Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 61 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.6 times the median Bronco year — the 1987 model ranks #12 of 36 Bronco years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 120 deaths and 2 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 19 reports (31% of the total).
61
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
12
Fires reported
2
Injuries
120
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 19 | 31% | — flat |
| Engine | 9 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 7 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 5 | 8% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 4 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 4 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
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 THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND THE KEY WAS OUT OF THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE UNDER THE HOOD, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”
“PURCHASED VEHICLE IN NOVEMBER 1998. STARTED PROBLEMS IN 12/98. PURCHASED DISTRIBUTOR SHAFT WITH WIRING. BACK BRAKES AND FRONT BRAKES REPLACEMENT. HAS HAD A "MISS" SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. CAUSING A JERKING WHICLE DRIVING SOMETIMES. WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE-GAS FUMING AND HIGH RPM READING…”
“WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IT CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT DUE TO A FUEL PUMP PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK *JB”
“I HAVE A 1987 FORD BRONCO XLT THAT I BOUGHT FROM J AND L AUTO. IT HAS NO BRAKE LIGHTS, NO BLINKERS AND THE HEAD LIGHTS ARE STUCK ON BRIGHT. THE BACK WINDOW IS PLEXY GLASS, ALSO NONE OF THE HOSE ARE HOOKED UP UNDER THE HOOD. THIS MAKES IT RUN REAL RICH AND THE OIL LEAKS SO BAD THAT EVERY WEEK I HAVE…”
“I HAVE A 1987 FORD BRONCO XLT THAT I BOUGHT FROM J AND L AUTO. IT HAS NO BRAKE LIGHTS, NO BLINKERS AND THE HEAD LIGHTS ARE STUCK ON BRIGHT. THE BACK WINDOW IS PLEXY GLASS, ALSO NONE OF THE HOSE ARE HOOKED UP UNDER THE HOOD. THIS MAKES IT RUN REAL RICH AND THE OIL LEAKS SO BAD THAT EVERY WEEK I HAVE…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 61 complaints put the 1987 model at #12 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 (19 complaints), engine (9 complaints), fuel system (7 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1987 Ford Bronco. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
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.