2026 Ford Bronco recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2026 Ford Bronco and 11 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are structure (3), power train (2), electrical system (2). EPA-rated fuel economy is 17–20 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
The 2026 has the fewest owner complaints of any Bronco model year from 2021 to 2026. It has 9 recalls vs. an average of 17.5 per model year.
Recalls 9
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2026 Ford Bronco. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Air bags · side/window · curtain
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Bronco vehicles. The mounting bracket on the right-hand-side side curtain air bag may have a metal burr that can tear the air bag during deployment.
Risk: A torn air bag may fail to properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will increase the space between the bracket and air bag to remove the contact condition, free of charge. Owner notification letters were October 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S64. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 10, 2026.
Engine and engine cooling · engine · hard parts internal/mechanical
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mustang, and Ranger vehicles. The engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead to a loss of drive power.
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 28, 2026.
Engine
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Bronco and Bronco Raptor vehicles. The engine compartment wiring harness may become damaged and short circuit.
Risk: A short circuit in the engine compartment can create heat or spark, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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 contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S55. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 23, 2026.
Structure · body
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Bronco vehicles. The fender flares may not be properly secured and detach from the vehicle.
Risk: A detached fender flare can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Engine and engine cooling · engine · hard parts internal/mechanical
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles. The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Risk: A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 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 searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 28, 2026.
Equipment · other · labels
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The vehicle specifications listed on the tire placard and safety certification labels may be incorrect, including the VIN, capacity weight, seating capacity, front and rear gross axle weight rating (GAWR), tire and rim dimensions, and recommended cold tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims" and 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
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.
Fix: 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.
Seats · critical fasteners
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The front seats may have a loose or dislodged seat frame height-adjust pivot bolt.
Risk: A seat with a dislodged bolt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Back over prevention · software
Problem: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
Electrical system · instrument cluster/panel
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Bronco and Bronco Sport vehicles. The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail at startup.
Risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or vehicle speed, increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
Hardtop is cracking already. Was built in June of 2026 and purchased in August of 2026. Top needs replacement already. Looked on the dealer lot and every new and used bronco with the M.I.C top had cracks like mine or worse.
I have a new bronco with 3,000 miles on it and I used my heated steering wheel for the first time today and the cabin started filling up with smoke. The smoke was coming from the steering column. I’m not sure if something was on fire or just smoking but I didn’t see flames just a lot of smoke. I have a video. Where can I email it?
Twice, while flat towing the 2026 Ford Bronco something happen and allegedly the neutral tow disabled and I had to replace the transmission. $7,500 each time. The first time the Bronco had 900 miles and the second time the unit had 3,000 miles. Both times the warranty claim was denied. Ford blamed it on a battery voltage drop which in turn disabled the neutral tow. I can not fi…
Safety ratings
2026 FORD BRONCO 2DR SUV N/A 4WD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2026 Ford Bronco.
Bronco 4WD
Auto (S10) · 4 cyl · 2.3 L · Turbo
Regular
Bronco 4WD
Auto (S10) · 6 cyl · 2.7 L · Turbo
Regular
Bronco Badlands 4WD
Auto (S10) · 4 cyl · 2.3 L · Turbo
Regular
Bronco Badlands 4WD
Man 7-spd · 4 cyl · 2.3 L · Turbo
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2026 Ford Bronco have?
NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2026 Ford Bronco, most recently for air bags · side/window · curtain (09/09/2026). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2026 Ford Bronco?
Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are structure (3), power train (2), electrical system (2).
Is the 2026 Ford Bronco safe?
NHTSA hasn't published an overall 5-star rating for the 2026 Ford Bronco.
Is the 2026 a good year for the Ford Bronco?
The 2026 has the fewest owner complaints of any Bronco model year from 2021 to 2026. It has 9 recalls vs. an average of 17.5 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2026 Ford Bronco get?
EPA ratings for the 2026 Ford Bronco range from 17 to 20 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2026 Ford Bronco in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved November 2, 2026. NHTSA model names used: BRONCO 2DR, BRONCO 4DR, Bronco.