1996 FORD Bronco Problems

107

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

18 complaints

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. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V388000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS 180,000.

Jun 04, 2012

Fire: 1

1996 FORD BRONCO CAUGHT FIRE OVER WEEKEND WHILE MY FAMILY AND I WERE DRIVING HOME. MONDAY FORD HAD IT TOWED INTO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO REPAIR AND NOW, THREE DAYS LATER THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT THEY WILL NOT REPAIR IT SINCE I KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM. I ARGUED THAT I HAD NO IDEA AND THEY SAY THAT THEY MAILED ME A CARD AT THE END OF 2007. THE VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WANT ME TO COME PAY CASH FOR THE REAPAIRS. PLEASE HELP.

Mar 31, 2010

Fire: 1

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 1996 FORD BRONCO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WAS ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE BEGIN TO ACCELERATE BEYOND ITS SET SPEED. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE CRUISE CONTROL WITH A USED CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH AND THAT HAS REMEDIED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL COULD HAVE CAUSED A CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 203,000.

Feb 25, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD BRONCO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A LOT, IT SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. FLAMES AND SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THROUGH NUMEROUS RESEARCH, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V388000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THE DEFECT AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD INVESTIGATE TO DETERMINE IF THE FIRE WAS LINKED TO THE RECALL. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT HE SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 136,000.

Mar 25, 2009

Fire: 1

MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE YARD FOR SEVERAL HOURS, AND I WAS WORKING IN MY SHOP ABOUT 30 FEET AWAY. I STARTED SMELLING BURNING PLASTIC, AND I THOUGHT THAT THE NEIGHBORS WERE BURNING TRASH. WHEN THE ODOR BECAME STRONGER, I LOOKED OUT THE DOOR OF MY SHOP. THERE WAS SMOKE POURING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD, AND FROM THE FRONT OF THE GRILLE. I RAN AND GOT THE GARDEN HOUSE, AND STUCK IT IN THE WHEELWELL, IN A HOLE THAT HAD BURNED THROUGH THE INNER FENDER. ONCE THE FIRE SEEMED NEARLY OUT, I OPENED THE HOOD TO FINISH QUENCHING THE FLAMES. *TR

Jan 10, 2009

Fire: 1

+ 13 more complaints for this component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

16 complaints

WHILE APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION, THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL, AND IT HAD GONE TO THE FLOOR. THE CONSUMER PUMPED THE BRAKES, AND VEHICLE HAD COME TO AN ABRUPT STOP. PH THE CONSUMER FOUND THAT THE BRAKE LINE HAD RUSTED AND BURST WHICH CAUSED THE BRAKING FLUID TO LEAK. SCC

Dec 09, 2002

SINCE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN 1999, I HAVE REPORTED TO FORD MOTOR AND BUDGET CAR SALES THE PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM, BRAKES JAM, VEHICLE GOES BACKWARD AND JERKS FORWARD WHILE SITTING IN TRAFFIC. FORD MOTOR CO. REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILTY FOR THE MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND BUDGET AUTO SALES SAYS THEY CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM AND I NEED TO WAIT UNTIL "SOMETHING HAPPENS" THIS VEHICLE IS A DEATH TRAP AND I IMPLORE SOMEONE TO ASSIST ME IN GETTING THESE DEFECTS CORRECTED BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED.*AK

Mar 26, 2001

SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE (1996 FORD SABLE) I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS..THE CAR SHUTS OFF AT SPEEDS OF 10MPH, WHILE SITTING IN TRAFFIC, OR ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. I HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBEM TO NHTSA, THE DEALER, FORD MOTOR CO. AND THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER, THE DEALER SAYS HE CAN NOT FIX IT UNTIL IT DUPLICATES WHILE HE HAS IT...AGAIN HE SAYS "WAIT UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS" , I ASKED IF HE WERE WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO BE INJURED OR KILLED HE SAID UNFORTUNATELY THAT'S WHAT WILL HAVE TO HAPPEN IN ORDER TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. I FIND THIS TO BE A LUDICRUOUS ANSWER, FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBLITY FOR MANUFACTURER DEFECTS. FORD MOTOR COMPANY REFUSES TO CORRECT THESE DEFECTS.*AK

Mar 26, 2001

WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED ON WET PAVEMENT AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, BRAKES LOCKED UP, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SLIDE. *AK

Jun 01, 1999

COMING TO A STOP VEHICLE WOULD BOUNCE. TOOK TO DEALER & TOLD ROTORS OUT OF ROUND. HAD THEM RESURFACED. PROBLEM REAPPEARED. TOOK BACK TO DEALER & WAS TOLD PADS WERE WORN. BRAKES REPLACED ONCE MORE. HAPPENED 5 OTHER TIMES. WAS TOLD ALL & ALL IT WAS NORMAL WEAR. *AK

Apr 07, 1998

+ 11 more complaints for this component

VISIBILITY

13 complaints

AFTER TURNING ON REAR DEFOGGER, REAR WINDSHIELD SHATTERED. THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME THAT THIS INCIDENT HAD OCCURRED. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK CONSUMER STATES THERE IS A TSB THAT STATES THE CURRENT WEATHERSTRIP CAUSED A CHEMICAL REACTION WITH THE SILVER IN THE HEATING ELEMENT AND REPLACING THE GLASS ONLY MAY NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *SLC

Mar 06, 2002

WHILE REAR DEFROSTER WAS ON REAR WINDOW SHATTERED INTO SMALL PIECES. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. OCCURRED TWICE. *AK

Oct 18, 2000

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 15MPH ON A COUNTRY ROAD AND HEARD A BANG SOUND LIKE A GUN BEING FIRED . THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION OF GLASS SHATTERING COMING FROM THE REAR WINDOW, EVERYWHERE. BE ADVISED THAT THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED TWICE. *AK

May 18, 2000

BACK ELECTRIC WINDOW IMPLODES THROWING GLASS INTO THE BRONCO. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAS HAPPENED. THE FIRST TIME IT IMPLODED WE WERE SITTING IN THE BRONCO (IT WAS NOT RUNNING) THE SENCOND TIME IT HAPPENED WE WERE DRIVING. THE SOUND IS SO LOUD WE ALMOST RAN OFF THE ROAD FROM FEAR. NEITHER TIME WE WERE USING THE BACK WINDOW. I AM AFRAID THAT EITHER THE GLASS BLOWING IN WILL HURT SOMEONE OR CAUSE THE DRIVER TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE UNIT IF THIS CONTINUES TO BE A PROBLEM. I WANT TO FIND OUT IF OTHER BRONCO OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THANK YOU MYRA HOPPER *AK

Mar 12, 2000

WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55-60 MPH, ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS IN RAINING WEATHER, REAR DEFOGGER ON, THE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED AND GLASS FELL INTO INSIDE OF VEHICLE. SIMILAR INCIDENTS OCCURRED 11/97 AND 04/98, DEALER NOTIFIED, VEHICLE HAS NO WARRANTY. *AK

Jun 17, 1998

+ 8 more complaints for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 complaints

1. GENERAL USE OF THE VEHICLE 2. CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. BRAKE FLUID DARK/LEAKING OUT. BRAKE PRESSURE SWITCH CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED. 3. I WILL HAVE TO GET A NEW SWITCH. *NM

Aug 18, 2005

Fire: 1

IN REGAURD TO INVESTIGATION EA 05-005 HEADED UP BY BRUCE YORK; I HAVE A 1996 FORD BRONCO THAT THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH ALSO SHORTED OUT. IT DID NOT RESULT IN A FIRE BUT THE CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T WORK. THE WIRES ARE BURNT RIGHT NEXT TO THE SWITCH AND THE SWITCH IS FULL OF FLUID. I CURRENTLY DRIVE IT AS IS WITH THE WIRES PULLED AWAY BUT EVERY THING IS STILL IN THE TRUCK IF ANY INVESTIGATORS WANT TO SEE IT. I SEE NO MENTION OF THE BRONCO IN THE INVESTIGATION BUT THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME. I WAS FORTUNATE. NO FIRE

Mar 24, 2005

1996 FORD BRONCO, BURNED TO THE GROUND / A TOTAL LOSS. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. I WAS HAVING NO PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE THAT I KNEW OF. I HAD A FUEL PUMP PUT IN 4 MONTHS PRIOR FROM MY MECHANIC. THE FIRE STARTED UP FRONT IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, AND MOVED TOWARDS THE REAR. EVERYTHING WAS IN SOME FORM OF MELTED AND OR JUST ASHES. *AK

Jan 27, 2005

Fire: 1

AT APPROXIMATELY 2AM ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2004, I RECEIVED A CALL FROM MY NEIGHBOR INFORMING ME THAT MY 1996 FORD BRONCO WAS ON FIRE. WHEN I RAN OUTSIDE, THERE WERE FLAMES "SHOOTING" SEVERAL FEET INTO THE AIR. THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE WAS THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FRONT TIRES HAD BLOWN FROM THE HEAT AND THE FIRE HAD MELTED THE DASH AND WAS INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPT WAS CALLED AND WERE ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE BLAZE WITHIN A FEW MINUTES OF THEIR ARRIVAL. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS (I HAVE DIGITAL PICTURES). THE FIRE SEEMS TO HAVE STARTED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SINCE THAT WAS THE AREA WHERE THE FIRE WAS THE HOTTEST. (THE LEAD WHEEL WEIGHTS ACTUALLY MELTED) SINCE THEN I HAVE HEARD QUITE A FEW STORIES OF SIMILAR OCCURRENCES WITH WITH FORD BRONCOS, EXPLORERS, AND F150 PICK UPS OF MODEL YEARS RANGING FROM 1996 THROUGH 2002. ONE OF THE COMMON ELEMENTS IN A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF THESE EVENTS, ACCORDING TO A RECENT ARTICLE IN THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER, IS THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL ON THE VEHICLES THAT BURNT HAD FAILED. THAT WAS TRUE WITH MY VEHICLE. THE CRUISE CONTROL HAD NOT WORKED FOR THE LAST 6 MONTHS OR SO. MY VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 18 HOURS PRIOR TO THIS EVENT.*AK

Jan 26, 2005

Fire: 1

THE CONSUMER COULD NOT GET VEHICLE OUT OF PARK ONE MORNING AND HAD TO REPLACE A FUSE. JUST AFTER VEHICLE STARTED SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER HOOD. THE CONSUMER OPENED THE HOOD, AND SAW A FIRE AT THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE CONSUMER PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH A BOTTLE OF WATER. *AK THE MASTER CYLINDER PRESSURE SWITCH AND CONNECTOR WAS REPLACED. *SC

Nov 03, 2004

Fire: 1

+ 3 more complaints for this component

TIRES

6 complaints

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD BRONCO WITH INDICO THORNBIRD 385* 14 * 16 TIRES(NA) DOT NUMBER KPBC80507. THE TIRES WERE VIBRATING; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT HAD THEM ROTATED. DURING THE ROTATION THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE LINING INSIDE OF ALL FOUR TIRES CURLED UP. THE MANUFACTURER INSISTED THAT THIS WAS NOT A PREVIOUS CONCERN ON INDICO TIRES. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE ON THE TIRES WAS 4000.

Oct 26, 2010

TIRE ON 2 CASES BLEW THE TREAD AND BELT, THE LATER OF THE TWO INCIDENCES WHICH RESULTED IN A CRASH THAT TOTALED THE VEHICLE, AND RESULTED IN TWO INJURIES TO BOTH THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER. BOTH NEEDED TO BE HOSPITALIZED.*AK

Jul 03, 2007

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

I BOUGHT 4 TIRES FROM SULLIVAN TIRES IN SCARBOROUGH, MAINE ON ROUTE 1. I PAID FOR THE UPGRADED QUALITY TIRES BY THEIR RECOMMENDATION. THE TIRES WERE GUARANTEED FOR 25,000 MILES. AFTER 14,000 MILES, ONE OF THE FOUR TIRES BEGAN TO HAVE IRREGULAR WEAR UNTIL ONE SIDE OF THE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY BALD. THE OTHER 3 TIRES ARE STILL LIKE NEW. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN TO THEM ASSUMING THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THIS TIRE. THEY TOLD ME TO COME BACK NEXT WEEK, THEY WERE TOO BUSY. I EXPLAINED THE ENTIRE SITUATION TO THEM, BUT WHEN I RETURNED THE NEXT WEEK, THE SAME PERSON HAD FORGOTTEN ALL ABOUT MY ISSUE. I EXPLAINED IT AGAIN. I HAD TO LEAVE MY TRUCK FOR THEM TO LOOK AT THE TIRE. I HAD A FRIEND PICK ME UP. I LEFT MY PHONE NUMBER FOR THEM TO CONTACT ME AND AFTER 3 HOURS WHEN I DID NOT HEAR FROM THEM I CALLED. THEY DID NOT OR WOULD NOT REPLACE THIS TIRE. THEY ACCUSED ME OF MANY THINGS THAT WERE NOT TRUE, LIKE I HAD NEW TIE-ROD ENDS PUT ON, DID NOT BALANCE THEM, DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH AIR IN IT, ETC...I SPOKE FIRST TO THE ASSISTANT MANAGER, THEN TO THE MANAGER WITHOUT ANY RESOLUTION. THEY ASKED ME TO BRING IT BACK FOR ANOTHER DAY NEXT WEEK SO THEY COULD DO A ALIGNMENT CHECK. THEY WERE NOT GOING TO ALIGN IT, JUST CHECK IT. BUT BY THIS TIME, I DID NOT TRUST THEM AND DID NOT WANT TO WASTE ANOTHER DAY WITHOUT MY VEHICLE. THEY DID NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR TIRES OR THEIR WARRANTY ON THE TIRES. I AM DISGUSTED AND I FEEL THAT OTHER CONSUMERS SHOULD BE WARNED BEFORE CONSIDERING SULLIVAN TIRES. I PLAN ON TAKING THEM TO COURT. *NM

Oct 14, 2006

SIZE: 31X10.50R15LT 109Q M/S RIGHT REAR TIRE HAD A TREAD SEPARATION. THE VEHICLE FLIPPED AND ROLLED. THE DRIVERS SEATBELT FAILED AND HE WAS EJECTED. FIVE PASSANGERS WERE EJECTED. ALL INJURED WITH ONE FATALITY. I-10 EASTBOUND 37 MILE MARKER GRANT COUNTY NEW MEXICO.( DOT NUMBER: VD60AW3527 TIRE SIZE: 31X10.50R1 )

Aug 08, 2000

Crash: 1

Injuries: 5

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Mar 12, 2000

+ 1 more complaint for this component

POWER TRAIN

5 complaints

TRANSMISSION JUMPS OUT OF OVERDRIVE, AFTERWARDS HARD SHIFTS IN ALL GEARS AFTER HIGH RPMS. THE FIX IS TO STOP, CUT THE ENGINE OFF AND THE TRANSMISSION RESETS FOR LACK ON A BETTER TERM. WHEN THE BRONCO IS IN OD AND IS JUST CRUSING, NOT IN A PULL, IS WHEN THE OD JUMPS OUT. LIKE ANY OTHER THING IT DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME.

Jul 12, 2018

WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT ANY SPEED THE CONSUMER NOTICED A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION BUT HE'S NOT 100% SURE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *NLM

Sep 25, 2003

THE TRANSMISSION ON MY FORD BRONCO JUMPED OUT OF PARK WHILE RUNNING. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL BACK INTO A DITCH CAUSING AROUND 2,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE THAT I CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS VEHICLE DOING THIS OR I WOULD NOT HAVE BOUGHT IT. I WISH FORD WOULD FIX MY VEHICLE AND REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION. PLEASE WORK THIS PROBLEM AND GET BACK TO ME, LUCKY NOBODY WAS HURT IN THIS ONE. *AK

Nov 08, 2001

Crash: 1

TRANSMISSION E40D MODEL WITH OVERDRIVE FAILED. ONGOING PROBLEM. MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAD E40 TRANSMISSION FAILURES. *AK

Feb 03, 1998

TRANSMISSION FAILED.

Nov 04, 1997

AIR BAGS

5 complaints

1996 FORD EXPLORER, 4X4. DRIVING IN DESERT WENT OVER A BUMP A LITTLE FAST, WHICH SET OFF MY AIRBAGS. MY RIDER IS IN THE HOSPITAL FOR BROKEN NOSE, CHEEK AND SOME KIND OF SMOKE INHALATION. MY WINDSHIELD IS BROKEN BECAUSE THE BAG HIT THE MIRROR WHICH THEN HIT THE WINDSHIELD. MY STEERING WHEEL IS DESTROYED, CRUISE CONTROL AND HORNS ARE OUT OF SERVICE. BEFORE I COULD DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN I HAD TO CUT THE AIRBAGS OUT. WHAT THE HELL IS THIS! NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR EXCEPT WHAT THE AIRBAGS DID. I WANT THIS ALL FIXED AT FORD'S EXPENSE. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR 10 YEARS WITH NO PROBLEMS EXCEPT; RECALLED TIRES, STEERING BARS AND BRAKES (ALL RECALL). *TR

Jan 18, 2008

Injuries: 1

VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITH FRONTAL IMPACT AT 60 MPH , NO DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG DURING COLLISION RESULTING IN CHEST AND HEAD INJURY. MJS

Oct 18, 1999

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITH FRONTAL IMPACT AT 60 MPH , NO DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG DURING COLLISION RESULTING IN CHEST AND HEAD INJURY. MJS

Oct 18, 1999

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITH FRONTAL IMPACT AT 60 MPH , NO DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG DURING COLLISION RESULTING IN CHEST AND HEAD INJURY. MJS

Oct 18, 1999

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

AIR BAG: DRIVING HOME APPROXIMATELY 45MPH HAD AN ACCIDENT, RAN INTO A TREE AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. DON'T KNOW WHAT CAUSED ACCIDENT OR WHY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

Jan 10, 1997

Crash: 1

STEERING

5 complaints

POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED RESULTING IN NOISE.

Oct 27, 1997

POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED RESULTING IN NOISE.

Oct 27, 1997

STEERING COLUMN FAILED.

Oct 27, 1997

STEERING TIE ROD FAILED.

Sep 11, 1997

ALARM FAILED.

Aug 28, 1997

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

4 complaints

FIRST MY ENGINE SEEMED TO OVERHEAT A BIT THEN EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE IT WOULD SOUND LIKE THE ENGINE WAS GRINDING ON SOMETHING AND WOULDN'T STOP.. SOUNDED LIKE A BUNCH OF CHAINS IN MY HOOD. BUT THEN ON OCCASIONS THE STUPID THING WOULDN'T SHUT OFF WHEN IT WAS MAKING THE CHAIN SOUND, EVEN WITH MY KEY OUT. IT JUST HAPPENED AGAIN AND NOW THE THING SMELLS LIKE SOMETHING IS BURNING AND I HAVE NO POWER WHAT SO EVER IN MY VEHICLE. BEFORE WHEN IT FINALLY SHUT OFF IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS ABOUT TO SPARK. THEN IT WAS MAKING A CLICKING NOISE THAT WASN'T COOL. *TR

Oct 10, 2008

ON SUNDAY DECEMBER 11, 2005 WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY I EXPIRED A SUDDEN SPIKE IN TEMPERATURE ON MY 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. AFTER TAKING MY CAR TO A FORD DEALERSHIP I WAS INFORMED THAT MY "PLASTIC" INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD CRACKED. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE CURRENT INVESTIGATION AND HAD NEVER RECEIVED ANY SORT OF CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION FROM FORD. I HEARD ABOUT THE MANIFOLD ISSUE FROM A FELLOW EMPLOYEE. THE TOTAL COST OF REPAIRS FOR THIS FAULTY MANIFOLD WAS $978.00. I FEEL IF THEY KNEW THEY NEEDED TO UPDATE IT WITH AN ALUMINUM MANIFOLD THAN THEY KNEW THE PLASTIC ONES WERE FAULTY.*JB

Dec 14, 2005

DT: THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, THE FIRE MARSHAL SAID IT STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, THE INSURANCE AGENCY CAME TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE HOUSE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. *SC *JB

Jul 08, 2005

Fire: 1

AFTER VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR AN HOUR CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM VEHICLE . PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Jan 23, 2001

SUSPENSION

4 complaints

TRUCK BOUNCES OFF TO ANOTHER LANE WHEN DRIVING ON BUMBY ROADS AT ANY SPEED OVER 35MPH..TRUCK PULLS TO THE RIGHT WHEN STOPPING IN AN EMERGENCY...TRUCK HAS BEEN TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES AND DEALER CAN FIX OR FIXES SOMETHING ELSE..4 WHEEL DIVE COMES ON AND OFF BY IT SELF BEEN TO DEALER 2 TIMES. *AK

Feb 25, 2000

VEHICLE HAS EXCESSIVE VIBRATION. HAD TIRES BALANCED AND REPLACED ALL SHOCK ABSORBERS.

Aug 06, 1998

REAR END IS TO LIGHT, CAUSING LOSS OF TRACTION ON TURNS AND ON SMALL BUMPS AT ANY SPEED.

Feb 18, 1997

REAR END NOISE PRESENT, REPLACED REAR SUSPENSION AND NOISE CONTINUED.

Jan 06, 1997

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 complaints

HEAD LIGHT DIMMER SWITCH/TURN SIGNAL SWITCH. AFTER HEAD LIGHTS HAVE BEEN RUNNING FOR A FEW MINUTES, THE HEAD LIGHTS WILL BEGIN TO FLASH ON/OFF IN EITHER HIGH BEAMS OR LOW BEAMS. I HAVE FOUND THE ISSUE TO BE IN THE HIGH BEAM SWITCH ITSELF. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON A BUSY STREET OR IN A LOCATION WHERE PEOPLE WERE CROSSING THE ROAD IT COULD HAVE BEEN VERY BAD. RESEARCH SHOWED THIS TO BE A VERY COMMON ISSUE AND SHOULD BE CHANGED. THERE IS EVEN A HARNESS FOR SALE THAT ROUTES POWER AROUND THIS SWITCH AND THROUGH A RELAY SETUP TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE. I'M SURE FORD SHOULD BE FIXING THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT, DUE TO INABILITY TO SEE... *TR

Feb 22, 2013

LEFT TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR FAILED.

Aug 28, 1997

RIGHT HEAD LAMP FAILED.

Aug 28, 1997

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD BRONCO. SPARKS WERE DRIPPING BELOW THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S NEIGHBOR ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH THE GARDEN HOSE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. EVENTUALLY, SEVERAL NEIGHBORS WERE ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES WITH GARDEN HOSES AND FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. THE FLAMES APPEARED FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL AND INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CONTINUED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THEY ALSO DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY IN FEAR THAT IT MAY CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED AS DESTROYED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 130,000. UPDATED 4/28/09 *CN UPDATED 04/30/09.*JB UPDATED 12/08/09. *LJ UPDATED 12/10/09.*JB

Mar 25, 2009

Fire: 1

DROVE 1996 FORD BRONCO 3 BLOCKS AND PARKED IT IN CLOSED UP GARAGE. CAME BACK A FEW DAYS LATER AND FOUND IT BURNT UP. FIRE BURNT UNDER HOOD AND DASH. IT SCORCHED THE VEHICLE PARKED NEXT TO IT AND DAMAGED INSIDE OF GARAGE. *TR

Nov 17, 2008

Fire: 1

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE TO HAVE 1996 FORD BRONCO CRUISE CONTROL DISCONNECTED. *TS FORD RECALL #05S28. AN ADDITIONAL THREE-MONTH DELAY WAS ISSUED BEFORE THE REPAIR COULD TAKE PLACE. THE CONSUMER FELT THAT THIS WAS IRRESPONSIBLE OF FORD. *SC

Nov 30, 2005

ON 06/03/2005, A GOVERNMENT OWNED, 1996 FORD BRONCO, WAS OBSERVED ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN A PARKING GARAGE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TURNED OFF AND PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY EIGHT HOURS WHEN THE FIRE OCCURRED. THE FIRE WAS OBSERVED AT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, AND BURNED FOR SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE IT COULD BE EXTINGUISHED. THE FIRE WAS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH.

Jun 27, 2005

Fire: 1

STRUCTURE

2 complaints

THE WELDED BODY PANELS MAKING UP THE TAILGATE ARE STRESS CRACKED. THE EXTERIOR MOUNTED SPARE TIRE CATCH IS MOUNTED ON THE TAILGATE PANELS AND THE OPENING AND CLOSING CAUSES THIS PANEL TO FLEX; HENCE THE CRACK.*AK

Jun 08, 2000

REAR GLASS SHATTERED DURING USE OF DEFROSTER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS.

Feb 03, 1999

SEATS

2 complaints

DRIVER'S SEAT RECLINER COLLAPSED BACKWARDS WHILE DRIVING. THE HINGE SNAPPED INSIDE THE WELL. CONTACTED DEALER AND WAS TOLD VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. *AK

Oct 27, 1999

FRONT BUCKET SEAT FRAME FRACTURED NEXT TO RECLINER ATTACHING BOLT, CAUSING THE SEAT TO COLLAPE BACKWARDS SUDDENY.

Sep 15, 1999

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 complaint

MY 1996 MERCURY VILLAGER DEVELOPED A FAILURE IN THE AIR FLOW SENSOR (PART $330) THAT RESULTED IN VEHICLE STALLS, INCLUDING STOPS ON THE HIGHWAY, THAT NEARLY RESULTED IN CRASHES. THE REQUIRED REPAIRS EXCEEDED $500. I KNOW FORD HAS A SIMILAR RECALL OUT NOW FOR THE 1997-2003 (/) MODELS). *TR

Dec 07, 2007

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS LEAKING FLUID. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL ON OTHER FORD VEHICLES. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, THE REPAIR WERE MADE FOR A FEE. ALSO EVERY 25000 MILES, THE OIL PAN GASKET NEEDED TO BE CHANGED DUE A SMALL LEAK. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THIRD, THE EXHAUST AND INTAKE MANIFOLDS WERE LEAKING CAUSING A NOXIOUS SMELL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE SAME SERVICE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED BOTH MANIFOLDS, AND DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK DRIPPING ONTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.

Jun 22, 2006

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED ON 1996 THUNDERBIRD IN 2000. IT IS NOW CRACKED, AND AFTER SPENDING 550.00 TO FIND THAT OUT, THERE IS NOTHING FORD WILL DO EVEN THOUGH IT IS ON CAMPAIGN (97M91). NOW I CAN NOT DRIVE MY CAR.

May 25, 2005

SUSPENSION,SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SHOP FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND I ASKED THE MECHANIC TO CHECK THE ROUTE. FRONT SUSPENSION DUE TO EXCESSIVE NOISE/VIBRATION. HE CONTACTED ME LATER TO ADVISE THAT THE COIL SPRING WAS BROKEN. THE ONLY THINGS RETAINING THE SPRING WERE GRAVITY AND GOD. *AK

Aug 04, 2004

STEERING,SUSPENSION

1 complaint

THE FOLLOWING IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT PRODUCT AND SERVICES . PRODUCT BEING 1996-97 MODEL VEHICLE FORD BRONCO VIN [XXX]. VEHICLE HAS BUILT-IN CONTROL AND ROLLOVER PROBLEMS BY DESIGN. THIS WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR. WITH THE BRONCO CRASHING OFF THE MACKINAC BRIDGE MARCH 2, 1997 LOCATED IN MICHIGAN KILLING [XXX] OUR SON. THE VEHICLE WAS LEASED NEW, IN 1996 AND MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY KEEPING VEHICLE IN ITS LANE OF TRAVEL, IT WOULD DRIFT AND BOUNCE ABOUT THE ROAD THERE WAS A ROLLOVER OF THIS VEHICLE AFTER IT IMPACTED A CURB ON MAY 11 1996. SERVICES BEING THE FORD BRONCO WAS TAKEN TO ROMEO FORD DEALERSHIP IN ROMEO MICHIGAN JAN 13 ,1997. APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE FATAL CRASH. THE TRUCK WAS EXPERIENCING PULLING TO ONE SIDE, STEERING INSTABILITY AND SUSPENSION PROBLEMS IT WOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE IT STILL HAD A HANDLING PROBLEM BUT THE FATALITY HAPPENED BEFORE THAT COULD TAKE PLACE. *LA INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Dec 06, 2003

Crash: 1

SUSPENSION,PARKING BRAKE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO FORWARD. CONSUMER STATED TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK CRUISE CONTROL AND DOOR LOCKS ARE INOPERATIVE. EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ILLUMINATED. FRONT END IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND PULLS TO THE LEFT. HEAD LIGHTS WILL NOT SHUT OFF. THERMOSTAT, RADIATOR, RADIATOR CAP, AND WATER PUMP WERE REPLACED. THE STRUTS THAT HOLD THE BACK WINDOW AND DOOR DID NOT HOLD, SPRINGS FOR THE BACK DOOR ARE INOPERATIVE. TRANSMISSION NEEDED ADJUSTMENT, BALL IN TRANSMISSION FAILED, VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT INTO 4-WHEEL DRIVE, AND UNIVERSAL JOINT WAS REPLACED. DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT INOPERATIVE. ELECTRICAL SWITCH THAT ADJUSTS THE DRIVER SEAT SHORTED OUT AND CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, GROUND CABLE ON THE BATTERY BROKE CAUSING COMPUTER TO BE INOPERATIVE, STARTER SWITCH, SOLENOID, LOCK CYLINDER, CIRCUIT BREAKER, AND TEM SENSOR WERE REPLACED. AIR CONDITIONER FAILED AND VENTS DO NOT WORK. *SLC

Apr 02, 2002

Fire: 1

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER TRIED TO ENGAGE 4-WHEEL DRIVE, AND 4-WHEEL WOULD NOT ENGAGE, CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD LIGHT INDICATED THAT THE 4 WHEEL WAS ENGAGED, BUT IT WAS NOT. THIS DEFECTIVE SYSTEM COULD GIVE YOU A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY IF YOU WERE TO BELIEVE THE INDICATION LIGHT. THE CONSUMER WAS REQUESTING THE MANUFACTURER TO REPLACE THE FAULTY SYSTEM AT NO COST. *YH

Jan 04, 2002

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

02 SENSOR BURNED OUT WHILE CONSUMER WAS PULLING OUT OF DEALERSHIP AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE. ALSO, THIS CAUSED RADIO/ SPEEDOMETER TO BURN OUT. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER FIXED PROBLEM.*AK

Jan 12, 2001

WHEELS

1 complaint

THE FRONT WHEEL ASSEMBLY PERFORMS POORLY, THE HUBS AND SEALS ARE IMPROPERLY GREASED FROM THE FACTORY CAUSING THEM TO MAKE LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE LIKE THE WHEEL IS GOING TO FALL OFF. NLM

Mar 30, 2000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,WHEELS

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE WHICH MAY RESULT IN A CRASH. ALSO, THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL LUG NUT SHEARED OFF, ALMOST CAUSING A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. *AK

Sep 29, 1999

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

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

Feb 11, 1999

Crash: 1

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

BRAKE BEARINGS CORRODED. TRANSMISSION SLIPS UNDER HEAVY ACCELERATION AND SOMETIMES SURGES AT STOP LIGHTS.

Dec 26, 1997

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4.6/5.0

41 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 1996 FORD Bronco have?

The 1996 FORD Bronco currently has 107 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 1996 FORD Bronco?

The most common problems reported for the 1996 FORD Bronco are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 1996 FORD Bronco problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 1996 FORD Bronco comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.