Illustration59,800 miles · Jul 7, 2019
Electrical System
TFI
NHTSA ODI #11229878
1986 Ford Bronco Ii
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Bronco Ii years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 3 of 33 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Seat Belts. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
4 crash reports16 fire reports3 injury reports
What owners actually said
33 reportsTFI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1986 FORD BRONCO II EQUIPPED WITH TERRA TRACK HERCULES TOURING TIRES, SIZE: P235 75/R15 MS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW, CAUSING A ROLL OVER CRASH. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION FROM THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1986 FORD BRONCO II EQUIPPED WITH TERRA TRACK HERCULES TOURING TIRES, SIZE: P235 75/R15 MS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW, CAUSING A ROLL OVER CRASH. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION FROM THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN TO THE MANUFACTURER OF THE TIRES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 238,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 08-23-12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE TIRE DID NOT BLOW OUT. THE TREAD OF THE TIRE SEPARATED, AND THE TIRE WAS INFLATED. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE COOPER TIRE COMPANY AND WAS TOLD THE TIRE WAS IN 1996. THE CONSUMER COULD NOT FILE A CLAIM FOR DAMAGES OR INJURY. THE CLAIM DATE ENDS OCT 1, 2012. UPDATED 08/29/2012 *JS
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. OWNER LATER CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SHOP. *AK
THERE IS A PART ON THE VEHICLE, THE COOLANT TEMP GAUGE, THAT I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED TWICE AND WILL NEED TO REPLACE A THIRD TIME. IT IS COSTLY AND SEEMS TO ME TO BE RIDICULOUS THAT IHAVE HAD TO REPLACE IT SO MANY TIMES IN THE ALMOST 5 YEARS THAT I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE. IT IS A 1986 FORD BRONCO II 4X4 EDDIE BAUER SERIES.
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT BROKE, PASSENGER ENDED UP IN THE BACK SEAT, INCIDENT CAUSED PERMANENT INJURIES, CONSUMER REQUESTING RECALL INFORMATION. *TT
DRIVER SEAT IS FALLING DOWN IN FRONT WIN YOU STOP. LOOK AT SOME OTHER BRONCO II AND THAY HAVE THE SAME BRAKE UNDER THE FRONT SEAT IN THE PAN. WENT TO THE DEALER AND SHOWED THEM AND GOT NO RESPONSE.*AK
THE FIBERGLASS ALL AROUND MY SPARE TIRE AREA IS CRACKED BECAUSE THE SUPPORT BRACKET IS TOO SMALL, NOT HOLDING ENOUGH WEIGHT FOR THE TIRE.
CAR'S SHUDDER (A RAPID ON OFF ON KILLSWITCHLIKE) HAS WORSENED. YESTERDAY THIS OFF TIME EXPANDED TO SEVERAL SECONDS, AND AT HIGHER SPEEDS. AT ONE TIME THE ENGINE DIED AT 45MPH. I WAS NEARLY REAR ENDED AS VEHICLE SPEED FELL OFF RAPIDLY. I ESCAPED COLLISION BY EXECUTING A HARD RIGHT OFF THE STREET INTO A BANK'S LOT EXIT. THIS WAS M…
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CAR'S SHUDDER (A RAPID ON OFF ON KILLSWITCHLIKE) HAS WORSENED. YESTERDAY THIS OFF TIME EXPANDED TO SEVERAL SECONDS, AND AT HIGHER SPEEDS. AT ONE TIME THE ENGINE DIED AT 45MPH. I WAS NEARLY REAR ENDED AS VEHICLE SPEED FELL OFF RAPIDLY. I ESCAPED COLLISION BY EXECUTING A HARD RIGHT OFF THE STREET INTO A BANK'S LOT EXIT. THIS WAS MADE DIFFICULT BY THE LOSS OF PS BOOST. THE ENGINE DID RELIGHT WITH KEY. LATER THE ENGINE SHUDDERED WHILE AT 65MPH ON I40. THIS CAR MAY BE NEEDED AT ANY MOMENT TO TRANSPORT MY MOTHER TO THE FLAGSTAFF ER AS SHE HAS A KNOWN AND CURRENTLY TREATED CARDIAC CONDITION. THIS CAR'S SAFETY EXTENDS THUS WELL BEYOND THE CAR ITSELF. I NEED RAPID ASSISTANCE.
THIS VEHICLE STALLED WHILE RUNNING DUE TOFAILED TFI MODULE, THIS IS THE SECOND SUCH FAILURE THIS VEHICLE HAS DEVELOPED. IT FURTHER UNDERGOES A VIOLENT ENGINE SURGE WHILE AT LIGHT THROTTLE AND LOW SPEEDS ENGINE AND VEHICLE SUCH AS IN TOWN DRIVING, THIS SURGE CAN BE STOPPED MOMENTARILY BY DEPRESSING EITHER THROTTLE OR CLUTCH PEDAL…
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THIS VEHICLE STALLED WHILE RUNNING DUE TOFAILED TFI MODULE, THIS IS THE SECOND SUCH FAILURE THIS VEHICLE HAS DEVELOPED. IT FURTHER UNDERGOES A VIOLENT ENGINE SURGE WHILE AT LIGHT THROTTLE AND LOW SPEEDS ENGINE AND VEHICLE SUCH AS IN TOWN DRIVING, THIS SURGE CAN BE STOPPED MOMENTARILY BY DEPRESSING EITHER THROTTLE OR CLUTCH PEDAL, AND A EQUALLY VIOLENT SINGLE CYCLE SHUDDER AS IF A KILL SWITHS HAS BEEN ACTIVATED THEN RELEASED AS SLIGHTLY HIGHER SPEEDS AND USUALLY UPHILL. TO DATE I HAVE REPLACED THE FUELFILTER, REMOVED THE CRUISE CONTROL AND REPLACED VACUUM LINES AND CAPS, HAD IGNITION RETIMED, AND INSTALLED NEW TPS AND PFE WITH NO EFFECT. THE SURGE WORSENS WITH EACH CYCLE AND IF NOT STOPPED WOULD DEFINATELY CAUSE DRIVLINE DAMAGE. THE SHUDDER RECENTLY KNOCKED MY DOG OFF HER FEET. THESE BOTH OCCUR INTERMITTANTLY AND AT RANDOM, USUALLY WITH A WARM ENGINE AFTER SEVERA LMILES OF DRIVING. *AK
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Official recalls
488V145000 · Seats
Sep 2, 1988
WIRING FOR THE POWER LUMBAR SEAT SYSTEM WAS ROUTED DIRECTLY BENEATH THE SEAT CUSHION SPRINGS AND MAY BE ABRADED BY THE SPRINGS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT WHICH MAY CREATESUFFICIENT HEAT TO START A FIRE IN THE SEAT CUSHION PAD AND/OR TRIM COVER.
Remedy: INSTALL A FUSE WITHIN THE POWER LUMBAR ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT.
87V139000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Sep 4, 1987
SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
85V130000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Oct 18, 1985
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Not supplied
Remedy: REPLACE NYLON FUEL HOSES WITH RUBBER HOSES.
85V116000 · Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood
Sep 24, 1985
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Not supplied
Remedy: REPAIR WIRING HARNESS, CHECK ENGINE AND CATALYST FOR DAMAGE.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
10DP97006 · Vehicle Rollover
Opened Dec 3, 1997 · Closed May 5, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
PETITIONER ALLEGED BRONCO II SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES 1983-1990 WERE DESIGNED WITH HANDLING AND STABILITY DEFECTS
PE92029 · Whl Separation/torque Loss
Opened Mar 16, 1992 · Closed Aug 31, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
PE90117 · Fuel Tank Corrosion
Opened Sep 12, 1990 · Closed Dec 27, 1990
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
EA90042 · Throttle Sticking
Opened Aug 31, 1990 · Closed Dec 31, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
EA89013 · Rollover Propensity
Opened Feb 9, 1989 · Closed Oct 31, 1990
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
SUMMARY:THE BRONCO II IS INVOLVED IN MORE FATAL SINGLE VEHICLE, FIRSTEVENT ROLLOVERS COMPARED TO ANY OTHER CLOSED BODY UTILITY VEHICLE (WITHOR WITHOUT NORMALIZING VEHICLE POPULATIONS AND EXPOSURE).===
EA88033 · Under Seat Fires
Opened May 11, 1988 · Closed Jan 23, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
PE88008 · Lumbar Swtch Hrness Fires
Opened Nov 18, 1987 · Closed May 11, 1988
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER: MANUFACTURER HASBEENCONTACTED, AND PROVIDED TWELVE REPORTS OF UNDER SEAT FIRES.ANALYSIS: THELUMBAR SWITCH IS MOUNTED ON THE LOWER SEAT FRAME AND THEWIREING HARNESS IS INSTALLED BETWEEN THE SLIDE RAILS. MOVEMENT OF THESEAT MAY FRAY THE INSULATION AND PRESENT A POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD.FORD HAS MADE TWO PRODUCTION CHANGES; 1) RELOCATED THE WIREING HARNESSTO THE SEAT CUSHION FLEXOLATOR USING A RETAINING STRAP (7/86); 2) ADDEDPROTECTION TO THE COMPLETE LUMBAR WIREING ASSEMBLY UNDER EACH SEAT.BECAUSE OF THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE TO IGNITE IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENTOF THE VEHICLE, THIS P.E. IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS.===
EA87020 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened May 7, 1987 · Closed Sep 24, 1987
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
ANALYSIS:A REVIEW OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S RESPONSES TO ODI INFORMATIONREQUESTS ISSUED UNDER PRELIMINARY EVALUATIONS PE 87-012, PE 87-017, ANDPE 87-020, INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE AND/OR MALFUNCTION OF THE SPRING-LOCKFUEL LINE COUPLINGS APPEARED TO BE THE MAJOR SOURCE OR CAUSE OF ENGINECOMPARTMENT FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.BASED UPON THIS, AN ENGINEERINGANALYSIS WAS INITIATED WHICH INCORPORATED ALL THREE OF THE ABOVE REFERENCEDPRELIMINARY EVALUATIONS.ADDITIONAL REPORTS WERE RECEIVED WHICH INDICATEDTHAT SPRING LOCK FUEL-LINE COUPLING SEPARATION HAD BEEN RESPONSIBLE FORENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES IN OTHER FORD VEHICLES.THE EA WAS THEN EXPANDEDON AUGUST 18TH TO INCLUDE ALL FORD VEHICLES WHICH USE OR DID USE SPRINGLOCK COUPLINGS IN THE FUEL DELIVERY AND/OR THE FUEL RETURN SYSTEM.STATUS:BY LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 1, 1987, FORD AGREED TO RECALL 3,600,0001986 THROUGH 1988 PASSENGER CARS AND LIGHT TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRONICFUEL-INJECTION (EFI) AND CENTRAL FUEL-INJECTION (CFI) ENGINES THAT WEREPRODUCED WITH A SPECIFIC TYPEOF SPRING LOCK FUEL-LINE COUPLING.IF THESPRING LOCK FUEL-LINE COUPLING WERE IMPROPERLY ENGAGED OR DAMAGED DURINGASSEMBLY OR SERVICING, THEN FUEL PRESSURE, VIBRATION, OR ENGINE MOVEMENTCOULD RESULT IN FUEL LINE SEPARATION AND THE SUBSEQUENT RISK OF A VEHICLEFIRE.TO PREVENT THIS POTENTIAL SEPARATION, THE RECALLED VEHICLES WILLHAVE RETAINER CLIPS INSTALLED OVER THE SPRING LOCK COUPLINGS.THE RECALLNUMBER IS 87V-139.PROPOSED ACTION:BASED UPON THE NATURE AND SCOPE OF THE RECALL, EA 87-020SHOULD BE CLOSED AND THE RECALL'S EFFECTIVENESS MONITORED.===
PE87020 · Eng. And Under Dash Fires
Opened Feb 6, 1987 · Closed May 26, 1987
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER:INSTANCES WERE FOUND WHERESPRING LOCK COUPLINGS FAILED CAUSING GASOLINE TO BE RELEASED THROUGHOUT THEENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUSING FIRES.FAILURE OF THE COUPLINGS CAN TAKE PLACEAFTER COMPLIANCE WITH A FORD RECALL CAMPAIGN, ON NEWLY DELIVERED VEHICLESFROM THE FACTORY WITH MINIMAL MILEAGE ON THE ODOMETER, AND AT ANY VEHICLEMILEAGE.___________________________________________________________________________ANALYSIS:DATA INDICATES THAT THE ALLEGED PROBLEM MAY BE CAUSED BY THESPRING LOCK QUICK CONNECT COUPLINGS WHICH CONNECT THE FUEL SUPPLY ANDRETURN LINES TO THE ENGINE AS WELL AS FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE FUEL LINES.___________________________________________________________________________PROPOSED ACTION:UPGRADE THIS PE TO AN EA.(EA87-020)===
DP86004 · Incorrect Tires
Opened Jan 21, 1986 · Closed Mar 31, 1986
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Tires
INCORRECT TIRES