1996 Ford Bronco ii problems

Common 1996 Ford Bronco ii problems

The Ford Bronco II, produced from 1984 to 1990, was a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) based on the Ford Ranger compact pickup truck. While it shared many components with the Ranger, the Bronco II had its unique set of common problems that owners have reported over the years.

• Oil Pressure Problems: In 2.3L engines, especially those from 1992 to 1993, knocking on the lower left side of the engine can occur due to oil pressure problems. The solution involves installing a revised oil pump and a gallery plug with a pressure damping rod.

• Leaks from the Pan: A leak from the pan of a 1990-1992 2.3L engine can be stopped with a 1993 2.3L gasket.

• Sticky Idle Air Control Valve: Early Rangers with the 2.8L engine can have tapping that's audible in the cab, especially in below-freezing temperatures. This condition may be caused by the EGR solenoid assembly, which is in the engine control housing mounted on the right-hand fender apron. Ford has a replacement solenoid assembly, and all vacuum and wiring connections should be checked as well.

• Broken Universal Joints: Broken universal joints are comparatively common, especially if the Ford Bronco II is used off-road. Replacements are readily available at most parts stores, and your Haynes Bronco manual will give you a good guide on how to go about changing them.

• Ignition Problems: There have been reports that the Ford Bronco has an issue that causes the engine to die when you're driving along or when you reach an intersection. The engine then won't restart. The issue has been hunted down, and the TFI module is at fault. However, the average repair cost is $5000. It would be a lot cheaper to invest in a Haynes manual and undertake the task yourself.

• Fuel Filter Problems: Ford used just two studs to attach the 300ci carburetor. Over time, the carburetor rocks, which can cause the gasket it sits on to fail, causing poor fuelling. The solution is to replace the gasket and tighten the nuts to the required torque, a procedure you'll find in your Haynes Bronco manual.

• ABS Valve Clogging: The ABS valve can clog shut with rust, disabling the rear brakes. This is a common problem, especially in older Bronco II models.

• Leaky Valve Covers: Leaky valve covers are another common problem in the Ford Bronco II, often requiring regular maintenance and replacement of gaskets and seals.

• Leaky AC Evaporator and Heater Core: The AC evaporator and heater core can leak, causing issues with the vehicle's climate control system. These are considered normal problems on old, expendable parts.

• Clogged Radiator: A clogged radiator can lead to overheating and engine damage if not addressed promptly.

• Stability Problems: Stability problems with the Bronco II were noted during the design phase, leading to a higher risk of rollovers compared to other compact SUVs. These issues were the subject of numerous lawsuits and recalls throughout the vehicle's production run.

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.

What is the most desirable year of the Ford Bronco?

1977

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.

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.

Are old Ford Broncos reliable?

If maintained well over the years, vintage Ford Broncos can be remarkably reliable.

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.

1996 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:

• Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Ford Bronco ii vehicle components and the number of complaints received.