VehicleVerdict

1997 Ford Bronco problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1997 Ford Bronco — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Bronco years?

Bronco NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted468 complaints1967: 2 complaints1969: 1 complaints1970: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 1 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 2 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 2 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 4 complaints1984: 11 complaints1985: 24 complaints1986: 43 complaints1987: 61 complaints1988: 68 complaints1989: 118 complaints1990: 77 complaints1991: 37 complaints1992: 56 complaints1993: 45 complaints1994: 114 complaints1995: 131 complaints1996: 109 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 2 complaints1999: 5 complaints2021: 288 complaints2022: 468 complaints2023: 255 complaints2024: 101 complaints2025: 66 complaints2026: 5 complaints
Bronco NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Bronco years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Ford Bronco problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1100%

Does the 1997 Ford Bronco have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E025000LightingMarch 21, 2006 · 1,450 units

Defect

CERTAIN POLI-AUTO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. 11-728, 11-728D, 11-710, 11-419, 11-713, 11-703, 11-704, 11-708P, 11-735, 11-725, 11-726, 11-716 (P&C), 11-721-1, 11-733, 11-729, 11-730, AND 11-732, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

POLI-AUTO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE HEADLAMPS AT ITS ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT POLI-AUTO AT 305-477-1356.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“GAS TANK RUSTED THROUGH A SKID PLATE UNDERNEATH TANK WHERE A PAD FIT BETWEEN TANK & PLATE. WATER OR MOISTURE GETS BETWEEN GAS TANK & SKID PLATE & STAYS THERE, EVENTUALLY RUST OCCURS & GAS LEAKS OUT & DRAINS ON EXHAUST PIPE. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE GAS TANK RUSTED THROUGH DUE TO A DEFECTIVE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 28, 1996

1997 Ford Bronco — common questions

Is the 1997 Ford Bronco reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Ford Bronco have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 Ford Bronco. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.