Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 43 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.8 times the median Bronco II year — the 1987 model ranks #3 of 14 Bronco II years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 7 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (9), fuel system (9), and speed control (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
43
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
6
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
15
Fires reported
7
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 9 | 21% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 9 | 21% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 7 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 6 | 14% | — flat |
| Transmission | 4 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 3 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | — flat |
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
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
STICKERS CONCERNING HANDLING AND MANEUVERABILITY WHICH ARE AFFIXED TO DRIVERS SUN VISOR SLEEVES DO NOT MEET CRITERIA FOR PERMANENT ADHESION.
Consequence
VEHICLES DO NOT MEET FORMATS SPECIFIED BY PARTS 573 AND579 OF 49CFR.
Remedy
OWNERS WILL BE MAILED NEW SUN VISOR SLEEVES WITH ALL APPLICABLE DECAL INFORMATION PERMANENTLY AFFIXED.
Defect
ALUMINUM WHEELS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED WITH IMPROPER LUG NUTS.
Consequence
WHEEL COULD BECOME LOOSE OR EVEN SEPARATE FROM THE HUBAND AXLE ASSEMBLY WHILE THE VEHICE IS IN MOTION.
Remedy
CHANGE TAPERED STYLE LUG NUTS TO SHORT SHANK STYLE LUG NUTS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“BOUGHT THE BRONCO AND STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH IT, IT STARTED SPUTTING LIKE IT WAS OUT OF GAS WHEN IT WAS FULL(I JUST PUT A FULL TANK IN IT WHEN I PICKED IT UP AT A FRIENDS. *JB”
“WHEN TRAVELING ABOUT 40-50 MPH VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD LEFT FRONT ENGINE AREA, MELTING THE FUEL LINE/ BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED, COULD NOT QUITE DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE, STATED MECHANICAL FAILURE.…”
“VEHICLE ACCELERATED, VEERED OFF OF ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A TREE, KILLING THE DRIVER. AUTOPSY REPORTS INDICATES THAT DRIVER HAD BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE.”
“WHILE DRIVING THE SEATBELT ANCHOR ATTACHMENT SEPARATED FROM THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK”
NHTSA data argues against it: 43 complaints put the 1987 model at #3 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 electrical system (9 complaints), fuel system (9 complaints), speed control (7 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 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 6 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.