1996 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 | 52 |
| 1989 | 84 |
| 1990 | 56 |
| 1991 | 32 |
| 1992 | 37 |
| 1993 | 40 |
| 1994 | 91 |
| 1995 | 94 |
| 1996 | 81 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2021 | 216 |
| 2022 | 344 |
| 2023 | 211 |
| 2024 | 69 |
| 2025 | 44 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
15% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD BRONCO. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER BUT WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120604
CONSUMER STARTED VEHICLE, PUT GEAR INTO DRIVE AND VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, CONSUMER STEPPED ON BRAKES HARDER, BREAKING THE BRAKE LINE. DRIVER UNABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE, RESULTED IN CRASH. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990211
12% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 10 distinct reports on file.
FIRE7% of complaints: visibility — 6 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 6 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 5 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Remedy: BY LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 2005, OWNERS WERE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THEIR SPEED CONTRO
Campaign 05V388000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER S
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Ford Bronco — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 05V388000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 Ford Bronco reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Ford Bronco is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Ford Bronco?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 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.