1987 Ford Bronco ii problems

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1987 Ford Bronco ii

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Common 1987 Ford Bronco ii problems

The Ford Bronco II, produced from 1984 to 1990, has been known for several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues include:

  • Leaky Valve Covers: Another common problem with the Bronco II is leaking valve covers. This issue can be caused by the age and wear of the vehicle, and it can lead to oil leaks and potential engine damage if not addressed.
  • Leaky AC Evaporator and Heater Core: The air conditioning (AC) evaporator and heater core in the Bronco II can also leak, causing problems with the vehicle's climate control system. This issue can be caused by the age and wear of the vehicle and can lead to reduced comfort and potential damage to the vehicle's interior if not addressed.
  • Clogged Radiator: The radiator in the Bronco II can become clogged, which can lead to overheating and potential engine damage. This issue can be caused by the age and wear of the vehicle and can be addressed by cleaning or replacing the radiator.
  • Rough Idle at Start: Some Bronco II owners have reported issues with rough idle at start. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn or faulty engine components, and it can lead to reduced performance and potential engine damage if not addressed.
  • Stability Problems: The Bronco II has been known for stability problems, which can lead to rollover accidents. These issues can be caused by the vehicle's high center of gravity and short wheelbase, as well as unsafe driving conditions and modifications. Ford maintains that the rollovers were due to unsafe driving conditions and modifications, but critics argue that the vehicle's design contributed to the problem .
  • Rear-Wheel Drive Issues: The Bronco II was offered with rear-wheel drive as standard starting in 1986, but this configuration has been known to have issues. The four-wheel drive transfer case is capped at the point where the front drive shaft is connected on rear-wheel drive models, which can lead to problems with the four-wheel drive system.
  • Diesel Engine Performance: The Mitsubishi 4-cylinder 2.3 L turbodiesel engine offered as an option in the Bronco II in 1986 and 1987 delivered poor performance and had low sales. This engine has been criticized for its lack of power and fuel efficiency, and it is not a popular choice among Bronco II owners.

In summary, the Ford Bronco II has been known for several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues include problems with the brakes, engine, drivetrain, climate control system, and fuel delivery system, as well as stability problems and issues with the rear-wheel drive configuration. Owners of Bronco II vehicles should be aware of these potential issues and address them promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of their vehicles.

1987 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.

What is the gas mileage on a 1987 Ford Bronco 2?

Based on data from 7 vehicles, 261 fuel-ups and 69,763 miles of driving, the 1987 Ford Bronco II gets a combined Avg MPG of 15.58 with a 0.42 MPG margin of error.

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.

What is the most valuable year Ford Bronco?

1977

For example, Early Bronco models (those produced from 1966-1977) are typically more valuable than later models. Similarly, Broncos with rare features such as the Half Cab or Roadster can also fetch higher prices.

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.

What engine is in a 1987 Ford Bronco?

The 300 six and 351W 5.8L V8 engines were paired with electronic fuel injection in the 1987-88 model years. A 5-speed manual transmission was introduced in 1988 and an all-new Borg Warner 1345 transfer case with optional Touch Drive electric shift replaced the New Process 208 case.

1987 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
  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Seat belts problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Ford Bronco ii vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1987 Ford Bronco ii

The NHTSA has received 41 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Ford Bronco ii. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1987 Ford Bronco ii vehicles.

2005-02-13

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-01-01
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1FMCU12T6HU
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: BOUGHT THE BRONCO AND STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH IT, IT STARTED SPUTTING LIKE IT WAS OUT OF GAS WHEN IT WAS FULL(I JUST PUT A FULL TANK IN IT WHEN I PICKED IT UP AT A FRIENDS. *JB
2004-04-05

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-01-01
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1FMCU12T6HU
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: MY FORD BRONCO II, 1987, WENT UP IN FLAMES. IT WAS LEAKING GAS, THE SMELL WAS REALLY STRONG AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A BURST OF FLAMES. WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT . *JB
2003-04-07

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE COIL, IGNITION SWITCH, BATTERY, EXHAUST SYSTEM AND ALSO A TUNE WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, IT WAS DETERMINED A WIRE WAS NOT GROUNDED CORRECTLY. *TS *JB
2003-03-15

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-03-10
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT ABOUT 55 MPH A CLOUD OF SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. WHEN PULLED OVER AND HOOD LIFTED I NOTICED A FIRE ON DRIVER SIDE OF ENGINES. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER AND I WAS INFORMED THAT THE REPAIRS WERE GOING TO COST $2000 AND UP NOT CONSIDERING THE BLOCK THAT HAD BEEN CRACKED FROM FIRE DAMAGE. FIRE WAS DUE TO A FAILURE IN THE RADIATOR AND THE WATER PUMP. *NLM
2002-09-03

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-08-24
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1FMCU14T4HU
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: BRONCO WAS DRIVEN ABOUT 1/4 MILE FORM HOME AND THE MOTOR DIED, AND THE ENTIRE VEHICLE BUSTED INTO FLAMES.*AK
2002-08-27

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-08-22
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1FMCU14T6HU
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD WHILE IN PARK WHEN FIRST STARTING OUT, NARROWLY MISSING A PERSON, AND HITTING A BRICK WALL. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
2001-01-11

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1FMBU12T5HU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: IGNITION MODULE MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH. HAD MODULE REPLACED 3 TIMES. COMMON PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
2000-10-14

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-09-05
  • VIN: 1FMCU14T2HU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING AFTER THE ENGINE GETS HOT THE ENGINE STALLS AT APROX. 30 TO 40 MPH. AFTER THE ENGINE COOLS THE CAR WILL RESTART AND RUN UNTIL IT GETS HOT AGAIN AND STALLS. THE DEALER SAID THEY CAN NOT FIND A PROBLEM IN ANY SYSTEM .
2000-10-14

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-09-05
  • VIN: 1FMCU14T2HU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING AFTER THE ENGINE GETS HOT THE ENGINE STALLS AT APROX. 30 TO 40 MPH. AFTER THE ENGINE COOLS THE CAR WILL RESTART AND RUN UNTIL IT GETS HOT AGAIN AND STALLS. THE DEALER SAID THEY CAN NOT FIND A PROBLEM IN ANY SYSTEM .*AK
2000-07-12

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-07-11
  • VIN: 1FMCU14TOHU
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY WHEN I NOTICED A LARGE PUDDLE OF LIQUID COMING FROM UNDERNEATH OF MY VEHICLE. UPON INVESTIGATING THE CAUSE I FOUND THAT ONE OF THE PLASTIC FUEL LINES WHICH RUNS FROM THE FUEL FILTER TO THE GAS TANK HAD A LARGE HOLE IN IT. THE AMOUNT OF GASOLINE LEAKING FROM THIS HOLE WAS VERY LARGE IN VOLUME AND IT WAS SPRAYING ALL OVER THE AREA UNDER THE REAR PORTION OF MY VEHICLE INCLUDING THE TAILPIPE . IF THE TASILPIPE HAD BEEN HOT FROM NORMAL ENGINE TEMP THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A RATHER LARGE EXPLOSION RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY TO MYSELF. AUTO MAKERS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO USE PLASTICS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF AUTOMOBILE FUEL LINES.*AK
1999-11-22

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-10-23
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: IFMCU14T8HU
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: WHILE TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE FUEL SPILLED INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FROM THE DISTRIBUTOR AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE. *AK
1999-04-15

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: NOT AVAILAB
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: WHEN TRAVELING ABOUT 40-50 MPH VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD LEFT FRONT ENGINE AREA, MELTING THE FUEL LINE/ BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED, COULD NOT QUITE DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE, STATED MECHANICAL FAILURE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
1999-02-23

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1991-08-23
  • VIN: 1FMCU14T9HU
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION CAUSED TO FROZEN THROTTLE BODY LINKAGE AFTER REPAIRED VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SAME SYMPTONS HOWEVER NO REPAIR WORK DONE.
1998-08-05

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-10-01
  • VIN: 1FMCU14T8HV
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: SEVERAL INCIDENTS OF PARTIAL ROLL OVER AND LOSS OF CONTROL. (QCAW)
1998-08-05

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-10-01
  • VIN: 1FMCU14T8HV
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: SEVERAL INCIDENTS OF PEOPLE CRACKING THEIR SKULLS ON THE DOOR FRAME WHEN ENTERING VEHICLE. (QCAW)
1998-08-05

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-10-01
  • VIN: 1FMCU14T8HV
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: FUEL REGULATOR FAILURE CAUSES FUEL TO SPU ENGINE AND OUT THE BACK PIPE, CAUSING FIRE DANGER.
1998-08-05

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-10-01
  • VIN: 1FMCU14T8HV
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: PROBLEM WITH STICK SHIFTER.
1998-07-15

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE SEATBELT ANCHOR ATTACHMENT SEPARATED FROM THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK
1998-04-21

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-09-20
  • VIN: 1FMCU14T1HU
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WHENEVER VEHICLE IS STARTED UP, IT WOULD SURGES OUT OF CONTROL; WHEN SHIFTING INTO DRIVE, VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY TAKES OFF. WOULD HAVE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. HAS NOT TAKEN TO DEALER. *AK
1998-01-15

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: WHEN VEHICLE IS IN PARK THE KEY IS OUT OF THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE ROLLS. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
1997-10-31

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-10-24
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1FMCU14TXHU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ELECTRICAL: DROVE APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES TO WORK, PARKED THE TRUCK, WENT INTO WORK. 1/2 HOUR LATER RECEIVED A CALL THAT VEHICLE HAD CAUGHT FIRE. THE TRUCK WAS TOTALED , FIREMAN SAYS SEEMS TO BE ELECTRICAL, ENGINE BURNED COMPLETELY AND FRONT END COMPLETELY MELTED. *AK
1997-03-04

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-10-01
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1FMCU12T0HU
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE FIRE.
1997-02-11

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-11-25
  • VIN: 1FMCU14T7HU
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: HAD TO REPLACE THE MASTER CYLINDER BECAUSE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR HAD DETRERIORATED, THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED BRAKE FAILURE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
1997-02-09

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-05-04
  • Number Of Deaths: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: VEHICLE ACCELERATED, VEERED OFF OF ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A TREE, KILLING THE DRIVER. AUTOPSY REPORTS INDICATES THAT DRIVER HAD BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE.
1996-11-06

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-08-08
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1FMCU12T0HU
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: GASOLINE LEAK IN A RUBBER LINE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FUEL INJECTION INTAKE PLENUM, CAUSING FIRE.

1987 Ford Bronco ii recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1987 Ford Bronco ii.

1987-09-04
  • 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.
1987-05-18
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
  • Summary: STICKERS CONCERNING HANDLING AND MANEUVERABILITY WHICH ARE AFFIXED TO DRIVERS SUN VISOR SLEEVES DO NOT MEET CRITERIA FOR PERMANENT ADHESION.
  • Consequence: VEHICLES DO NOT MEET FORMATS SPECIFIED BY PARTS 573 AND579 OF 49CFR.
  • Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE MAILED NEW SUN VISOR SLEEVES WITH ALL APPLICABLE DECAL INFORMATION PERMANENTLY AFFIXED.
1987-03-23
  • Manufacturer: AVIATOR VAN CONVERSIONS
  • Components: WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
  • Summary: ALUMINUM WHEELS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED WITH IMPROPER LUG NUTS.
  • Consequence: WHEEL COULD BECOME LOOSE OR EVEN SEPARATE FROM THE HUBAND AXLE ASSEMBLY WHILE THE VEHICE IS IN MOTION.
  • Remedy: CHANGE TAPERED STYLE LUG NUTS TO SHORT SHANK STYLE LUG NUTS.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1987 Ford Bronco ii problems:

1987 Ford Bronco II problems | Hot Rod Forum
1987 Ford Bronco II problems | Hot Rod Forum
https://www.hotrodders.com/threads/1987-ford-bronco-ii-problems.543796/

May 11, 2021 ... There were a rash of bad ignition switches back in the day due to poor assembly of the switch and the little metal tabs that hold the switch ...

Q&A: Common Problems with 1987 Ford Bronco II
Q&A: Common Problems with 1987 Ford Bronco II
https://www.justanswer.com/ford/3naw1-1987-ford-bronco-ii-recent-problem-will.html

Jun 21, 2010 ... It sounds like the TFI module (ignition module) that is mounted on the side of the distributor. This is one of the most common problems on this ...

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.

Buying help/ tips requested: i'm going to look at a 87 bronco 2 this ...
Buying help/ tips requested: i'm going to look at a 87 bronco 2 this ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/bronco/comments/owrgeo/buying_help_tips_requested_im_going_to_look_at_a/

Aug 3, 2021 ... ... issues or troublesome areas i should make sure i look at : r/bronco ... ford auto trans at that time ... Any common problems/reliability issues? 7 ...

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.

Other years of Ford Bronco ii

ford bronco ii 1988 photo
Bronco ii 1988
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Bronco ii 1990
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Bronco ii 1992
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Bronco ii 1993
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Bronco ii 1994
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