1986 Ford Bronco Problems
- Complaints
- 27filed 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
- 14 mpgcombined, 4.9L 6-cyl 4WD/AWD · 14 city / 14 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1986 Ford Bronco (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 27 consumer complaints for the 1986 Ford Bronco. The part named most often is electrical system, with 13 complaints (48% of the total), followed by fuel system (4) and brakes (3). Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 7 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Fuel system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the hoses, lines/piping, and fittings 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 system13 48%
- Fuel system4 15%
- Brakes3 11%
- Seat belts3 11%
- Tires3 11%
- Engine cooling2 7.4%
- Body and structure2 7.4%
- Suspension2 7.4%
- Vehicle speed control2 7.4%
- Steering1 3.7%
Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Good morning! I am writing to add my voice to what is apparently a growing chorus of persons who have experienced ignition failures on Ford motor company products. I have been unable to contact fmc directly through their web site, as their owner registration form is, itself, suffering a failure, and they do not have a facility for directly e-mailing them without 'registering' with them, first. My 1986 Ford Bronco, full-size, 5.0l, fuel-injected, is subject to sudden, unexplained loss of fire (I.e. …”
NHTSA complaint #734149, filed 2000-10Fuel system: “We have spend more than 500.00 on part for this truck it just keep stopping for no reason, shop people say its the fuel system, it has been replaced 3 times. Still it stops they do not know except the fuel system. We have been strained about 5 or 6 times most times late at night. Have been tow home about 6 or 7 times.”
NHTSA complaint #10101004, filed 2004-12Complaints 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 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 4WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed manual | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Bronco 4WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed manual | 14 | 16 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Bronco 4WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 14 | 14 | 14 | $4,800 |
| Bronco 4WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 16 | 13 | $5,150 |
| Bronco 4WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed manual | 12 | 14 | 13 | $5,150 |
| Bronco 4WD | 5.8L 8-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 11 | 12 | 11 | $6,100 |
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
- 87V139000Sep 4, 1987Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Ford Bronco 1986–1987, Escort 1986–1988, Lincoln Town CAR 1986–1988 +18 more
Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.
Recall details for the 1986 Ford Bronco → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE90117Fuel tank corrosionClosed · Sep 12, 1990
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1986 Ford Bronco.
Other model years of the Ford Bronco
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 | 676 | 9 | — | 18 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 56 | 13,192 | 19 | — | 18 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 82 | 6,000 | 16 | — | 18 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 230 | 11,000 | 18 | — | 17 | 50 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 385 | 26,000 | 23 | — | 18 | 51 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 230 | 25,250 | 20 | — | 18 | 32 · Fewer | Rising |
| 1996 | 81 | 120,000 | 1 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 94 | 126,000 | 1 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1994 | 91 | 130,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 40 | 99,500 | 5 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 37 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 32 | 120,000 | 1 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 56 | 126,300 | 1 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 84 | 159,500 | 2 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 52 | 125,005 | 1 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 34 | 120,000 | 1 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 27 | — | 1 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 20 | — | 1 | — | 13 | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 10 | — | 3 | — | 12 | — | Not enough data |
All Ford Bronco model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1986 Ford Bronco have?
NHTSA recorded 27 consumer complaints for the 1986 Ford Bronco as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1986 Ford Bronco is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 13 complaints (48% of the total), followed by fuel system with 4.
Has the 1986 Ford Bronco 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 1986 Ford Bronco get?
The EPA rates the 1986 Ford Bronco (Bronco 4WD, 4.9L 6-cyl) at 14 mpg combined, 14 city and 14 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,800 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 28, 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.