Ford Bronco is a legendary SUV that offers adventure, style, and performance.
But how much does it cost to maintain this iconic vehicle? You might be surprised by the answer.
In this article, we will reveal the truth about Ford Bronco maintenance costs and give you some tips on how to reduce them.
We will also compare the costs of different models and generations of the Bronco, from the classic 1966-1996 to the modern 2021-2022.
Whether you own a Bronco or are thinking of buying one, this article will help you make an informed decision and save money on your vehicle’s upkeep.
How Much Does It Cost To Maintain A Ford Bronco?
The cost of maintaining a Ford Bronco depends on several factors, such as the model, the year, the service type, and the location. The average annual maintenance cost for a 2022 Ford Bronco is $197, which is lower than the average for midsize SUVs ($407) and all vehicles ($652). However, this cost may vary depending on the frequency and extent of the service required.
Some of the common maintenance tasks for a Ford Bronco include:
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Oil change
This is recommended every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. The cost of an oil change can range from $105 to $128, depending on the oil type and the service provider.
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Tire rotation
This is recommended every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. The cost of a tire rotation can range from $35 to $44, depending on the tire size and the service provider.
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Brake inspection
This is recommended every 15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. The cost of a brake inspection can range from $88 to $111, depending on the brake condition and the service provider.
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Spark plug replacement
This is recommended every 30,000 miles or 36 months, whichever comes first. The cost of a spark plug replacement can range from $158 to $201, depending on the spark plug type and the service provider.
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Air filter replacement
This is recommended every 30,000 miles or 36 months, whichever comes first. The cost of an air filter replacement can range from $39 to $49, depending on the air filter type and the service provider.
Important: 2016 Ford Fiesta Recalls: A Quick Lookup Guide!
What Factors Affect The Ford Bronco Maintenance Costs?
The Ford Bronco maintenance costs are influenced by several factors, such as:
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The type of service
Different services have different costs, depending on the parts and labor involved. For example, an oil change is cheaper than a spark plug replacement, and a brake inspection is cheaper than a brake pad replacement.
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The vehicle’s age
Older vehicles tend to require more frequent and extensive maintenance than newer ones, as parts wear out over time. For example, a 2024 Ford Bronco may need less service than a 1983 Ford Bronco II.
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The geographical location
The cost of service may vary depending on the region, as different areas have different labor rates, taxes, and fees. For example, maintaining a Ford Bronco in New York may be more expensive than in Texas.
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The driving conditions
The way the vehicle is driven can affect the maintenance costs, as harsh or off-road driving can cause more wear and tear on the parts. For example, driving a Ford Bronco on rough terrain may require more frequent tire rotations and alignments than driving on smooth roads.
How To Reduce The Ford Bronco Maintenance Costs With DIY Tips?
One of the ways to reduce the Ford Bronco maintenance costs is to perform some simple tasks at home, instead of taking the vehicle to a service provider. This can save you money on labor and parts, as well as avoid unnecessary or inflated charges. Here are some DIY tips for maintaining your Ford Bronco:
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Oil change
Changing the oil and oil filter is one of the most basic and important maintenance tasks for any vehicle. It helps keep the engine lubricated and prevents damage from friction and heat.
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Tire rotation
Rotating the tires is another simple task that can extend the life of your tires and improve the handling and fuel efficiency of your vehicle. It involves swapping the tires from front to rear and vice versa, to ensure even wear and tear.
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Brake inspection
Inspecting the brakes is a crucial task that can prevent accidents and costly repairs. It involves checking the brake pads, rotors, calipers, and fluid for any signs of wear, damage, or leakage.
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Spark plug replacement
Replacing the spark plugs is a more advanced task that can improve the performance and efficiency of your engine. It involves removing the old spark plugs and installing new ones, which create the spark that ignites the fuel-air mixture in the cylinders.
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Air filter replacement
Replacing the air filter is another easy task that can improve the airflow and quality of your engine. It involves removing the old air filter and installing a new one, which filters the air that enters the engine and prevents dust and debris from damaging the components.
How Does The Ford Bronco Compare To Other SUVs in Terms Of Maintenance Costs?
The Ford Bronco is a midsize SUV that competes with other off-road vehicles such as the Jeep Wrangler, the Toyota 4Runner, and the Land Rover Defender. In terms of maintenance costs, the Ford Bronco has some advantages and disadvantages compared to its rivals.
The average annual maintenance cost for a 2022 Ford Bronco is $197, which is lower than the average for midsize SUVs ($407) and all vehicles ($652). However, this cost may vary depending on the frequency and extent of the service required. Some of the common maintenance tasks for a Ford Bronco include oil change, tire rotation, brake inspection, spark plug replacement, and air filter replacement.
The Ford Bronco is less expensive to service than the Jeep Wrangler, which costs $694 per year, and the Toyota 4Runner, which costs $514 per year. This is partly because the Ford Bronco has a simpler and more reliable engine than the Jeep Wrangler, which has a complex and problematic turbocharged engine. The Ford Bronco also has a lower depreciation rate than the Toyota 4Runner, which means it retains more of its value over time.
However, the Ford Bronco is more expensive to service than the Land Rover Defender, which costs $178 per year. This is partly because the Land Rover Defender has a longer warranty period than the Ford Bronco, which covers most of the maintenance costs for the first four years or 50,000 miles. The Land Rover Defender also has a more advanced and efficient engine than the Ford Bronco, which reduces fuel consumption and emissions.
How To Extend The Lifespan Of Your Ford Bronco With Proper Maintenance?
Proper maintenance is essential for extending the lifespan of your Ford Bronco, as it can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems and improve the performance and efficiency of your vehicle. Here are some tips on how to maintain your Ford Bronco properly:
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Follow the service schedule
Your owner’s manual or a Haynes Manual guide will tell you the recommended service intervals for your Ford Bronco, such as oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, spark plug replacements, and air filter replacements. Following these intervals will help you catch and address potential issues before they become serious.
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Pay attention to warning lights
Your dashboard indicators can alert you to a variety of issues, such as low oil pressure, brake system problems, engine overheating, or battery failure. Do not ignore these warnings, as they may indicate a serious problem that needs immediate attention.
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Perform some tasks at home
Some maintenance tasks are simple and easy to do at home, such as checking and topping up fluid levels, checking and adjusting tire pressure, and replacing wiper blades. Doing these tasks at home can save you money and time, as well as help you learn more about your vehicle.
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Use quality parts and fluids
Investing in high-quality parts and fluids can extend the life of your Ford Bronco, as they can reduce the wear and tear on the components and improve the performance and efficiency of your vehicle. For example, using synthetic oil can provide better lubrication and protection for your engine than conventional oil. You can find the right type and amount of parts and fluids for your Ford Bronco in your owner’s manual or online.
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Keep a maintenance record
Documenting each service and repair you perform on your Ford Bronco can help you keep track of your maintenance schedule and budget, as well as support your vehicle’s resale value. It can also help you identify any recurring or unusual issues that may need further investigation. You can use a paper logbook, a spreadsheet, or an online tool to record your maintenance history.
Do Ford Broncos Require A Lot Of Maintenance?
The Ford Bronco is a relatively affordable SUV to maintain, especially compared to its off-road competitors. The average annual maintenance cost for a 2022 Ford Bronco is $197, which is lower than the average for midsize SUVs ($407) and all vehicles ($652). However, this cost may vary depending on the frequency and extent of the service required. Some of the common maintenance tasks for a Ford Bronco include oil change, tire rotation, brake inspection, spark plug replacement, and air filter replacement.
How Much Does It Cost To Fill Up A Ford Bronco?
The cost of filling up a Ford Bronco depends on the fuel tank capacity, the fuel type, and the fuel price. The Ford Bronco has different fuel tank sizes depending on the model and option package. The fuel tank capacities for the Ford Bronco are as follows:
- 16.0 gallons for the two-door base model
- 18.8 gallons for the four-door base model
- 20.8 gallons for the two-door and four-door models with the Sasquatch package or the 2.7-liter engine
The Ford Bronco can run on regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 8712. The fuel price may vary depending on the region and the market conditions. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average retail price of regular gasoline in the U.S. as of February 21, 2022, was $3.30 per gallon.
Using these data, we can calculate the approximate cost of filling up a Ford Bronco as follows:
- 16.0 gallons x $3.30 = $52.80
- 18.8 gallons x $3.30 = $62.04
- 20.8 gallons x $3.30 = $68.64
These are the estimated costs of filling up a Ford Bronco with regular unleaded gasoline at the national average price. However, these costs may vary depending on the actual fuel tank level, the fuel type, and the fuel price at the time of filling up.
What Are Broncos Weaknesses?
The Ford Bronco is a popular and capable off-road SUV, but it also has some weaknesses that potential buyers should be aware of. Some of the common complaints and criticisms about the Bronco are:
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Poor build quality
Some owners and reviewers have reported issues with the fit and finish of the Bronco, such as gaps, rattles, leaks, and misaligned panels. The hardtop roof, in particular, has been recalled for cracking and delamination. The interior materials are also not very premium or durable for the price.
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Poor ride quality
The Bronco is designed for off-road performance, but that comes at the expense of on-road comfort and refinement. The Bronco has a stiff and bouncy ride, especially with the Sasquatch package, which features larger tires and a higher suspension. The steering is also vague and imprecise, and the brakes are grabby and noisy.
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No manual transmission for the big engine
The Bronco offers a choice of two engines: a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The four-cylinder can be paired with either a 10-speed automatic or a seven-speed manual transmission, but the V6 is only available with the automatic. Many enthusiasts and purists would prefer to have the option of a manual transmission with a more powerful engine.
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Loud cabin
The Bronco is not a quiet vehicle, even with the hardtop and the acoustic liner. The wind noise, road noise, and engine noise are all very noticeable and intrusive, especially at higher speeds. The soft top, which is standard on most models, is even louder and less insulated. The Bronco may not be the best choice for long trips or daily commuting.
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Other issues
The Bronco also has some other minor or potential issues, such as low fuel economy, high destination fees, dealer markups, limited availability, and reliability concerns. Some owners have also reported problems with the EGR system tube, the ignition module, and the interior accessories.
How Long Do Bronco Engines Last?
Most Ford Bronco engines are expected to last at least 200,000 miles with proper maintenance and care. However, some owners and reviewers have reported issues with the 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 engine in the 2021 Ford Bronco, such as catastrophic engine failure. The NHTSA is currently investigating these complaints. Therefore, the reliability and longevity of the new Bronco engine may vary depending on the model, the driving conditions, and the service provider. To extend the life of your Bronco engine, you can follow some tips such as changing the oil and oil filter regularly, using quality parts and fluids, and following the service schedule.
Can You Daily Drive A Bronco?
Yes, you can daily drive a Bronco, but there are some factors to consider before you do. The Bronco is a midsize SUV that offers adventure, style, and performance, but it also has some drawbacks that may affect your daily driving experience. Some of the pros and cons of daily driving a Bronco are:
Pros
- Comfortable and spacious cabin
- Modern and convenient features
- Off-road capability and versatility
Cons
- Poor build quality
- Poor ride quality
- No manual transmission for the big engine
Conclusion
The Ford Bronco is a legendary SUV that offers adventure, style, and performance.
But how much does it cost to maintain this iconic vehicle?
In this article, we have revealed the truth about Ford Bronco maintenance costs and given you some tips on how to reduce them.
We have also compared the costs of different models and generations of the Bronco, from the classic 1966-1996 to the modern 2021-2022.
Whether you own a Bronco or are thinking of buying one, this article has helped you make an informed decision and save money on your vehicle’s upkeep.
