1979 Ford Bronco problems

General information about Ford-Bronco
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Ford Bronco is a model line of SUVs manufactured and marketed by Ford. The first SUV model developed by the company, five generations of the Bronco were sold from the 1966 to 1996 model years. A sixth generation of the model line was introduced for the 2021 model year. The nameplate has been used on other Ford SUVs, namely the 1984–1990 Bronco II compact SUV and the 2021 Bronco Sport compact crossover.

Originally developed as a compact off-road vehicle using its own chassis, the Bronco initially competed against the Jeep CJ-5 and International Harvester Scout. For 1978, Ford enlarged the Bronco, making it a short-wheelbase version of the F-Series pickup truck; the full-size Bronco competed against the Chevrolet K5 Blazer and Dodge Ramcharger.

Following a decline in demand for large two-door SUVs, Ford discontinued the Bronco after the 1996 model year, replacing it with the four-door Ford Expedition; followed by the larger Ford Excursion. After a 25-year hiatus, the sixth-generation Bronco is now offered as a mid-size two-door SUV for the first time. It is also offered as a full-size four-door SUV with a 16 in (41 cm) longer wheelbase. It competes directly with the Jeep Wrangler as both a two-door and a four-door (hardtop) convertible.

From 1965 to 1996, the Ford Bronco was manufactured by Ford at its Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne, Michigan, where it also manufactures the sixth-generation version.

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Common 1979 Ford Bronco problems

The 1979 Ford Bronco has several common problems that owners have reported over the years. These issues include engine stalling, oil pressure dropping to zero at idle, and unexpected engine shutdowns.

One of the most common problems with the 1979 Ford Bronco is engine stalling at idle. This issue can be caused by various factors, including faulty idle control valves or vacuum leaks. When the engine stalls, it can be challenging to restart, especially if the problem is due to a faulty idle control valve.

Another common problem with the 1979 Ford Bronco is the oil pressure dropping to zero at idle when the engine is warm. This issue can be caused by faulty oil pressure switches, which can give a false reading of the engine's oil pressure. This problem can be resolved by replacing the faulty switch with a new one.

The 1979 Ford Bronco has also been known to suffer from unexpected engine shutdowns. This issue can be caused by various factors, including faulty ignition coils or distributor caps. When the engine shuts down unexpectedly, it can be challenging to restart, especially if the problem is due to a faulty ignition coil or distributor cap.

Another common problem with the 1979 Ford Bronco is broken universal joints (UJs), especially if the vehicle is used off-road. Broken UJs can cause vibrations and noise, making it challenging to drive the vehicle. Replacements are readily available at most parts stores, and the Haynes Bronco manual provides a good guide on how to change them.

The 1979 Ford Bronco has also been known to have issues with the fuel system, including poor fuelling caused by the carburetor rocking and causing the gasket to fail. This problem can be resolved by replacing the gasket and tightening the nuts to the required torque, a procedure that is covered in the Haynes Bronco manual.

In summary, the 1979 Ford Bronco has several common problems that owners have reported over the years. These issues include engine stalling, oil pressure dropping to zero at idle, unexpected engine shutdowns, broken UJs, and fuel system problems. While some of these issues can be challenging to diagnose and repair, the Haynes Bronco manual provides a good guide on how to fix them, which can help owners save money on labor charges.

Are there problems with Ford Bronco?

The engine is the heart of any vehicle, and the Ford Bronco is no exception. One common engine issue owners report is overheating, possibly due to a malfunctioning radiator, a faulty thermostat, or a coolant leak.

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 is the fuel mileage of a 1979 Ford Bronco?

Based on data from 9 vehicles, 122 fuel-ups and 17,757 miles of driving, the 1979 Ford Bronco gets a combined Avg MPG of 8.11 with a 0.36 MPG margin of error.

What engine does a 1979 Ford Bronco have?

FORD Bronco 6.6L V8 3AT AWD (158 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 6.6L V8 3AT AWD (158 HP)
Displacement:	6590 cm3
Power:	116.2 KW @ 4000 RPM 158 HP @ 4000 RPM 156 BHP @ 4000 RPM
Torque:	277 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM 375 Nm @ 2000 RPM
Fuel System:	Carburetor

1979 Ford Bronco car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Bronco problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Tires problems
Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1979 Ford Bronco vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1979 Ford Bronco complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1979 Ford Bronco.

2001-05-03

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2001-03-01
Components: TIRES
Summary: FIRESTONE, ATX, 33/12.50R15LT DOT VD; TIRES WOULD NOT STAY BALANCED, DRIVING LIKE THEY WERE OVAL RATHER THEN ROUND, VEHICLE WAS SHAKING AND THUMPING. 3 OF THE 4 TIRES HAD CRACKS THAT WENT ALL AROUND THE TIRE, BELOW THE TREAD. 50 % OF TREAD LEFT, MILAGE UNKNOWN. REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON A 1979, FORD, BRONCO.*AK CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC THAT 3 OUT OF THE 4 TIRES WERE SO DEFECTIVE THAT THEY COULD NOT BE BALANCED, THE FOURTH TIRE NEEDED SO MANY OUNCES OF WEIGHT, CONSUMER HAS REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES BECAUSE ALL TIRES WERE CRACKING AND SHOWING SIGNS OF TREAD SEPARATION. *JB

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1995-01-30

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-01-30
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: TRANSMISSION JUMPS FROM PARK TO REVERSE GEAR PRIOR TO RECALL (78V-201). *SKD

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1979 Ford Bronco recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 1979 Ford Bronco.

2008-03-06

Manufacturer: INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS IS RECALLING 1,937 FUEL FILTERS, P/NOS ALG 44/1 AND PUROLATOR F10024, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 14 AND FEBRUARY 13, 2008, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FILTER'S OUTLET CAP MAY NOT BE SECURELY CRIMPED TO THE HOUSING. THIS COULD RESULT IN A SEPARATION OF FILTER'S OUTLET CAP FROM THE HOUSING.
Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, A NO START CONDITION MAY RESULT AND FUEL MAY BE PUMPED ONTO THE GROUND. IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP DUE TO INADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, FUEL LEAKAGE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: INTERCONTINENTAL WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING MARCH 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INTERCONTINENTAL AT 800-451-2593.

1979-08-07

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: WHEELS
Summary: THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY MAY CONTAIN SUBSTANDARD WELDS IN THE AREA WHERE THE DISC IS ATTACHED TO THE RIM. AS A RESULT, CRACKS CAN FORM IN THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY, CAUSING AIR LOSS AND AN UNDERINFLATED TIRE.
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ANY DEFECTIVE WHEELS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

1979-05-15

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH BRAKE PUSH-ROD TO BRAKE PEDAL RETAINING PINS WHICH WERE NOT HEAT-TREATED AS SPECIFIED. THIS COULD ALLOW THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BECOME DISENGAGED FROM THE PUSH-ROD.
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT BRAKE RETAINING PIN.

1979-01-29

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM
Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED STEERING ARM KNUCKLES. SHOULD AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED STEERING ARM KNUCKLE FRACTURE AND SEPARATE, THE STEERING LINKAGE TIE ROD MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE KNUCKLE.
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT FOR CRACKING IN THE STEERING ARM KNUCKLES ON ALL VEHICLES AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THEM FREE OF CHARGE.

1978-11-27

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS IN WHICH THE PARKING PAWL WAS NOT HEAT-TREATED. DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION, A PARKING PAWL THAT HAS NOT BEEN HEAT-TREATED COULD BECOME DEFORMED OR WORN TO THE POINT THAT THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT LOCK IN "PARK". AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL FREE IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT SET THE PARKING BRAKE WHEN PARKING OR LEAVING VEHICLE UNATTENDED.
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARKING PAWL WITH ONE THAT HAS BEEN HEAT-TREATED.

1978-09-15

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: THESE TRANSMISSIONS MAY CONTAIN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED PARKING PAWL ACTUATING RODS. CONSEQUENTLY, THE UNHARDENED CAM SURFACE OF THESE RODS CAN ALLOW THE ROD TO DEFORM DURING USE WITH RESULTANT INCREASE IN SHIFT EFFORTS AND DIFFICULTY IN RELEASING THE PARKING PAWL AND ENGAGING THE PARKING GEAR.
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL ACTUATING ROD WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1979 Ford Bronco problems:

1978-1979 Bronco a good investment? - Full Size Ford Bronco Forum

https://www.fullsizebronco.com/threads/1978-1979-bronco-a-good-investment.292386/

Mar 4, 2014 ... Do Broncos from these years have any well-known problems that make them live in mechanic shops? Or do you all think my main expense (for a ...

1979 Ford Bronco Reviews - Carsurvey.org

http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/ford/bronco/1979/

Mar 7, 2008 ... Typical electrical problems and floating ground problems common in most old Ford trucks I've owned. 3. Replaced the radius arm bushings ...

79 with issues | Bronco Forum - Full Size Ford Bronco Forum

https://www.fullsizebronco.com/threads/79-with-issues.511594/

Apr 22, 2020 ... Welcome! Consider a Remanufactured Crate Engine. Others here will give you sources. ... It shows Electrical component location, operation, ...