTSA's recall database as new model years accumulate real-world mileage. Owner complaints total 22 across the covered model year, with 3 flagged as crash-related, 2 associated with injuries, and none linked to fatalities. All complaints are unverified allegations, and 22 reports across a new model introduction is a relatively modest complaint volume. Still, the presence of injury-associated complaints warrants watching as the ownership base grows. Bottom line: the Bronco Sport Early Release presents one of the stronger safety profiles in its class for 2025. Zero recalls and exceptional crash-test scores make it a genuinely defensible choice on pure safety grounds.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Bronco Sport as a well-rounded compact SUV that punches above its price point in off-road capability and interior practicality. Most praise its distinct styling and trail-ready hardware while noting that the driving experience is more comfort-focused than hardcore. Safety credentials are typically viewed as a meaningful competitive strength.

WHAT TO KNOW
  • The 2025 Bronco Sport Early Release earned a 94 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index, placing it in the Exceptional band - one of the stronger results in the compact SUV segment.
  • Crash-test performance is led by five-star frontal and five-star side ratings, with a four-star rollover score that is competitive for a taller SUV body style.
  • Zero recalls have been issued for the 2025 model year at the time of this review - a clean record for a recently launched variant, though shoppers should continue checking NHTSA's live recall database.
  • Owner complaints total 22, including 3 crash-related and 2 injury-associated filings. These are unverified allegations, but the complaint file should be monitored as the model accumulates more time in the field.

BY YEARBronco Sport Early Release by model year