Comprehensive guide to Ford Bronco lemon law claims, common defects, NHTSA recalls, and your legal rights as an owner.
Model years covered: 2021-2024
The Ford Bronco made a highly anticipated return in 2021, but its revival has been marred by a series of significant manufacturing defects and safety issues. Owners of 2021-2024 models have reported widespread problems ranging from catastrophic engine failures in the EcoBoost engines to severe transmission malfunctions and electrical system glitches. These recurring issues have left many drivers stranded, facing lengthy repair times, and dealing with dealerships unable to provide permanent fixes.
For consumers dealing with these persistent defects, the lemon law provides a critical avenue for relief. If your Ford Bronco has been in the shop for an extended period—typically 30 days or more—or has undergone multiple unsuccessful repair attempts for the same substantial defect, it may qualify as a lemon. Understanding your rights, documenting every repair visit, and knowing the common defects associated with this model are the first steps toward securing a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement.
Total recalls: 12
The 2021-2024 Ford Bronco has been subject to several major safety recalls. The most significant involves the 2.7L EcoBoost engine, where defective intake valves can break and cause catastrophic engine failure while driving (affecting over 90,000 vehicles). Another critical recall addresses a misaligned transmission-to-transfer case joint that can cause the vehicle to roll away even when placed in 'Park' (affecting nearly 5,000 vehicles). Additionally, models with the 1.5L engine face a recall for cracked fuel injectors that pose a severe fire hazard, though NHTSA has expressed concerns that Ford's proposed software fix does not address the root cause.
View all Ford recalls and NHTSA safety alerts
Ford has issued numerous Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the 2021-2024 Bronco to address common complaints that have not yet escalated to full recalls. Notable TSBs include SSM 52307 and SSM 51838, which address transmission shifting issues and software updates for the powertrain control module. Another widespread TSB addresses the hard and soft top roof leaks, instructing dealers on how to replace defective clips and seals to prevent water intrusion and wind noise. There are also TSBs related to interior rattles, specifically from the right loadspace trim panel near the factory subwoofer at high volumes.
The Ford Bronco is currently the subject of multiple class-action lawsuits. A major lawsuit (Nelson, et al. v. Ford Motor Company) targets the EcoBoost engines, alleging Ford failed to disclose defects causing coolant leaks, cylinder head cracking, and total engine failure. Another significant class action involves the 1.5L engine's fuel injector fire hazard, which was recently reopened by a federal judge after NHTSA criticized Ford's recall remedy as inadequate. Additionally, law firms are actively investigating class actions regarding the defective 10R80 transmissions and the widespread issue of leaking and cracked roofs.
Yes. If your Bronco has experienced engine failure or has been in the shop for an extended period waiting for parts related to the intake valve recall, it likely qualifies for a lemon law claim, especially if the repair takes longer than 30 days.
It can be. While a roof leak might not seem as severe as engine failure, it substantially impairs the vehicle's value and use. If the dealership has tried and failed to fix the leak multiple times, you may have a valid claim.
Most Ford lemon law cases settle within 90 to 120 days without going to trial. However, complex cases or those involving severe defects like the fuel injector fire hazard may take longer to resolve.
A 'Cash and Keep' settlement is when Ford pays you a lump sum of money to compensate for the vehicle's diminished value due to its defects, but you keep the vehicle and its remaining warranty. This is common for less severe issues.
No. Under state and federal lemon laws, if you win your case, the manufacturer (Ford) is required to pay your attorney's fees and costs. You should not have to pay any out-of-pocket legal fees.