NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Ford Bronco
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
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 2026 Ford Bronco earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 65 out of 100, an below average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 6 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
Reviewers 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.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21393
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed August 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in late August 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S47. Vehicle Identifi
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
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS26V335000
Risk: The incorrect tire size, tire pressures, and GAWR listed on the labels can allow the vehicle to be overloaded or have improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the certification and TREAD labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C24. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 28, 2026.
Reported 2026-05-26
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
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
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
3 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.