MYRModel Year Report

1989 Ford Bronco

◆ Worse than typical
1989 Ford Bronco
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:02:19.819Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Bronco Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1989 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 1989 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
1989: 84 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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12%

12% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 8%

8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 7%

7% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 6%

6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 5 distinct reports on file.

SEATS 6%

6% of complaints: seats — 5 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 1989 — complaint volume: 84
I 19900123 — PE (closed 19900726)

FLOORBOARD FRACTURE

R 19900828 — equipment

TIRE RESERVE LOAD LABEL MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED.

Remedy: INSTALL PROPER LABEL.

Campaign 89V220000 — check if this car was fixed

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

1989 Ford Bronco — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 89V220000 (equipment) has been completed.
  • 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 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:ignition, accounting for 12% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1989 Ford Bronco have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

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