Is the 1987 Ford Bronco reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1987 Ford Bronco is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1987 Ford Bronco?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1987 Ford Bronco have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

1987 Ford Bronco

▲ Better than typical

1987 Ford Bronco
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:49:50.602Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

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: 34
Recalls: 1
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

1987: 34 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

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

Electrical system

53% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing switch and front underhood.

FIREDEATH

Show complaint excerpts

I have a 1987 Ford Bronco xlt that I bought from j and l auto. It has no brake lights, no blinkers and the head lights are stuck on bright. The back window is plexy glass, also none of the hose are hooked up under the hood.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-11

Also filed under Exterior lighting

Ignition switch fire, electrical wire around the steering wheel.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-19

Engine and engine cooling

24% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and engine.

FIREINJURY

Fuel system, gasoline

18% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing fuel injection system and storage.

FIREDEATH

Show complaint excerpts

Consumer parked Jeep turned it off went back out Jeep was on fire . Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-08-14

Exterior lighting

15% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing flasher unit and turn signal.

DEATH

Vehicle speed control

12% · 4 reports

CRASHDEATH

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1987 Ford Bronco — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 18 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 8 reports on file for this year.
Fuel system, gasoline: 6 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 →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1987 Ford Bronco reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1987 Ford Bronco is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1987 Ford Bronco?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 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.