1988 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 1988 Ford Bronco problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 1988 Ford Bronco, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:
- Ignition Module Malfunctions:
- Owners have reported issues with the ignition module malfunctioning in the 1989 Bronco, leading to difficulties in starting the vehicle.
- Oil Pressure Drops When Warm:
- A common problem in the 1990 Bronco is the oil pressure dropping to zero when the engine is warm, indicating potential oil pressure issues.
- Starting Issues:
- Owners of the 1988 Bronco have reported difficulties starting the vehicle, which can be a frustrating problem affecting the car's reliability.
- Transmission Overheating:
- Overheating of the transmission has been highlighted as a concern by Bronco owners, impacting the vehicle's performance and potentially leading to costly repairs.
- A/C Malfunction:
- Complaints include the air conditioning system stopping working in the 1991 Bronco, affecting comfort and climate control within the vehicle.
- Electrical Problems:
- The 1988 Bronco has been associated with electrical issues, which can range from minor inconveniences to more serious safety concerns.
- Braking System Concerns:
- Owners have reported problems with the brakes in the Bronco, emphasizing the importance of maintaining this critical safety component for optimal performance.
- Fuel System Issues:
- Complaints regarding the fuel system have been noted, highlighting potential issues with fuel delivery, efficiency, or leaks that can impact the vehicle's operation.
- Body Problems:
- A complaint has been raised about body-related issues in the Bronco, which could involve structural integrity, rust, or cosmetic concerns affecting the vehicle's appearance and functionality.
These reported problems with the 1988 Ford Bronco underscore the importance of regular maintenance, prompt repairs, and thorough inspections to address these issues effectively and ensure the vehicle's longevity and performance.
Are old Ford Broncos reliable?
If maintained well over the years, vintage Ford Broncos can be remarkably reliable.
What engine did the 1988 Ford Bronco have?
The 300 six and 351W 5.8L V8 engines were paired with electronic fuel injection in the 1987-88 model years.
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.
How many miles per gallon does a 1988 Ford Bronco get?
12 combined
Find and Compare Cars
| 1988 Ford Bronco 4WD | |
|---|---|
| Personalize Find a car | 8 cyl, 5.0 L, Automatic 3-spd Compare |
| Fuel Economy | |
| EPA MPG | Regular Gasoline 12 combined city/highway MPG 11 city 12 highway 8.3 gals/100 miles |
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 1988 Ford Bronco?
The 300 six and 351W 5.8L V8 engines were paired with electronic fuel injection in the 1987-88 model years.
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 year was the best Bronco?
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.
1988 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
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Ford Bronco vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1988 Ford Bronco
The NHTSA has received 66 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Ford Bronco. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1988 Ford Bronco vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-12-16
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN, AND FROM THE VENTS. CONSUMER PULLED OVER. THEN, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. CONSUMER CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-30
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDETERMINED SPEED VEHICLE STALLED, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-13
- VIN: 1FMEU15H9JL
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE ENGINE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. *AK THREE ENGINES WERE REPLACED DUE TO FAULTY MANUFACTURING. IN TWO OF THE INCIDENTS, THE CONSUMER'S SON WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE VEHICLE FROM THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT INJURY. BOTH ENGINES FAILED AFTER 50-60 MILES ON THEM. *PH *JB
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-04
- VIN: 1FMEU15H1JL
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: SIDEWALL BUBBLED OUT IN TWO PLACES.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE VEHICLES ALTERNATOR BURNED UP, CONSUMER REPLACED ALTERNATOR AND COMPLETED WORK THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED, HOWEVER THE SECOND TIME THE DAMAGE WAS EXTENSIVE, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING FORD TO HELP IN THIS DEFECT. NLM
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-02-27
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVNG ABOUT 70 MPH, TREAD ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE GOODYEAR WRANGLER AT TIRE CAME OFF. DRIVER WAS NOT ABLE TO CONTROL TRUCK, WHICH FLIPPED AND ROLLED OVER. NOT ORIGINAL TIRE EQUIPMENT ON A 1988, FORD, BRONCO. TIRE SIZE 31X10.50R15. NOT SURE OF TIRE MILEAGE. *AK DUE TO THE TIRE FAILURE, 2 PEOPLE WERE INJURED. *SLC
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-10
- VIN: 1FMEU15H7JL
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS FOUND FLAT - SPARE PUT ON AND FLAT TIRE WAS TAKEN TO FIRESTONE DEALER AT 5110 WEST SAGINAW IN LANSING, MI - TIRE HAD A SPLIT RUNNING COMPLETELY AROUND THE INSIDE SIDEWALL, THE OTHER THREE TIRES HAD THE SAME SPLIT RUNNING COMPLETELY AROUND THE TIRE - THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE UNSAFE AND RECOMMENDED THAT THEY BE REPLACED - THE TIRES ALL HAD 8/32 TREAD REMAINING. I FEEL YOU SHOULD TAKE A LOOK AT ALL THE TIRES MADE AT THE DECATUR PLANT - ALSO I CONTACTED FIRESTONE SEVERAL TIME RIGHT AFTER I PURCHASED THESE TIRES TO TRY AND FIND OUT WANT THE PROPER INFLATION WAS FOR THESE TIRES ON MY BRONCO AND NONE OF THE PEOPLE I TALKED TO COULD TELL ME WHAT THE PROPER PRESSURE SHOULD BE SO I RAN THEM AT THE PRESSURES RECOMMENDED FOR THE STOCK TIRES. I FEEL THAT THESE TIRES SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED AT NO COST TO ME, BUT THE ONLY CHIOCE I WAS GIVE WAS WARRANTY REPLACEMENT WHERE I HAD TO STILL PAY A PRORATED PRICE FOR THE REPLACEMENT TIRES.( DOT NUMBER: VDYK6TA057 TIRE SIZE: 32X11.5R15 )
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-02
- VIN: 1FMEU15N7JL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I FOUNDED OUT SINCE 1987 FORD HAS A "STRUCTURAL STRESS CRACK"THAT APPEARS IN THE METAL ROOF PART OF THESES VEHICLES.THEY EVEN HAVE A BULLENTIN FOR MAKING REPAIRS BUT NO ONE WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY WILL NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIRS THAT COST $1,100.00 TO HAVE REPAIRED.THIS IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT CAUSED BY USING CHEAP METAL AND ANY REPAIRS SHOULD BE PAIDED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-02
- VIN: 1FMEU15N7JL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I FOUNDED OUT SINCE 1987 FORD HAS A "STRUCTURAL STRESS CRACK"THAT APPEARS IN THE METAL ROOF PART OF THESES VEHICLES.THEY EVEN HAVE A BULLENTIN FOR MAKING REPAIRS BUT NO ONE WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY WILL NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIRS THAT COST $1,100.00 TO HAVE REPAIRED.THIS IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT CAUSED BY USING CHEAP METAL AND ANY REPAIRS SHOULD BE PAIDED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-03
- VIN: 1FMEU15M5JL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 96 V 071 00/ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A UNDERHOOD FIRE WHILE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY; DEALER/MFR;S NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS:
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-21
- Crash: 1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: P300.020; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 65MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE . RIGHT REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE TREAD HAD SEPARATED FROM TIRE. VEHICLE STARTED SPINNING OUT CONTROL. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: PAINT PEELING AND FADING
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-30
- VIN: 1FMEU15HXJL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40MPH HAD STARTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN, BUT BRAKES LOCKED UP. HAS HAPPENED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OR JUST IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS. THEY HAD HEATED UP & SMOKE COULD BE SEEN. HAD TAKEN TO DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS & THE BRAKE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE SOLVED. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-27
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AND SHIFTING TRANSMISSION, TRANSMISSION JUMPS OUT OF PARK.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-12
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMEU15H9JL
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FIRE.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-01
- VIN: 1FMEU15H9JL
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: SPRING INSIDE TAILGATE WINDOW RELEASED AS TAILGATE WAS LOWERED, CAUSING WINDOW TO SHATTER/BREAK.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-17
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMCU12T2JU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ABOUT 60 MPH SPEEDED AND LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD, THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARMENT CAME AND THEY COULDN'T EXPLAIN WHERE THE FIRE HAD STARTED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-12
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE STALLED, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FMCU14T4JU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: INTERMITTENT STALLING.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: EXHAUST MANIFOLD FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FAILURES.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-28
- VIN: 1FMEU15H1JL
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL PUMP CONNECTORS ARE LOOSENED, PUMP IS SPARKING. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-01
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE ORIGINAL ALTERNATOR REPLACED DUE TO OVERCHARGING. SECOND ALTERNATOR WAS INSTALLED AND THEN HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. SHORTLY AFTER, THE SECOND ALTERNATOR AND ITS WIRES HEATED UP AND CAUGHT FIRE, WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-11
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMEU15N3JL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ALTERNATOR FIRE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-20
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMEU15N2JL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WAS DRIVING AND THE ALTERNATOR LIGHT CAME ON, PULLED TRUCK OVER, OPENED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND IT WAS ON FIRE, TOOK TO DEALER AND HE INDICATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL ALTERNATOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *AK
1988 Ford Bronco recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1988 Ford Bronco.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
- Summary: THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Ford Bronco problems:
bronco ii problems - BroncoII4x4.com
Dec 18, 2005 ... We own a 88 Ranger two wheel drive with a 2.9 engine and a 5 speed and we have 220,000 miles on it and still going. I found the 2.9 to be good ...
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Sep 14, 2009 ... Ford released a kit to reinforce the cab on the inside, but it was only used on Broncos that didn't already have this problem. The effectiveness ...
1988 Ford Bronco Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Jul 13, 2009 ... Serpentine belt. Alternator. Tensioner. Throttle cable. Cruise control. Window washer motor. Radio. A/C. Cruise control. Headliner. Driver seat.
Beware Of The Bronco 2 Curse!!!!! - Car Forums and Automotive Chat
Dec 15, 2008 ... Bronco 2 tfi ignition systems were notorious for multiple problems ranging from over heating to losing ground. Another problem was the pins I.
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