1996 Ford Bronco Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 10%of 81 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 145,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Ford Bronco, 10% of the 81 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 145,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“Transmission jumps out of overdrive, afterwards hard shifts in all gears after high rpms. The fix is to stop, cut the engine off and the transmission resets for lack on a better term. When the Bronco is in od and is just crusing, not in a pull, is when the od jumps out. Like any other thing it does not happen all the time.”
NHTSA complaint #11110905, filed 2018-07, 145,000 miles“The transmission on my Ford Bronco jumped out of park while running. This caused the vehicle to roll back into a ditch causing around 2,000 worth of damage that I cannot afford to fix. I have never heard of this vehicle doing this or I would not have bought it. I wish Ford would fix my vehicle and repair the transmission. Please work this problem and get back to me, lucky nobody was hurt in this one.”
NHTSA complaint #754274, filed 2001-11“When the vehicle was being driven at any speed the consumer noticed a knocking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The consumer stated that it sounded like it was the transmission but he's not 100% sure. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #10040639, filed 2003-09“02 sensor burned out while consumer was pulling out of dealership after purchasing vehicle. Also, this caused radio/ speedometer to burn out. Contacted dealer, and dealer fixed problem.”
NHTSA complaint #878083, filed 2001-01“While driving vehicle would not go forward. Consumer stated transmission went out. Dealer contacted. Cruise control and door locks are inoperative. Emergency brake light stays illuminated. Front end is out of alignment and pulls to the left. Head lights will not shut off. Thermostat, radiator, radiator cap, and water pump were replaced. The struts that hold the back window and door did not hold, springs for the back door are inoperative. Transmission needed adjustment, ball in transmission failed, vehicle will not shift into 4-wheel drive, and universal joint was replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #8006852, filed 2002-04Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 18% |
| 2025 | 5 | 9% |
| 2024 | 8 | 10% |
| 2023 | 22 | 10% |
| 2022 | 40 | 10% |
| 2021 | 9 | 4% |
| 1996 | 8 | 10% |
| 1995 | 11 | 12% |
| 1994 | 7 | 8% |
| 1993 | 8 | 20% |
| 1992 | 4 | 11% |
| 1991 | 2 | 6% |
| 1990 | 4 | 7% |
| 1989 | 3 | 4% |
| 1988 | 2 | 4% |
| 1987 | 2 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Bronco
22 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 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