Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 32 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.6 times the median Bronco II year — the 1990 model ranks #5 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 brakes (7), engine (6), and transmission (3), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
32
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
4
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
9
Fires reported
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 7 | 22% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 6 | 19% | — flat |
| Transmission | 3 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 9% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 3 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 6% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% | — flat |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: AFTERMARKET BRAKE ROTORS FOR USE ON CERTAIN FORD AND MAZDA TRUCKS. CRACKED CASTINGS CAUSED CRACKS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER DIAMETER OF THE ROTOR HAT OR AROUND THE STUD HOLE.
Consequence
LOSS OF BRAKING CAN RESULT.
Remedy
AIMCO WILL REIMBURSE CONSUMERS/INSTALLERS FOR THE COST OF REPLACEMENT ROTORS AND INSTALLATION. CONSUMERS ARE REQUESTED TO RETURN TO THE LOCATION WHERE THE ROTORS WERE ORIGINALLY PURCHASED/INSTALLED FOR REPLACEMENT.
Defect
WHEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, THE PARK PAWL DOES NOT ALWAYS ABUT OR ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR.
Consequence
DRIVER MAY BELIEVE THE VEHICLE IS SAFELY ENGAGED IN PARKWHEN THE GEAR IS NOT TRULY ENGAGED. THIS CAN LEAD TO THE VEHICLE JUMPING OUT OFGEAR UNINTENTIONALLY, VEHICLE ROLLAWAY WHEN PARKED ON A SLOPED SURFACE, ANDINADVERTENT MOTION WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. ALL OF THESE CONDITIONS CANRESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION WITH A NEW PARK PAWL.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“FRIEND WAS DRIVING VEHICLE, WHILE DRIVING, SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING, TRIED TO APPLIED BRAKES, WHEEL WELL HUB AREA WAS IN FLAMES, BRAKES FAILED TO WORK. *AK”
“ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD HAS CRACKED TWICE. TT THREE MONTHS LATER THE ENGINE FAILED AND WAS REPLACED. THEN THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD CRACKED AGAIN. *YH”
“RPMS INCREASE WHILE GAS IS BEING PUSHED AFTER CLUTCH HAS ALREADY BEEN PUSHED TO CHANGE GEARS. SOUNDS AS THOUGH THE CAR IS TRYING TO INCREASE SPEED WITH THE CLUTCH PUSHED IN ALTHOUGH IT IS NOT. AIR CONDITIONER WILL OCCASIONALLY TRIGGER ITSELF ON IF THE CAR HITS A BUMP OR THE CAR JERKS WHILE IN…”
“FORD HAS DISCONTINUED THE FUEL FILLER PIPE. THIS PIPE HAS ROTTED AND IS LEAKING AND COULD CAUSE A FIRE. FORD HAS NO SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO REPAIR.”
“DURING A CROSS COUNTRY TRIP WE EXPERIENCED SEVERE TIRE BLOW OUT ON OUR LEFT REAR TIRE AT 65 MPH ON GEORGIA HIGHWAY 70 OUTSIDE DALTON GA. THE BLOW OUR CAUSE OUR '90 FORD BRONCO II TO GO OFF THE HIGHWAY AND ROLL 8 TIMES TRAVELLING A TOTAL OF 250 FEET. MY HUSBAND WAS THE PASSENGER AND WAS HOSPITALIZED…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 32 complaints put the 1990 model at #5 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 brakes (7 complaints), engine (6 complaints), transmission (3 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 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 4 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.