1987 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.
Social links
Common 1987 Ford Bronco problems
The 1987 Ford Bronco, like any other vehicle, has its share of common problems reported by its owners. Here are some of the most commonly reported issues:
- Transmission Issues: Some owners of the 1987 Ford Bronco have complained about suddenly feeling rough shifts while driving their Bronco. When they took their SUV to the shop to get checked, they were told they had problems with their transmission. Most of the owners had to replace their transmission to resolve the problem.
- Engine Issues: Concerns range from oil leaks to poor gas mileage, which are typically caused by a damaged oil pan gasket. On top of these issues, some drivers have also experienced problems with their vehicle’s oil pressure. Many owners of the Ford Bronco have also complained about intermittent oil pressure readings. When they put their SUV into gear, the oil pressure would suddenly drop and the check engine light would illuminate. In some cases, the vehicle may even stall.
- Fuel System 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, which causes 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.
- Broken Universal Joints: Broken universal joints are comparatively common, especially if the Ford Bronco is used off-road. However, 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.
- Air Conditioning Problems: Some owners have reported issues with their vehicle’s air conditioning system. In some cases, the A/C may stop working altogether.
These are some of the most commonly reported problems with the 1987 Ford Bronco. It is important to note that not all vehicles of this model year will experience these issues, and many can be resolved with regular maintenance and timely repairs.
Is 1987 Ford Bronco a good car?
The vehicle handles very well on the road, able to make Uturns in two lanes, and corners are a breeze. Sounds great when idoling and has quite a lot of power for such a small truck. Easy to park in any space and a very smooth ride with very little road noise.
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 is in a 1987 Ford Bronco?
The 300 six and 351W 5.8L V8 engines were paired with electronic fuel injection in the 1987-88 model years. A 5-speed manual transmission was introduced in 1988 and an all-new Borg Warner 1345 transfer case with optional Touch Drive electric shift replaced the New Process 208 case.
Is 1987 Ford Bronco a good car?
The vehicle handles very well on the road, able to make Uturns in two lanes, and corners are a breeze. Sounds great when idoling and has quite a lot of power for such a small truck. Easy to park in any space and a very smooth ride with very little road noise.
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 1987 Ford Bronco?
The 300 six and 351W 5.8L V8 engines were paired with electronic fuel injection in the 1987-88 model years. A 5-speed manual transmission was introduced in 1988 and an all-new Borg Warner 1345 transfer case with optional Touch Drive electric shift replaced the New Process 208 case.
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.
1987 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
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Ford Bronco vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1987 Ford Bronco
The NHTSA has received 45 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Ford Bronco. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1987 Ford Bronco vehicles.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-05
- VIN: 1FMCU14T3HU
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE VEHICLES FUEL LINES EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT AS STATED IN RECALL 07 V 139 000, BUT THE VEHICLES VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED. *NLM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-24
- Number Of Deaths: 10
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: I HAVE A 1987 FORD BRONCO XLT THAT I BOUGHT FROM J AND L AUTO. IT HAS NO BRAKE LIGHTS, NO BLINKERS AND THE HEAD LIGHTS ARE STUCK ON BRIGHT. THE BACK WINDOW IS PLEXY GLASS, ALSO NONE OF THE HOSE ARE HOOKED UP UNDER THE HOOD. THIS MAKES IT RUN REAL RICH AND THE OIL LEAKS SO BAD THAT EVERY WEEK I HAVE TO PUT IN 2 QUARTS OF OIL. THERE WAS ALSO A GAS LEAK THAT WAS SMALL AND GOT WORSE AS TIME WENT ON. I TRIED TO FIX THE GAS LEAK BUT I CAN'T FIND A USED ONE ANY WHERE. AS FOR FIXING THE REST OF THE STUFF I STILL OWE MONEY ON THE BRONCO WHICH I HAVE NOT PAID BECAUSE ITS NOT STREET LEGAL I HAD TO BUY A DIFFERENT CAR JUST TO GET BACK AND FORTH TO WORK BECAUSE I WAS AFRED I WOULD BE IN A CRASH BECAUSE OF NO BRAKE LIGHTS.TS
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-18
- Crash: 1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: HAVE HAD 2 TIRES TO BECOME DELAMINATED AND NEARLY FLIP THE VEHICLE. NEED TO RESEARCH THIS AND SEE HOW TO PROCEED. YOU ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. I ALSO HAVE BOTH TIRES AND PICTURES OF THEM AVAILABLE FOR YOU UPON REQUEST. *AK (DOT NUMBER: CY72PBHA TIRESIZE: 31-11-15)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-26
- VIN: 1FMBU14T4HU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THIS TIME JUST ABOUT EXIT FROM FREEWAY IT WAS AT NIGHT TIME WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED AWAY, NEXT DAY, ENGINE STARTED AND TOOK TO MECHANIC, AND HE COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE. CONSUMER FELT THIS HAPPENED WHEN IGNITION MODULE GOT HOT.*AK THE VEHICLE USED TO RESTART AFTER THE ENGINE COOLS OFF, BUT WHEN THE IGNITION MODULE FAILED, IT WOULD NOT RESTART. *YH
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FMCU14T4HU
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: FATALITY WANTS INFO REGARDING ROLLOVER FIRESTONE 15 INCH RADIALS. (CLAIM# 16-N004-117) *MW
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-24
- VIN: 1FMDU15N1HL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I HAVE HAD THIS VECHICLE FOR 4 YEARS AND I HAVE HAD IGNITION PROBLEMS 4 TIMES. I HAD THE IGNITION REPLACED 3 TIMES. 3 MONTHS AGO I WENT TO PICK UP MY DAUGHTERS FROM SCHOOL AND IT WOULD NOT WHEN WE WERE GOING TO LEAVE THE SCHOOL. I HAD TO LEAVE IT THER AND COME SEVERAL HOURS LATER. WHEN I RETURNED I PLAYED WITH THE IGNITION A LITTTLE BIT AND IT STARTED. IT WAS FINE FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS THEN IT WOULDN'T START AT ALL. I HAD IT TOWED TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID IT WASN'T GETTING ANY FUEL PRESSURE. HE REPLACED A CORRODED WIRE AND SECURED FUEL PUMP& FILTER PROPERLY. IT FINE AGAIN FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS AND IT STARTED HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. IT WOULDN'T START! I HAVE TO KEEP PLAYING WITH THE IGNITION BEFORE IT WILL CRANK OVER. SOMETIMES IT WILL SOMETIMES IT WON'T. IT HAS STALLED ON ME 3 TIMES IN THE PAST WEEK WHILE DRIVING. I ORDERED A 2001 250 FORD LAST WEEK AND AM HAVING SECOND THOUGHTS ABOUT FOLLOWING THREW WITH IT BECAUSE OF THE BAD EXPERIENCE I HAVE HAD WITH THIS BRONCO.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-02-11
- VIN: 1FMEU15N1HL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY TRAVELING 70MPH,PULLED OVER AT REST STOP AND THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RELEASE. HAD TO CUT THE SEAT BELT OFF. CONTACTED THE DEALER. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FMDU15N8HL
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: PURCHASED VEHICLE IN NOVEMBER 1998. STARTED PROBLEMS IN 12/98. PURCHASED DISTRIBUTOR SHAFT WITH WIRING. BACK BRAKES AND FRONT BRAKES REPLACEMENT. HAS HAD A "MISS" SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. CAUSING A JERKING WHICLE DRIVING SOMETIMES. WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE-GAS FUMING AND HIGH RPM READING WHERE ENGINE REVS UP TOO HIGH. BAD FLOODING IF BRONCO DOESN'T START IMMEDIATELY. IT WILL EVENTUALLY FLOOD OUT. AIR CONDITIONER DOESN'T BLOW COOL. HAS HAD REFILLED. LASTED FROM HOT SUMMER BUT NOT COOL AT ALL NOW. HEATER DOESNT' GET REALLY WHAT YOU WOULD CALL HOT. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED A CONSTANT "CLICKING OF THE ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS STARTED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. TOOK THE FUSE FOR THAT OUT. AFRAID IT WOULD CAUSE ACCIDENTAL DOOR LOCKING. PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT SHUT PROPERLY AND WINDOW WILL NOT FEED UP WIWTHOUT ASSISTANCE. WINDOW IS ALSO POWER. WHEN THE BRONCO WAS TAKEN FOR ALIGNMENT, WAS TOLD THAT FRAME WAS SLIGHTLY BENT ON PASSENGERS SIDE. HAS HAD TO REPLACE BRAKE LINES ALSO.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-18
- VIN: NOT AVAILAB
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING & UPON MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT HAND TURN STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. CONSUMER ALSO NOTES THE VEHICLE WILL START WITHOUT PLACING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. CONSUMER HAS YET TO CONTACT THE DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FMDU15N6HL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE INTERMITENTLY GO TO FLOOR. REPLACED MASTER CYLINER, WHEEL CYLINDERS, ROTORS, PADS & SHOES. STILL HAPPENING. VERY SCARY BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN THEY WILL GO TO THE FLOOR.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-12-20
- Fire: 1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: ENGINE FAILED/ENGINE FIRE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14T9HU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR 12 HOURS BEFORE CATCHING ON FIRE IN THE ELECTRIAL WIRING SYSTEM, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-10-17
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14T4HU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE FIRE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14T1HU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND THE KEY WAS OUT OF THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE UNDER THE HOOD, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-26
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1SMEU15N2HL
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IT CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT DUE TO A FUEL PUMP PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK *JB
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-16
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: ALL 5 LUG NUTS SHEARED OFF RESULTING IN LEFT REAR WHEEL FALLING OFF, DAMAGING VEHICLE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU14T3HU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO A FAULTY EXHAUST MANIFOLD. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMEV15N1HL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AFTER BEING PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO HOURS. FIRE DEPARTMENT STATES THAT FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-08-01
- VIN: 1FMEU15Y9HL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ALTERNATOR FAILED 3 TIMES, ONCE CAUSING FIRE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-06
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT SHE HAD JUST TURNED HER VEHCILE OFF AND WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IT CAUGHT ON FIRE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-26
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMDU15NXHL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-06
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMEU1SN7HL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH FIRE. *SD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-13
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FMEU15N1HL
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ENGINE REVVED, WENT THROUGH A DINER, NO RESPONSE FROM ANTI LOCK BRAKES. NOTE: DRIVER HAD BOTH FEET OF BRAKE PEDAL. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-15
- VIN: 1FMDU15NXHL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION, CONSUMER SMELLED WIRING BURNING. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-15
- VIN: 1FMDU15NXHL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION, CONSUMER SMELLED WIRING BURNING. *AK
1987 Ford Bronco recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1987 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 1987 Ford Bronco problems:
Q&A: Common Problems with 1987 Ford Bronco II
Jun 21, 2010 ... It sounds like the TFI module (ignition module) that is mounted on the side of the distributor. This is one of the most common problems on this ...
Buying help/ tips requested: i'm going to look at a 87 bronco 2 this ...
Aug 3, 2021 ... ... issues or troublesome areas i should make sure i look at : r/bronco ... ford auto trans at that time ... Any common problems/reliability issues? 7 ...
1987 Engine Problems | Bronco Forum - Full Size Ford Bronco Forum
Jul 22, 2021 ... The engine temperature must be greater than 50° F for the Key On Engine Off (KOEO) Self-Test and greater than 180° F for the Key On Engine ...
1987 Ford Bronco II problems | Hot Rod Forum
May 11, 2021 ... There were a rash of bad ignition switches back in the day due to poor assembly of the switch and the little metal tabs that hold the switch ...
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 ...
Other years of Ford Bronco
Are you having problems with your 1987 Ford Bronco?
Leave your review of 1987 Ford Bronco