2023 Ford Bronco Sport Safety Report

The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with 5-star ratings in Overall, Frontal, and Side crash tests, and a respectable 4-star Rollover rating from NHTSA, it is plagued by a significant number of recalls and consumer complaints, particularly concerning fire risks. With 112 total complaints, including 5 crashes, 4 fires, and 6 injuries, the vehicle's real-world reliability and safety are concerning despite its strong crash test scores. The most common complaint patterns revolve around the 'FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE' (17 complaints), 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' (8 complaints), and 'ENGINE' (7 complaints). A critical and recurring issue highlighted by multiple recalls (e.g., 22V-859, 24V-187, 25V-467) is the cracking of fuel injectors, leading to fuel leaks and a heightened risk of fire. Several consumer complaints directly reference this issue, with owners reporting strong gasoline odors and concerns about the lack of available remedies for extended periods, forcing them to park vehicles away from homes. Beyond fuel system issues, the 2023 Bronco Sport has been subject to a high number of recalls, totaling 13. These recalls address a range of serious problems, including electrical shorts in engine block heaters (increasing fire risk), rearview camera failures, 12-volt battery degradation leading to loss of drive power, inoperative windshield wipers, and incorrectly manufactured tires affecting handling. The sheer volume and nature of these recalls, many of which directly impact fundamental vehicle operation and safety, suggest significant quality control challenges for this model year. The discrepancy between high crash test ratings and numerous safety-critical recalls and complaints indicates that while the vehicle performs well in controlled crash scenarios, its operational reliability and fire prevention systems are areas of concern.

Our recommendation: Given the high number of safety recalls, particularly those related to fire risk from fuel injector issues, and numerous consumer complaints, exercise extreme caution. Ensure all 13 recalls are addressed and verified before purchase, and be prepared for potential ongoing reliability concerns.