1986 Ford Bronco ii problems
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Common 1986 Ford Bronco ii problems
The Ford Bronco II, produced from 1984 to 1990, was designed to be a smaller version of the Bronco, but it was built on the platform of the Ford Ranger pickup.
One of the significant issues with the Bronco II was its stability problems. During testing in 1981, Ford's engineers noticed that the Bronco II was unstable in various handling conditions. Despite these concerns, executives declined to make changes to increase stability, fearing delays in the vehicle's launch.
Ford faced numerous lawsuits due to deaths and injuries caused by the Bronco II's rollovers, which led to billions of dollars in settlements.
The Bronco II was initially designed to inherit the same off-roading features as the Bronco, but its small size and instability made it less competitive in the market. However, the vehicle's instability and rollover risk overshadowed these features, leading to controversy and its eventual discontinuation.
In summary, the Ford Bronco II was a compact SUV marketed on the long-term brand recognition of the Bronco, but it established an infamous reputation due to its stability problems and rollover risk. These issues led to numerous lawsuits, settlements, and a negative impact on the brand's reputation.
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.
What engine is in a 1986 Bronco 2?
2.9 L Cologne V6 engine
The 1986 model year introduced the 140 hp (104 kW) fuel injected 2.9 L Cologne V6 engine. A Mitsubishi 4-cylinder 2.3 L turbodiesel was optional during the 1986 & 1987 model years; however it delivered poor performance and had low sales.
What is the best year for the older Bronco?
Out of all the years of the first-generation Bronco, 1977 is widely considered to be the best year although anything from 74 is not only sought after, but more widely available.
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 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.
What engine is in a 1986 Bronco 2?
2.9 L Cologne V6 engine
The 1986 model year introduced the 140 hp (104 kW) fuel injected 2.9 L Cologne V6 engine. A Mitsubishi 4-cylinder 2.3 L turbodiesel was optional during the 1986 & 1987 model years; however it delivered poor performance and had low sales.
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.
1986 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
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Seat belts problems
- Seats problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Ford Bronco ii vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1986 Ford Bronco ii
The NHTSA has received 37 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Ford Bronco ii. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1986 Ford Bronco ii vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-07-06
- VIN: 1FMCU14T9GU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TFI
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-10-19
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GCDC14Z6KE
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1986 FORD BRONCO II EQUIPPED WITH TERRA TRACK HERCULES TOURING TIRES, SIZE: P235 75/R15 MS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW, CAUSING A ROLL OVER CRASH. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION FROM THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN TO THE MANUFACTURER OF THE TIRES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 238,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 08-23-12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE TIRE DID NOT BLOW OUT. THE TREAD OF THE TIRE SEPARATED, AND THE TIRE WAS INFLATED. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE COOPER TIRE COMPANY AND WAS TOLD THE TIRE WAS IN 1996. THE CONSUMER COULD NOT FILE A CLAIM FOR DAMAGES OR INJURY. THE CLAIM DATE ENDS OCT 1, 2012. UPDATED 08/29/2012 *JS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-26
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. OWNER LATER CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SHOP. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-08
- VIN: 1FMCU14TXGU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THERE IS A PART ON THE VEHICLE, THE COOLANT TEMP GAUGE, THAT I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED TWICE AND WILL NEED TO REPLACE A THIRD TIME. IT IS COSTLY AND SEEMS TO ME TO BE RIDICULOUS THAT IHAVE HAD TO REPLACE IT SO MANY TIMES IN THE ALMOST 5 YEARS THAT I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE. IT IS A 1986 FORD BRONCO II 4X4 EDDIE BAUER SERIES.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT BROKE, PASSENGER ENDED UP IN THE BACK SEAT, INCIDENT CAUSED PERMANENT INJURIES, CONSUMER REQUESTING RECALL INFORMATION. *TT
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT BROKE, PASSENGER ENDED UP IN THE BACK SEAT, INCIDENT CAUSED PERMANENT INJURIES, CONSUMER REQUESTING RECALL INFORMATION. *TT
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14T2GU
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER SEAT IS FALLING DOWN IN FRONT WIN YOU STOP. LOOK AT SOME OTHER BRONCO II AND THAY HAVE THE SAME BRAKE UNDER THE FRONT SEAT IN THE PAN. WENT TO THE DEALER AND SHOWED THEM AND GOT NO RESPONSE.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE FIBERGLASS ALL AROUND MY SPARE TIRE AREA IS CRACKED BECAUSE THE SUPPORT BRACKET IS TOO SMALL, NOT HOLDING ENOUGH WEIGHT FOR THE TIRE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-13
- VIN: 1FMBU14T6GU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CAR'S SHUDDER (A RAPID ON OFF ON KILLSWITCHLIKE) HAS WORSENED. YESTERDAY THIS OFF TIME EXPANDED TO SEVERAL SECONDS, AND AT HIGHER SPEEDS. AT ONE TIME THE ENGINE DIED AT 45MPH. I WAS NEARLY REAR ENDED AS VEHICLE SPEED FELL OFF RAPIDLY. I ESCAPED COLLISION BY EXECUTING A HARD RIGHT OFF THE STREET INTO A BANK'S LOT EXIT. THIS WAS MADE DIFFICULT BY THE LOSS OF PS BOOST. THE ENGINE DID RELIGHT WITH KEY. LATER THE ENGINE SHUDDERED WHILE AT 65MPH ON I40. THIS CAR MAY BE NEEDED AT ANY MOMENT TO TRANSPORT MY MOTHER TO THE FLAGSTAFF ER AS SHE HAS A KNOWN AND CURRENTLY TREATED CARDIAC CONDITION. THIS CAR'S SAFETY EXTENDS THUS WELL BEYOND THE CAR ITSELF. I NEED RAPID ASSISTANCE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-10
- VIN: 1FMBU14T6GU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THIS VEHICLE STALLED WHILE RUNNING DUE TOFAILED TFI MODULE, THIS IS THE SECOND SUCH FAILURE THIS VEHICLE HAS DEVELOPED. IT FURTHER UNDERGOES A VIOLENT ENGINE SURGE WHILE AT LIGHT THROTTLE AND LOW SPEEDS ENGINE AND VEHICLE SUCH AS IN TOWN DRIVING, THIS SURGE CAN BE STOPPED MOMENTARILY BY DEPRESSING EITHER THROTTLE OR CLUTCH PEDAL, AND A EQUALLY VIOLENT SINGLE CYCLE SHUDDER AS IF A KILL SWITHS HAS BEEN ACTIVATED THEN RELEASED AS SLIGHTLY HIGHER SPEEDS AND USUALLY UPHILL. TO DATE I HAVE REPLACED THE FUELFILTER, REMOVED THE CRUISE CONTROL AND REPLACED VACUUM LINES AND CAPS, HAD IGNITION RETIMED, AND INSTALLED NEW TPS AND PFE WITH NO EFFECT. THE SURGE WORSENS WITH EACH CYCLE AND IF NOT STOPPED WOULD DEFINATELY CAUSE DRIVLINE DAMAGE. THE SHUDDER RECENTLY KNOCKED MY DOG OFF HER FEET. THESE BOTH OCCUR INTERMITTANTLY AND AT RANDOM, USUALLY WITH A WARM ENGINE AFTER SEVERA LMILES OF DRIVING. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14TXGU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-03
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14T0GU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK TO FLOOR, VEHICLE ACCELERATED, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL/CRASH AND INJURIES. ALSO, BRAKES FAILED AND UPON IMPACT, SEAT BELT FAILED TO LOCK. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-13
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14T9GU
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING APPLIED THE BRAKES AND TRUCK ACCELERATED/LOCKED UP, CAUSING THE TRUCK TO HIT A FENCE, THAT WAS THE ONLY WAY THAT THE TRUCK WOULD STOP. *AK *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-04
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14TOGU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INDICATED THAT THE FIRE RESULTED FROM EITHER AN ELECTRICAL SHORT OR THE GAS HOSES. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: IFMCU14T4GU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE' WIRING HARNESS/IGNTION CAUGHT ON FIRE BY ITSELF WHILE PARKED FOR 13 HOURS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-25
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14T8GU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-21
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14T4GU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE FIRE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1987-10-21
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14T4GV
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-31
- Fire: 1
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, STARTED HEATER, SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, PARAMEDIC NOTICED FLAMES, CALLED FIRE DEPT WHO PUT FLAMES OUT; LEAVES HAD FELL INTO HEATER AREA. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-09
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14T8GU
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE PARKED, NOTICED FIRE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN; ACCORDING TO DEALER, FIRE STARTED AT TURN SIGNAL SWITCH; NO WARNING; NO PARTS HAVE EVER BEEN ALTERED.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-07
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14T5GU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WIRING HARNESS UNDER DASH SHORTED, CAUSING FIRE. *DSH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-11
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14T8GU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THEY HAD AN ELECTRICAL FIRE WHICH STARTED IN THE STEERING COLUMN. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1989-07-06
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14T1GU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE GIVE MORE DETAILS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1989-07-06
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14T1GU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE GIVE MORE DETAILS. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-13
- VIN: 1FMCU14T4GU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FAILURE ON THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE, SEAT BELT DOES NOT STAY IN THE BUCKLE. *AK
1986 Ford Bronco ii recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1986 Ford Bronco ii.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WIRING FOR THE POWER LUMBAR SEAT SYSTEM WAS ROUTED DIRECTLY BENEATH THE SEAT CUSHION SPRINGS AND MAY BE ABRADED BY THE SPRINGS.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT WHICH MAY CREATESUFFICIENT HEAT TO START A FIRE IN THE SEAT CUSHION PAD AND/OR TRIM COVER.
- Remedy: INSTALL A FUSE WITHIN THE POWER LUMBAR ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: NYLON FUEL LINES ON THE FUEL RETURN SIDE OF THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR ASSEMBLY MAY CRACK. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: FUEL LINE COULD LEAK AND, IF AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE NYLON FUEL HOSES WITH RUBBER HOSES.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
- Summary: THE ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROL WIRING HARNESS INSULATION MAY BE DAMAGED DUE TO COPPER SPIKES PRODUCED DURING THE WELDING OF ITS WIRES. THIS CREATES A POTENTIAL FOR A SHORT CIRCUIT BETWEEN THE WIRES WHICH ENERGIZE THE FUEL PUMP, CAUSING SOME FUEL INJECTORS TO OPEN, DISCHARGING FUEL INTO THE ENGINE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: FUEL DISCHARGED INTO THE ENGINE WOULD EVENTUALLY LEAK THROUGH THE EXHAUST SYSTEM TO THE GROUND. THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IF A SOURCE OF IGNITION IS PRESENT.
- Remedy: REPAIR WIRING HARNESS, CHECK ENGINE AND CATALYST FOR DAMAGE.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1986 Ford Bronco ii problems:
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