1988 Ford Bronco ii problems
Social links
Common 1988 Ford Bronco ii problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1988 Ford Bronco II, several common problems have been reported:
- ABS Valve Clogging and Disabled Rear Brakes: Another common problem reported by owners is the ABS valve getting clogged with rust, leading to disabled rear brakes. This issue can compromise the vehicle's braking system, affecting safety and performance.
- Leaky Valve Covers, AC Evaporator, Heater Core, and Clogged Radiator: Owners have also faced problems with leaky valve covers, AC evaporators, heater cores, and clogged radiators. These issues can result in coolant leaks, poor HVAC performance, and engine overheating if not addressed promptly.
- Fuel Filter Problems and Non-Functional 4x4 System: Some owners have encountered fuel filter problems, particularly with the filter located between the fuel tank and the pump, as well as issues with the non-functional 4x4 system. These issues can impact engine performance and off-road capabilities.
- Starter and Solenoid Issues: Complaints include problems with the starter and solenoid resulting in grinding sounds when attempting to start the vehicle. This issue can be indicative of starter motor or solenoid failure, which may require replacement to restore proper starting functionality.
These common problems highlight various areas of concern for 1988 Ford Bronco II owners, ranging from engine performance issues to brake and transmission problems. Addressing these issues promptly through proper maintenance and repairs is crucial to ensure the vehicle's reliability and safety.
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 1988 Ford Bronco 2?
2.9 liter V-6 engine
Bronco II XLT in Light Chestnut/Dark Chestnut Clearcoat Metallic deluxe two-tone paint. All Bronco IIs feature the 2.9 liter V-6 engine with its 140-horsepower output.
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.
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 1988 Ford Bronco 2?
2.9 liter V-6 engine
Bronco II XLT in Light Chestnut/Dark Chestnut Clearcoat Metallic deluxe two-tone paint. All Bronco IIs feature the 2.9 liter V-6 engine with its 140-horsepower output.
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.
1988 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
- Structure problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Gasoline problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Ford Bronco ii vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1988 Ford Bronco ii
The NHTSA has received 47 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Ford Bronco ii. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1988 Ford Bronco ii vehicles.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-08-27
- VIN: 1FMCU14T2JU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE
- Summary: THESE BRONCO II'S ARE SOMETHING ELSE. I JUST PURCHASED MINE. THERE ARE MINOR CRACKS IN THE FLOOR IN THE REAR OF VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE BUSTED AND BRAKES ARE INCREDIBLY HARD TO USE TO STOP THE SUV. I FOUND RECALL ON THE 1988 RANGER FOR REAR DRUM BRAKES THAT WERE THE WRONG SIZE BUT I CANNOT FIND THAT RECALL FOR THE BRONCO II FIGURING IT WAS MADE WITH THE SAME PARTS WOULD THINK THAT THE DRUM SIZE MAKES IT HARD TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITHOUT PUMPING. THERE ARE A FEW OTHER PROBLEMS ALSO BUT THESE ARE THE BIGGEST ONES I HAVE HAD SO FAR. THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE REPLACEMENT MAKES THE POWER STEERING COME BACK. THERE IS ALSO A SPUTTERING NOISE MADE BY THE ENGINE WHEN TAKING OFF FROM STOP SIGNS OCCASIONALLY MAKING THE VEHICLE NOT ACCELERATE. THIS PROBLEM COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BUT HAS YET TO AFFECT THE DRIVING OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-11-02
- VIN: 1FMCU14T8JU
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 FORD BRONCO II. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 35 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DRIVER'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT FOUND A RECALL ONLINE DESCRIBING THE SAME FAILURE; HOWEVER, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 89V109000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING) ONLY PERTAINED TO THE 1989 FORD BRONCO II. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-05
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14T2JU
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 88 FORD BRONCO II ROLL OVER
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-20
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14T6JU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES AND CROSSED OVER A PATCH OF SAND WITH THE WHEEL TURNED, CAUSING A ROLLOVER. ROOF OF VEHICLE COLLAPSED IN FRONT, INJURING DRIVER, COMPOUND BREAK OF COLLAR BONE AND OTHER MINOR INJURIES. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-06
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU12T4JU
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: LEFT REAR (BRIDGESTONE ROADHANDLER T 215/75 R15 100S TUBELESS STEEL BELTED RADIAL (M+S-T06R-DOT ICHF P2A 186) (M+S 82415 DOT) TREADED 2-PLY POLYESTER AND 2-STEEL/SIDEWALL 2 PLY POLYESTER TIRE, BEARING TIRE #186, TIRE SEPARATED,THE TREAD CAME LOOSE FROM THE CASING,CAUSING DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL,VEHICLE OVERTURNED 3 1/2 TIMES,TIRE WAS INSPECTED AND DETERMINED BY AN EXPERT TO BE MFG DEFECT INVOLVING ADHESION AND MISALIGNMENT OF THE TOP BELT TO THE BOTTOM BELT.(ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT)*JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-23
- VIN: 1FMCU14T5JU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH. DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *AK TFI IGNITION MODULE AND STARTOR FAILED. *YH
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FMCU14T3JU
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: PARKING PAWL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-15
- VIN: 1FMCU14T9JU
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE BRONCO GAS PEDAL STUCK, CAUSING THE BRONCO TO ACCELERATE TO A VERY HIGH RATE OF SPEED. BRONCO WENT OVER 7,000 RPM'S. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. DEALER FOUND THE THROTTLE BODY TO BE STUCK. VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATON. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-19
- VIN: IFMVI4TIJUD
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
- Summary: BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED I WAS TOLD THE OIL WAS CHANGED AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS WRE CHANGED ALONG WITH SOME OIL GASKETS. I TOK THE VEHICLE TO MY FATHER HE CHECKED AND THE OIL NOR THE WIPERS WERE CHANGED. I WENT BACK AND WAS SENT TO A DIFFERENT GARAGE TO HAVE THESE THINGS DONE. LATER THAT WEEK I REPORTED OTHER THINGS AND WAS TOLD TO DRIVE IT A COUPLE OF WEEKS AND THEN COME BACK WITH THINGS I THOUGHT WAS WRONG. THE NEXT WEEK I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE OTHER GARAGE TO HAVE A FUEL PUMP PUT ON IT. I CALLED THE DAY BEFORE MY THIRTY DAYS WAS UP TO INFORM THEM I HAVE A BLOWN HEAD GASKET I WAS THEN INFORMED THE WARRANTY ONLY COVERED OIL PARTS OF THE ENGINE. WHEN I BOUGHT THE BRONCO I WAS NOT TOLD ONLY THE OIL PARTS OF THE ENGINE I WAS TOLD THE ENGINE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-04
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU12T6JU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: AN EXHAUST LEAK MELTED PLASTIC FUEL LINES AND STARTED FIRE UNDER VEHICLE BURNING LINES AND ALL ELECTRICAL WIREING UNDER VEHICLE, THUS CAUSING SHORTING OF MANY RELAYS IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-01
- VIN: 1FMCU14T5JU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I WAS UNABLE TO GET THE DEALER THAT REPLACED THE ENGINE TO INVESTIGATE THE SUSPECTED LEAKING HEAD GASKET/CRACKED BLOCK PROBLEM WITH PAYING ADDITIONAL CHARGES. AFTER A MAJOR FAILURE RECENTLY, FORD REFUSED TO HONOR THE WARRANTY, AS I HAD GONE OVER THE # OF MILES (BUT STILL WITHIN THE 1 YEAR TIME). THE TFI MODULE PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR 3 YEARS, AND HAS CAUSED AS 4 STALLS AT STREET/HIGHWAY SPEED, PLUS 2 FAILURES AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-07-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU12T3JU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I, MYSELF WASN'T INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT TO YOU THAT:EVERY BRONCO II FO.MO.CO. PRODUCED, IS A MAJOR ROLLOVER HAZARD,WHICH CAN,AND HAS RESULTED IN,MANY FATALITIES. I WOULD APPRECIATE GREATLY, IF YOU WOULD PURSUE THIS MATTER BY MAKING FORD FIND,AND PERFORM AN ECONOMICALY VIABLE SOLUTION THAT WILL FIX THE BRONCO II'S PROBLEM. THERE ARE AROUND 700,000 OF THESE RIGS OUT IN THE U.S.WITH AROUND 600,000 PEOPLE DRIVING THEM EVERY DAY. HELP SAVE SOME LIVES. NO SAFETY DEFECT (S) LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-23
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMPU14T4JU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: UPON IMAPCT, VEHICLE BURSTED INTO FLAMES. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-27
- VIN: 1MCU14T7JUB
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLE JUMPED OUT OF PARK AND ROLLED OVER A 5 FOOT BANK WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END, LEVER WAS BETWEEN PARK AND REVERSE.*ET
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-02
- VIN: 1FMCU14T9JU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION WILL ONLY ENGAGE IN REVERSE, MAKES CLICKING SOUND WHEN SHIFTED INTO FIRST BUT NO ENGAGEMENT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-28
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 50 MPH, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME.THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, POPPED THE HOOD AND FLAMES SHOT OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME, AND PUT THE FLAMES OUT FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED DUE THE FIRE. WHEN THE FIRER DEPARTMENT GOT THERE IT WAS TOO LATE. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14T4JU
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHEN ENTERING AND EXITING THE VEHICLE BOTH DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE DOORS WILL CLOSE ON THE OCCUPANT, CAUSING INJURIES DUE TO THE DOOR HINGE SPRINGS COMING OFF. CONSUMER HAS REPLACED THE SPRINGS ON ONE OCCASION. SPRING NEEDS REPLACING AT THIS TIME AGAIN. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-01
- VIN: 1FMCU14T6JU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DISTRIBUTOR FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FMCU14TRJU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE STALLS.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FMCU14T7JU
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: FLOOR HAS STRESS CRACKS APPROX. 3" FROM DRIVERS SEAT FRONT LEFT ATTACHMENT POINT. ALSO BOTH REAR SEAT MOUNTS (ON SEAT TRACKS) ARE CRACKED NEAR MOUNTING POINTS.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN VEHICLE IS STARTED AND AS SOON AS IT IS PUT INTO DRIVE, IT ACCELERATES AT A HIGH SPEED. DEALER CAN'T SEEM TO FIND THE CAUSE. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-03-01
- VIN: 1FMCU14T0JU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DRIVE SHAFT FAILED 3 TIMES.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-16
- Crash: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE IN PARKING LOT, GOT IN VEHICLE & PUT VEHICLE IN REVERSE, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED BACKWARDS, APPLIED BRAKES (ABS LIGHT ON) TO NO AVAIL, HIT TWO CARS, BRAKES STILL NOT WORKING. *AK
POWER TRAIN,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-13
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14T1JU
- Components: POWER TRAIN,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 40MPH, THE TRUCK SHIFTED AND THEN THE VEHICLE ROLLEDOVER AND EJECTED THE DRIVER OUT OF THE SEAT, WHICH AT THE TIME THE SEAT BELT LOCKING CLIP CAME APART.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14TXJU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TURNED ON IGNITION, TURNED ON HEADLIGHTS, NO HEADLIGHTS, CHECKED FUSE BOX, ALL WIRING HAD BURNED COMPLETELY OUT, REPLACED WIRING HARNESS, TOLD BY DEALER, HEADLIGHT SWITCH SHORTED OUT.*8AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Ford Bronco ii problems:
bronco ii problems - BroncoII4x4.com
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.
Q&A: Ford Bronco II 1988 - Common Problems & Slow Acceleration
May 18, 2015 ... It may still start and run smooth but that will give you low compression and lack of power . low compression is a mechanical issue . you should ...
Beware Of The Bronco 2 Curse!!!!! - Car Forums and Automotive Chat
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.
1988 B2 2.9EFI stalls, starts right back up - BroncoII4x4.com
Apr 20, 2009 ... I recently bought a 1988 Bronco II, and it has a score of problems ranging from various minor fluid leaks to the passenger window not working ...
Why the Bronco II Was One of Ford's Epic Disasters
Jul 16, 2020 ... The engineers knew there was a problem—but Ford sold the Bucking Bronco, anyway.
Other years of Ford Bronco ii
Are you having problems with your 1988 Ford Bronco ii?
Leave your review of 1988 Ford Bronco ii