AI Damage1989 Ford Bronco II: common problems
Owners of the 1989 Ford Bronco II filed 39 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and engine and cooling. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 39
- involving a crash
- 3
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 21% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 18% of all complaints
- 3 Fuel system 18% of all complaints
- 4 Visibility 15% of all complaints
- 5 Tires 10% of all complaints
- 6 Service brakes 8% of all complaints
- 7 Vehicle speed control 8% of all complaints
- 8 Latches, locks, linkages 5% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 8 complaints (21% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 7 complaints (18% of all).
- Fuel system: 7 complaints (18% of all).
- Visibility: 6 complaints (15% of all).
- Tires: 4 complaints (10% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2.9 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: RWD, AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 39 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Latches, locks, linkages | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 2 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
We were driving the speed limit, came around a curve on hwy 86, hit loose gravel and lost control.....we rolled the vehicle once(landing on our top). As soon as the bronco 2 started to roll over, the top of the cab started buckling like an aluminum soda can...the result was the driver side being smashed about two…
When consumer started up vehicle, it went into 100% acceleration with foot on the brake. Vehicle hit a tree which was (60) feet away.
[phone],wk no., cruise control stuck and vehicle went open throttle position lost control hit enbankment impact 12:00 position speed unknown. Tt
1989 ford bronco ii, spontaneously caught fire in our garage 8/23/02. I was the original owner of the vehicle which was purchased from a dealer in taylor texas, vin # [xxx]. The vehicle was rolled into the driveway, whereby it burned beyond recognition. The fire department was called.
This tire was an original equipment spare, mounted on the right rear on 4-12-97 (3 new tires purchased at same time).the tire had about 22,100 miles on it. It lost about 1/3 of its tread at 50 mph but did not blow out. I heard the loose tread hit the fend. (dot number: hyul tiresize: p205/75r15)
I have replaced the fuel pump several times the man at the gas station stated that it had a bad sending unit and this caused me to go though the fuel pumps. The man at the gas station told me to do this.
Eec test wiring is bare and has been melting, ignition switch sticks which causes anti-lock brake light to come on - gas pedal sticks - headlights and blinkers do not work - power windows do not work - dash lights do not work. Air conditioner constantly runs and freezes up (compressor and fan).
The right rear firestone atx wilderness tire blewout due to tread separation resulting in vehicle rollover accident which caused death. (attorney for consumer)
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 6,011 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 16% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Bronco II has 17 complaints (13 years in the data). This year has 39, above average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Visibility. Wipers, mirrors, defrosters, cracked glass.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Ford Bronco II?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, engine and cooling, fuel system. Total complaints: 39. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (31%), rust, corrosion (10%), A/C or heater (5%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1989 Ford Bronco II?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1989 Ford Bronco II from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1989 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.