Dealer visit checklist
2022 Ford Bronco checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
This is a year to avoid
- • 2.1x more owner complaints than nearby model years
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2022 Ford Bronco problems to check
- Hard top roof leaks and wind noise have been widely reported, particularly around the door seals and removable panel edges
- The Modular Outer Body (MOB) doors can develop squeaks and alignment issues over time, especially with frequent removal and reinstallation
- The 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder engine (non-Sasquatch trims) has been linked to oil dilution concerns in cold climates — the 2.3L four-cylinder is the more reliable choice
- Some owners report infotainment glitches and SYNC 4 software freezes requiring dealer resets or over-the-air updates
- Convertible soft top versions can exhibit premature wear on the fabric and zipper hardware with frequent open-air use
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain four-door 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles.
- VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Bronco and Ranger vehicles.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with rearview camera systems and 8-inch screen displays.
- AIR BAGS:SENSOR:SIDE IMPACT: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions.
- STEERING: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Bronco Wildtrak and 2022 Bronco Raptor vehicles.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYNC infotainment screens that were previously remedied under recall 22V-825.
- SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles built with the 5-Door body style.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $33,000 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away