1985 Ford Bronco ii problems

ford logo
1985 Ford Bronco ii

Social links

Common 1985 Ford Bronco ii problems

Based on complaints from owners of the 1985 Ford Bronco II, several common problems have been identified:

  • Engine and Cooling System Concerns:
    • Owners reported problems with the cooling system and gasoline engine, indicating potential issues with overheating or fuel-related problems.
  • Power Train and Transmission Troubles:
    • Complaints highlighted issues with the automatic transmission, potentially causing shifting problems or failures in the powertrain system.
  • Latches, Locks, and Tailgate Concerns:
    • Some owners reported problems with the tailgate latch, which could lead to difficulties in opening or securing the tailgate.
  • Steering and Structural Problems:
    • Complaints included steering issues and concerns about the frame and structural integrity of the vehicle, indicating safety and stability concerns.
  • Brake System and Hydraulic Components:
    • Complaints mentioned problems with the brake warning system and hydraulic switches, which could affect the braking performance and safety of the vehicle.
  • General Mechanical Concerns:
    • Other common issues reported by owners included general mechanical problems like engine stalling, hesitation, and idle control valve issues, affecting the overall performance and drivability of the vehicle.

These complaints highlight a range of issues that owners of the 1985 Ford Bronco II have faced over the years. Addressing these problems promptly and ensuring proper maintenance can help mitigate potential risks and ensure the longevity of the vehicle.

1985 Ford Bronco ii engine

What is the best year for the Bronco 2?

The final year of the Bronco II is without a doubt the best one to purchase used. In late 1989, four-wheel-drive Bronco IIs saw an improved front axle. They also received improved cylinder heads to help with an issue some earlier models had with cracking if they became overheated.

Which Bronco has engine problems?

These cases spanned 2021-22 Ford Bronco, Edge, Explorer, and F-150 vehicles, along with 2021-22 Lincoln Aviator and Nautilus models, all equipped with either 2.7-liter or 3.0-liter EcoBoost engines.

What is the Bronco II rollover lawsuit?

Ford stopped manufacturing the Bronco II in 1990 but has always contended that rollovers are overwhelmingly caused by bad driving or unsafe modifications to the vehicle. Nonetheless, Ford has paid more than $113 million to settle hundreds of injury and wrongful-death claims involving Bronco II rollovers.

Is an old Ford Bronco reliable?

If maintained well over the years, vintage Ford Broncos can be remarkably reliable. Their simple mechanical design, robust construction, and solid axles were built to last. That's the good news. However, as is typical of vehicles from that era, they do come with inherent quirks.

What is the best year for the Bronco 2?

The final year of the Bronco II is without a doubt the best one to purchase used. In late 1989, four-wheel-drive Bronco IIs saw an improved front axle. They also received improved cylinder heads to help with an issue some earlier models had with cracking if they became overheated.

Which Bronco has engine problems?

These cases spanned 2021-22 Ford Bronco, Edge, Explorer, and F-150 vehicles, along with 2021-22 Lincoln Aviator and Nautilus models, all equipped with either 2.7-liter or 3.0-liter EcoBoost engines.

Is an old Ford Bronco reliable?

If maintained well over the years, vintage Ford Broncos can be remarkably reliable. Their simple mechanical design, robust construction, and solid axles were built to last. That's the good news. However, as is typical of vehicles from that era, they do come with inherent quirks.

Is Bronco II safe?

It was estimated that 260 people had died in Bronco II rollover crashes, a rate that is several times more than in any similar vehicle according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. By 1995, Ford had paid $113 million to settle 334 injury and wrongful death lawsuits.

1985 Ford Bronco ii car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Bronco ii problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Electrical system problems
  • Power train problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Structure problems
  • Visibility problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Ford Bronco ii vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1985 Ford Bronco ii complaints

The NHTSA has received 23 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Ford Bronco ii.

2003-04-04

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-04-04
  • VIN: 1FMBU14S0FU
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: THE FRONT SEAL ON THE A4LD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN MY 1985 BRONCO II FAILED. WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID BLEW BACK ACROSS THE EXHAUST PIPE CAUSING A LOT OF SMOKE. I HAVE DONE A LOT OF RESEARCH AND FIND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND TRANSMISSION. *JB
1999-10-28

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-08-01
  • VIN: 1FMCU14S8FU
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: THE FRAME CRACKED BY THE MOUNT OF THE SHOCK ABSORBER(REAR RIGHTSIDE)
1999-05-09

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-12-01
  • VIN: 1FMCU14S3FU
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED. YH
1999-05-09

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-12-01
  • VIN: 1FMCU14S3FU
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE FAILED.
1996-05-03

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-05-01
  • VIN: 1FMBU14S1FU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: IGNITION SWITCH FAILS INTERMITTENTLY. *DSH
1996-04-30

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT UNIV. OF NM, DRIVER WAS AWAY FROM VEHICLE, SUDDENLY VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *AK
1996-04-30

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT UNIV. OF NM, DRIVER WAS AWAY FROM VEHICLE, SUDDENLY VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *AK
1996-04-24

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1991-02-01
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1FMCU1457FU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: EXPERIENCED SHORT IN DASH WHICH CAUSED A FIRE. PLEASE GIVE MORE DETAILS. *AK
1996-04-18

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-06-04
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: WHILE PARKED VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, POSSIBLE DUE TO A SHORT IN THE DASHBOARD AREA. *AK
1996-04-18

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-06-04
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: WHILE PARKED VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, POSSIBLE DUE TO A SHORT IN THE DASHBOARD AREA. *AK
1996-04-17

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-09
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1FMCU14S7EU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ELECTRICAL SHORT OR SHCOK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. *AK
1996-04-15

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-10
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1FMCU14S5FU
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE,W AS AN ENGINE COMPARMENT FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
1995-06-30

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-01-01
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: HAS HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT TWICE. *AK
1995-04-17

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-04-17
  • VIN: 1FMBU14S5FU
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: FLOOR PAN UNDER DRIVER'S SEAT HAS FRACTURES DUE TO METAL FATIGUE, CAUSING DRIVER'S SEAT TO ROCK BACK AND FORTH. *SKD
1995-04-03

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-03-29
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: CAR WAS ACCIDENT AND THE STEERING LOCK UP . TT
1995-02-20

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-09-03
  • VIN: 1FMBU1453FU
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: TAILGATE LOCK STICKS.
1995-02-20

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-09-03
  • VIN: 1FMBU1453FU
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON.
1995-02-20

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-09-03
  • VIN: 1FMBU1453FU
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: FRONT SHOCKS REPLACED.
1995-02-20

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-09-03
  • VIN: 1FMBU1453FU
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES REPLACED.
1995-02-20

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-09-03
  • VIN: 1FMBU1453FU
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: WATER PUMP REPLACED.
1995-02-20

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-09-03
  • VIN: 1FMBU1453FU
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: IDLE SPEED SENSOR REPLACED DUE TO VEHICLE STALLING.
1995-02-20

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1988-12-29
  • VIN: 1FMBU1453FU
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: SOLENOID FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO BACKFIRE/STALL, ALSO THROTTLE POSITION/MAP SENSORS REPLACED.
1995-02-20

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-02-20
  • VIN: 1FMBU1453FU
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: LEFT REAR WINDOW SHATTERED. *SKD

1985 Ford Bronco ii recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1985 Ford Bronco ii.

2007-08-27
  • Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
  • Summary: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
  • Consequence: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
  • Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
Leave your review of 1985 Ford Bronco ii

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1985 Ford Bronco ii problems:

bronco ii problems - BroncoII4x4.com
bronco ii problems - BroncoII4x4.com
https://www.broncoii4x4.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1050

Dec 18, 2005 ... It is pretty common to swap in a larger radiator (early Explorer auto tranny application) to prevent overheating and subsequent cracked heads.

1980-86 Bronco Most common Problems | Bronco Forum - Full Size ...
1980-86 Bronco Most common Problems | Bronco Forum - Full Size ...
https://www.fullsizebronco.com/threads/1980-86-bronco-most-common-problems.34167/

Feb 13, 2005 ... 1) 300 ci carburetor vacuum leaks at the base gasket because Ford only used 2 studs, so the carb rocks until it opens a gap there. Replace the ...

Beware Of The Bronco 2 Curse!!!!! - Car Forums and Automotive Chat
Beware Of The Bronco 2 Curse!!!!! - Car Forums and Automotive Chat
https://www.automotiveforums.com/t933407-beware_of_the_bronco_2_curse___.html

Dec 15, 2008 ... Bronco 2 tfi ignition systems were notorious for multiple problems ranging from over heating to losing ground. Another problem was the pins I.

Bronco II Reliability - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Bronco II Reliability - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/29396-bronco-ii-reliability.html

Jul 18, 1999 ... Only problems have been 1) abs valve clogged shut with rust and disabled rear brakes 2) leaky valve covers 3) leaky ac evaporator and heater ...

Q&A: Ford Bronco II 1988 - Common Problems & Slow Acceleration
Q&A: Ford Bronco II 1988 - Common Problems & Slow Acceleration
https://www.justanswer.com/ford/93kn2-ford-bronco-ii-1988-2-9-v6-slow-accelerate.html

May 18, 2015 ... 1988 Ford Bronco II, 2.9 V6. Very slow to accelerate. Can only put the pedal halfway to the floor or it will lose even - Answered by a ...

Other years of Ford Bronco ii

ford bronco ii 1986 photo
Bronco ii 1986
Ford

37

4

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford bronco ii 1987 photo
Bronco ii 1987
Ford

41

3

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford bronco ii 1988 photo
Bronco ii 1988
Ford

47

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford bronco ii 1989 photo
Bronco ii 1989
Ford

42

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford bronco ii 1990 photo
Bronco ii 1990
Ford

29

2

4

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford bronco ii 1992 photo
Bronco ii 1992
Ford

1

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Are you having problems with your 1985 Ford Bronco ii?

Add car complaint
1985 Ford Bronco ii photo