NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Ford Bronco Safety Ratings
The 2026 Ford Bronco scores 62 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Below Average), 9 recalls, and 3 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Ford Bronco, while seeing a meaningful improvement in its overall safety index from the previous year, still registers a "Below Average" rating in our NHTSA Safety Index, scoring 65 out of 100. This assessment is significantly impacted by the presence of six active recall campaigns and a near-zero score in avoidance technology, factors that temper an otherwise improved index result.
The 2026 Ford Bronco holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 65/100 and a 3-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Ford Bronco ranks 143 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA Safety Index | 62 / 100 (Below Average) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 25.6% |
| Recalls on file | 9 |
| Owner complaints | 3 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 143 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Ford Bronco?
The 2026 Ford Bronco has a 26 percent rollover risk, earning a 3-star rollover rating. This result is consistent with the vehicle's body-on-frame architecture. On the NHTSA Safety Index, the Bronco scored 65 out of 100, an increase of 12 points from the 2025 model year's 53 out of 100. This improvement moves the vehicle from a Weak to a Below Average rating. The improved score is largely due to a stronger crash protection sub-score of 49.8 out of 70. However, the avoidance tech sub-score is a low 2 out of 10. This reflects the absence of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning. Electronic stability control is the only active safety technology listed. Six recall campaigns are active for the 2026 model year, covering issues from engine failure risk to front seat fastener integrity. The defect record sub-score of 13.5 out of 20 reflects this volume of recalls. While the overall index improvement is significant, the lack of advanced avoidance technology and the substantial recall record remain defining safety characteristics for this model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Ford Bronco perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Ford Bronco achieved 4 out of 5 stars for frontal protection, marking its strongest crash-test performance. Its rollover rating is 3 out of 5 stars, accompanied by a 26 percent rollover risk, though the dynamic tip test was passed. No overall or side ratings are available from NHTSA for this model year.
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 // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Ford Bronco have any recalls?
Yes. Six recall campaigns cover this vehicle. Components include body structure (fender flares that may detach), internal engine hard parts (risk of engine failure), tire placard label accuracy, front seat frame fasteners that may be loose or dislodged, and back-over prevention software affecting the Accessory Protocol Interface Module. Shoppers should verify remedy status by VIN before purchase or operation.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN26V580000
Risk: A torn air bag may fail to properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will increase the space between the bracket and air bag to remove the contact condition, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed September 15, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S
Reported 2026-09-09
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL26V548000
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine pistons and replace the engine long block, if necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 3, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S61. Vehicle Identifica
Reported 2026-08-25
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
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Ford Bronco?
Three unverified owner allegations have been reported to NHTSA for the 2026 Ford Bronco. The top reported components are the Electrical System (2 alleged reports), Seats (1), and Engine (1). One alleged crash has been reported. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
3 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Ford Bronco?
Given this is a current model-year vehicle, its six active recall campaigns warrant close attention. Any prospective buyer should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool. Confirmation that all open remedies, especially those pertaining to the seat fastener and engine failure, have been completed at a Ford dealership is strongly advised.
- The Safety Index rose 12 points year over year, from 53/100 in 2025 to 65/100 in 2026, the single largest driver being a higher crash protection sub-score of 49.8 out of 70.
- Six recall campaigns are active for the 2026 model year, including one covering potential engine failure on 2025-2026 Bronco vehicles and one addressing front seat frame fasteners that may be loose or dislodged on 2024-2026 units.
- The avoidance tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning, making this one of the weakest areas in the 2026 Bronco's safety profile.
- NHTSA has not issued an overall crash-test star rating or a side-impact rating for the 2026 Ford Bronco; the only available NCAP scores are 4 stars frontal and 3 stars rollover.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Ford Bronco places
The 2026 Ford Bronco qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Ford Bronco safety questions
Was the 2026 Ford Bronco crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Ford Bronco, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 62 out of 100, placing it in the Below Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2026 Ford Bronco crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 Ford Bronco have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 9 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Ford Bronco. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Ford Bronco?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 3 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Ford Bronco. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Bronco years
Rivals in SUV (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21393), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Bronco 2026.
- 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 143 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.