MYRModel Year Report

1988 Ford Bronco

● Typical for this model
1988 Ford Bronco
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:03:21.535Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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

Complaints per year, Ford Bronco Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1980: 0 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1982: 1 complaints 1983: 4 complaints 1984: 10 complaints 1984 1985: 20 complaints 1986: 27 complaints 1987: 34 complaints 1988: 52 complaints 1988 1989: 84 complaints 1990: 56 complaints 1991: 32 complaints 1992: 37 complaints 1992 1993: 40 complaints 1994: 91 complaints 1995: 94 complaints 1996: 81 complaints 1996 1997: 1 complaints 1998: 2 complaints 1999: 2 complaints 2021: 216 complaints 2021 2022: 344 complaints 2023: 211 complaints 2024: 69 complaints 2025: 44 complaints 2025 2026: 3 complaints 2026
1988: 52 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19812
19821
19834
198410
198520
198627
198734
198852
198984
199056
199132
199237
199340
199491
199594
199681
19971
19982
19992
2021216
2022344
2023211
202469
202544
20263

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 15%

15% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 8 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13%

13% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE EXISTING CAR, DETECTED SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN;30 SECONDS LATER, FIRE STARTED COMING FROM AREA OF STEERING COLUMN;IGNITION SWITCH SHORTED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960312

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8%

8% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 6%

6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 3 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

THE ENGINE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. *AK THREE ENGINES WERE REPLACED DUE TO FAULTY MANUFACTURING. IN TWO OF THE INCIDENTS, THE CONSUMER'S SON WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE VEHICLE FROM THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT INJURY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030717

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6%

6% of complaints: electrical system — 3 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN, AND FROM THE VENTS. CONSUMER PULLED OVER. THEN, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. CONSUMER CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20041216

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19901127 — PE (closed 19910417)

FORD TRUCK INCONSISTENT VEHICLE CONTROL.

R 19960607 — electrical system

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

Campaign 96V071000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 Ford Bronco — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1991 ▲ 1987 ▲ 1992

WORST YEARS

■ 2022 ■ 2021 ■ 2023

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1988 Ford Bronco reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1988 Ford Bronco is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1988 Ford Bronco?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Ford Bronco have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.