As Ford Authority recently reported, a number of Blue Oval models have been dropped from the latest revamp of Consumer Reports‘ list of “recommended” vehicles, while others were added. CR updates its list of recommended vehicles on a regular basis using data from its owner surveys, which indicate what kinds of problems those owners have in terms of reliability. Now, another Blue Oval model has achieved recommended status as well – the Ford Bronco Sport.
Consumer Reports has added the Ford Bronco Sport to its list of recommended vehicles this time around, as the crossover managed to improve its predicted reliability scores in recent years. Back when it debuted for the 2021 model year, the Ford Bronco Sport only had a reliability score of one out of five possible points, which improved to two for the 2022 and 2023 model years, followed by three for the 2024 and refreshed 2025 model years, which was the driving force behind this change.
Previously, owners experienced issues with the crossover’s braking system, head gasket, and overall fit and finish. As Ford Authority previously reported, The Blue Oval delayed the launch of the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport as it worked to sort out any potential problems before deliveries began, a common practice implemented by the automaker over the past couple of years with all of its refreshed or redesigned models. Additionally, the Bronco Sport topped the small SUV segment in J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS).
In addition to this update, Consumer Reports added the Ford Explorer to its list of recommended vehicles, along with the (non-hybrid) Ford Escape, Genesis GV80, Hyundai Kona Electric, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Volvo XC60 PHEV. It isn’t all good news for Ford, however, as the brand didn’t perform too well in Consumer Reports‘ 2024 reliability study, coming in at 13th out of 22 brands with a score of 44 points. The Blue Oval also had a pair of models lose their recommended status this time around – the Lincoln Corsair and Ford Escape Hybrid.
Comments
I just purchased a 2024 and it ran out of gas with two bars still showing on the gas gauge on the way home. Also the right side rear wheel is so far out of alignment that it’s noticeable with the naked eye. Tipped in at the top and towed in badly.
So Ford you probably shouldn’t be on the hood list yet.
On the list one year, off it the next. Same with the Escape. I’d be leery of both.