Ford Bronco problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated November 3, 2026

The best-documented Bronco problem is intake valve failure on early 2.7L EcoBoost engines, now covered by a recall. 2021–2022 molded-in-color hardtops had quality defects and a later roof-panel recall, and rear shocks, steering gears, park systems and front ball joints have all been recalled. Check the VIN before buying.

CarWhere lists 7 documented Bronco issues, including 7 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, engines, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source.

Bronco generations at a glance

Ford Bronco generations and the known issues listed for each
Generation	Model years	Issues on this page
6th gen	2021–present	2.7L EcoBoost intake valve failure on early Broncos · Molded-in-color hardtop defects and roof panel recall · Rear shock absorbers can corrode and drop their reservoir · Steering gear damage on Bronco Raptor and Wildtrak (do-not-drive recall) · Transmission park system damaged during assembly (2023) · Misaligned transmission-to-transfer case joint after earlier repairs · Front upper control arm ball joint nut may be loose or missing

6th gen Bronco problems (2021–present)

2.7L EcoBoost intake valve failure on early Broncos (2021–2022)

Safety recall

Generation:: 6th gen (2021–2022)
Years:: 2021–2022
Engine:: 2.7L EcoBoost V6

Early 2021 Broncos with the 2.7L drew reports of sudden, low-mileage engine failure. NHTSA's investigation (PE22-007, then EA23-002) traced failures across 2.7L and 3.0L EcoBoost models to fractured intake valves and noted Ford switched the valve alloy in October 2021. Ford's 2024 recall covers certain 2021–2022 Broncos, F-150s and other models; dealers run an engine test and replace the engine if needed.

Symptoms

Sudden misfire, loud knock and loss of power
Engine that will not restart after failing

Check before buying

Check the VIN for 24V-635 and confirm the engine test/repair was done
Ask whether the engine has been replaced and get the paperwork
Listen for ticking or misfire at idle

NHTSA recall: 24V-635 (2024-08)

Sources: [1][2]

Molded-in-color hardtop defects and roof panel recall (2021–2022)

Safety recall

Generation:: 6th gen (2021–2022)
Years:: 2021–2022
Engine:: All engines (molded-in-color hardtop)

In 2021 Ford said it would replace the supplier-built molded-in-color hardtops on 2021 Broncos after quality problems with the roof's appearance and finish. In 2026 it followed with a safety recall for certain 2021–2022 3-door and 5-door hardtops whose outer roof panel can separate and detach; dealers inspect and replace the top as needed.

Symptoms

Cracking, bubbling or delamination of the hardtop surface
Rattles or wind noise from the roof panels

Check before buying

Inspect every roof panel closely for cracks or separating layers
Ask whether the roof was replaced in 2021–2022
Check the VIN for 26V-299

NHTSA recall: 26V-299 (2026-05)

Sources: [3][4][5]

Rear shock absorbers can corrode and drop their reservoir (2021–2024)

Safety recall

Generation:: 6th gen (2021–2024)
Years:: 2021–2024
Engine:: All engines (external-reservoir rear shocks)

Ford recalled certain 2021–2024 Broncos because the rear shock absorbers can corrode and fail, letting the external reservoir detach and become a road hazard. Dealers replace the rear shocks as needed.

Symptoms

Rust or leaking oil on the rear shocks
Rattle from the rear suspension
Bouncy or uneven rear ride

Check before buying

Look at the rear shocks and reservoir mounts from underneath
Check the VIN for 25V-025

NHTSA recall: 25V-025 (2025-01)

Sources: [1]

Steering gear damage on Bronco Raptor and Wildtrak (do-not-drive recall) (2022–2023)

Safety recall

Generation:: 6th gen (2022–2023)
Years:: 2022–2023
Engine:: All engines (2022 Raptor, 2023 Wildtrak)

Ford recalled certain 2022 Bronco Raptors and 2023 Bronco Wildtraks because internal damage to the steering gear can cause the steering to lock up. Owners were told not to drive the vehicles until the steering gear was replaced.

Symptoms

Binding or notchy steering
Steering wheel that suddenly stiffens

Check before buying

Check the VIN for 23V-155 before driving the vehicle
Turn the wheel lock to lock with the engine running and feel for binding

NHTSA recall: 23V-155 (2023-03)

Sources: [6]

Transmission park system damaged during assembly (2023) (2023)

Safety recall

Generation:: 6th gen (2023)
Years:: 2023
Engine:: Automatic transmission models

Ford recalled certain 2023 Broncos because the transmission park system may have been damaged during assembly, which can let the vehicle roll away in Park. The remedy is a replacement transmission.

Symptoms

Vehicle not holding firmly in Park
Grinding or clunk when selecting Park

Check before buying

Check the VIN for 23V-546
Test Park on a gentle slope with the parking brake off, then set it

NHTSA recall: 23V-546 (2023-08)

Sources: [6]

Misaligned transmission-to-transfer case joint after earlier repairs (2021–2025)

Safety recall

Generation:: 6th gen (2021–2025)
Years:: 2021–2025
Engine:: All engines

Ford recalled certain 2021–2025 Broncos where a previous repair left the transmission-to-transfer case joint misaligned, which can wear the output and input splines and cause a loss of drive power or a rollaway. Dealers inspect the joint and replace the transmission and transfer case as needed.

Symptoms

Clunking when shifting between Drive and Reverse
Loss of drive or 4WD engagement

Check before buying

Check the VIN for 26V-236
Ask for any transmission or transfer case repair records

NHTSA recall: 26V-236 (2026-04)

Sources: [1]

Front upper control arm ball joint nut may be loose or missing (2024–2025)

Safety recall

Generation:: 6th gen (2024–2025)
Years:: 2024–2025
Engine:: All engines

Several recalls (24V-770, 25V-260 and 25V-310) cover 2024–2025 Broncos whose front upper ball joint nut may be missing or loose, which can let the control arm separate from the knuckle and cause a loss of steering. For 25V-260, owners were told not to drive until repaired.

Symptoms

Clunk from the front suspension over bumps
Wandering steering

Check before buying

Check the VIN for 24V-770, 25V-260 and 25V-310
Have the front suspension inspected on a lift

NHTSA recall: 25V-260 (2025-04)

Sources: [7]

Related Bronco research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints is a different question, answered in the years-to-avoid research from NHTSA complaint counts.

Confirm exactly how a Bronco was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and equipment decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere build sheet decodes a Ford Bronco VIN into its factory record — powertrain, equipment groups and options as built. $9.99, instant.

Ford build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common Ford Bronco problems?

The best-documented Ford Bronco issues are 2.7L EcoBoost intake valve failure on early Broncos (6th gen, 2021–2022), molded-in-color hardtop defects and roof panel recall (6th gen, 2021–2022), rear shock absorbers can corrode and drop their reservoir (6th gen, 2021–2024) and steering gear damage on Bronco Raptor and Wildtrak (do-not-drive recall) (6th gen, 2022–2023). Which ones matter depends on the generation and engine, so check the section for the exact truck or car you are looking at.

Has the Ford Bronco had any recalls?

Yes. Recalls covered on this page include 2.7L EcoBoost intake valve failure on early Broncos (NHTSA 24V-635), molded-in-color hardtop defects and roof panel recall (NHTSA 26V-299), rear shock absorbers can corrode and drop their reservoir (NHTSA 25V-025) and steering gear damage on Bronco Raptor and Wildtrak (do-not-drive recall) (NHTSA 23V-155). Recall repairs are free at a Ford dealer; check any specific vehicle’s VIN with NHTSA to see whether the work was completed.

What should I check before buying a used Bronco?

Check the VIN for 24V-635 and confirm the engine test/repair was done. Inspect every roof panel closely for cracks or separating layers. Look at the rear shocks and reservoir mounts from underneath. Check the VIN for 23V-155 before driving the vehicle. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic covers these and should include a scan for stored fault codes.

Is the Ford Bronco reliable?

Most well-known Bronco problems are tied to a specific generation, engine or transmission rather than the model as a whole, and many have a published fix, updated part or recall remedy.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

NHTSA recalls: 2021 Ford Bronco — NHTSA
ODI Resume EA23-002: Loss of motive power, 2.7L/3.0L EcoBoost intake valves (2021–2022) — NHTSA
Every 2021 Ford Bronco with a hardtop needs a new one — The Drive
Recall report 26V-299: 2021–2022 Bronco molded-in-color hardtop — NHTSA
NHTSA recalls: 2022 Ford Bronco — NHTSA
NHTSA recalls: 2023 Ford Bronco — NHTSA
NHTSA recalls: 2025 Ford Bronco — NHTSA

More Ford tools

Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Ford Motor Company. Ford, Power Stroke, EcoBoost, Coyote and the model names are trademarks of their owner.