Defect
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
1989 Ford Bronco problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 118 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 14.8 times the median Bronco year — the 1989 model ranks #5 of 36 Bronco years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 35 reports (30% of the total).
118
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
2
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
19
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1989 compare to other Bronco years?
What are the most common 1989 Ford Bronco problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 35 | 30% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 17 | 14% | — flat |
| Brakes | 11 | 9% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 11 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 7 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 7 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 6 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 6 | 5% | — flat |
| Seats | 5 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Other | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | new |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Does the 1989 Ford Bronco have recalls?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
TIRE RESERVE LOAD LABEL MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED.
Consequence
VEHICLE WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 110.
Remedy
INSTALL PROPER LABEL.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSUMER PARKED VEHICLE IN DRIVEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 4:30 PM AND AT APPROXIMATELY 3:06 AM CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY NEIGHBOR OF VEHICLE BEING ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. NINE DAYS LATER, CONSUMER RECEIVED MANUFACTURER'S. RECALL NOTICE # 95S-28 / NHTSA RECALL # 96V- 071,…”
“TWICE THE ENGINE JUST QUIT RUNNING WITHOUT ANY WARNING, I LEFT THE VEHICLE AT MY FATHERS HOME OVER NIGHT THE FIRST TIME AND THE NEXT MORNING IT STARTED UP. I DROVE IT FOR ABOUT A WEEK K AND IT JUST QUIT RUNNING AGAIN , THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE MECHANIC COULD'T FIND A PROBLEM(IT STARTED UP…”
“XLT FULL SIZE LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP LOCATED ON TANK ON TOP SHORTED, CATCHING FIRE, BURNING MELTING WIRING HARNESS AND LINES. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT”
“WHEN APPLYING BRAKES BRAKE LIGHTS DID NOT COME ON UNTIL CONSUMER PRESSED BRAKES A SECOND TIME. CONSUMER STATED THAT SOMEONE COULD REAR END HIM BECAUSE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT COMING ON.*AK”
“HEADLAMP SWITCH IS THE SAME AS ON T-BIRDS, STILL NO RECALL, LIGHTS WILL FLASH ON AND OFF. STEERING BOX LOCKED UP, NO LEAKS, FLOOR PAN BROKEN, NOT COVERED DUE TO THE FACT OF NOT HAVING CAPTAINS CHAIRS. SHOULD HAVE TO DO WITH THE STRENGTH OF THE FLOOR NOT THE SEAT APPLIED TO THE FLOOR, VERY WEAK…”
1989 Ford Bronco — common questions
Is the 1989 Ford Bronco reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 118 complaints put the 1989 model at #5 of 36 Bronco years. It is one of the Bronco years to avoid.
What are the most common 1989 Bronco problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (35 complaints), engine (17 complaints), fuel system (11 complaints).
Does the 1989 Ford Bronco have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Ford Bronco. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1989 Ford Bronco under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Ford Bronco years should you avoid?
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.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.