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.
1990 Ford Bronco problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 77 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 9.6 times the median Bronco year — the 1990 model ranks #9 of 36 Bronco years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 21 reports (27% of the total).
77
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
6
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
15
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1990 compare to other Bronco years?
What are the most common 1990 Ford Bronco problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 21 | 27% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 14 | 18% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 9 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 7 | 9% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 6 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 4 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 4 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 4 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 3 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Does the 1990 Ford Bronco have recalls?
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“1990 FORD BRONCO DESTROYED IN FIRE. SPONTANEOUS FIRE ORGINATED IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR UNDER DASH INSIDE VEHICLE WHILE PARKED ON STREET. VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING AT THE TIME. VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS.”
“WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH REMOVED FOOT FROM THE PEDAL, AND VEHICLE ACCELERATED.THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND VEHICLE KEPT ACCELERATING, AND CLIPPED ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE. *AK”
“FLOOR PAN UNDER DRIVERS SEAT HAS CRACKED WHERE THE SEAT IS ATTACHED IN 1990 BRONCO. CAUSES SEAT TO SHIFT, SINK AND BOUNCE AND NOT FEEL SECURE TO VEHICLE. IDENTICAL PROBLEM IN MY 1989 FORD BRONCO AND WAS REPAIRED BY DEALER AS A RECALL DEFECT. CANNOT FIND ANY RECALL INFORMATION REGARDING THE 1990…”
“I WAS HEADING TO THE STORE WHEN MY GAS PEDAL FOR STUCK. I PRESSED THE BRAKES AND HELD THEM DOWN TO NO AVAIL. I ENDED UP CRASHING THROUGH SOMEONES YARD AND HITTING THEIR PROPERTY. MY BRONCO FINALLY STOPPED ABOUT 15 SECONDS LATER. THE WHOLE INCIDENT WAS ABOUT TWO MINUTES LONG. *TR”
“I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ON THE PUMP. THERE IS A UPGRADE BUT THE PRICE IS NOT RIGHT. I BELIVE THE DEALER SHOULD REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE OR AT LEAST LOWER THE COST. IT HAS BEEN KNOWEN TO MELT THE PLUG ON TOP BUT SOMTIMES IT WELL SPARK AND START A FIRE. *AK”
1990 Ford Bronco — common questions
Is the 1990 Ford Bronco reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 77 complaints put the 1990 model at #9 of 36 Bronco years. It is one of the Bronco years to avoid.
What are the most common 1990 Bronco problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (21 complaints), brakes (14 complaints), seats (9 complaints).
Does the 1990 Ford Bronco have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1990 Ford Bronco. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1990 Ford Bronco under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 6 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.