1989 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
- 85
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 1989
Opened by NHTSA
39% of complaints
Complaints per year
1989: 85 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
39% · 33 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and front underhood.
Show 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, 2004-06-02
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-10
Vehicle was parked after being driven, under the dash fire caused by a short in alternator. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-07
Engine and engine cooling
20% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Intermittent stalling.
NHTSA ODI report, 1994-12-18
Service brakes
13% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Fuel system, gasoline
11% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing tank assembly and fuel pump.
Show 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.…
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-12
Structure
8% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing frame and members and body.
Show 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, 2003-11-17
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1990-01-23Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-07-26 Floorboard fracture
-
R
1990-08-28Equipment89V220000 Tire reserve load label may not have been installed.
Remedy: Install proper label.
-
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
1989 Ford Bronco — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 33 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 17 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 11 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 89V220000 · Equipment
- Recall 96V071000 · Electrical system
Other years of this model
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 "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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.