1989 Ford Bronco II Problems
- Complaints
- 39filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 1campaigns 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
- 17 mpgcombined, 2.9L 6-cyl RWD · 15 city / 19 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1989 Ford Bronco II (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 39 consumer complaints for the 1989 Ford Bronco II. The part named most often is electrical system, with 8 complaints (21% of the total), followed by engine cooling (7) and fuel system (7). Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 11 a fire, 9 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
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 21%
- Engine cooling7 18%
- Fuel system7 18%
- Tires4 10%
- Brakes3 7.7%
- Vehicle speed control3 7.7%
- Other or unknown2 5.1%
Also reported: Body and structure (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Eec test wiring is bare and has been melting, ignition switch sticks which causes anti-lock brake light to come on - gas pedal sticks - headlights and blinkers do not work - power windows do not work - dash lights do not work. Air conditioner constantly runs and freezes up (compressor and fan). There was an original recall for the ignition switch in 1996 however, we never received anything on this and now we are experienceing the problems stated earlier. Anything that can be done to correct this would be greatly appreciated.”
NHTSA complaint #730133, filed 2000-09Engine cooling: “The first problem we encounter was the AC going out the first day we had the vehicle was told it worked great. The air cond problem the heater did not work was told it was reapired and has yet to work not even the defrost. The thrid was the emergency brake going out and the springs popping. The fourth probelm while driving at about 35mph no warning signs no nothing the vehicle launged forward and came to a complete stop. Got out of the vehicle and looked under and the whole drive shaft had broken intwo. Thank goodnes we werent goping down a hill we have rolled. …”
NHTSA complaint #700236, filed 1998-10Fuel system: “I have replaced the fuel pump several times the man at the gas station stated that it had a bad sending unit and this caused me to go though the fuel pumps. The man at the gas station told me to do this.”
NHTSA complaint #736112, filed 2000-11Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “The outside mirrors on both sides of the truck folded in from the pressure of the wind. Consumer states has seen this on numerous Ford ranger vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #804028, filed 1996-10Complaints 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 1989 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 | 2.9L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Bronco II 2WD | 2.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 19 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Bronco II 2WD | 2.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Bronco II 4WD | 2.9L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Bronco II 4WD | 2.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
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
- 89V109000Jul 5, 1989Suspension › Front › Wheel bearingCovers: Ford Bronco II 1989, Ranger 1989
Front wheel bearing adjusting nut retaining keys may be missing from front axle assemblies, allowing the nut to loosen.
Recall details for the 1989 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
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1989 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 1989 Ford Bronco II have?
NHTSA recorded 39 consumer complaints for the 1989 Ford Bronco II as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1989 Ford Bronco II is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 8 complaints (21% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 7.
Has the 1989 Ford Bronco II been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1989 Ford Bronco II get?
The EPA rates the 1989 Ford Bronco II (Bronco II 2WD, 2.9L 6-cyl) at 17 mpg combined, 15 city and 19 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,950 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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.