Which Years Of Used Ford Bronco Sports Are Most Reliable?
We've identified the most reliable year for the Ford Bronco Sport. Check out which year (and which ones you should avoid when used car shopping).
Since its debut, the Ford Bronco Sport has gained quite a following, thanks to its distinctive fusion of retro design and off-road capability. In its fourth year in the market, used versions of the Bronco Sport are becoming popular among buyers. However, based on various ratings and owner reports, its reliability has been ”spotty” at best, so it helps if you’re aware of which model years are the most reliable.
The Bronco Sport sets itself apart in the crowded subcompact crossover market with its distinctive looks, cleverly designed interior and strong off-road performance. Plus, the addition of the eye-catching Heritage Edition packages has turned things up a notch. So, for today’s post, we’ll explore the most reliable Ford Bronco Sport year model so you can browse the used car market confidently.
The Most Reliable Ford Bronco Sport Years
The Ford Bronco Sport, affectionately nicknamed the ”Baby Bronco,“ is a compact crossover that’s half of Ford’s revival of the iconic Bronco name. Built on the foundation of the Ford Escape, the Bronco Sport boasts impressive off-road capabilities. While it may be smaller and less focused on extreme off-roading than its larger sibling, the standard Bronco, the Sport variant employs an independent rear suspension setup instead of a truck-like live rear axle.
With that said, below is the current Bronco Sport lineup with our recommendations on whether they’re a reliable pick or not.
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Avoid: 2021 Ford Bronco Sport
The debut of the 2021 Bronco Sport is anything but trouble-free. As such, this may not be your best option for the most reliable Ford Bronco Sport year. You’ll find many grievances about the 2021 model year’s reliability when looking at various Bronco communities. For example, here are the key discussion points on the Bronco Nation forum:
- Engine problems: The engine exhibits a shudder, particularly noticeable at lower speeds (under 40 mph). This includes symptoms like RPM spikes to 3,000 RPMs when braking before the vehicle stops, and sudden jumps in RPMs during gear shifts at lower speeds.
- Service challenges: Multiple forum users have experienced significant service delays and inadequate dealership responses. For example, one user mentioned being on a ”loaner list” for several weeks without having their car looked at, despite an extended warranty that should cover a loaner.
- Dealership attitude: There are complaints about the attitude of dealership staff, who dismiss serious mechanical issues as ”characteristics of the vehicle.“ This has led to frustrations and a lack of trust in the service provided.
- Resale value concerns: There is also concern about the impact of these issues on resale value, with dealerships seemingly more interested in buying back the troubled vehicles at a depreciated price.
Overall, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport has faced significant reliability issues, particularly with its engine performance, which makes it a potentially risky buy for used car shoppers.
Furthermore, this model year struggled with 9 recalls, including:
- Fuel injector issue: A significant recall (reference number 22S73) involves the potential for the fuel injector to crack, leading to fuel leakage and the risk of underhood fire. This recall affects the 2021-2023 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape models. Ford has developed updated software and parts to address this issue, and owners are advised to contact their dealers for repairs.
- Rear suspension bolts: Another recall pertains to loose or missing bolts in the rear suspension. This could impact vehicle stability and safety. Owners were advised to inspect their vehicles and contact Ford for necessary repairs.
- Brake system issue: Ford recalled 115,000 Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs due to a potential problem with the brake system, which could reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash. This recall primarily impacts the 2021 model year.
- Moonroof bonding: Approximately 1,000 units were recalled due to insufficient bonding of the glass moonroof frames, which could lead to detachment. This recall affects vehicles built between April 27 and May 25, 2021.
For a more complete list of 2021 Bronco Sport recalls, please visit this NHTSA page.
FORD BRONCO RESALE VALUE
If you’re interested in buying or selling a Ford Bronco, one of the most vital items to consider before doing anything is the Ford Bronco resale value.
Avoid: 2022 Ford Bronco Sport
Sadly, the following year of the Bronco Sport also had some reliability woes that are hard to ignore. As usual, we looked into various consumer reports. Common complaints include:
- Braking issues: Several owners have experienced brake problems, including brake failure, excessive brake dust, and unusual noises when braking. Some have had to replace brake parts shortly after purchase.
- Powertrain problems: Issues with the powertrain, such as low oil pressure warnings and transmission problems, have been noted. Resolution of these issues often requires multiple trips to the dealership.
- Engine and electrical problems: Complaints about the engine include rattling noises and poor heating performance due to a damaged water pump. Electrical issues, such as battery failures and malfunctioning sensors, have also been reported.
- Paint and exterior quality: Some owners have reported chipping paint and rusting exterior components, which detracts from the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal and may indicate broader quality control issues.
- Recalls and maintenance: The 2022 Bronco Sport has been subject to multiple recalls, including loss of drive power, cracked fuel injector, and unsecured fuel pump control module bracket. These recalls have required owners to bring their vehicles in for repairs, sometimes more than once.
Overall, while some owners are satisfied with their Bronco Sports, the recurring mechanical and quality issues have created major pain points for many.
THE FORD BRONCO SPORT YEARS TO AVOID
If you’re interested in making the vehicle yours, you must understand the Ford Bronco Sport years to avoid.
Buy: 2023 Ford Bronco Sport
If you don’t mind a newer Bronco Sport, the 2023 version is worth checking out. While it’s too early to tell, many signs point to the 2023 Bronco Sport’s improved long-term reliability, including:
- High safety ratings: The Bronco Sport received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, which is always a boon for safety-oriented customers.
- Positive reliability scores: It has a predicted reliability score of 87 out of 100 from J.D. Power, placing it in the ”Great” category.
- Owner satisfaction: Many owners report trouble-free experiences and satisfaction with their vehicles, highlighting their dependability and performance in various conditions.
Of course, only time will tell if the 2023 Bronco Sport is a reliable compact crossover. But with the present lineup, this is your best bet for the most reliable Ford Bronco Sport year.
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