2023 Ford Bronco Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2023 Bronco
5
Visibility/Wiper complaints Check
Test wipers, washers, headlights, and all exterior lights, including the backup camera if equipped. (90 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 90 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (22 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 22 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Check
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (21 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 21 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (19 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 19 NHTSA complaints
Service Brakes complaints Check
Check pedal feel and stopping distance on the test drive, and confirm no brake warning lights are on. (16 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 16 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
10 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
18
Power Train Red flag
The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Steering Red flag
A steering wheel that locks-up can result in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Wheels Check
Loose lug nuts may result in wheel detachment while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Seat Belts Red flag
Difficulty accessing the seat belt latches may result in occupants not wearing their seat belts, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Visibility Red flag
Detached rear glass panels may create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Latches/Locks/Linkages Red flag
A malfunctioning child safety lock that allows a rear door to be opened unintentionally can increase the risk of injury.
Suspension Check
An external reservoir that detaches from a vehicle can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Back Over Prevention Check
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Back Over Prevention Check
A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Seats Red flag
A seat with a dislodged bolt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Back Over Prevention Check
A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Power Train Check
Excessive wear of the transmission and transfer case splines may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Structure Red flag
A detached fender flare can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Engine Check
A short circuit in the engine compartment can create heat or spark, increasing the risk of a fire.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2023 Bronco–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2023 Ford Bronco have?
NHTSA lists 18 recalls for the 2023 Bronco. The most serious involve Power Train (23V070000) and Steering (23V155000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2023 Bronco?
The top complaint areas are Visibility/Wiper (90 complaints) and Electrical System (22 complaints), out of 225 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2023 Bronco?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Visibility/Wiper, which drew 90 complaints for this model-year.