1987 Ford Bronco

▲ Better than typical

1987 Ford Bronco
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:53:53.719Z

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 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	224
2022	374
2023	221
2024	74
2025	50
2026	6

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 53%

53% of complaints: electrical system — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and front underhood.

FIRE DEATH

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, 20030111

Also filed under EXTERIOR LIGHTING

IGNITION SWITCH FIRE, ELECTRICAL WIRE AROUND THE STEERING WHEEL. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960419

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 24%

24% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and engine.

FIRE INJURY

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 18%

18% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel injection system and storage.

FIRE DEATH

Show complaint excerpts

CONSUMER PARKED JEEP TURNED IT OFF WENT BACK OUT JEEP WAS ON FIRE . TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950814

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 15%

15% of complaints: exterior lighting — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing flasher unit and turn signal.

DEATH

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 12%

12% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file.

CRASH DEATH

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19871012 — fuel system, gasoline

SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.

Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.

Campaign 87V139000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1987 Ford Bronco — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for electrical system issues (18 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (8 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (6 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 87V139000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1991 ▲ 1992 ▲ 1993

WORST YEARS

■ 2022 ■ 2021 ■ 2023

See all years ranked →

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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.