1986 Ford Bronco
Only 27 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 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 27
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1986
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1986: 27 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 4 |
| 1984 | 10 |
| 1985 | 20 |
| 1986 | 27 |
| 1987 | 34 |
| 1988 | 53 |
| 1989 | 85 |
| 1990 | 57 |
| 1991 | 33 |
| 1992 | 39 |
| 1993 | 41 |
| 1994 | 94 |
| 1995 | 94 |
| 1996 | 81 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2021 | 228 |
| 2022 | 385 |
| 2023 | 229 |
| 2024 | 82 |
| 2025 | 54 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Known problem areas
Only 27 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
16 of 27 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing ignition and alternator/generator/regulator.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle experienced an electrical short, and fuel leakage. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-11-13
Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline
Fuel system, gasoline
4 of 27 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
We have spend more than 500.00 on part for this truck it just keep stopping for no reason, shop people say its the fuel system, it has been replaced 3 times. Still it stops they do not know except the fuel system.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-12-03
Seat belts
3 of 27 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.
Tires
3 of 27 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
Show complaint excerpts
Right rear tire had been repaired with four string-plug only repairs. There was no patch on the inner-liner as recommended by the rma.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-06-08
Service brakes
3 of 27 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
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.
-
I
1990-09-12Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-12-27 Fuel tank corrosion
Buy-smart checklist
1986 Ford Bronco — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 16 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 87V139000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1986 Ford Bronco 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?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 59% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1986 Ford Bronco 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.