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Ford · Mid-Size SUV · 2021–2025 Custom Search

Ford Bronco 6th Gen

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
4.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants · How we rate

Ford brought back the Bronco in 2021 after 25 years — body-on-frame, solid axles, a direct Jeep Wrangler competitor. Two engines: EcoBoost-2.3 four-cylinder (300 hp) with 7-speed manual or 10-speed auto, and the EcoBoost-2.7-V6 twin-turbo (330 hp, auto only).

Early 2021–2022 examples have real quality issues: MIC hardtop panels absorbed moisture and cracked — Ford replaced most under a customer satisfaction program (ended 2022). The 7-speed manual synchro grinds in 1st/2nd — many transmissions replaced under warranty. The 10R60 automatic has documented shudder too.

Insider pick: 2023–2024 Badlands or Wildtrak with 2.7L auto — avoids early teething problems. Skip the hardtop on used examples, inspect rear window seals regardless of top type.

2026 market: Base $32,000–$40,000. Badlands 2.7L $42,000–$52,000. Raptor $55,000+.

Engine Overview

The Ford Bronco 6th Gen is available with 2 engine variants — from 290 to 330 hp.

2.3L EcoBoost · Petrol· 300 PS
2021 2025

2.3L EcoBoost in the Mustang S550. Sporty application with open-deck architecture. Known for head gasket issues in track use; later years fitted with improved parts.

  • !! Cylinder head / liner issues under high load from 80,000 km

    The open-deck 2.3L EcoBoost is inherently limited for intensive track use. Cylinder head and liners can crack under sustained high load, particularly in tuned applications.

    Symptoms: Coolant loss, white exhaust smoke, overheating warning.
    2,000–10,000 $
    Ad Ford Mustang 2.3 EcoBoost cylinder headMustang EcoBoost cylinder head gasket
  • !! Low-pressure fuel pump (LPFP) failure from 120,000 km

    LPFP failure is a known weak point across all EcoBoost engines. More frequently documented on Mustangs due to higher mileages in the US.

    Symptoms: Power loss under full load, P0087, difficult starting.
    400–1,200 $
    Ad Ford Mustang 2.3 fuel pumpMustang EcoBoost LPFP
  • !! Intake valve carbon buildup from direct injection from 50,000 km

    The 2.3 EcoBoost in the Mustang uses direct injection only, so the intake valves are not cleaned by fuel. Deposits from around 40,000 km lead to power loss and rough running.

    Symptoms: Judder and rough running especially during cold operation, poorer throttle response, misfires, slight power loss in the lower rev range
    150–500 $
    Ad intake valve cleaning Ford Mustang 2.3 EcoBoostintake valve Walnut Blast Ford 2.3 GTDIthrottle body Reiniger Ford Mustang 2.3

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

2.7L EcoBoost V6 · Petrol· 330 PS
2021 2025

2.7L EcoBoost V6 in the Bronco — same engine platform as the F-150, different tune. Watch for recall 24S55 for intake valve fracture ("Silchrome Lite" alloy, production May–October 2021) — 91,000 vehicles affected. 10 year/150k mile warranty extension. Plastic oil pan leaks like the F-150 2.7L. Carbon buildup on Gen1 without port injection.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Water Ingress — Oversized Panel Gaps (SB 21-2403)

Oversized panel gaps, rear window rubber improperly seated. Service Bulletin SB 21-2403.

Symptoms: Wet interior after rain, water under rear window
Ad seal Bronco rear windowBronco weatherstrip
 Low
●Hardtop MIC Panels — Moisture Absorption and Cracking

Unsealed panel edges absorb moisture → unsightly appearance, cracks. Ford offered free replacement (until Sept 2022). Reports continue after.

Symptoms: Discoloration of roof panels, visible cracks, moisture under panels
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
756 complaints · 2021–2025
  1. 01 Wipers & Visibility
    166 ⚠ 1
  2. 02 Engine
    128 ⚠ 2
  3. 03 Electrical
    90 ⚠ 4
  4. 04 Other
    85 ⚠ 4
  5. 05 Brakes
    75 ⚠ 6

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Wipers & Visibility (166 complaints)
⚠ Engine (128 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (90 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 15 weaknesses have been documented for the Ford Bronco 6th Gen (2021–2025) — 9 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Body, Gearbox, Suspension, Other. Considered reliable: EcoBoost-2.7-V6-Bronco (2.7L EcoBoost V6).

Bronco (EcoBoost-2.3-Mustang, 2021–2025) — Be Careful: Cylinder head / liner issues under high load, Low-pressure fuel pump (LPFP) failure, Intake valve carbon buildup from direct injection. Power: 300 PS.

What to watch out for with the Ford Bronco? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Ford Bronco 6th Gen have? +
The Ford Bronco 6th Gen has 9 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Ford Bronco 6th Gen? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: EcoBoost-2.7-V6-Bronco (2.7L EcoBoost V6). The most reliable engine is the EcoBoost-2.7-V6-Bronco (2.7L EcoBoost V6) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the EcoBoost-2.7-V6-Bronco (2.7L EcoBoost V6).
Which Ford Bronco 6th Gen engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Ford Bronco 6th Gen. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 3 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Ford Bronco 6th Gen engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Ford Bronco 6th Gen — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 330 hp V6: for heavy off-road loads and towing. Check recall 24S55 — intake valves from over-hardened alloy fracture, 91,000 vehicles affected, free engine replacement, 10-year warranty. Outside the recall window: solid engine. Plastic oil pan leaks like the F-150.
Is the Ford Bronco 6th Gen worth buying used? +
The Ford Bronco 6th Gen is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 2 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Ford Bronco 6th Gen? +
The Ford Bronco 6th Gen is available with engine variants from 290 to 330 hp. Petrol: EcoBoost-2.3-Mustang (2.3L EcoBoost), EcoBoost-2.7-V6-Bronco (2.7L EcoBoost V6).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee