8 Reasons the Ford Bronco Gets Bad Reviews (And If You Should Still Buy One)

The Ford Bronco roared back into the market in 2021 after a 25-year hiatus, promising rugged off-road capability and retro-cool styling. And while it’s got its die-hard fans, the SUV hasn’t exactly been free of criticism.

For all its hype, the Bronco has racked up complaints ranging from frustrating tech issues to build quality woes. So, if you’re considering dropping serious cash on one, here’s a brutally honest look at the top reasons it gets bad reviews—plus whether they should be deal-breakers.

1. Roof and Door Woes

One of the Bronco’s biggest selling points—its removable roof and doors—has also been one of its biggest headaches.

Owners have reported everything from excessive wind noise to leaky roofs. Early models with the hardtop had quality-control issues so severe that Ford had to replace entire batches. Meanwhile, the soft top can be a pain to operate and isn’t exactly whisper-quiet at highway speeds.

Should this stop you from buying?
If you love the idea of an open-air SUV, just know you may have to deal with some quirks. The leaks have reportedly improved in newer models, but the noise? That’s just part of the Bronco life.

2. Transmission and Engine Problems

A powerful off-roader isn’t much good if it’s stuck in the shop. Some Bronco owners have reported early engine failures, particularly with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6, due to catastrophic valve issues. The 10-speed automatic transmission has also been criticized for shifting problems and hesitation.

Should this stop you from buying?
The 2.3L four-cylinder engine has fewer reported failures, so if you’re worried about longevity, that might be the safer bet. And while transmission quirks exist, they’re not a universal problem—just test drive thoroughly before you commit.

3. Tech That Feels Half-Baked

Ford packed the Bronco with modern tech, but not all of it works flawlessly. Owners frequently complain about the SYNC 4 infotainment system freezing or lagging, while some driver-assist features (like adaptive cruise control) can behave unpredictably.

Should this stop you from buying?
Most software-related issues can be improved with over-the-air updates, but if you’re expecting Tesla-level smoothness, you might be disappointed.

4. Build Quality: Not Exactly Lexus-Like

Let’s be real—nobody buys a Bronco expecting luxury, but some of the build quality concerns are hard to ignore. From flimsy interior plastics to panel gaps that could fit a cheeseburger, fit-and-finish issues have been a consistent complaint.

Should this stop you from buying?
If you want a premium SUV, the Bronco probably isn’t it. But if you’re prioritizing off-road capability over showroom polish, a few rattles and misaligned panels might not be a deal-breaker.

5. MPG That’ll Make Your Wallet Cry

Gas prices aren’t what they used to be, and the Bronco isn’t exactly fuel-efficient. Even the four-cylinder model struggles to break 20 mpg combined, and the V6? You’re looking at mid-teens. Add a lift kit and bigger tires, and you might as well introduce yourself to your local gas station attendant.

Should this stop you from buying?
If you’re expecting hybrid-like efficiency, look elsewhere. But if you’re comparing it to other off-roaders (like the Jeep Wrangler), the Bronco’s fuel economy isn’t significantly worse.

6. It’s Not as Comfortable as You’d Hope

The Bronco was built to conquer trails, not to coddle you in traffic. The ride can feel bouncy, steering can be vague, and road noise is noticeable—especially with the soft top.

Should this stop you from buying?
If you plan to daily drive your Bronco, just be prepared for a truck-like experience. If you want plush highway comfort, a Grand Cherokee or Toyota 4Runner might be better options.

7. The Infamous Engine Failures (2.7L V6 Edition)

In early models, Ford’s 2.7L EcoBoost V6 had a major Achilles’ heel—catastrophic engine failures due to faulty valves. Some owners reported complete engine shutdowns with as little as 5,000 miles on the odometer.

Ford acknowledged the issue and made changes in later production runs, but if you’re eyeing a used Bronco with this engine, it’s worth checking its history.

🚨 Should you care? If you’re buying new, later models should be fine. If you’re going used, get a VIN check and see if it had any major repairs.

8. Price Creep and Dealer Markups

At launch, the Bronco seemed like a solid value, starting at around $30K for the base model. Fast forward a few years, and MSRP has climbed significantly, with fully loaded models pushing $70K or more.

Factor in dealer markups—some charging $10K-$20K over sticker price—and the Bronco starts looking less like an affordable off-roader and more like a luxury splurge.

🚨 Should you care? If you’re paying over MSRP, think twice. If you can wait, prices may settle as supply improves.

Final Verdict: Should You Still Buy a Bronco?

The Ford Bronco isn’t perfect—but no true off-roader is. If you can handle some quirks (and don’t mind a little extra wind noise), it’s still one of the most capable and fun 4x4s on the market.

✔️ Buy it if: You want an off-road-ready, adventure-focused SUV and are okay with a few trade-offs.
❌ Skip it if: You prioritize comfort, refinement, or fuel economy over rugged charm.

At the end of the day, the Bronco’s issues are real—but so is its appeal. If you know what you’re getting into, it might still be exactly the SUV you’re looking for.