1986 Ford Bronco II Problems
- Complaints
- 33filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 89,000miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 2.9L 6-cyl RWD · 17 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1986 Ford Bronco II (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 33 consumer complaints for the 1986 Ford Bronco II. The part named most often is electrical system, with 8 complaints (24% of the total), followed by engine cooling (8) and seat belts (7). 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 89,000 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 16 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the front underhood and 1 NHTSA investigation filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system8 24%
- Engine cooling8 24%
- Seat belts7 21%
- Vehicle speed control3 9.1%
- Fuel system2 6.1%
- Seats2 6.1%
- Tires2 6.1%
- Brakes1 3.0%
- Equipment1 3.0%
- Steering1 3.0%
Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10119189, filed 2005-04, 89,000 milesEngine cooling: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10005740, filed 2003-02Seat belts: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #513700, filed 1997-10Vehicle speed control: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #731261, filed 2000-09Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 59,800 and 228,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1986 Ford Bronco II version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronco II 2WD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 25 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Bronco II 2WD | 2.9L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Bronco II 2WD | 2.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Bronco II 4WD | 2.9L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Bronco II 4WD | 2.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 88V145000Sep 2, 1988SeatsCovers: Ford Bronco II 1986, Aerostar 1986, Ranger 1986
Wiring for the power lumbar seat system was routed directly beneath the seat cushion springs and may be abraded by the springs.
- 87V139000Sep 4, 1987Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Ford Bronco II 1986–1987, Escort 1986–1988, Lincoln Town CAR 1986–1988 +18 more
Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.
- 85V130000Oct 18, 1985Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Ford Bronco II 1986, Ranger 1986
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.
- 85V116000Sep 24, 1985Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhoodCovers: Ford Bronco II 1986, Ranger 1986
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…
Recall details for the 1986 Ford Bronco II → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- DP97006Vehicle rolloverClosed · Dec 3, 1997
- PE92029Whl separation/torque lossClosed · Mar 16, 1992
- EA89013Rollover propensityClosed · Feb 9, 1989
- PE88008Lumbar swtch hrness firesClosed · Nov 18, 1987
- PE87020Eng. And under dash firesClosed · Feb 6, 1987
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1986 Ford Bronco II.
Other model years of the Ford Bronco II
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 26 | 164,058 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 39 | — | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 45 | 54,606 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 36 | 9,900 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 33 | 89,000 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 13 | 106,000 | 0 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 1984 | 13 | 111,000 | 2 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
All Ford Bronco II model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1986 Ford Bronco II have?
NHTSA recorded 33 consumer complaints for the 1986 Ford Bronco II as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1986 Ford Bronco II is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 8 complaints (24% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 8.
Has the 1986 Ford Bronco II been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1986 Ford Bronco II get?
The EPA rates the 1986 Ford Bronco II (Bronco II 2WD, 2.9L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1986 Ford Bronco II reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 89,000 miles and the middle half falls between 59,800 and 228,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.