Ford Bronco II years to avoid
The Ford Bronco II years to avoid are 1988, 1989, 1987, 1986, 1990 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 1991 is the cleanest year on record.
269
Total complaints
12
Recall campaigns
1982–1996
Years covered
5
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Bronco II years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | High complaint rate | 59 | |
| 1989 | High complaint rate | 49 | |
| 1987 | High complaint rate | 43 | |
| 1986 | High complaint rate | 40 | |
| 1990 | High complaint rate | 32 |
Every Bronco II year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 1 | 0 | |
| 1994 | 4 | 0 | |
| 1993 | 2 | 0 | |
| 1992 | 1 | 0 | |
| 1991 | 0 | 0 | |
| 1990avoid | 32 | 2 | |
| 1989avoid | 49 | 1 | |
| 1988avoid | 59 | 0 | |
| 1987avoid | 43 | 3 | |
| 1986avoid | 40 | 4 | |
| 1985 | 23 | 1 | |
| 1984 | 14 | 3 | |
| 1983 | 0 | 0 | |
| 1982 | 1 | 0 |
Common questions
What are the worst Ford Bronco II years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Bronco II years to avoid are 1988, 1989, 1987, 1986, 1990. The cleanest year on record is 1991.
What is the best year for the Ford Bronco II?
By complaint volume, 1991 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Bronco II years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Ford Bronco II have?
Across all model years, the Bronco II has 12 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 269 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.