1981 Ford Bronco problems
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 1981 Ford Bronco problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1981 Ford Bronco, several common problems have been reported:
- Transmission Problems: Many owners experienced rough shifts while driving, indicating transmission issues. In most cases, the transmission had to be replaced to resolve the problem.
- Engine Concerns: Engine problems included oil leaks, poor gas mileage due to a damaged oil pan gasket, and issues with oil pressure readings. Some owners reported intermittent oil pressure drops, leading to stalling and the illumination of the check engine light.
- UJ (Universal Joint) Failures: Broken universal joints were relatively common, especially when the Bronco was used off-road. Replacements are readily available, and the process is covered in the Haynes Bronco manual.
- Ignition Issues: Some owners faced problems where the engine would die while driving or at intersections, with the engine failing to restart. This issue was linked to the TFI module, with an average repair cost of $5000. The repair process is detailed in the Haynes Bronco manual.
- Oil Pressure Concerns: At times, the Bronco experienced issues where the engine appeared to have no oil pressure when warm. This problem was traced back to faulty oil pressure switches, with the replacement process outlined in the Haynes Bronco manual.
- Fueling Problems: The 300ci carburetor was attached with only two studs, leading to rocking that caused gasket failure and poor fueling. Replacing the gasket and tightening the nuts to the required torque is a solution detailed in the Haynes Bronco manual.
These common problems highlight the challenges faced by owners of the 1981 Ford Bronco, ranging from brake and transmission issues to engine concerns and various mechanical failures.
How much is a 1981 Ford Bronco worth?
The Ford Bronco 1981 prices range from $7,040 for the basic trim level SUV Bronco base to $10,560 for the top of the range SUV.
Are older Ford Broncos 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 1981 Ford Bronco?
The base engine became a 4.9-liter, OHV six-cylinder unit, coupled to a 4-speed gearbox. The big 400 cubic inch V-8 was dropped in favor of a 351 cid V-8, while the base V-8 was now a 302 cid unit. Three 4-speed manual gearboxes were offered.
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.
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 engine is in a 1981 Ford Bronco?
The base engine became a 4.9-liter, OHV six-cylinder unit, coupled to a 4-speed gearbox. The big 400 cubic inch V-8 was dropped in favor of a 351 cid V-8, while the base V-8 was now a 302 cid unit. Three 4-speed manual gearboxes were offered.
How much is a 1981 Ford Bronco worth?
The Ford Bronco 1981 prices range from $7,040 for the basic trim level SUV Bronco base to $10,560 for the top of the range SUV.
1981 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
The graph below shows statistics for all 1981 Ford Bronco vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1981 Ford Bronco complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1981 Ford Bronco.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-07
- VIN: 1FMEU15G6BL
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1981 FORD BRONCO EQUIPPED WITH NEXEN TIRES, TIRE: LINE: NPRIZAH5 N/A, TIRE SIZE: 235/75R15 N/A, DOT NUMBER: 8EBN LMEL 4318. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PURCHASED FOUR NEW TIRES A YEAR AGO, AND STATED THAT WHILE HE WAS DRIVING AT 45 MPH, WITH HIS MECHANIC GOING ON TO THE INTERSTATE, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANG AND THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT AND COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HE AND HIS MECHANIC WERE REPLACING THE TIRE, THEY NOTICED THAT THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE WAS SLASHED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT LEFT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TOOK THE DAMAGED TIRE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TAKEN THE TIRES BACK TO CRUZ TIRE SHOP WHERE HE PURCHASED THE TIRES BECAUSE THERE WAS A WARRANTY OF 50 MILES AND ONE YEAR OF ROAD HAZER AND WAS INFORMED THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE TIRES. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE TIRE SHOP WANTED TO PATCH THE TIRE. THE TIRE WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,158 AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-02-22
- VIN: 1FMEU15G5BL
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: STEEL BELTS SEPARATED IN TWO PLACES: ONE CAUSED THE TREAD TO SHIFT OVER ABOUT 1 INCH; THE OTHER SEPARATION FOLDED UNDER ITSELF, AND CAUSED A KNOT THE WIDTH OF THE TREAD. *AK (DOT NUMBER: UNKK65A402 TIRESIZE: LT23575R15)
1981 Ford Bronco recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1981 Ford Bronco.
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
- Consequence: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
- Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1981 Ford Bronco problems:
1980-86 Bronco Most common Problems | Bronco Forum - Full Size ...
Feb 13, 2005 ... 1) 300 ci carburetor vacuum leaks at the base gasket because Ford only used 2 studs, so the carb rocks until it opens a gap there. Replace the ...
1981 Bronco Won't Start - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Jan 25, 2001 ... Next day engine would not crank. I have been able to get truck to start only one time since the problem began and it would restart after warming ...
How I solved My low voltage problem. In an 88 | Bronco Forum - Full ...
Jul 13, 2018 ... The fact that these trucks did not have the best electrical systems leads me to believe Ford didn't have good electrical engineers at the time.
Paint issues on Ford Vehicles | Page 2 | 2021+ Ford Bronco Sport ...
Sep 12, 2022 ... I see a lot more complaints about A51 paint, but that's a more common color too. In my anecdotal opinion, the Ford paint is thin and cheap ...
Ford C6 Transmission: Troubleshooting Common Problems with ...
Nov 10, 2010 ... My c6 goes forward in reverse - Answered by a verified Ford Mechanic.
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