2023 Ford Bronco Safety Report
2023 FORD BRONCO Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2023 Ford Bronco
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2023 Ford Bronco. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (15) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (196) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 6 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Visibility/Wiper | Compare visibility/wiper issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2024 | Compare against the 2024 Ford Bronco with 51 complaints and 12 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2022 | Check the 2022 Ford Bronco before buying across this generation. |
Ford Bronco Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Ford Bronco years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Ford Bronco | 51 | 12 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2022 Ford Bronco | 306 | 19 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Ford Bronco | 203 | 17 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2023 Ford Bronco Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2023 Ford Bronco, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Visibility/Wiper
84 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Ford onlyPower Train
13 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Ford onlyEngine
10 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Ford onlyElectrical System
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Ford onlyService Brakes
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Ford onlySuspension
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Suspension issues Ford onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Ford Bronco
Reliability Score
The 2023 Ford Bronco receives a reliability score of 84 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2023 Ford Bronco
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
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:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Braking System (Electronic Parking Brake And Brake Control Modules) The electronic parking brake and brake control modules have experienced issues, leading to intermittent starting and brake malfunctions. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Failures The vehicle has experienced recurring electrical system failures, including issues with starting and power delivery. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Suspension Issues Front differential mounts are cracking and breaking, leading to suspension instability and potential damage to adjacent components. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Back Over Prevention System The back over prevention system has been recalled due to software issues, affecting certain models. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k 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:
Issues with the electronic parking brake and brake control modules.
Recurring failures leading to intermittent starting and power delivery issues.
Cracking and breaking of front differential mounts.
Software issues affecting certain models.
Recall Details for the 2023 Ford Bronco
The following 15 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Ford Bronco by NHTSA:
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Ford Bronco and 2021-2024 Ford Edge vehicles. The Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) may overheat and shutdown, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended.
Consequence: 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 are expected to be mailed March 30, 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.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles. The front seats may have a loose or dislodged seat frame height-adjust pivot bolt.
Consequence: A seat with a dislodged bolt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the pivot links and bolts, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 6, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB5. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on...
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for thi...
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The remedy is under development. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 16, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated 2nd Quarter 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
Consequence: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is avail...
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco vehicles. The 360-degree view camera may not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S48. This recall expands previous recall number 23V-598.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco vehicles. The rear shock absorbers may corrode and fail, resulting in detachment of the external reservoir.
Consequence: An external reservoir that detaches from a vehicle can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear shock absorbers, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S01.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Bronco 4-door vehicles. The left-side rear door may be opened from the inside of the vehicle when the child safety lock is in the "ON" position.
Consequence: A malfunctioning child safety lock that allows a rear door to be opened unintentionally can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the child safety locks and replace the rear door latch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 9, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S15.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Bronco and Bronco Heritage vehicles. The rear quarter glass panels may have been improperly installed to the vehicle hard top, which can allow them to detach.
Consequence: Detached rear glass panels may create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the rear glass panels on Bronco vehicles. On Bronco Heritage vehicles, dealers will replace the rear left-hand removable quarter glass panel. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Bronco owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2024. Bronco Heritage owner letters were mailed June 12, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. ...
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Bronco vehicles. The transmission park system may have been damaged during assembly, which can prevent the parking pawl from fully engaging and result in a vehicle rollaway.
Consequence: A vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S44.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco, 2023 Super Duty F-250, and 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles. The Tire and Loading Information (TREAD) label states the incorrect load carrying capacity, which can result in an overloaded vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: An overloaded vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will mail a new TREAD label to install over the existing label, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the new label installed, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C18.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles built with the 5-Door body style. The first-row seat belt latch plates may be difficult to access from their stowed position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: Difficulty accessing the seat belt latches may result in occupants not wearing their seat belts, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will add a sliding clip latch stop to the driver and front passenger seat belts, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 14, 2023. Owner letters informing owners that parts are available were mailed on October 2, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C16.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. The lug nuts on the driver's side wheels may have been improperly tightened.
Consequence: Loose lug nuts may result in wheel detachment while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, retighten the lug nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S17.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Bronco Wildtrak and 2022 Bronco Raptor vehicles. Internal damage to the steering gear may require increased steering effort or cause the steering wheel to lock-up.
Consequence: A steering wheel that locks-up can result in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S09.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The transmission may contain a loose bolt which could prevent the transmission from engaging the park gear, although the gear shifter position may indicate that the vehicle has been shifted to "PARK."
Consequence: The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmissions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S06.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2023 Ford Bronco
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2023 Ford Bronco with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 1 involved fires.
1. Component/system that failed/malfunctioned — Braking system (electronic parking brake and brake control modules) combined with electrical/communication defect preventing storage of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Vehicle available for inspection upon request. 2. How safety was put at risk — Repeated "Park Brake Fault – Service Now" and "Brake System Fault" warnings on dash while driving risk s...
The vehicle experienced recurring electrical system failures beginning in December 2023. The vehicle intermittently would not start and on several occasions lost power unexpectedly. The vehicle was taken multiple times to an authorized Ford dealership for diagnosis while still under the manufacturer warranty. The dealership repeatedly reported that no issue could be identified despite the recurri...
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while driving a motorhome at an undisclosed speed and towing the vehicle in tow mode, the transmission blew up. The contact pulled over to retrieve sunglasses from the vehicle and became aware that there was an odor of transmission fluid coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who confirmed there was no warran...
Automatic 10 speed transmission has unpredictable shifting from 1st through 3 gears, offten with long lags between shifts, losing power temporarily, especially from 1st to 2nd gear, and harsh shifting. Sometimes, the 1st - 2nd shift lag happens upon acceleration during merging or in an intersection and that loss of power is critical, requiring an adjustment in throttle position, and when 2nd gear...
I took my Bronco into Michigan City Ford for recall 25V273 repair. Shortly after this the front camera stopped working. I took it back in and they are saying the camera module is M2DZ-19H405-D has gone bad. They are saying this module controls front and rear camera but is not part of the recall. On the internet, there are many examples of the front camera issue after the rear recall repair.
soy based wire shielding second time that my ford bronco was in the shop for wire fault issues due to critters/animals eating the wires. Ford service agent said he has seen hundreds of vehicles come in with the same issue. This is not a ford problem it is an automotive industry problem. Please investigate
My vehicle was sitting in a small parking lot at work and the back liftgate glass blew out onto the pavement. It was 95 degrees outside. The liftgate arms and all the shattered glass were on the outside of my vehicle. I called the dealership and was told nothing they could do and they didn't even ask to look at it. I paid out of pocket to replace the glass. Then on January 24th when it was -25 deg...
Parked my car overnight, I had the car for 3 days , I came out in the morning and the windshield was shattered, it looked like it burst or exploded outward from inside the car , there was no foul play involved, I checked my cameras etc. I have no idea what caused this but this is a potential safety issue especially if the car was in motion or being driven…
Hood latch sensor alarms hood ajar when hood is actually closed and secure. This issues inhibits the use of remotely starting, or unlocking vehicle. This appears to be a possible recall with the make and year of my vehicle but has never been listed as recall.
Front differential mounts are cracking and breaking leading to insecure front differential and damage to adjacent suspension and power train components. This is a significant risk to both the driver/occupants and potentially other vehicles on the road. This problem is appearing with increasing frequency on the Ford Bronco forums to the point that Ford now has a TSB out relating to this known engin...
Chronic water leak from roofline obstructing vision and causing confusion while underway
My vehicle has both cracked and leaking rear shocks as well as issues with the rearview camera and infotainment system. I have gone through two Ford Dealerships to remedy this issue and was told parts are on back order. I attempted to remedy this issue when I first received notification that parts were available in August 2025. When I drive, I can feel the suspension is not providing support and c...
The vehicle was parked and not in operation when a fire occurred. There was no collision or impact. The fire originated in the vehicle and caused significant damage. Emergency services responded to extinguish the fire. The vehicle had been properly maintained and there were no aftermarket modifications. The cause of the fire is unknown at this
Check engine light stayed on, constant. Code run showed cylinder 4 misfire. Bronco still under warranty so took to dealership. Mechanic said coolant was inside cylinder so he requested recommended remedy from Ford and would probably be engine replacement.
On November 30th, 2025 I drove southbound from Milwaukee to Chicago, leaving at approximately 5:30 a.m., on I-41. There was a winter storm warning in effect. Approximately every twenty miles I needed to stop and deice my headlights as light output had diminished to almost zero, resulting in extremely dangerous visibility. I have experienced similar problems in Manitoba and western Minnesota. In ...
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V273000 (Back Over Prevention), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The dealer replaced the rearview camera, but the rearview camera software update could not be completed. The dealer replaced the rearview camera a second time; however, the issue persisted. The dealer infor...
I have a 2.7l V6 Bronco with an automatic transmission. There is a steep downhill road (22% grade) a couple blocks from my house that ends at a stop sign for a major cross street. I apply the brake pedal to slow down for the stop sign and the Bronco behaves normally and comes to a full stop, but then with no change in brake pedal pressure by me nor any pedal feedback, i notice the Bronco starts cr...
There are reports of Ford Broncos rolling forward under braking, after a full stop. This occurs most often on a hill. To be clear, the brakes are already fully depressed, the vehicle is stopped, and THEN the vehicle suddenly rolls forward while the brakes are depressed, endangering pedestrians and others. This is NOT caused by driver error. Here are some vehicle owner complaints about this iss...
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that after opening the driver's side door and then closing the door, the passenger's side hard top fractured into several pieces. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The dealer confirmed that the repair would not be covered for free. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The...
My rear shocks have been corroding on the external resevior attached to the lower shock body and is rusting really bad in the exact place where the manufacturer of this vehicle says that it's breaking down ( rusting ) at. I called the dealership and the service department and they REALLY gave me the impression that they really don't want to repair my vehicle and is why I'm filling this report wit...
Showing 20 of 196 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 Ford Bronco
Has the 2023 FORD BRONCO been recalled?
Yes, the 2023 FORD BRONCO has 15 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2023 FORD BRONCO have?
The 2023 FORD BRONCO has 196 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 5 involved crashes. 1 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2023 FORD BRONCO?
The 2023 FORD BRONCO does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 FORD BRONCO?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2023 FORD BRONCO involve visibility/wiper (84 complaints), power train (13 complaints), engine (10 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system, service brakes, suspension.
How many crash reports does the 2023 FORD BRONCO have?
There are 5 crash reports associated with the 2023 FORD BRONCO out of 196 total complaints (2.6% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2023 FORD BRONCO have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2023 FORD BRONCO out of 196 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2023 FORD BRONCO?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2023 FORD BRONCO.
How many injuries are reported for the 2023 FORD BRONCO?
1 injury has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2023 FORD BRONCO. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2023 FORD BRONCO?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2023 FORD BRONCO is proceed with caution. It has 196 complaints, 15 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2023 FORD BRONCO?
The components with the most failures on the 2023 FORD BRONCO are: 1. VISIBILITY/WIPER (84 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN (13 complaints), 3. ENGINE (10 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9 complaints), 5. SERVICE BRAKES (9 complaints). VISIBILITY/WIPER is the single most-reported problem area with 84 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2023 FORD BRONCO?
Be cautious of electrical system failures and braking issues, especially around 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Regular maintenance is crucial. The 2023 FORD BRONCO has 196 NHTSA complaints and 15 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2023 FORD BRONCO?
The 2023 FORD BRONCO receives a reliability score of 84/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 196 owner complaints, 15 recalls, and 6 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Braking system (electronic parking brake and brake control modules) and Electrical system failures.
What are the known issues with the 2023 FORD BRONCO?
Known issues with the 2023 FORD BRONCO include: Braking system (electronic parking brake and brake control modules), Electrical system failures, Suspension issues, Back over prevention system. These are based on patterns found across 196 NHTSA complaints. 15 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2023 Ford Bronco?
Yes, there are recalls for the back over prevention system and electrical system issues.
What are the most common issues with the 2023 Ford Bronco?
Common issues include electrical system failures, braking system problems, and suspension issues.
How can I prevent electrical system failures in my 2023 Ford Bronco?
Regular maintenance and inspection of the electrical system can help prevent failures.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of electrical system failures and braking issues, especially around 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Regular maintenance is crucial.
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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-14