Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 40 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.4 times the median Bronco II year — the 1986 model ranks #4 of 14 Bronco II years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (9), electrical system (9), and seat belts (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
40
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
10
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
18
Fires reported
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 9 | 23% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 9 | 23% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 8 | 20% | new |
| Speed Control | 3 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 3 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 3% | new |
| Steering | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Brakes | 1 | 3% | — flat |
4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
WIRING FOR THE POWER LUMBAR SEAT SYSTEM WAS ROUTED DIRECTLY BENEATH THE SEAT CUSHION SPRINGS AND MAY BE ABRADED BY THE SPRINGS.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT WHICH MAY CREATESUFFICIENT HEAT TO START A FIRE IN THE SEAT CUSHION PAD AND/OR TRIM COVER.
Remedy
INSTALL A FUSE WITHIN THE POWER LUMBAR ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT.
Defect
SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Consequence
COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.
Remedy
INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
Defect
NYLON FUEL LINES ON THE FUEL RETURN SIDE OF THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR ASSEMBLY MAY CRACK. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: FUEL LINE COULD LEAK AND, IF AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.
Remedy
REPLACE NYLON FUEL HOSES WITH RUBBER HOSES.
Defect
THE ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROL WIRING HARNESS INSULATION MAY BE DAMAGED DUE TO COPPER SPIKES PRODUCED DURING THE WELDING OF ITS WIRES. THIS CREATES A POTENTIAL FOR A SHORT CIRCUIT BETWEEN THE WIRES WHICH ENERGIZE THE FUEL PUMP, CAUSING SOME FUEL INJECTORS TO OPEN, DISCHARGING FUEL INTO THE ENGINE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: FUEL DISCHARGED INTO THE ENGINE WOULD EVENTUALLY LEAK THROUGH THE EXHAUST SYSTEM TO THE GROUND. THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IF A SOURCE OF IGNITION IS PRESENT.
Remedy
REPAIR WIRING HARNESS, CHECK ENGINE AND CATALYST FOR DAMAGE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INDICATED THAT THE FIRE RESULTED FROM EITHER AN ELECTRICAL SHORT OR THE GAS HOSES. *AK”
“THERE IS A PART ON THE VEHICLE, THE COOLANT TEMP GAUGE, THAT I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED TWICE AND WILL NEED TO REPLACE A THIRD TIME. IT IS COSTLY AND SEEMS TO ME TO BE RIDICULOUS THAT IHAVE HAD TO REPLACE IT SO MANY TIMES IN THE ALMOST 5 YEARS THAT I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE. IT IS A 1986 FORD BRONCO II…”
“ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK TO FLOOR, VEHICLE ACCELERATED, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL/CRASH AND INJURIES. ALSO, BRAKES FAILED AND UPON IMPACT, SEAT BELT FAILED TO LOCK. *AK”
“ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK TO FLOOR, VEHICLE ACCELERATED, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL/CRASH AND INJURIES. ALSO, BRAKES FAILED AND UPON IMPACT, SEAT BELT FAILED TO LOCK. *AK”
“DRIVER SEAT IS FALLING DOWN IN FRONT WIN YOU STOP. LOOK AT SOME OTHER BRONCO II AND THAY HAVE THE SAME BRAKE UNDER THE FRONT SEAT IN THE PAN. WENT TO THE DEALER AND SHOWED THEM AND GOT NO RESPONSE.*AK”
NHTSA data argues against it: 40 complaints put the 1986 model at #4 of 14 Bronco II years. It is one of the Bronco II years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (9 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints), seat belts (8 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 Ford Bronco II. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 10 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Bronco II years to avoid are 1988, 1989, 1987, 1986, 1990. The cleanest record among Bronco II years belongs to 1991.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.