The Ford Bronco II spans 1983–1990 with 14 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1988, 1989, 1987 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1983, 1984, 1985. It delivers up to 25 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Ford Bronco II is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1983 to 1990 across multiple generations.
How to read a Ford Bronco II VIN — every digit explained
Every Ford Bronco II carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Ford and the country it was built in (real Ford codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Bronco II.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- USA1F1 · 1F7 · 1FA · 1FB · 1FM · 1FT
- Canada2FA · 2FM · 2FT · 2LM · 2LN · 2ME
- Mexico3FA · 3FB · 3FM · 3FT · 3LN · 3MA
- GermanyWF0 · WF1
- Norway1FL
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Bronco II, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Ford Bronco II have?
The Ford Bronco II has 14 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1983–1990. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1990 Ford Bronco II recalls 2
Service Brakes, Air:disc:rotor
What's wrong. Equipment description: aftermarket brake rotors for use on certain ford and mazda trucks. Cracked castings caused cracks to appear on the outer diameter of the rotor hat or around the stud hole.
Risk. Loss of braking can result.
Fix. Aimco will reimburse consumers/installers for the cost of replacement rotors and installation. Consumers are requested to return to the location where the rotors were originally purchased/installed for replacement.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
What's wrong. When the automatic transmission shift lever is placed in the park position, the park pawl does not always abut or engage the park gear.
Risk. Driver may believe the vehicle is safely engaged in parkwhen the gear is not truly engaged. This can lead to the vehicle jumping out ofgear unintentionally, vehicle rollaway when parked on a sloped surface, andinadvertent motion when the vehicle is started. All of these conditions canresult in a vehicle accident.
Fix. Repair the transmission with a new park pawl.
1989 Ford Bronco II recalls 1
Suspension:front:wheel Bearing
What's wrong. Front wheel bearing adjusting nut retaining keys may be missing from front axle assemblies, allowing the nut to loosen.
Risk. This could result in detachment of the wheel and hubassembly from the axle, loss of vehicle control, and an accident.
Fix. Install retaining keys in front wheel hub assemblies where missing.
1987 Ford Bronco II recalls 3
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.
Risk. Coupling could disengage due to fuel pressure,vibration, and engine movements; this would cause loss of fuel which, inpresence of an ignition source, creates a fire risk.
Fix. Install retainer clips over the couplings to prevent coupling separation and fuel leakage.
Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
What's wrong. Aluminum wheels may have been installed with improper lug nuts.
Risk. Wheel could become loose or even separate from the huband axle assembly while the vehice is in motion.
Fix. Change tapered style lug nuts to short shank style lug nuts.
Equipment:other:labels
What's wrong. Stickers concerning handling and maneuverability which are affixed to drivers sun visor sleeves do not meet criteria for permanent adhesion.
Risk. Vehicles do not meet formats specified by parts 573 and579 of 49cfr.
Fix. Owners will be mailed new sun visor sleeves with all applicable decal information permanently affixed.
1986 Ford Bronco II recalls 4
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.
Risk. Coupling could disengage due to fuel pressure,vibration, and engine movements; this would cause loss of fuel which, inpresence of an ignition source, creates a fire risk.
Fix. Install retainer clips over the couplings to prevent coupling separation and fuel leakage.
Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood
What's wrong. The electronic engine control wiring harness insulation may be damaged due to copper spikes produced during the welding of its wires. This creates a potential for a short circuit between the wires which energize the fuel pump, causing some fuel injectors to open, discharging fuel into the engine. Consequence of defect: fuel discharged into the engine would eventually leak through the exhaust system to the ground. This could result in a fire if a source of ignition is present.
Fix. Repair wiring harness, check engine and catalyst for damage.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. Nylon fuel lines on the fuel return side of the fuel pressure regulator assembly may crack. Consequence of defect: fuel line could leak and, if an ignition source is present, create the potential for a fire.
Fix. Replace nylon fuel hoses with rubber hoses.
Seats
What's wrong. Wiring for the power lumbar seat system was routed directly beneath the seat cushion springs and may be abraded by the springs.
Risk. This could result in a short circuit which may createsufficient heat to start a fire in the seat cushion pad and/or trim cover.
Fix. Install a fuse within the power lumbar electrical circuit.
1985 Ford Bronco II recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
What's wrong. Certain federal-mogul aftermarket fuel pumps sold under the brand names of carter, accuflow, napa, truflow, parts depo, and parts master, shipped between august 2006 and july 2007 for use on the vehicles listed above. The fuel pump diaphragm in certain production runs may have been improperly installed or inadequately tested which may cause the fuel pump to leak.
Risk. A leaking fuel pump could create a vehicle fire hazard.
Fix. Federal-mogul will notify owners and replace the defective fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on october 15, 2007. Owners can contact federal-mogul at 248-354-7700.
1984 Ford Bronco II recalls 3
Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
What's wrong. Components in the locking hubs were improperly heat-treated and may crack or fracture upon engagement of the front drive axles. The broken component on the left front wheel may become jammed against the nut.
Fix. Cam assemblies in front wheel automatic locking hubs will be replaced.
Seat Belts:front:anchorage
What's wrong. The bolts that attach the d-shaped ring for the shoulder belt are inadequately supported by the material in which they are mounted. The attachment does not comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages".
Fix. Dealers will install new attaching hardware to improve the strength of the mounting.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
What's wrong. Certain federal-mogul aftermarket fuel pumps sold under the brand names of carter, accuflow, napa, truflow, parts depo, and parts master, shipped between august 2006 and july 2007 for use on the vehicles listed above. The fuel pump diaphragm in certain production runs may have been improperly installed or inadequately tested which may cause the fuel pump to leak.
Risk. A leaking fuel pump could create a vehicle fire hazard.
Fix. Federal-mogul will notify owners and replace the defective fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on october 15, 2007. Owners can contact federal-mogul at 248-354-7700.
Best and worst years for the Ford Bronco II
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 8 tracked years, the worst years are 1988, 1989, 1987 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1983, 1984, 1985.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 Bronco II | — | Best | |
| 1984 Bronco II | Electrical System | Best | |
| 1985 Bronco II | Electrical System | Best | |
| 1986 Bronco II | Electrical System | Average | |
| 1987 Bronco II | Electrical System | Avoid | |
| 1988 Bronco II | Electrical System | Avoid | |
| 1989 Bronco II | Electrical System | Avoid | |
| 1990 Bronco II | Engine And Engine Cooling | Average |
What are the most common Ford Bronco II problems?
The most-reported Ford Bronco II problems are Seats (5 reports), Tires (11 reports) and Electric (1 reports) — out of 232 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Electrical System 57 Read
Upon imapct, vehicle bursted into flames. Manufacturer has been notified.
My last two alternators burst into flames. The mechanic who changed the last one said that he "has replaced hundreds" in the last ten years *ak
The alternator caused the truck to catch on fire. Please explain. Tt
1989 ford bronco ii, spontaneously caught fire in our garage 8/23/02. I was the original owner of the vehicle which was purchased from a dealer in taylor texas, vin # [xxx]. The vehicle was rolled into the driveway, whereby it burned beyond recognition. The fire department was called. I have contacted ford and requested reimbursement for the vehicle and driveway replacement. At this time they are declining the opportunity to take the corrective action requested. I would like to request that ford broaden the scope of it's recall based upon the nhtsa findings 4/25/96 recall #96v071000 or the ford recall related to the cruise control deactivation switch . *nm *jb *nm information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr
The battery is located in the engine compartment on the passenger side of the vehicle. The battery is held in place by a small ineffective retainer that only covers an edge of the battery on the bottom of the battery. In addition, this retainer does not often fit replacement batteries properly. The positive lead on the battery is connected to the battery on the side of the battery that is directly adjacent to the fender on the passenger side of the vehicle. These two design flaws work together to cause a situation which can easily cause a fire in the engine compartment of the vehicle. In my particular case, which should be very typical, the battery hold down bracket did not hold the battery in place. Due to this problem, the battery shifted just a few inches toward the fender on the passenger side of the vehicle. This caused the positive terminal of the battery to come in contact with the fender, thus causing the battery to "short to ground". The result of this occurance was that my entire wiring harness was shorted, burned and destroyed. The cables that release my emergency brake and hood were shorted and the exterior coating began to burn. Other plastic parts of the vehicle began to burn and flames "shot out" from under the engine compatment area. When i attempted to pull the hood release lever to try and contain the fire, the cable pulled loose due to the immediate damage caused by the "short to ground" and the resultant fire. I was able to release the hood from underneath the front of the car, then i pulled the battery from the fender to stop the cause of the fire. Finally, i was able to extinguish the fire with dirt and sand from the surrounding area. The fire and short caused $4000 to $5000 in actual damage to include fire damage to the paint on my hood and fender. This could have been much worse however. Imagine if this occured while a parent was outside the vehicle and a short distance from the vehicle with their child or pet inside.
While parked an electrical short in the plug connector at the alternator, caused alternator to catch on fire. Please provide details. *ak
While parked, an electrical short in the ignition switch, caused the dash area to catch on fire. *ak
Wires in steering column shorted, causing fire.
An electrical short or shock caused the vehicle to caught fire. Please describe. *ak
Engine compartment fire while vehicle was parked, fire totaled the vehicle. *ak
Engine And Engine Cooling 37 Read
Right front abs brakes failed. Also vehicle caught on fire. Sourc eof fire unknown.
After trying to start the vehicle 3 times the vehicle caught on fire in the engine compartment. Cause unknown. Please describe details. *ak
The car caught on fire while being driven. The fire started in the engine compartment. Please describe. *ak
An exhaust leak melted plastic fuel lines and started fire under vehicle burning lines and all electrical wireing under vehicle, thus causing shorting of many relays in engine compartment.
Engine compartment fire; after hard start, drove approximately 100 yds, turned off engine, turned on again, heard loud pop. Underhood on driver's side engulfed with flames, no prior warning; reported by father of owner.*ak
While driving on the interstate at about 55 mph a cloud of smoke came from under the vehicle. When pulled over and hood lifted i noticed a fire on driver side of engines. Car was towed to dealer and i was informed that the repairs were going to cost $2000 and up not considering the block that had been cracked from fire damage. Fire was due to a failure in the radiator and the water pump. *nlm
Bronco was driven about 1/4 mile form home and the motor died, and the entire vehicle busted into flames.*ak
Engine fire.
Engine compartment fire.
Vehicle fire.
Fuel System 26 Read
Fuel line ruptured and vehicle caught on fire. *ak
Bought the bronco and started having problems with it, it started sputting like it was out of gas when it was full(i just put a full tank in it when i picked it up at a friends. *jb
My ford bronco ii, 1987, went up in flames. It was leaking gas, the smell was really strong and all of a sudden there was a burst of flames. While i was driving it . *jb
Consumer was driving the vehicle and the vehicle caught fire. Tt
Fuel pump failed, causing vehicle fire. *skd
Went to start the truck and it suddenly caught on fire and burned to the ground . Please describe. Tt
Vehicle caught fire after stalling due to possible leak in fuel lines. *skd
Upon starting engine stalled out, then made second attempt to start, suddenly vehicle caught fire in engine compartment, due to fuel coupler malfunction. Tt
While trying to start the vehicle fuel spilled into the engine compartment from the distributor and caught on fire. Dealer has not seen vehicle. *ak
Gasoline leak in a rubber line on the left side of the fuel injection intake plenum, causing fire.
Gasoline 26 Read
Fuel line ruptured and vehicle caught on fire. *ak
Bought the bronco and started having problems with it, it started sputting like it was out of gas when it was full(i just put a full tank in it when i picked it up at a friends. *jb
My ford bronco ii, 1987, went up in flames. It was leaking gas, the smell was really strong and all of a sudden there was a burst of flames. While i was driving it . *jb
Consumer was driving the vehicle and the vehicle caught fire. Tt
Fuel pump failed, causing vehicle fire. *skd
Went to start the truck and it suddenly caught on fire and burned to the ground . Please describe. Tt
Vehicle caught fire after stalling due to possible leak in fuel lines. *skd
Upon starting engine stalled out, then made second attempt to start, suddenly vehicle caught fire in engine compartment, due to fuel coupler malfunction. Tt
While trying to start the vehicle fuel spilled into the engine compartment from the distributor and caught on fire. Dealer has not seen vehicle. *ak
Gasoline leak in a rubber line on the left side of the fuel injection intake plenum, causing fire.
Vehicle Speed Control 20 Read
404-261-7770,wk no., cruise control stuck and vehicle went open throttle position lost control hit enbankment impact 12:00 position speed unknown. Tt
Vehicle lunged forward while in park when first starting out, narrowly missing a person, and hitting a brick wall. Please describe details. *ak
Vehicle accelerated, veered off of road and crashed into a tree, killing the driver. Autopsy reports indicates that driver had both feet on the brake.
Accelerator pedal stuck to floor, vehicle accelerated, resulting in loss of control/crash and injuries. Also, brakes failed and upon impact, seat belt failed to lock. *ak
1989 ford bronco ii, spontaneously caught fire in our garage 8/23/02. I was the original owner of the vehicle which was purchased from a dealer in taylor texas, vin # [xxx]. The vehicle was rolled into the driveway, whereby it burned beyond recognition. The fire department was called. I have contacted ford and requested reimbursement for the vehicle and driveway replacement. At this time they are declining the opportunity to take the corrective action requested. I would like to request that ford broaden the scope of it's recall based upon the nhtsa findings 4/25/96 recall #96v071000 or the ford recall related to the cruise control deactivation switch . *nm *jb *nm information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr
When consumer started up vehicle, it went into 100% acceleration with foot on the brake. Vehicle hit a tree which was (60) feet away.*ak
Vehicle in parking lot, got in vehicle & put vehicle in reverse, vehicle suddenly accelerated backwards, applied brakes (abs light on) to no avail, hit two cars, brakes still not working. *ak
While driving applied the brakes and truck accelerated/locked up, causing the truck to hit a fence, that was the only way that the truck would stop. *ak *jb
(1)accelerator sticks when pressed to the floor merging into main traffic flow. Two occurrences with original part (est. 121000/123000 mileage) and one occurrence after replacement (est. 124500 mileage). (2) large chips of paint (approx. 6"x4") peel off during high winds and/or driving speed up to 65mph. *ak
While driving the bronco gas pedal stuck, causing the bronco to accelerate to a very high rate of speed. Bronco went over 7,000 rpm's. Vehicle was towed to the dealership. Dealer found the throttle body to be stuck. Vehicle was being repaired. Please provide any further informaton. *ak
Service Brakes 18 Read
While traveling at approximately 25 mph and making a left turn, consumer applied brakes and crossed over a patch of sand with the wheel turned, causing a rollover. Roof of vehicle collapsed in front, injuring driver, compound break of collar bone and other minor injuries. Please provide any additional information/attachments. *ak
Vehicles rear abs braking system at 26,000 on wet road right rear wheel locked-up 2 times spinning truck out of control.flipped over on its top. Tt
While driving at 20mph driver hit tree to stop because brakes failed. Tt
Accelerator pedal stuck to floor, vehicle accelerated, resulting in loss of control/crash and injuries. Also, brakes failed and upon impact, seat belt failed to lock. *ak
Right front abs brakes failed. Also vehicle caught on fire. Sourc eof fire unknown.
While driving vehicle, smelled something burning, very shortly afterwards had a loss of brake power, the hub area of the wheel was in flames. *ak
Friend was driving vehicle, while driving, smelled something burning, tried to applied brakes, wheel well hub area was in flames, brakes failed to work. *ak
When consumer started up vehicle, it went into 100% acceleration with foot on the brake. Vehicle hit a tree which was (60) feet away.*ak
Vehicle in parking lot, got in vehicle & put vehicle in reverse, vehicle suddenly accelerated backwards, applied brakes (abs light on) to no avail, hit two cars, brakes still not working. *ak
Tl*the contact owns a 1990 ford bronco ii. While driving approximately 35 mph in dry weather, the contact heard a loud clank from the rear of the vehicle. He noticed that the brake rotor failed. When the brake was removed from the rear passenger side, all of the components fell out. Nhtsa campaign id number 98e010000 (service brakes, air:disc:rotor) was referenced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired. The powertrain was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 164,058.
Seat Belts 18 Read
While driving 40mph, the truck shifted and then the vehicle rolledover and ejected the driver out of the seat, which at the time the seat belt locking clip came apart.*ak
The consumer had an accident and the seat belt didn't catch, causing him to hurt his back. Please describe. *ak
Accelerator pedal stuck to floor, vehicle accelerated, resulting in loss of control/crash and injuries. Also, brakes failed and upon impact, seat belt failed to lock. *ak
The rear driver's side seat belt buckles locked up on a 4-year old. The belt had to be cut off. Ford refuses to do anything. *ak
The drivers side seatbelt will not retract and will not restrain in an accident. Please describe. Tt
The seatbelt retractors for the rear seats have cracked and the seatbelt retracts under the seat. Tt
While driving the seatbelt anchor attachment separated from the floor of the vehicle. Manufacturer will be notified. *ak
Drivers seat belt buckle failed.
Seat belt buckle does not latch securely, causing it to open with slight movement or tug. *dsh
Seat belt buckle does not latch or sometimes let loose when buckled. Tt
Hydraulic 17 Read
While traveling at approximately 25 mph and making a left turn, consumer applied brakes and crossed over a patch of sand with the wheel turned, causing a rollover. Roof of vehicle collapsed in front, injuring driver, compound break of collar bone and other minor injuries. Please provide any additional information/attachments. *ak
Vehicles rear abs braking system at 26,000 on wet road right rear wheel locked-up 2 times spinning truck out of control.flipped over on its top. Tt
While driving at 20mph driver hit tree to stop because brakes failed. Tt
Accelerator pedal stuck to floor, vehicle accelerated, resulting in loss of control/crash and injuries. Also, brakes failed and upon impact, seat belt failed to lock. *ak
Right front abs brakes failed. Also vehicle caught on fire. Sourc eof fire unknown.
While driving vehicle, smelled something burning, very shortly afterwards had a loss of brake power, the hub area of the wheel was in flames. *ak
Friend was driving vehicle, while driving, smelled something burning, tried to applied brakes, wheel well hub area was in flames, brakes failed to work. *ak
When consumer started up vehicle, it went into 100% acceleration with foot on the brake. Vehicle hit a tree which was (60) feet away.*ak
Vehicle in parking lot, got in vehicle & put vehicle in reverse, vehicle suddenly accelerated backwards, applied brakes (abs light on) to no avail, hit two cars, brakes still not working. *ak
Tl*the contact owns a 1990 ford bronco ii. While driving approximately 35 mph in dry weather, the contact heard a loud clank from the rear of the vehicle. He noticed that the brake rotor failed. When the brake was removed from the rear passenger side, all of the components fell out. Nhtsa campaign id number 98e010000 (service brakes, air:disc:rotor) was referenced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired. The powertrain was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 164,058.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Ford Bronco II specifications & dimensions
The 1990 Ford Bronco II measures 162″ long on a 94″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 3,287 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Ford Bronco II window sticker.
| Wheelbase | 94″ (239 cm) |
| Rear track | 57″ |
| Body / trim | Bronco Ii 4x2 |
| Curb weight | 3,287 lb (1491 kg) |
| Front track | 57″ |
| Overall width | 68″ (173 cm) |
| Overall height | 70″ (179 cm) |
| Overall length | 162″ (412 cm) |
How the Bronco II's size changed by generation:
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 162″ | 68″ | 70″ | 94″ | 3,287 lb |
| 1983–1987 | 158″ | 68″ | 69″ | 94″ | — |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Ford Bronco II cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Bronco II holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Ford Bronco II tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Ford Bronco II get?
The Ford Bronco II returns up to 25 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $3,150/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1990 Ford Bronco II (2.9L 6-cyl) gets 18 mpg combined and costs about $3,450/yr to fuel, emitting 494 g/mi CO₂ — about $6,250 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 Bronco II | 16 | 20 | $3,450 | 494 | — | 2.9L 6-cyl | |
| 1989 Bronco II | 16 | 21 | $3,450 | 494 | — | 2.9L 6-cyl | |
| 1988 Bronco II | 17 | 22 | $3,300 | 468 | — | 2.9L 6-cyl | |
| 1987 Bronco II | 17 | 22 | $3,300 | 468 | — | 2.9L 6-cyl | |
| 1986 Bronco II | 17 | 22 | $3,300 | 468 | — | 2.9L 6-cyl | |
| 1985 Bronco II | 16 | 20 | $3,450 | 494 | — | 2.8L 6-cyl | |
| 1984 Bronco II | 16 | 22 | $3,450 | 494 | — | 2.8L 6-cyl |
The 1986 Ford Bronco II (2.3L 4-cyl) gets 22 mpg combined and costs about $2,850/yr to fuel, emitting 404 g/mi CO₂ — about $3,250 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 Bronco II | 20 | 25 | $2,850 | 404 | — | 2.3L 4-cyl | |
| 1985 Bronco II | 23 | 27 | $3,150 | 407 | — | 2.3L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Bronco II stacks up against the most fuel-efficient cars, or calculate this Bronco II's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Ford Bronco II have? Power & range
The Ford Bronco II is offered with 2 powertrains — 2.9L 6-cyl, 2.3L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 2.9L · 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | RWD | Regular |
| 4-cyl | 2.3L · 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | RWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Ford Bronco II cost to own?
A Ford Bronco II holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Check what a used Bronco II is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Bronco II loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $15,750 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Bronco II ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
How much is a Ford Bronco II to insure?
A Ford Bronco II costs about $1,113 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 23% below the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (77, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.
Estimate = US-average premium × the Bronco II's HLDI loss index. See Ford insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the Ford Bronco II safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Bronco II yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Ford Bronco II last?
A well-maintained Ford Bronco II typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Ford Bronco II’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Bronco II’s VIN free →All Ford Bronco II model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Ford Bronco II — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 Bronco II | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1989 Bronco II | 1 recall | — | |
| 1988 Bronco II | 0 | — | |
| 1987 Bronco II | 3 recalls | — | |
| 1986 Bronco II | 4 recalls | — | |
| 1985 Bronco II | 1 recall | — | |
| 1984 Bronco II | 3 recalls | — | |
| 1983 Bronco II | 0 | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Bronco II?
By owner-complaint volume, 1988, 1989, 1987 drew the most reports. 1983, 1984, 1985 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Bronco II have?
14 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1983–1990. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
What MPG does the Bronco II get?
Up to 25 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Bronco II last?
A well-maintained Bronco II typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Bronco II reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Bronco II is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Ford Bronco II warranty?
New Ford models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Ford dealer.
Where is the Ford Bronco II made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Bronco II's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Ford may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a Bronco II weigh?
The Bronco II's curb weight is around 3,287 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the Bronco II have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.