1989 Ford Bronco ii problems
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Common 1989 Ford Bronco ii problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1989 Ford Bronco II, several common problems have been identified:
- Transmission Issues: The Bronco II's transmissions, both automatic and manual, have been reported as problematic. The automatic A4LD transmissions are known to have reliability issues, while the manuals, particularly the Mitsubishi transmissions, are also prone to problems. Owners have experienced failures and the need for replacements or rebuilds due to these transmission issues.
- Front End Weakness: The Dana 28 front end found in most 4WD Bronco IIs is considered weak and prone to issues. This component is crucial for the vehicle's stability and durability, especially when driving off-road or with larger tires. Many owners have opted to swap in a stronger front end, such as the Dana 35 TTB from a Ranger or early Explorer, to address this weakness.
- Engine Cooling and Head Gasket Problems: The 2.9L V6 engine in the 1989 Bronco II can face challenges related to engine cooling. Overheating issues have been reported, leading to cracked heads. To prevent overheating, some owners have opted to install larger radiators, like those from early Explorer models. Additionally, notorious head gasket issues have been mentioned by some owners, requiring attention and potential replacements.
- Rollover Risk: One of the most significant issues with the Bronco II was its design flaw that made it more prone to rollovers. This flaw was attributed to the vehicle's design, which increased the risk of rollovers compared to other SUVs of the time. Ford faced lawsuits and significant financial losses due to deaths and injuries caused by these rollovers, leading to the eventual replacement of the Bronco II with the Explorer in 1991.
These problems highlight some of the key issues that owners of the 1989 Ford Bronco II have faced. Addressing these issues promptly and proactively can help maintain the vehicle's performance and safety over time.
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 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 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.
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 year Bronco is the best?
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.
1989 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
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Ford Bronco ii vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1989 Ford Bronco ii
The NHTSA has received 42 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Ford Bronco ii. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1989 Ford Bronco ii vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-08-23
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU12T1KU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 1989 FORD BRONCO II, SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE IN OUR GARAGE 8/23/02. I WAS THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE WHICH WAS PURCHASED FROM A DEALER IN TAYLOR TEXAS, VIN # [XXX]. THE VEHICLE WAS ROLLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY, WHEREBY IT BURNED BEYOND RECOGNITION. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD AND REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE VEHICLE AND DRIVEWAY REPLACEMENT. AT THIS TIME THEY ARE DECLINING THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE THE CORRECTIVE ACTION REQUESTED. I WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST THAT FORD BROADEN THE SCOPE OF IT'S RECALL BASED UPON THE NHTSA FINDINGS 4/25/96 RECALL #96V071000 OR THE FORD RECALL RELATED TO THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH . *NM *JB *NM INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-16
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14T4KU
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WE WERE DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT, CAME AROUND A CURVE ON HWY 86, HIT LOOSE GRAVEL AND LOST CONTROL.....WE ROLLED THE VEHICLE ONCE(LANDING ON OUR TOP). AS SOON AS THE BRONCO 2 STARTED TO ROLL OVER, THE TOP OF THE CAB STARTED BUCKLING LIKE AN ALUMINUM SODA CAN...THE RESULT WAS THE DRIVER SIDE BEING SMASHED ABOUT TWO INCHES INTO THE DRIVER'S SEATBACK. I HAVE SEEN OTHER BRONCO 2 THAT HAVE ROLLED AND THEY HELD UP MUCH BETTER THAN OURS. MY FIANCEE, OUR SON, OUR DOG AND I(BEING 6 MONTHS PREGNANT) ALL WENT TO THE HOSPITAL TO GET CHECKED. THIS TOTAL DAMAGE OF THE VEHICLE COST US $200.00 TO GET THE VEHICLE AND OUR BELONGINGS HOME, NOT TO MENTION LOST WAGES AND HOSPITAL BILLS.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-11-12
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1MFCJ1ZT6KU
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL LINE RUPTURED AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-11
- VIN: 1FMCU12T0KU
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THIS TIRE WAS AN ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT SPARE, MOUNTED ON THE RIGHT REAR ON 4-12-97 (3 NEW TIRES PURCHASED AT SAME TIME).THE TIRE HAD ABOUT 22,100 MILES ON IT. IT LOST ABOUT 1/3 OF ITS TREAD AT 50 MPH BUT DID NOT BLOW OUT. I HEARD THE LOOSE TREAD HIT THE FEND. *AK (DOT NUMBER: HYUL TIRESIZE: P205/75R15)
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-11
- VIN: 1FMCU14T3KU
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: I HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP SEVERAL TIMES THE MAN AT THE GAS STATION STATED THAT IT HAD A BAD SENDING UNIT AND THIS CAUSED ME TO GO THOUGH THE FUEL PUMPS. THE MAN AT THE GAS STATION TOLD ME TO DO THIS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FMCU12T9KU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: EEC TEST WIRING IS BARE AND HAS BEEN MELTING, IGNITION SWITCH STICKS WHICH CAUSES ANTI-LOCK BRAKE LIGHT TO COME ON - GAS PEDAL STICKS - HEADLIGHTS AND BLINKERS DO NOT WORK - POWER WINDOWS DO NOT WORK - DASH LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. AIR CONDITIONER CONSTANTLY RUNS AND FREEZES UP (COMPRESSOR AND FAN). THERE WAS AN ORIGINAL RECALL FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH IN 1996 HOWEVER, WE NEVER RECEIVED ANYTHING ON THIS AND NOW WE ARE EXPERIENCEING THE PROBLEMS STATED EARLIER. ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE TO CORRECT THIS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FMCU12T9KU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: EEC TEST WIRING IS BARE AND HAS BEEN MELTING, IGNITION SWITCH STICKS WHICH CAUSES ANTI-LOCK BRAKE LIGHT TO COME ON - GAS PEDAL STICKS - HEADLIGHTS AND BLINKERS DO NOT WORK - POWER WINDOWS DO NOT WORK - DASH LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. AIR CONDITIONER CONSTANTLY RUNS AND FREEZES UP (COMPRESSOR AND FAN). THERE WAS AN ORIGINAL RECALL FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH IN 1996 HOWEVER, WE NEVER RECEIVED ANYTHING ON THIS AND NOW WE ARE EXPERIENCEING THE PROBLEMS STATED EARLIER. ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE TO CORRECT THIS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-19
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU12T3KU
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE RIGHT REAR FIRESTONE ATX WILDERNESS TIRE BLEWOUT DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION RESULTING IN VEHICLE ROLLOVER ACCIDENT WHICH CAUSED DEATH. (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER) *MJS
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-09-02
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: CAR TOTALED - HAVE POLICE REPORT. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED IN SUMMARY. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P205/75R15 )
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14T4KU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE BATTERY IS LOCATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE BATTERY IS HELD IN PLACE BY A SMALL INEFFECTIVE RETAINER THAT ONLY COVERS AN EDGE OF THE BATTERY ON THE BOTTOM OF THE BATTERY. IN ADDITION, THIS RETAINER DOES NOT OFTEN FIT REPLACEMENT BATTERIES PROPERLY. THE POSITIVE LEAD ON THE BATTERY IS CONNECTED TO THE BATTERY ON THE SIDE OF THE BATTERY THAT IS DIRECTLY ADJACENT TO THE FENDER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THESE TWO DESIGN FLAWS WORK TOGETHER TO CAUSE A SITUATION WHICH CAN EASILY CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE. IN MY PARTICULAR CASE, WHICH SHOULD BE VERY TYPICAL, THE BATTERY HOLD DOWN BRACKET DID NOT HOLD THE BATTERY IN PLACE. DUE TO THIS PROBLEM, THE BATTERY SHIFTED JUST A FEW INCHES TOWARD THE FENDER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS CAUSED THE POSITIVE TERMINAL OF THE BATTERY TO COME IN CONTACT WITH THE FENDER, THUS CAUSING THE BATTERY TO "SHORT TO GROUND". THE RESULT OF THIS OCCURANCE WAS THAT MY ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS WAS SHORTED, BURNED AND DESTROYED. THE CABLES THAT RELEASE MY EMERGENCY BRAKE AND HOOD WERE SHORTED AND THE EXTERIOR COATING BEGAN TO BURN. OTHER PLASTIC PARTS OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO BURN AND FLAMES "SHOT OUT" FROM UNDER THE ENGINE COMPATMENT AREA. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO PULL THE HOOD RELEASE LEVER TO TRY AND CONTAIN THE FIRE, THE CABLE PULLED LOOSE DUE TO THE IMMEDIATE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE "SHORT TO GROUND" AND THE RESULTANT FIRE. I WAS ABLE TO RELEASE THE HOOD FROM UNDERNEATH THE FRONT OF THE CAR, THEN I PULLED THE BATTERY FROM THE FENDER TO STOP THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. FINALLY, I WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH DIRT AND SAND FROM THE SURROUNDING AREA. THE FIRE AND SHORT CAUSED $4000 TO $5000 IN ACTUAL DAMAGE TO INCLUDE FIRE DAMAGE TO THE PAINT ON MY HOOD AND FENDER. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE HOWEVER. IMAGINE IF THIS OCCURED WHILE A PARENT WAS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE AND A SHORT DISTANCE FROM THE VEHICLE WITH THEIR CHILD OR PET INSIDE.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FMCU14T4KU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: UNSPECIFIED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-01
- VIN: 1FMBU14T2KU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE FIRST PROBLEM WE ENCOUNTER WAS THE AC GOING OUT THE FIRST DAY WE HAD THE VEHICLE WAS TOLD IT WORKED GREAT. THE AIR COND PROBLEM THE HEATER DID NOT WORK WAS TOLD IT WAS REAPIRED AND HAS YET TO WORK NOT EVEN THE DEFROST. THE THRID WAS THE EMERGENCY BRAKE GOING OUT AND THE SPRINGS POPPING. THE FOURTH PROBELM WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 35MPH NO WARNING SIGNS NO NOTHING THE VEHICLE LAUNGED FORWARD AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND LOOKED UNDER AND THE WHOLE DRIVE SHAFT HAD BROKEN INTWO. THANK GOODNES WE WERENT GOPING DOWN A HILL WE HAVE ROLLED. MY BABY AND MOTHER WERE WITH ME AND NO ONE WAS INJURED.THE GUY WE BOUGHT IT FROM REFUSES TO FIX IT SAYS I HAVE TO PAY FOR IT THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP THRE TIMES ALREADY IN TWO MONTHS. WE BOUGHT IT WITH NO WARRANTY BECAUSE HIS MECHANICS INSPEACTED IT BEFORE WE PURCHASED IT AND TOLD US IT WAS IN GREAT SHAPE. WE BELIVED THEM NOW WE ARE STUCK WITH A LEMON AND STILL PAYING FOR IT. ISNT THERE ANYONE OUT THERE WHO CAN HELP?
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-31
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14T9KU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE PARKED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE PLUG CONNECTOR AT THE ALTERNATOR, CAUSED ALTERNATOR TO CATCH ON FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-05-01
- VIN: 1FMCU14T4KU
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: LEFT AND RIGHT REAR VIEW MIRRORS RUN IN ANYTIME VEHICLE IS DRIVEN OVER 40 MPH.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1989-05-04
- VIN: 1FMCU14T4KU
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: BOTH EXTERIOR MIRRORS FOLD IN WHEN VEHICLE TRAVELS ABOVE 40 MPH.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-21
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14P7KU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: AFTER TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE 3 TIMES THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-29
- VIN: 1FMBU14S4EU
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ABOUT (65) MPH THE HOOD FLEW UP AND HIT THE WINDSHIELD. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO STOP VEHICLE SAFELY. THE HOOD HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14T6KU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE PARKED, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSED THE DASH AREA TO CATCH ON FIRE. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-06
- VIN: 1FMCU12TXCU
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: THE OUTSIDE MIRRORS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE TRUCK FOLDED IN FROM THE PRESSURE OF THE WIND. *AK CONSUMER STATES HAS SEEN THIS ON NUMEROUS FORD RANGER VEHICLES. *JB
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-15
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: HOOD LATCH FAILED.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-01
- VIN: 1FMCU14T8KU
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: GAS TANK RUSTED, CAUSING LEAK.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-10
- VIN: 1FMCU12T6KU
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: GENERAL TIRE TREADS SEPARATED. (20575R15)
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-10
- VIN: 1FMCU12T6KU
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: MIRRORS DESIGNED THAT WHOLE MIRROR PIVOTS, NOT JUST GLASS, CAUSING MIRRORS TO FOLD WITH WIND, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-23
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FAILURE ON THE GAS TANK, THE GAS TANK RUSTED THROUGH, CAUSING GAS TO LEAK ON THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14T3KU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN CONSUMER STARTED UP VEHICLE, IT WENT INTO 100% ACCELERATION WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE. VEHICLE HIT A TREE WHICH WAS (60) FEET AWAY.*AK
1989 Ford Bronco ii recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1989 Ford Bronco ii.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
- Summary: FRONT WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTING NUT RETAINING KEYS MAY BE MISSING FROM FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLIES, ALLOWING THE NUT TO LOOSEN.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN DETACHMENT OF THE WHEEL AND HUBASSEMBLY FROM THE AXLE, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, AND AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: INSTALL RETAINING KEYS IN FRONT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WHERE MISSING.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 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: 1990 Bronco II 2.9 Common Problems & Solutions
Nov 19, 2016 ... 1990 bronco II with 2.9. it seems to flood. wont idle but runs fine if revved up. exhaust pipe is black inside. changed - Answered by a ...
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.
Q&A: Common Problems with 1987 Ford Bronco II
Jun 21, 2010 ... 1987 Ford Bronco II: run fine..it wont start..engine started - Answered by a verified Ford Mechanic.
1989 Bronco II; Severe 2.9L Engine Tick - Ford Truck Enthusiasts ...
Jul 6, 2005 ... b2 are known for this problem only way of truly taking care of this problem is to replace lifters taking out the heads and replacing the cam ...
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