Head-to-head reliability
FORD Explorer vs FORD Bronco
How the FORD Explorer and FORD Bronco compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
FORD Explorer vs FORD Bronco: The Explorer has 4758 complaints over 10 years (475.8/yr) and 165 recalls, while the Bronco has 1040 complaints over 6 years (173.3/yr) and 103 recalls. Explorer owners report structural and powertrain issues, while Bronco owners face visibility and engine fire risks. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Explorer or FORD Bronco more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Explorer
The Ford Explorer, with over a decade of data, shows a high complaint volume, averaging nearly 476 per year. Owners frequently report structural issues like cracked stabilizer arms and trim pieces, as well as powertrain problems including transmission and engine failures, sometimes even after replacements. This suggests a vehicle that may require frequent repairs and could have safety implications, especially given the high number of crash-related complaints.
FORD Bronco
The Ford Bronco, with six years of data, has a lower complaint rate but still notable issues. Visibility and wiper problems, including windshield cracks and malfunctioning mirrors, are common, along with engine fires and electrical glitches. These issues point to potential safety hazards and reliability concerns, though the lower complaint volume per year suggests a somewhat better track record than the Explorer.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Explorer | FORD Bronco |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4,758 | 1,040 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 165 | 103 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 129 | 41 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 475.8 | 173.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 160 | 27 Better |
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 Explorer
- 01STRUCTURE1,169
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER956
- 03POWER TRAIN868
- 04ENGINE552
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM465
Owners report cracked stabilizer arms and trim pieces like A-pillar moldings blowing off, which can crack windshields and pose hazards to other drivers.
Transmission and engine defects are frequent, with some owners experiencing complete engine and transmission replacements yet still facing issues like hesitation and warning lights.
Engine misfires and hesitation are reported, with spark plug replacements not always resolving the problem, indicating deeper engine issues.
“Around 20,000 miles, I took my vehicle to the dealer due to rattling and knocking in the front right wheel well and it was discovered the stabilizer arm was cracked. Received the vehicle back, and approximately 1000 miles later, there is rattling at the front…”
“The A piller molding on BOTH sides of the windshield has been blown off. When blown off it cracked the windshield. This resulting in a hazard to drivers around but also the fuel economy of the car.”
FORD Bronco
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER175
- 02ENGINE169
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM135
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER128
- 05SERVICE BRAKES105
Windshields crack spontaneously, and side mirrors change orientation on their own, while blind spot warnings are inconsistent, compromising driver awareness.
Engine fires have occurred, originating near the dashboard or passenger side, leading to total loss of the vehicle in some cases.
Infotainment and hands-free phone issues arise after software updates, and there are problems with mirror and blind spot systems, indicating electrical gremlins.
“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…”
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 Explorer — 165 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
The risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the image processing module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 25, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2023. O…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement…
The risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles. The right-front lower fastener connecting the steering knuckle and strut may be loose or missing.
The risk: A loose or missing connection between the knuckle and strut can cause improper tire alignment, resulting in a steering pull or require increased steering effort. Additionally, the brake hose may contact the tire and become damaged, resulti…
The fix: Dealers will inspect the fasteners, and tighten or install them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 08, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
The risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S23. This recall expands a…
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…
Buyer analysis
FORD Explorer or FORD Bronco: which should you buy?
The Ford Bronco has fewer complaints per year (173.3) compared to the Ford Explorer (475.8), suggesting a lower rate of reported issues. However, both have serious safety concerns, with the Explorer showing more structural and powertrain problems, while the Bronco has visibility and fire risks. In practice, the Bronco may offer a slightly more reliable ownership experience, but both require careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Explorer has a much higher complaint rate, especially in structure and powertrain, with reports of cracked stabilizer arms and transmission failures.
- The Bronco has notable visibility and wiper issues, including spontaneous windshield cracks and mirror malfunctions, which are less common in the Explorer.
- Engine fires are a unique and severe concern for the Bronco, while the Explorer's engine issues are more about misfires and hesitation.
- The Explorer has more recalls (165) than the Bronco (103), but the Bronco's recalls include engine and electrical issues that could be serious.
- Inspect the front stabilizer arms for cracks and listen for rattling or knocking from the front wheel wells.
- Check the A-pillar moldings and windshield for cracks or missing trim, as they can blow off and cause damage.
- Examine the windshield for any existing cracks and ask about the vehicle's history of windshield replacements.
- Test the side mirrors and blind spot monitoring to ensure they function correctly, and check for any signs of electrical issues like infotainment glitches.
Before you buy
- Get a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on the specific problem areas mentioned.
- Check the vehicle's recall status and ensure all recalls have been addressed.
- Test drive both vehicles, paying attention to transmission behavior, engine smoothness, and any unusual noises.
- For the Explorer, ask about any repairs to the stabilizer arms or powertrain; for the Bronco, ask about windshield replacements and electrical system updates.
- Review the vehicle's service history for any repeated repairs or unresolved issues.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | FORD Explorer | FORD Bronco |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 22 | 11 |
| 2025 | 89 | 162 |
| 2024 | 19 | 71 |
| 2023 | 102 | 214 |
| 2022 | 255 | 360 |
| 2021 | 407 | 222 |
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 Explorer or FORD Bronco in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Explorer vs FORD Bronco
- FORD Explorer total complaints
- 4,758
- FORD Bronco total complaints
- 1,040
- FORD Explorer total recalls
- 165
- FORD Bronco total recalls
- 103
- FORD Explorer avg complaints/year
- 475.8
- FORD Bronco avg complaints/year
- 173.3
- More reliable overall
- FORD Bronco
- FORD Explorer top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- FORD Bronco top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER