Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 49 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.4 times the median Bronco II year — the 1989 model ranks #2 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 9 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (11), fuel system (7), and engine (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
49
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
3
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
12
Fires reported
9
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 11 | 22% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 7 | 14% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 7 | 14% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 6 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 4 | 8% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 3 | 6% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Other | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
FRONT WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTING NUT RETAINING KEYS MAY BE MISSING FROM FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLIES, ALLOWING THE NUT TO LOOSEN.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN DETACHMENT OF THE WHEEL AND HUBASSEMBLY FROM THE AXLE, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
INSTALL RETAINING KEYS IN FRONT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WHERE MISSING.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE PARKED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE PLUG CONNECTOR AT THE ALTERNATOR, CAUSED ALTERNATOR TO CATCH ON FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK”
“AFTER TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE 3 TIMES THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK”
“I HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP SEVERAL TIMES THE MAN AT THE GAS STATION STATED THAT IT HAD A BAD SENDING UNIT AND THIS CAUSED ME TO GO THOUGH THE FUEL PUMPS. THE MAN AT THE GAS STATION TOLD ME TO DO THIS. *AK”
“THE OUTSIDE MIRRORS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE TRUCK FOLDED IN FROM THE PRESSURE OF THE WIND. *AK CONSUMER STATES HAS SEEN THIS ON NUMEROUS FORD RANGER VEHICLES. *JB”
“WHEN CONSUMER STARTED UP VEHICLE, IT WENT INTO 100% ACCELERATION WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE. VEHICLE HIT A TREE WHICH WAS (60) FEET AWAY.*AK”
NHTSA data argues against it: 49 complaints put the 1989 model at #2 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 (11 complaints), fuel system (7 complaints), engine (7 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 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 3 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.