NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Ford Bronco Safety Ratings
The 2025 Ford Bronco scores 53 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Weak), 19 recalls, and 44 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Ford Bronco's 3-star rollover rating, coupled with gaps in its crash-test coverage, presents a notable concern for potential buyers. Its overall NHTSA Safety Index score of 53/100 places it firmly in the Weak band. The vehicle's recall record further complicates the picture, with 18 distinct campaigns, including two critical "park-outside" or "do-not-drive" advisories. These findings warrant careful consideration for any safety-conscious consumer evaluating this model year.
The 2025 Ford Bronco earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 53 out of 100 and a 3-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Ford Bronco ranks 153 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA Safety Index | 53 / 100 (Weak) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 25.6% |
| Recalls on file | 19 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 44 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 153 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Ford Bronco?
The 2025 Ford Bronco's two recalls carrying park-outside or do-not-drive guidance are a critical safety consideration for this model year. These include an engine hard-parts recall, describing potential engine failure, and a front seat frame fastener recall, involving a loose or dislodged seat structure. This contributes to a total of 18 recalls for the 2025 Bronco. The vehicle earns a Safety Index of 53/100, placing it in the Weak band and marking a two-point decline from the 2024 model's 55/100. This is largely influenced by a defect record component score of 0 out of a possible 20 points, and avoidance technology contributing only 3.5 out of 10. Crash protection accounts for 49.8 out of 70 points. Rollover testing yielded a 3-star rating and a 26 percent rollover risk, significant figures for an off-road-oriented four-door SUV. While frontal crash tests resulted in a 4-star rating, the absence of an overall rating and a side rating means a comprehensive NHTSA safety profile for this model year is not available. The combination of high recall volume, a declining safety index, and incomplete crash test data raises a safety caution for the 2025 Bronco.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Ford Bronco perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Ford Bronco's strongest showing in NHTSA's battery of tests is its 4-out-of-5-star frontal crash rating. Its rollover rating stands at 3 out of 5 stars, accompanied by a 26 percent rollover risk. Notably, the dynamic tip test concluded with a "No Tip" result. As of this publication, NHTSA has not released overall or side crash ratings for the 2025 Bronco.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20297
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Ford Bronco have any recalls?
Yes. The 2025 Ford Bronco carries 18 recall campaigns, two of which are park-outside or do-not-drive severity level. Specific campaigns cover engine hard parts failure, front seat frame fasteners, transmission-to-transfer-case misalignment, fender flare detachment, and a back-over prevention software defect affecting the Accessory Protocol Interface Module. Owners should verify remedy completion by VIN immediately.
ENGINE26V468000
Risk: A short circuit in the engine compartment can create heat or spark, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install sheathing over the wiring, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2026 Bronco Raptor notified owners on 7/31/2026. Phase 2 will include 2021-2025 Bronco Raptor vehicle will notify owners on or about 8/14/2026. Phase 3 will include 2021-2026 Bronco will notify owners on or about 9/1/2026. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2026. Owners may
Reported 2026-07-20
STRUCTURE:BODY26V403000
Risk: A detached fender flare can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the fender flares as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 1, 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.
Reported 2026-06-24
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL26V343000
Risk: A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S35. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became
Reported 2026-05-27
SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS26V268000
Risk: A seat with a dislodged bolt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the pivot links and bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 26S30. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 30, 2026.
Reported 2026-04-28
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION26V236000
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.
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, 202
Reported 2026-04-14
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE26V124000
Risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The APIM software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S09. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
Reported 2026-03-03
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)26V122000
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 31, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.
Reported 2026-03-03
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE25V823000
Risk: An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the electronic brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 26, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 3, 2025.
Reported 2025-12-01
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL25V788000
Risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or vehicle speed, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The instrument panel cluster software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SC3.
Reported 2025-11-14
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD25V683000
Risk: In the event of a crash, windshield detachment can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will remove and replace the windshield, free charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 20, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C52. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.
Reported 2025-10-10
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE25V488000
Risk: An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The EBB module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S77.
Reported 2025-07-25
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK25V397000
Risk: A malfunctioning child safety lock that allows a rear door to be opened unintentionally can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rear door latch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S64.
Reported 2025-06-13
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Ford Bronco?
NHTSA has received 44 unverified owner complaints for the 2025 Ford Bronco. Alleged problem areas include the Electrical System (10 reports), Unknown Or Other (8), Engine (7), Service Brakes (5), Power Train (5), and Vehicle Speed Control (4). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
44 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Ford Bronco?
Any shopper considering a used 2025 Ford Bronco should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase. With 18 recalls on record, including two do-not-drive campaigns, confirming that all remedies have been completed is a critical first step, not an optional one.
- The 2025 Ford Bronco carries 18 NHTSA recall campaigns, two of which are classified at the park-outside or do-not-drive severity level, the highest urgency tier in federal recall guidance.
- A specific 2025 recall covers potential engine failure on Bronco, Explorer, and Ranger vehicles, a hard-parts internal mechanical defect that can result in a loss of motive power.
- The 2025 model year Safety Index of 53/100 declined two points from the 2024 model's 55/100, driven in part by a defect record component score of 0 out of 20.
- NHTSA has not published an overall star rating or a side-impact star rating for the 2025 Ford Bronco, meaning the crash-test picture for this specific model year is incomplete.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Ford Bronco places
The 2025 Ford Bronco qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Ford Bronco safety questions
Was the 2025 Ford Bronco crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Ford Bronco, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 53 out of 100, placing it in the Weak band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2025 Ford Bronco crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 Ford Bronco earned 4 out of 5 stars for frontal and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 25.6%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2025 Ford Bronco have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 19 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Ford Bronco, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Ford Bronco?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 44 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 Ford Bronco. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Bronco years
Rivals in SUV (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20297), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Bronco 2025.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 153 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.