1990 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 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.
35% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and interior/under dash.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
1990 FORD BRONCO DESTROYED IN FIRE. SPONTANEOUS FIRE ORGINATED IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR UNDER DASH INSIDE VEHICLE WHILE PARKED ON STREET. VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING AT THE TIME. VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030110
VEHICLE PARKED FOR HALF AN HOUR AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. DIAGNOSIS: ALTERNATOR. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19951003
UNDER THE DASH FIRE, WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, ELECTRICAL SHORT, WILL PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950307
25% of complaints: service brakes — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH16% of complaints: seats — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing recliner.
12% of complaints: structure — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and frame and members.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS HEADING TO THE STORE WHEN MY GAS PEDAL FOR STUCK. I PRESSED THE BRAKES AND HELD THEM DOWN TO NO AVAIL. I ENDED UP CRASHING THROUGH SOMEONES YARD AND HITTING THEIR PROPERTY. MY BRONCO FINALLY STOPPED ABOUT 15 SECONDS LATER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140810
Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
DESIGN OF DOOR ALLOWED FOUR YEAR OLD CHILD TO CUT TIP OF HIS FINGER OFF BETWEEN DOOR AND FRAME.
NHTSA ODI report, 19960722
CRACKED SEAT MOUNTS ON FLOOR BOARD. 1990 BRONCO, BUCKET SEATS, HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE 89-90 BRONCOS WITH CAPTIANS CHAIRS, THE FLOOR BOARD CRACKS AROUND THE BOLTS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160606
11% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel pump and tank assembly.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
FLOORBOARD FRACTURE
FORD TRUCK INCONSISTENT VEHICLE CONTROL.
FNT RECLNING SEAT BCK FAIL
FRONT SEAT BACK FAILURE
FUEL EXPULSION
FUEL EXPULSION
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
1990 Ford Bronco — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1990 Ford Bronco reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Ford Bronco is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Ford Bronco?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 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.