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BrakesPart report

1988 Ford Bronco Brakes Problems

Complaints
4about this part
Share
8%of 52 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the brakes of the 1988 Ford Bronco, 8% of the 52 complaints for this model year.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“While traveling approximately 40mph had started to apply the brakes to slow down, but brakes locked up. Has happened in heavy traffic or just in residential areas. They had heated up & smoke could be seen. Had taken to dealer on several occasions & the brake problem could not be solved.”

NHTSA complaint #841620, filed 1999-07

“While driving down steep mountain grade, upon applying brakes, front brakes tend to smoke, have replaced caliper, rotor, and pad, problem still persists, dlr can't correct.”

NHTSA complaint #802481, filed 1996-09

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025713%
2024911%
2023177%
20224211%
20212210%
19961620%
19953537%
19944246%
19931435%
1992924%
199126%
1990916%
19891012%
198848%
198739%
1986311%

Other parts of the 1988 Ford Bronco

Electrical system
19 complaints
Engine cooling
12 complaints
Fuel system
5 complaints
Tires
5 complaints
Body and structure
3 complaints
Seat belts
2 complaints
Steering
2 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
2 complaints
Other or unknown
1 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1988 Ford Bronco

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.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology