2023 Ford Bronco Safety Report

2023 Ford Bronco plagued by numerous recalls and visibility issues, lacks comprehensive crash test data.

196Complaints
15Recalls
45/100Reliability Score
5Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
1Injuries
Most reported components: Visibility/Wiper (84)Power Train (13)Engine (10)Electrical System (9)Service Brakes (9)Suspension (8)Unknown Or Other (7)Structure (6)Seat Belts (6)Back Over Prevention (5)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2023 Ford Bronco presents a mixed safety picture, characterized by a high number of recalls for a relatively new model and a significant volume of consumer complaints, particularly concerning visibility and powertrain issues. With 196 total complaints, 5 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury reported to NHTSA, there are clear areas of concern. The vehicle has received a 3-star rollover rating, which is below average, and lacks overall, frontal, and side crash test ratings from NHTSA, making a comprehensive assessment of its crashworthiness difficult. The most common complaint pattern revolves around 'VISIBILITY/WIPER' with 84 complaints, often related to rearview camera malfunctions, shattered glass panels, and issues with headlights. This is directly supported by multiple recalls concerning 'BACK OVER PREVENTION' due to camera failures and 'VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR' for improperly installed rear quarter glass. 'POWER TRAIN' and 'ENGINE' issues are also prominent, with 13 and 10 complaints respectively, including reports of transmission failures, unpredictable shifting, and engine misfires, some leading to engine replacement. These align with recalls for 'FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP' and 'POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:PARK PAWL'. Fifteen recalls have been issued for the 2023 Bronco, a substantial number for a vehicle in its first model year. These recalls address critical safety components such as rearview cameras (multiple recalls), seat frame integrity, potential electrical shorts leading to fire risk, fuel pump failures causing engine stalls, corroding rear shock absorbers, malfunctioning child safety locks, improperly installed glass panels, and transmission park system issues. The high volume and critical nature of these recalls, coupled with the consistent complaint data, suggest that while Ford is actively addressing issues, the vehicle has experienced numerous manufacturing and design flaws that impact safety. The lack of comprehensive crash test data from NHTSA further complicates the safety assessment, leaving potential buyers with incomplete information regarding occupant protection in various collision scenarios.

Reliability Score

The 2023 Ford Bronco receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2023 Ford Bronco

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2023 Ford Bronco:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Rearview Camera Malfunction
Multiple recalls and numerous complaints indicate frequent issues with the rearview camera failing to display an image or freezing, increasing crash risk.		 High Common new-unknown miles
Transmission Problems
Complaints include unpredictable shifting, long lags, harsh shifts, and even transmission failure, with a recall for park pawl engagement issues.		 High Occasional new-unknown miles
Shattered Glass Panels
Reports of rear quarter glass and windshields spontaneously shattering or being improperly installed, creating road hazards and visibility issues.		 Medium Occasional new-unknown miles
Corroding Rear Shock Absorbers
A recall addresses rear shock absorbers that may corrode and detach, posing a road hazard and increasing crash risk.		 High Occasional new-unknown miles
Engine Misfires/Failure
Complaints of engine misfires, coolant in cylinders, and engine replacement, with a recall for fuel pump issues that can lead to engine stall.		 High Occasional new-unknown miles
Child Safety Lock Malfunction
A recall indicates the left-side rear door may open from the inside when the child safety lock is engaged, increasing injury risk.		 High Rare new-unknown miles
Electrical System Failures
Intermittent starting issues, unexpected power loss, and wiring damage due to soy-based insulation are reported, with a recall for engine block heater electrical shorts.		 Medium Occasional new-unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2023 Ford Bronco:

Visibility/Wiper 42% of complaints

Predominantly related to rearview camera malfunctions, shattered glass, and headlight issues, accounting for 84 out of 196 complaints.

Power Train 6% of complaints

Issues include unpredictable shifting, transmission failure, and park pawl engagement problems, with 13 complaints.

Engine 5% of complaints

Reports of misfires, coolant leaks, and engine replacement, with 10 complaints.

Electrical System 4% of complaints

Problems with starting, power loss, and wiring damage, with 9 complaints.

Service Brakes 4% of complaints

Complaints about electronic parking brake faults and unexpected rolling forward, with 9 complaints.

Suspension 4% of complaints

Corroding rear shocks and differential mount issues are reported, with 8 complaints.

Structure 3% of complaints

Issues like roofline water leaks and hard top fracturing, with 6 complaints.

Seat Belts 3% of complaints

Concerns about seatbelts unlatching and rattling after service, with 6 complaints.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 Ford Bronco

Is the 2023 Ford Bronco safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2023 Ford Bronco has a concerning safety record for a new model, with 15 recalls and 196 complaints. While Ford is addressing issues through recalls, the vehicle has a 3-star rollover rating and lacks comprehensive frontal and side crash test ratings, making a full safety assessment difficult.

What are common problems with the 2023 Ford Bronco?

The most reported issues for the 2023 Ford Bronco are related to VISIBILITY/WIPER (84 complaints), primarily rearview camera malfunctions and shattered glass. Other common problems include POWER TRAIN (13 complaints) with transmission issues, ENGINE (10 complaints) with misfires, and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9 complaints) failures.

How many recalls does the 2023 Ford Bronco have?

The 2023 Ford Bronco has a significant number of recalls, with 15 issued by NHTSA. These recalls address critical components such as rearview cameras, seat fasteners, fuel pumps, shock absorbers, and the transmission park system.

Are there any fire risks with the 2023 Ford Bronco?

Yes, there has been 1 fire reported to NHTSA for the 2023 Ford Bronco. Additionally, one of the 15 recalls (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V827000) addresses a potential electrical short circuit in the engine block heater that can increase the risk of a fire.

What is the rollover risk for the 2023 Ford Bronco?

The 2023 Ford Bronco has received a 3-star rollover rating from NHTSA. This indicates a higher risk of rollover compared to vehicles with 4 or 5-star ratings.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the high number of recalls and significant complaints, particularly concerning visibility and powertrain, potential buyers should proceed with caution, ensure all recalls have been addressed, and consider an extended warranty.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2023 Ford Bronco

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2023 Ford Bronco. The data includes 196 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 15 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 5 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.