1988 Ford Bronco

● Typical for this model

1988 Ford Bronco
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:34:46.518Z

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

1988: 53 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 36%

36% of complaints: electrical system — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and alternator/generator/regulator.

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

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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 25%

25% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE

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

SERVICE BRAKES 17%

17% of complaints: service brakes — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

TIRES 9%

9% of complaints: tires — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

SIDEWALL BUBBLED OUT IN TWO PLACES.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20030707

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 9%

9% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly and injectors.

FIRE

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 electrical system issues (19 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (13 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for service brakes issues (9 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.

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 electrical system, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 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.