Head-to-head reliability
FORD Bronco vs FORD Fusion
How the FORD Bronco and FORD Fusion compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
FORD Bronco vs FORD Fusion: The Bronco averages 173 complaints per year over 6 years, while the Fusion averages 1,356 per year over 10 years. Bronco owners report windshield cracks and engine fires, while Fusion owners face steering and transmission failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Bronco or FORD Fusion more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Bronco
The Ford Bronco, in its modern iteration, is a rugged off-roader that owners use for daily driving and adventure. Over six years, it has accumulated 1,040 complaints, averaging about 173 per year. The most frequent issues involve visibility and wipers, engine problems, and electrical gremlins. Owners report spontaneous windshield cracks, engine fires, and unreliable driver-assist features, which can be alarming for a vehicle marketed for exploration.
FORD Fusion
The Ford Fusion is a midsize sedan that has been on the market for a decade, with a much higher complaint volume: 13,561 complaints, averaging over 1,356 per year. The dominant problems are steering, engine, and powertrain issues. Owners describe broken control arms, transmission failures, and even battery fires in the plug-in hybrid version. This pattern suggests a vehicle that may be costly to maintain and potentially unsafe in certain situations.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Bronco | FORD Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,040 Better | 13,561 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 103 | 91 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 41 Better | 468 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 173.3 Better | 1356.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 27 Better | 306 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 7 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
FORD Bronco
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER175
- 02ENGINE169
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM135
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER128
- 05SERVICE BRAKES105
Owners report side mirrors changing orientation on their own, inconsistent blind spot warnings, and windshields cracking spontaneously without impact. These issues can impair visibility and driver confidence.
There are reports of engine compartment fires, some starting while idling, leading to total loss of the vehicle. The exact cause is often unknown, but it's a serious safety concern.
Electrical problems include software glitches affecting hands-free calling and other features, as well as issues with the infotainment system. These can be frustrating and may require dealer visits.
Some owners report exterior parts like fender flares peeling off while driving, which could become projectiles and pose a hazard to other road users.
“The following systems and features have been repeatedly failing in my vehicle, posing a safety hazard: 1) The side view mirrors change orientation automatically while driving. 2) The blind spot warning is inconsistent and is not trustworthy. 3) The infotainme…”
“Went out to start the vehicle one afternoon to notice a Crack from the outside passenger edge by the frame. Nothing hit the windshield and just a single line of Crack spread from one side of the windshield straight across took to ford to be told that while th…”
FORD Fusion
- 01STEERING4,144
- 02ENGINE2,535
- 03POWER TRAIN2,016
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,285
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,144
A significant number of complaints involve steering components, including a broken lower control arm that snapped while turning, and a non-functional horn. These are critical safety issues that affect vehicle control.
Engine problems include unusual shifting behavior, loud knocking noises, and fluid leaks after routine maintenance. Some owners report sudden engine failure and fires, particularly in the PHEV model.
Transmission issues are common, such as failed cooling lines causing fluid leaks and eventual transmission failure. Owners note that there were no warning lights before the failure, making it unpredictable.
Electrical problems range from software issues to serious incidents like a high-voltage battery fire in a PHEV. There are also reports of the vehicle being unable to move when placed in park, which could strand drivers.
“I’ve learned a while ago that the vehicle doesn’t have a working horn, I’ve replaced the fuse at least five times and it’s still not working. Yes the car was sold to me this way. Also I’ve been getting this warning to my ford app: “The Blind Spot Information…”
“The front left lower control arm (driver's side) snapped off (broke) while turning a corner. There was no reason for the breakage other than turning. It was repaired through insurance. The driver's safety as well as the safety of pedestrians were put at risk…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
FORD Bronco — 103 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Bronco and Bronco Sport vehicles. The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail at startup.
The risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or vehicle speed, increases the risk of a crash.
The 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.…
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The 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 th…
The defect: 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.
The risk: A seat with a dislodged bolt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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 26S3…
The defect: 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…
The 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.
The 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 reca…
FORD Fusion — 91 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Fusion PHEV vehicles. The battery energy control module (BECM) may become damaged due to excessive voltage and current flow.
The risk: A damaged BECM can result in a loss of drive power or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the battery and update the BECM software for free, or Ford will repurchase the vehicle. If your vehicle is currently operating normally, Fo…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2…
The risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations ca…
The fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
The defect: 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…
The risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded bl…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Fusion PHEV vehicles. The battery energy control module (BECM) may become damaged due to excessive voltage and current flow.
The risk: A damaged BECM can result in a loss of drive power or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the battery and update the BECM software for free, or Ford will repurchase the vehicle. If your vehicle is currently operating normally, Fo…
Buyer analysis
FORD Bronco or FORD Fusion: which should you buy?
The Ford Bronco has far fewer complaints per year (173) compared to the Ford Fusion (1,356), making it appear more reliable on the surface. However, the Bronco's issues, such as engine fires and windshield cracks, are serious safety concerns. The Fusion's higher volume reflects long-term problems with steering and transmission that could lead to expensive repairs.
Key differences
- The Bronco has significantly fewer complaints per year (173) than the Fusion (1,356), indicating a lower rate of reported issues.
- Bronco owners report more visibility and wiper problems, including spontaneous windshield cracks and mirror malfunctions, while Fusion owners face more steering and powertrain failures.
- Engine fires are reported in both, but the Fusion's PHEV battery fires are a distinct electrical hazard.
- The Fusion's steering issues, like a broken control arm, directly affect vehicle control, whereas the Bronco's fender flare detachment is a road hazard to others.
- Inspect the windshield for any cracks or signs of stress, as spontaneous cracking is a common complaint.
- Check the side mirrors and blind spot monitoring for proper operation, as they may malfunction.
- Have the steering components, especially the lower control arms, inspected for wear or damage.
- Check for any signs of fluid leaks under the car, particularly transmission fluid, and verify the transmission's condition.
Before you buy
- Ask for the vehicle's complete service history and check for any open recalls.
- Test drive both vehicles and pay attention to steering feel, transmission shifts, and any unusual noises.
- For the Bronco, test the windshield wipers and mirrors, and check for any signs of electrical issues.
- For the Fusion, have a mechanic inspect the steering and suspension, and if it's a PHEV, check the battery health.
- Review the NHTSA complaint data for the specific model year you're considering to see if issues are more prevalent.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific FORD Bronco or FORD Fusion in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Bronco vs FORD Fusion
- FORD Bronco total complaints
- 1,040
- FORD Fusion total complaints
- 13,561
- FORD Bronco total recalls
- 103
- FORD Fusion total recalls
- 91
- FORD Bronco avg complaints/year
- 173.3
- FORD Fusion avg complaints/year
- 1356.1
- More reliable overall
- FORD Bronco
- FORD Bronco top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- FORD Fusion top complaint area
- STEERING