1986 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 1986 Ford Bronco problems
The Ford Bronco, built between 1980 and 1996, is known for several common problems that affect its performance and reliability. This article will discuss these issues in detail, providing insights into the causes, symptoms, and possible solutions.
- Oil Pressure Dropping to Zero at Idle: Another engine-related issue is the oil pressure dropping to zero at idle when the engine is warm. This problem is often caused by faulty oil pressure switches, which can be replaced with the guidance provided in the Haynes Bronco manual.
- Engine Dying Unexpectedly: The Ford Bronco's engine has been known to die unexpectedly, which can be a significant safety concern. This issue can be attributed to various factors, including electrical problems, fuel delivery issues, or ignition system failures. A thorough diagnostic process is necessary to identify and address the root cause.
- Broken Universal Joints (UJs): Broken universal joints are common, especially in Ford Broncos used off-road. Replacements are readily available, and the Haynes Bronco manual provides a detailed guide on how to change them.
- Ignition Problems: The Ford Bronco has been reported to have an issue that causes the engine to die when driving or when reaching an intersection, with the engine then failing to restart. This problem has been traced back to the TFI module, and the average repair cost is $5000. However, undertaking the task yourself with the help of a Haynes manual would be more cost-effective.
- Fueling Problems: The 300ci carburetor in the Ford Bronco has been known to rock, causing vacuum leaks at the base gasket due to the use of only two studs for attachment. Replacing the gasket and tightening the nuts to the required torque can resolve this issue.
- Rust Issues: Rust is a common problem in Ford Broncos, particularly in areas around the inner fenderwells and along the bottom of the tailgate. Companies such as LMC offer replacement body panels to help mend the vehicle back together. If the Bronco is intended for off-road use, repairs can be done on an as-needed basis.
- Front Shaft Problems: The Twin-Traction Beam frontend in the Ford Bronco has a love/hate relationship among enthusiasts. A common issue is annihilated beam pivot bushings, which can be addressed by swapping to poly-style bushing kits from Daystar for improved durability and fluid resistance.
- Rear Axle Problems: The 8.8-inch rear axle in the Ford Bronco can sometimes fail due to larger tires causing stress on the axleshafts and C-clip. Upgrading to aftermarket solutions or converting to a different axle setup can help prevent these failures.
In conclusion, the Ford Bronco, while an iconic and beloved vehicle, has several common problems that owners should be aware of. Regular maintenance, inspections, and timely repairs can help ensure the longevity and reliability of these vehicles.
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.
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 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 engine does a 1986 Ford Bronco have?
1986 Bronco and Bronco II Engine Specifications
Carrying over from 1984 was a “high-output” 5.8L Windsor V8 engine. 1986 had one new Bronco engine. A 5.0L V8 that featured electronic fuel injection rather than a carburetor. This replaced the non-high-output 5.8L Windsor.
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.
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 engine does a 1986 Ford Bronco have?
1986 Bronco and Bronco II Engine Specifications
Carrying over from 1984 was a “high-output” 5.8L Windsor V8 engine. 1986 had one new Bronco engine. A 5.0L V8 that featured electronic fuel injection rather than a carburetor. This replaced the non-high-output 5.8L Windsor.
What are the quality issues with the Ford Bronco?
The most common two issues across all Broncos seem to be manual transmission rattle and hardtop being leaky/defective in some way. The manual trans definitely makes the Bronco and I wouldn't own one without it, but test drive the vehicle when weather is cold (like 50 degrees and under…
1986 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:
- Electrical system problems
- Tires problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Ford Bronco vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1986 Ford Bronco
The NHTSA has received 43 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Ford Bronco. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1986 Ford Bronco vehicles.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-25
- VIN: 1FMCU14TXGU
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WE HAVE SPEND MORE THAN 500.00 ON PART FOR THIS TRUCK IT JUST KEEP STOPPING FOR NO REASON, SHOP PEOPLE SAY ITS THE FUEL SYSTEM, IT HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES. STILL IT STOPS THEY DO NOT KNOW EXCEPT THE FUEL SYSTEM. WE HAVE BEEN STRAINED ABOUT 5 OR 6 TIMES MOST TIMES LATE AT NIGHT. HAVE BEEN TOW HOME ABOUT 6 OR 7 TIMES.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-20
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FMDU15N6GL
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: RIGHT REAR TIRE HAD BEEN REPAIRED WITH FOUR STRING-PLUG ONLY REPAIRS. THERE WAS NO PATCH ON THE INNER-LINER AS RECOMMENDED BY THE RMA. *LA AS A RESULT OF THE IMPROPER PLUG-ALONE REPAIRS, AIR WAS ALLOWED TO MIGRATE INTO THE CARCASS OF THE TIRE; RESULTING ON A TREAD SEPARATION. WHILE DRIVING THE RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEWOUT. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND INTO THE GRASS MEDIAN. THE RIGHT REAR OF THE VEHICLE BECAME AIR BORNE AND CAUSED THE RIGHT FRONT TO STRIKE THE DIRT. THE VEHICLE THEN OVERTURNED TRAVELING APP 41 FEET THEN LANDING ON IT'S TOP. A RESULT OF THIS ACCIDENT THE CONSUMER IS A PARAPLEGIC. (FLORIDA TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: YOU BROADCASTED THE RECALL SETTLEMENT FOR FORD IGNITION MODULES,YETMY LOCAL DEALERS SEEM OBLIVIOUS TO THE RECALL ,WHAT DO I NEED TO GET ANOTHER IGNITION MODULE THAT YOU PEOPLE GOT FORD TO SETTLE ON. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-12
- VIN: 1FMCU14T4GU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DRIVING AT 65 MPH VEHICLE ENGINE DIED; HAVE REPLACED PART 3 TIMES IN LAST YEAR. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1986-10-01
- VIN: 1FMDU15NOGL
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: STALLED GOING ROUND CORNERS, STALLING AT STOPS. ENGINE RACED, FIXED AFTER YEARS LOW MILES. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FMDU15N0GL
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WOULD BE DRIVING VEHICLE AT LOW SPEED & NOTICED HOW BUMPY TIRES WERE FEELING. PULLED OVER & CHECKED. TREAD WAS SEPARATING & THEY WERE OUT OF ROUND. ALSO HAD LUMPS IN THE TIRES. HAVE NOT BEEN IN TOUCH WITH FIRESTONE OR FORD. REPLACEMENT TIRES ON A 1986 FORD BRONCO. FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX 31X10.5X15 DOT CODE VDHL.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE TREAD UNZIPPED FROM THE TIRE IDENTICAL TO THAT OF THE FIRESTONE DEFECT, CAUSING MY BRONCO II TO LOSE CONTROL AND FLIP THREE TIMES INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. (DOT NUMBER: A3UL423186 TIRESIZE: P205/75R15)
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE TREAD UNZIPPED FROM THE TIRE IDENTICAL TO THAT OF THE FIRESTONE DEFECT, CAUSING MY BRONCO II TO LOSE CONTROL AND FLIP THREE TIMES INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC.( DOT NUMBER: A3UL423186 TIRE SIZE: P205/75R15 )
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE TREAD UNZIPPED FROM THE TIRE IDENTICAL TO THAT OF THE FIRESTONE DEFECT, CAUSING MY BRONCO II TO LOSE CONTROL AND FLIP THREE TIMES INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-15
- VIN: 1FMDU15N8GL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: GOOD MORNING! I AM WRITING TO ADD MY VOICE TO WHAT IS APPARENTLY A GROWING CHORUS OF PERSONS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED IGNITION FAILURES ON FORD MOTOR COMPANY PRODUCTS. I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO CONTACT FMC DIRECTLY THROUGH THEIR WEB SITE, AS THEIR OWNER REGISTRATION FORM IS, ITSELF, SUFFERING A FAILURE, AND THEY DO NOT HAVE A FACILITY FOR DIRECTLY E-MAILING THEM WITHOUT 'REGISTERING' WITH THEM, FIRST. MY 1986 FORD BRONCO, FULL-SIZE, 5.0L, FUEL-INJECTED, IS SUBJECT TO SUDDEN, UNEXPLAINED LOSS OF "FIRE" (I.E. THE IGNITION QUITS FOR NO APPARENT REASON), AND YET WIL RE-FIRE IF THE VEHICLE IS ALLOWED TO SIT FOR ABOUT AN HOUR OR SO. THIS CONDITION IS NOT RELATED TO A "TRUE" OVERHEAT, I.E. NOT INVOLVING FAILURE OF THE COOLING SYSTEM. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TFI DISTRIBUTOR MODULE AN AVERAGE OF ONCE A YEAR IN THE SIX YEARS I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE, AND HAVE FOUND MYSELF IN DANGEROUS CIRCUMSTANCES MANY TIMES AS A RESULT OF THE IGNITION FAILURE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-29
- VIN: 1FMDU15N7GL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I HAVE EXPERIENCED FOUR FAILURES OF THE TFI IGNITION MODULE OVER THE PERIOD OF TIME I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE, THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED WITHIN TWO MONTHS OF HAVING PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. EACH SUBSEQUENT FAILURE OCCURRED AT APPROXIMATELY TWO TO THREE YEAR INTERVALS. THE MOST RECENT FAILURE PROMPTED ME TO REPLACE NOT ONLY THE TFI MODULE BUT ALSO AN IGNITION COIL AND GENERAL TUNE-UP PARTS. THESE FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND ALSO WHILE SIMPLY AT IDLE IN TRAFFIC.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMDU15NXGL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AN ELECTRICAL FIRE STARTED UNDER THE DASH RIGHT IN THE CENTER. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-23
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FMDU15H5BL
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE TRYING TO STOP VEHICLE IT ACCELERATED TO HIGH AMOUNT OF SPEED, CAUSING DRIVER TO CRASH HEAD-ON INTO A UTILITY POLE. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMDU15NXGL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING FLAMES CAME FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AREA. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-01
- VIN: 1FMDU15H9GL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT BUCKLES FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-03
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMEU15H1GL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ALTERNATOR WIRING CONNECTOR MELTED AND SHORTED OUT CAUSING FIRE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14T9GU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: FUEL IGNITION WIRING MELTED, RESULTING IN A FIRE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-20
- VIN: 1FMDU15N5GL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE IGNITION SWITCH BURNT OUT.PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-02
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, ENGINE SHUT DOWN. OWNER PULLED OVER TO RE-START ENGINE HEARD "POP" SOUND FOLLOWED BY FIRE THROUGH FIREWALL. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-02
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, ENGINE SHUT DOWN. OWNER PULLED OVER TO RE-START ENGINE HEARD "POP" SOUND FOLLOWED BY FIRE THROUGH FIREWALL. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-29
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED. *SD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-13
- Fire: 1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT, AND FUEL LEAKAGE. TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-13
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT, AND FUEL LEAKAGE. TT
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-07
- VIN: 1FMCU14T1GU
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: BODY BOLTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OFTEN COMES A LOOSE. TT
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-07
- VIN: 1FMCU14T1GU
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: REPLACED SHOCKS. *AK
1986 Ford Bronco recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1986 Ford Bronco.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
- Consequence: COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.
- Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1986 Ford Bronco problems:
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