MODEL
Ford Bronco Safety
NHTSA safety across every Ford Bronco model year we cover.
Across the 6 model years of the Ford Bronco we cover (2021 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 62 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2021 at 47. 105 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Ford Bronco is a body-on-frame midsize SUV that made its long-awaited return for the 2021 model year, targeting off-road enthusiasts and adventure-driven buyers who want genuine trail capability wrapped in retro-inspired styling. It competes directly with the Jeep Wrangler and slots above Ford's own Bronco Sport in the lineup. Its rugged identity is central to its appeal, but shoppers should weigh that character carefully against its safety record.
The Bronco's safety picture demands serious attention before purchase. Across model years 2021 through 2025, the lineup presents significant safety concerns, with the best NHTSA Safety Index score reaching only 69 out of 100 for the 2025 model. This places all examined years in the Below Average or Weak scoring bands, a meaningful gap from segment leaders. Crash-test results are uneven. While a four-star frontal rating is acceptable, the three-star rollover score reflects the inherent physics of its tall, narrow, body-on-frame platform and high center of gravity. Furthermore, side crash results were not rated for any of the model years we examined, leaving a critical gap in the vehicle's safety profile. The most pressing concern is the recall count. There are 73 recalls across the covered model years. This includes two serious campaigns that necessitated "park-outside" or "do-not-drive" instructions, the most urgent classifications NHTSA issues. Owner complaints total 880 across the lineup, with 25 alleged crashes, 13 alleged fires, and 15 reported injuries among the unverified allegations. The fire-related complaints in particular warrant scrutiny from any prospective buyer. While the Bronco's off-road credentials are well established, its safety record consistently falls short of what more road-focused competitors in this segment deliver. Buyers should proceed with full awareness of these facts.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally celebrate the Bronco's authentic off-road capability, its customizable modular design, and the emotional appeal of the revived nameplate. Most praise its trail performance and feature set for the price. However, reviewers also commonly flag its on-road ride quality and refinement as trade-offs inherent to the body-on-frame platform, positioning it as a purpose-built enthusiast vehicle rather than an all-around family hauler.
- Two of the 73 recalls across 2021-2025 model years carried park-outside or do-not-drive designations, the most serious level of recall urgency NHTSA issues. Any used or new Bronco purchase should begin with a VIN lookup at NHTSA.gov to confirm all recall work has been completed.
- The Bronco's best recorded NHTSA Safety Index is 69 out of 100, with ratings falling in the Below Average and Weak bands. That places it meaningfully behind safer performers in the midsize SUV segment, which matters especially for buyers who will use the vehicle for daily family transportation.
- The rollover rating of three out of five stars reflects the Bronco's tall, narrow, body-on-frame architecture and high center of gravity. Drivers who primarily use it on paved roads should understand that this design priority toward off-road performance comes with a measurable on-road rollover trade-off.
- Owner complaints include 13 alleged fire incidents and 25 alleged crashes across the covered model years. These are unverified allegations, but the fire complaint volume is notable and worth researching by model year before purchase, particularly for 2021 and 2022 examples which have had more time to accumulate reports.
Most-recalled year on record: 2022 Ford Bronco with 23 recalls.