Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 43 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.4 times the median Bronco year — the 1986 model ranks #15 of 36 Bronco years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 17 reports (40% of the total).
43
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
9
Fires reported
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 17 | 40% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 6 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 9% | — flat |
| Brakes | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 7% | new |
| Speed Control | 2 | 5% | new |
| Engine | 2 | 5% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 2 | 5% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 2% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE DRIVING, ENGINE SHUT DOWN. OWNER PULLED OVER TO RE-START ENGINE HEARD "POP" SOUND FOLLOWED BY FIRE THROUGH FIREWALL. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK”
“THE TREAD UNZIPPED FROM THE TIRE IDENTICAL TO THAT OF THE FIRESTONE DEFECT, CAUSING MY BRONCO II TO LOSE CONTROL AND FLIP THREE TIMES INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC.( DOT NUMBER: A3UL423186 TIRE SIZE: P205/75R15 )”
“WE HAVE SPEND MORE THAN 500.00 ON PART FOR THIS TRUCK IT JUST KEEP STOPPING FOR NO REASON, SHOP PEOPLE SAY ITS THE FUEL SYSTEM, IT HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES. STILL IT STOPS THEY DO NOT KNOW EXCEPT THE FUEL SYSTEM. WE HAVE BEEN STRAINED ABOUT 5 OR 6 TIMES MOST TIMES LATE AT NIGHT. HAVE BEEN TOW HOME…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 43 complaints put the 1986 model at #15 of 36 Bronco years. It is one of the Bronco years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (17 complaints), tires & wheels (6 complaints), fuel system (4 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1986 Ford Bronco. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Bronco years to avoid are 2022, 2021, 2023, 1995, 1989, 1994, 1996, 2024, 1990, 1988, 2025, 1987, 1992, 1993, 1986, 1991. The cleanest record among Bronco years belongs to 1980.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.