1985 Ford Bronco II
Only 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 13
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1985
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1985: 13 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 13 |
| 1985 | 13 |
| 1986 | 33 |
| 1987 | 36 |
| 1988 | 45 |
| 1989 | 39 |
| 1990 | 26 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 1 |
| 1993 | 2 |
| 1994 | 4 |
| 1996 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 13 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
5 of 13 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and interior/under dash.
Show complaint excerpts
Electrical short or shcok in the ignition switch caused the vehicle to catch on fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-17
Power train
3 of 13 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
The front seal on the A4LD automatic transmission in my 1985 Bronco II failed. When this happened the transmission fluid blew back across the exhaust pipe causing a lot of smoke.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-04-04
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 13 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and cooling system.
Show complaint excerpts
The vehicle caught on fire,w as an engine comparment fire. Please describe.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-15
Structure
2 of 13 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.
Visibility
2 of 13 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and windshield.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1987-02-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 1987-05-26 Eng. And under dash fires
-
I
1989-02-09Engineering analysisClosed 1990-10-31 Rollover propensity
-
I
1997-12-03Defect petitionClosed 1999-05-05 Vehicle rollover
-
R
2007-10-15Fuel system, gasoline07E064000 Certain federal-mogul aftermarket fuel pumps sold under the brand names of carter, accuflow, napa, truflow, parts depo, and parts master, shipped between August 2006 and July 2007 for use on the…
Remedy: Federal-mogul will notify owners and replace the defective fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2007. Owners can contact federal-mogul at 248-354-7700.
Buy-smart checklist
1985 Ford Bronco II — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 07E064000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 1985 Ford Bronco II reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1985 Ford Bronco II?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1985 Ford Bronco II have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.