MYRModel Year Report

1986 Ford Bronco II

○ Not enough data
1986 Ford Bronco II
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:43:26.147Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
33
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1986

Investigations
10

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

24% of complaints

Complaints per year

1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 0 complaints 1984: 13 complaints 1984 1985: 13 complaints 1986: 33 complaints 1986 33 1987: 36 complaints 1988: 45 complaints 1988 1989: 39 complaints 1990: 26 complaints 1990 1991: 0 complaints 1992: 1 complaint 1992 1993: 2 complaints 1994: 4 complaints 1994 1996: 1 complaint
1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 0 complaints 1983 1984: 13 complaints 1984 1985: 13 complaints 1985 1986: 33 complaints 1986 33 1987: 36 complaints 1987 1988: 45 complaints 1988 1989: 39 complaints 1989 1990: 26 complaints 1990 1991: 0 complaints 1991 1992: 1 complaint 1992 1993: 2 complaints 1993 1994: 4 complaints 1994 1996: 1 complaint 1996
1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 0 complaints 1983 1984: 13 complaints 1984 1985: 13 complaints 1985 1986: 33 complaints 1986 33 1987: 36 complaints 1987 1988: 45 complaints 1988 1989: 39 complaints 1989 1990: 26 complaints 1990 1991: 0 complaints 1991 1992: 1 complaint 1992 1993: 2 complaints 1993 1994: 4 complaints 1994 1996: 1 complaint 1996

1986: 33 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19821
19830
198413
198513
198633
198736
198845
198939
199026
19910
19921
19932
19944
19961

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

24% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and emission control.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Engine fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-04

There is a part on the vehicle, the coolant temp gauge, that I have already replaced twice and will need to replace a third time.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-12

Electrical system

24% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing front underhood and switch.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

While driving at approximately 30 MPH vehicle caught on fire. Owner later called a tow truck and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic shop.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-04-26

Tfi

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-07-07

Seat belts

21% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.

CRASHINJURY

Vehicle speed control

9% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

CRASHINJURY

Tires

6% · 2 reports

Most commonly citing temporary/emergency spare tire.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 1986 Ford Bronco II equipped with terra track hercules touring tires, size: P235 75/R15 ms.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-23

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 10 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1986-01-21Defect petitionClosed 1986-03-31 Incorrect tires
  2. I
    1987-02-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 1987-05-26 Eng. And under dash fires
  3. I
    1987-05-07Engineering analysisClosed 1987-09-24 Engine compartment fires
  4. R
    1987-10-12Fuel system, gasoline87V139000 Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.

    Remedy: Install retainer clips over the couplings to prevent coupling separation and fuel leakage.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. I
    1987-11-18Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-05-11 Lumbar swtch hrness fires
  6. I
    1988-05-11Engineering analysisClosed 1989-01-23 Under seat fires
  7. R
    1988-10-13Seats88V145000 Wiring for the power lumbar seat system was routed directly beneath the seat cushion springs and may be abraded by the springs.

    Remedy: Install a fuse within the power lumbar electrical circuit.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. I
    1989-02-09Engineering analysisClosed 1990-10-31 Rollover propensity
  9. I
    1990-08-31Engineering analysisClosed 1991-12-31 Throttle sticking
  10. I
    1990-09-12Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-12-27 Fuel tank corrosion
  11. I
    1992-03-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-08-31 Whl separation/torque loss
  12. I
    1997-12-03Defect petitionClosed 1999-05-05 Vehicle rollover
  13. R
    Date not on fileFuel system, gasoline85V130000 Nylon fuel lines on the fuel return side of the fuel pressure regulator assembly may crack.

    Remedy: Replace nylon fuel hoses with rubber hoses.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  14. R
    Date not on fileElectrical system85V116000 The electronic engine control wiring harness insulation may be damaged due to copper spikes produced during the welding of its wires.

    Remedy: Repair wiring harness, check engine and catalyst for damage.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1986 Ford Bronco II — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 7 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 85V130000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 85V116000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 87V139000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 88V145000 · Seats
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1986 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 1986 Ford Bronco II?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Ford Bronco II have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.