1988 Ford Bronco
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.
- Complaints
- 53
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 1988
Opened by NHTSA
36% of complaints
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 | 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
36% · 19 reportsMost commonly citing switch and alternator/generator/regulator.
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, 2004-12-16
While existing car, detected smoke coming from steering column;30 seconds later, fire started coming from area of steering column;ignition switch shorted.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-03-12
Engine and engine cooling
25% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
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, 2003-07-17
Service brakes
17% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Tires
9% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.
Show complaint excerpts
Sidewall bubbled out in two places.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-07-07
Fuel system, gasoline
9% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing tank assembly and injectors.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1990-11-27Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-04-17 Ford truck inconsistent vehicle control.
-
R
1996-06-07Electrical system96V071000 The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
Buy-smart checklist
1988 Ford Bronco — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 19 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 9 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 96V071000 · Electrical system
Other years of this model
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.