Used Ford Bronco 6th Gen (2021-2024): Buyer's Guide

The 2.7L EcoBoost built between May and October 2021 has intake valves machined from the wrong alloy. They crack, fall into the combustion chamber, and destroy the engine. Ford found the average mileage at failure was 2,491 miles. Some engines failed with fewer than 3 on the odometer. Ford issued recall 24S55 in 2024, three years after the Bronco launched.

That's the most important thing to know about buying a used 6th gen Bronco. Second: Ford's rearview camera system on 2021-2022 models has been recalled five separate times. Each prior fix didn't hold. The fifth campaign is still open on unrepaired vehicles.

The Bronco is genuinely one of the best off-road SUVs ever made for the money. The community is enormous, parts are everywhere, and the ownership experience improves sharply from 2022 onward. But the 2021 model year is a minefield. This guide tells you exactly where to step.

This Generation at a Glance

The 6th generation Bronco launched for 2021, ending a 25-year production gap since the 5th gen ended in 1996. It rides the T6 platform, shared with the Ford Ranger and developed in Australia. Ford offers the Bronco in 2-door and 4-door body styles, with fully removable doors and modular roof panels standard on both.

The 2-door runs a 100.4-inch wheelbase. The 4-door stretches to 116.1 inches. The 4-door adds a usable rear seat and two more removable roof panels; the 2-door is lighter and more maneuverable off-road.

A mid-cycle refresh arrived for 2025 with updated exterior styling and a revised interior. For used buyers, the relevant range is 2021-2024.

See current inventory and pricing at /market/ford/bronco/2021, /market/ford/bronco/2022, /market/ford/bronco/2023, and /market/ford/bronco/2024.

Powertrain and Trim Breakdown

2.3L EcoBoost Four-Cylinder

The 2.3L is the right engine for most buyers. It makes 275 hp and 315 lb-ft in standard tune; Ford offered a High Output version (300 hp, 325 lb-ft) on Badlands, Wildtrak, and Outer Banks trims. Fuel economy is 20-21 MPG combined regardless of transmission choice. The same basic engine architecture powers the Mustang EcoBoost and Focus RS; it has a long track record.

The standout combination is the 2.3L with the 7-speed manual. The gearbox includes a crawler gear as "7th," giving a 94:1 crawl ratio in 4-Low with the Sasquatch package. No other production body-on-frame off-roader offers anything like it. Owners on Bronco6G are vocal about how much this changes the off-road experience.

7-speed manual (MT88) synchronizer failure. This is the most-discussed mechanical issue in the Bronco community. The 5th and 6th gear synchronizer rings can fail, producing a rotational grinding noise in neutral and resistance into 3rd gear, particularly below 50°F. Ford issued a TSB covering synchronizer ring replacement; labor runs over 10 hours, total cost exceeds $1,500. The problem affects 2021, 2022, and 2023 manual-equipped Broncos. Some owners on Bronco6G report the issue recurring after the first repair.

Test a manual Bronco cold. A warm dealer lot test drive will mask this entirely. If there is any crunch or resistance going into 3rd gear, treat it as a flag.

Head gasket and engine failure on early 2.3L builds. Ford issued Customer Satisfaction Program 23B08 covering engine replacement on 2.3L Broncos with coolant leaks from the head gasket. If you're looking at a 2021 or early 2022 2.3L, ask the selling party about 23B08 status and whether it was addressed.

Carbon buildup. The 2.3L uses direct injection, which deposits carbon on intake valves over time. Walnut blasting at 60,000-80,000 miles costs $300-$600. Not a warranty item; plan for it.

2.3L verdict: The most versatile powertrain in the lineup. High Output if you want more power. Manual if you off-road seriously and enjoy driving. Verify 23B08 program status on early VINs.

2.7L EcoBoost V6

The 2.7L makes 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with the 10-speed automatic. It's a different ownership experience: more effortless on the highway, 3,500 lbs of towing capacity (vs. 3,000 for the 2.3L), and noticeably quicker in everyday driving. The 10-speed SelectShift is the same 10R60 unit used in the Mustang and F-150; it's proven.

The intake valve recall (24S55 / NHTSA 24V635) is the most important thing to verify before buying any 2.7L Bronco.

Engines built between May 1 and October 30, 2021 received intake valves machined from "Silchrome Lite" alloy. This alloy develops over-hardness at the keeper groove under thermal cycling, causing valve cracking and breakage. When a valve fails, it enters the combustion chamber. Total engine failure follows. Ford documented average failure at 2,491 miles; some engines failed with fewer than 3 miles on them.

Ford's remedy: dealer inspection, engine replacement if affected. The recall covers 15,835 Broncos from that production window. Engines built after October 2021 use the correct Silchrome 1 alloy and are not affected.

Run the VIN through NHTSA.gov before you buy any 2021 or early 2022 Bronco with the 2.7L. Open recalls on a used vehicle are the buyer's problem until they're fixed.

Rear differential wear. A grinding sensation during slow, tight turns is the documented symptom. Full differential replacement runs $2,000-$3,500. Forum threads on Bronco6G include owners reporting the problem returning within 12,000 miles after a first replacement. Inspect during test drive: pull into a parking lot, make full-lock slow-speed turns in both directions, and listen.

2.7L verdict: The power upgrade is real and worthwhile. Early-production builds carry genuine engine risk; post-October 2021 builds are substantially lower risk. Verify 24S55 completion before purchase.

3.0L EcoBoost V6 (Raptor Only)

The Bronco Raptor launched for 2022 with 418 hp, 440 lb-ft, Fox Live Valve shocks, and 37-inch tires. Original MSRP was $70,000-$75,000. Used Raptors typically list above $58,000. It's outside the scope of what most used Bronco buyers are shopping. This guide focuses on the 2.3L and 2.7L, where the volume is.

Trim-Specific Notes

Base and Big Bend: Entry-level trims with the standard shock tune and no HOSS suspension. The Base was discontinued after 2023. Big Bend is the most comfortable daily driver because the softer suspension handles pavement better than the off-road-tuned Badlands or Wildtrak. Avoid the factory soft top in cold or wet climates: owner feedback on wind noise and weather sealing has been consistent across five years of forum posts.

Black Diamond: The off-road value trim. Vinyl floors, rock rails, front skid plate, steel bumpers. It skips the Lux interior package, which means no heated seats and no SYNC 4 on 2021-2022 models. For buyers planning to use it in conditions that will scratch and dent it, that's the right call.

Badlands: The best all-around trim for off-road buyers who want real capability without Raptor money. Standard front and rear electronic locking differentials, HOSS suspension, and front sway bar disconnect. The 2.7L option on Badlands with Sasquatch drops fuel economy to 17 MPG combined. Budget for it.

Wildtrak: Adventure-focused, with HOSS suspension and optional Magnetic Ride Control. More premium interior than Badlands. If you're primarily on-road with occasional off-road use, Wildtrak hits the right balance.

Outer Banks: The lifestyle trim. Lux interior, larger wheels, premium audio. Least capable off-road of the upper trims. For buyers who want the open-air experience and retractable roof without crawling over rocks.

Sasquatch Package: Adds 35-inch mud-terrain tires, Dana 44 AdvanTEK rear axle (stronger than the base Dana 35), front and rear electronic lockers, and wider fender flares. Sasquatch-equipped used examples command a $3,000-$5,000 premium. Worth paying if you use it. Skip it for pavement-primary buyers; the larger tires drop fuel economy noticeably and wear faster on highway miles.

Everglades: Factory snorkel, live valve shocks, raised ride height. 4-door only. No 2.7L option; 2.3L with 10-speed auto only. For buyers who want water-crossing capability from the factory.

Which Model Years to Target Within This Generation

The 2022 and 2023 are the sweet spot. The 2022 has the highest used inventory in the CarScout database (1,546 listings as of March 2026) and more depreciation than a 2023. The 2023 has resolved most first-year powertrain bugs and starts appearing at accessible used prices as the 2025 refresh pushes earlier inventory down.

Avoid early-production 2021 builds with the 2.7L unless you can confirm recall 24S55 was completed. A 2021 2.3L automatic with verified recall history and confirmed 23B08 status can be a reasonable buy at current prices in the $28,000-$38,000 range.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

All Broncos

• Run the VIN at NHTSA.gov before the test drive. On 2021-2022 units, check for open rearview camera recalls (most recently 26V124000 and 25V888000). These units have been re-recalled four times; open campaigns on unrepaired vehicles are common in the used market.
• Ask about rear shock absorber corrosion recall (25V025000). It affects all 2021-2024 Broncos and covers shock replacement when corrosion causes the reservoir to detach.
• On 4-door models: engage the rear passenger-side child lock, close the door, and try to open it from inside. It should not open. Recall 24V189000 covers continued failures on this latch.
• Check all removable roof panels. Inspect seals and mating surfaces for wear, cracking, or poor fitment. The MIC hardtop replacement program (21B49) covered 2021 builds, but replacement tops can also develop issues (Bronco6G has active threads on third-replacement tops failing).

2.3L Manual-Equipped Broncos

• Test drive cold, ideally below 50°F. Listen for any grinding or scraping noise in neutral, and check for resistance or crunch shifting into 3rd gear. That is the MT88 synchronizer failure signature.
• Ask whether the TSB for 5th and 6th gear synchronizer ring replacement has been performed.
• On any manual with over 30,000 miles: ask about clutch condition.

2.7L-Equipped Broncos

• Verify recall 24S55 (NHTSA 24V635) completion before buying any 2021 or early 2022 with the 2.7L. If the remedy hasn't been done, factor a dealer service visit into your timeline. Do not buy an unrepaired unit and hope to get it done later without first confirming parts availability.
• After cold start: listen for metallic knocking or grinding at idle. A healthy 2.7L is smooth.
• In a parking lot at walking speed: make full-lock turns left and right and listen for grinding from the rear. Any grinding in slow turns warrants a differential inspection before purchase.

Running Costs

Tire costs are the largest variable for Sasquatch-equipped Broncos. A set of BFGoodrich KO2 35-inch tires runs $1,200-$1,500 installed. Plan for a set every 40,000-50,000 miles with regular off-road use; highway miles wear them faster. Non-Sasquatch Broncos run 32-33 inch tires on 17-inch wheels at standard replacement prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 6th gen Ford Bronco reliable? The 2023 and 2024 model years are substantially more reliable than 2021. NHTSA complaint counts drop from 203 for the 2021 to 51 for the 2024. The 2.3L with the automatic is the most straightforward powertrain. The 2.7L is reliable on post-October 2021 builds with confirmed recall 24S55 completion.

What year Ford Bronco should I avoid? Early-production 2021 Broncos built May through October 2021 with the 2.7L engine carry the highest risk due to the intake valve recall (24S55). The 2021 model year also has the most recalls in the generation: 11 separate campaigns. A 2021 is not automatically a bad buy, but it requires thorough recall verification.

Is the Ford Bronco 2.3L or 2.7L better? The 2.3L is more fuel-efficient (20-21 vs. 17-19 MPG combined) and the only option with the 7-speed manual. The 2.7L has more power (330 hp vs. 275), better towing capacity, and no manual transmission issues. For daily drivers: the 2.7L post-October 2021 build. For off-road enthusiasts who want driver engagement: the 2.3L manual.

How many miles does a 6th gen Bronco last? The oldest 6th gen Broncos are about five years old, so high-mileage data is limited. The 2.3L EcoBoost architecture has been in production since 2015 in the Mustang and Focus RS, with examples exceeding 150,000 miles with maintenance. Mechanical longevity should be comparable given proper oil changes and the intake valve cleaning interval.

Does the Ford Bronco have a lot of recalls? More than average for a new model launch. The 2021 has 11 NHTSA recalls; the 2024 has 6. The rearview camera system on 2021-2022 Broncos has been recalled five times. The good news: most campaigns involve relatively straightforward dealer repairs, and parts are available. The key is verifying all open recalls are closed before buying.

Bottom Line

The 2022 or 2023 with the 2.3L EcoBoost is where the value is. Run every VIN through a recall check before signing. For the 2.7L, confirm recall 24S55 is completed. For any manual, test it cold.

CarScout members can set price alerts on specific trims, years, and Sasquatch-equipped Broncos and track when they drop. Memberships start at $5/week at usecarscout.com.

Data sourced from NHTSA recalls database, EPA fuel economy data, CarScout market listings (snapshot: March 2026), and real owner experiences from Bronco6G.com, r/FordBronco, The Bronco Nation, and RepairPal. See the full Ford Bronco market data for current pricing and inventory.