Totaled Broncos

[JerryG]

I wonder if the collision rates are as bad for the 2 door Broncos and especially manuals are much lower. Not because of any engineering difference but simply because we are the cooler owners

What I would like to see is some third party come up with a way to increase driver protection after those safety bars are removed. Other than upgraded brakes I am not aware of any other mods beyond steel bumpers and headlights that illuminate that improve safety. Does anyone know of anything additional modifications that improve safety in any other way?

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[5GENIDN]

I wonder if the collision rates are as bad for the 2 door Broncos and especially manuals are much lower. Not because of any engineering difference but simply because we are the cooler owners

What I would like to see is some third party come up with a way to increase driver protection after those safety bars are removed. Other than upgraded brakes I am not aware of any other mods beyond steel bumpers and headlights that illuminate that improve safety. Does anyone know of anything additional modifications that improve safety in any other way?

And for the fewer younger folks that might drive a manual it will keep them from texting while driving... exactly why my kids all learned on a manual.

 

[JerryG]

And for the fewer younger folks that might drive a manual it will keep them from texting while driving... exactly why my kids all learned on a manual.

If anything younger drivers should pay lower rates as most won't be able to figure how to get it out of neutral.

 

[zombie]

You are correct! I didn't say 8 cylinder. That would make an incredible motorhome upgrade but I don't want to loose the 8.1 mpg fuel efficiency that my finely tuned engine gets-lol.

Oh man, I thought my viper was bad, I'm getting a whopping 8.5 mpg there

 

[zombie]

I wonder if the collision rates are as bad for the 2 door Broncos and especially manuals are much lower. Not because of any engineering difference but simply because we are the cooler owners

What I would like to see is some third party come up with a way to increase driver protection after those safety bars are removed. Other than upgraded brakes I am not aware of any other mods beyond steel bumpers and headlights that illuminate that improve safety. Does anyone know of anything additional modifications that improve safety in any other way?

Possibly manual drivers are less likely to be on their phones just due to needing both hands occasionally?
Would be curious to see the stats.

 

[Sledge]

Grok is better -



Here’s a summary of our discussion about the "most dangerous SUV from 2020–2024 in the US," with a focus on the Ford Bronco’s relation to fatality rates, including the specific crash citations you requested. I’ll keep it concise while capturing the key points and integrating the latest data as of March 13, 2025.
We started by exploring what makes an SUV "dangerous," settling on crash test ratings, rollover risk, and real-world fatality data as metrics. I initially flagged the Jeep Wrangler (2020–2024) as a contender due to its 4-star NHTSA overall rating, 3-star rollover score (26–27% risk), and middling IIHS results (e.g., "Marginal" small overlap front), plus its high rollover propensity tied to off-road design. You then asked how the Ford Bronco relates, prompting a deeper look at its safety and fatality profile.
The Bronco (relaunched 2021, 4-door) has a similar NHTSA profile: 4-star overall, 5-star frontal/side, 3-star rollover (26–27% risk). IIHS gave it "Good" crash ratings but noted a "possible risk of injury to the left lower leg" in the driver-side small overlap test and "Marginal" to "Poor" headlights. Its off-road focus—high ground clearance, removable doors—mirrors the Wrangler, suggesting elevated rollover risk, a major fatality driver (35% of SUV occupant deaths, per NHTSA). Fatality rates for SUVs average 9–11 deaths per million registered vehicles (IIHS 2021), with the Wrangler at 11 (2016–2019). The Bronco, newer with ~300,000 units sold by 2024, lacks a precise 2020–2024 rate from FARS due to data lag, but its design and usage suggest it’s in this ballpark, possibly higher if rollovers dominate.
You asked for recent crash reports, so I searched web and X data. Here are the fatality citations:

• May 2023, Indiana: A 2021 Bronco rolled over on I-65, killing a 23-year-old driver. Speed and possible impairment cited; multiple flips reported (local news, X mentions).
• October 2022, California: A Bronco Wildtrak crashed off a cliff near Big Sur, killing two. Off-road conditions and driver error blamed (web reports).
• July 2024, Texas: A Bronco hit a tree off-road, killing one, injuring two. High speed on rough terrain noted (Texas local news).

These incidents highlight rollovers and off-road misuse as fatality risks, though they’re not a statistical rate. FARS 2023 prelims show 40,769 US deaths, with 2024 trending lower (e.g., July 2024 down 9% per NSC), but no Bronco-specific breakout exists yet. X posts praise its safety tech (e.g., Co-Pilot360), but some note rollovers in extreme scenarios, like a non-fatal 2023 Moab crash. Compared to the Wrangler, the Bronco’s fatality profile seems similar—average-to-above-average risk, driven by design trade-offs and driver behavior, not outright deadliness.
Summary: The Bronco isn’t the "most dangerous" SUV—its crash protection is solid—but its rollover risk and off-road appeal tie it to fatalities, likely near the SUV norm (9–11/million), pending full FARS data. The Wrangler edges out as "more dangerous" due to longer exposure and slightly weaker historical safety scores, though both are close contenders. The cited crashes underscore real-world risks, but no data crowns either as the deadliest.


And I lol'd and asked what it would buy:

"If I had to recommend an off-road SUV to purchase, I’d lean toward the 2025 Ford Bronco (4-door, likely the Badlands or Raptor trim) based on everything we’ve discussed and the broader context of off-road performance as of March 13, 2025. Here’s why, tailored to what I’d prioritize—capability, versatility, and real-world usability—while keeping safety and fatality risks in mind.
"

A Most Excellent post. Thank you.

 

[Ranbronc]

I survived this one. fractured pelvis and leg, knocked out for a bit, wife 1 rib broke.
dump truck came into my lane I was doing 60 he was about 40.
That thing stuck in the windshield went between us

 

[5GENIDN]

I survived this one. fractured pelvis and leg, knocked out for a bit, wife 1 rib broke.
dump truck came into my lane I was doing 60 he was about 40.
That thing stuck in the windshield went between us

I am very glad you are here to tell the tale.... I am sorry that happened to you.

I apologize, I do not mean to be callous but considering the topic of the thread... Would you buy a Bronco again?

 

[Ranbronc]

I am very glad you are here to tell the tale.... I am sorry that happened to you.

I apologize, I do not mean to be callous but considering the topic of the thread... Would you buy a Bronco again?

3 weeks after that accident was a 21 now have a 24.

Pro tip take lots of pictures of everything you install in/on the Bronco and keep receipts, insurance companies like to play games and not write checks.

The totaled bronco sold for $4k at copart auction , I'm not sure there was anything good still on it, maybe the spare tire and the tow strap and shackles I could not get out of the back.

more tips ...increase your uninsured / under insured coverage the other guys insurance has barley covered the helo ride /hospital bills and lawyer fees( still working negotiating the bills down), when this is finally over I estimate It will cost me $20k , I did get a newer Bronco but there was nothing wrong with the old one.

 

[5GENIDN]

3 weeks after that accident was a 21 now have a 24.

Pro tip take lots of pictures of everything you install in/on the Bronco and keep receipts, insurance companies like to play games and not write checks.

The totaled bronco sold for $4k at copart auction , I'm not sure there was anything good still on it, maybe the spare tire and the tow strap and shackles I could not get out of the back.

more tips ...increase your uninsured / under insured coverage the other guys insurance has barley covered the helo ride /hospital bills and lawyer fees( still working negotiating the bills down), when this is finally over I estimate It will cost me $20k , I did get a newer Bronco but there was nothing wrong with the old one.

First off I am glad you are alive and breathing on the other side of that...

All good advice on the photos and insurance.

I am sorry to hear you will be out of pocket in the end but considering the possibilities... Small price. You should not be out of pocket but.... you are right prepare for the worst. (insurance etc.)

As far as the OP and thread theme... I think that is one strong (anecdotal as it is) check mark on the side of safety..... I mean getting hit by a dump truck at a combined speed of 100 mph.... and breathing afterward?....

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