1989 Ford Bronco
This year had 30% to 100% more 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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.
39% of complaints: electrical system — 33 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and front underhood.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER PARKED THE VEHICLE AT A RESTAURANT AND WENT INSIDE TO EAT. WITHIN TEN MINUTES THE CONSUMER NOTICED FIRE TRUCKS COMING INTO THE RESTAURANT'S PARKING LOT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040602
VEHICLE HAD BEEN SITTING OVER NIGHT WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED STEERING COLUMN AND DASH PLAYED A MAJOR PART IN FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020910
VEHICLE WAS PARKED AFTER BEING DRIVEN, UNDER THE DASH FIRE CAUSED BY A SHORT IN ALTERNATOR. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950207
20% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
INTERMITTENT STALLING. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19941218
13% of complaints: service brakes — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
11% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly and fuel pump.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
XLT FULL SIZE LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP LOCATED ON TANK ON TOP SHORTED, CATCHING FIRE, BURNING MELTING WIRING HARNESS AND LINES. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19960212
8% of complaints: structure — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frame and members and body.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
THE FLOOR PAN UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HAD THROWN. IF VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT OR BRAKES HAD TO BE DEPRESSED SUDDENLY DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD RIP OUT BECAUSE IT WAS ATTACHED TO THE FLOOR PAN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20031117
SAFETY TIMELINE
FLOORBOARD FRACTURE
TIRE RESERVE LOAD LABEL MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED.
Remedy: INSTALL PROPER LABEL.
Campaign 89V220000 — check if this car was fixed
FORD TRUCK INCONSISTENT VEHICLE CONTROL.
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
1989 Ford Bronco — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (33 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 89V220000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1989 Ford Bronco reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1989 Ford Bronco is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Ford Bronco?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Ford Bronco have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.