1987 FORD BRONCO

1 recalls, 61 complaints - 18 TSBs

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Defect Description

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.

3,600,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Complaint Statistics

61 total complaints 3 crashes 12 fires 2 injuries 120 deaths

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH	9
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	3
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER	2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM	2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING	2
WHEELS	2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD	2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM	2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE	2

Incident date: Mar 5, 2003

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

Incident date: Oct 24, 2002

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... Read more

10 deaths

Incident date: Oct 24, 2002

10 deaths

Incident date: Oct 24, 2002

10 deaths

Incident date: Oct 24, 2002

10 deaths

Incident date: Oct 24, 2002

10 deaths

Incident date: Oct 24, 2002

10 deaths

Incident date: Oct 24, 2002

10 deaths

Incident date: Oct 24, 2002

10 deaths

Incident date: Oct 24, 2002

10 deaths

Incident date: Oct 24, 2002

10 deaths

Incident date: Oct 24, 2002

10 deaths

Incident date: Oct 24, 2002

10 deaths

Incident date: Jul 18, 2001

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)

Crash

Incident date: Jul 26, 2000

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 RESTAR... Read more

FATALITY WANTS INFO REGARDING ROLLOVER FIRESTONE 15 INCH RADIALS. (CLAIM# 16-N004-117) *MW

Incident date: Aug 24, 2000

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 ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 11, 2000

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

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 REA... Read more

Incident date: Oct 18, 1999

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

Incident date: Oct 18, 1999

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.

Incident date: Dec 20, 1997

ENGINE FAILED/ENGINE FIRE

Fire

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.

Fire

Incident date: Oct 17, 1997

VEHICLE FIRE.

Fire 1 injured

Incident date: Jul 16, 1997

ALL 5 LUG NUTS SHEARED OFF RESULTING IN LEFT REAR WHEEL FALLING OFF, DAMAGING VEHICLE.

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

Fire

Incident date: Aug 26, 1997

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

Fire

Incident date: Feb 1, 1997

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO A FAULTY EXHAUST MANIFOLD. *AK

Fire

Incident date: Nov 1, 1996

VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AFTER BEING PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO HOURS. FIRE DEPARTMENT STATES THAT FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION.

Fire

Incident date: Aug 1, 1994

ALTERNATOR FAILED 3 TIMES, ONCE CAUSING FIRE.

Incident date: Jun 6, 1996

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

Fire

Incident date: Aug 26, 1996

ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN.*AK

Fire

Incident date: Apr 6, 1996

IGNITION SWITCH FIRE. *SD

Fire

Incident date: Apr 13, 1996

ENGINE REVVED, WENT THROUGH A DINER, NO RESPONSE FROM ANTI LOCK BRAKES. NOTE: DRIVER HAD BOTH FEET OF BRAKE PEDAL. *AK

Crash

Incident date: May 15, 1996

ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION, CONSUMER SMELLED WIRING BURNING. *AK

Incident date: May 15, 1996

ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION, CONSUMER SMELLED WIRING BURNING. *AK

Incident date: May 7, 1996

STARTER MOTOR REPLACED. *SD

Incident date: May 7, 1996

IGNIITION SWITCH STICKS. *SD

Incident date: Mar 15, 1996

IGNITION SWITCH LOCKS IN STARTER AND OFF MODE; FORD STARED MOTORS OVERHEATED TO POINT WHERE THEY SMOKED, BURNT/MELTED. *AK

Incident date: Sep 9, 1995

GAS LEAK, CAUSING EXPLOSION. *SD

IGNITION SWITCH FIRE, ELECTRICAL WIRE AROUND THE STEERING WHEEL. *AK

Fire

Incident date: Jul 28, 1995

STICKING ACCELERATOR AT FULL THROTTLE WHEN THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR IT JUST STAYS DOWN. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

Incident date: Jul 26, 1995

CRACKED EXHAUST MANIFOLD. *AK

Incident date: Nov 1, 1994

TRANSFER CASE REPAIRED. *SD

Incident date: Jan 16, 1995

BRAKE CABLE REPLACED. *SD

Showing 50 of 61 complaints.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1987 FORD BRONCO

18 manufacturer communications from 18 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	4
103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER	2
061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE	1
021000 SUSPENSION:FRONT	1
131000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD	1
021242 SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:HANGER,BRACKET	1
160000 STRUCTURE	1
190000 TIRES	1

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC

138600 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS

114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A NEW ELECTRICAL GREASE ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF MOISTURE CORROSION AT THE TERMINALS. *YC

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

INFORMATION ON A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHART. *YC

190000 TIRES

INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC

063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

INFORMATION ON A BUZZING OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

FLUID- TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *JD

160000 STRUCTURE

FRAME- RIVET REPLACEMENT WITH BOLTS- SERVICE TIPS. *JD

021242 SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:HANGER,BRACKET

NOISE- "POPPING/CREAKING"- FRONT FRAME OR SUSPENSION BRACKETS- FRAME- "POPPING/CREAKING"- FASTENER REPLACEMENT. *JD

103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER

TRANSAXLE - TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES AND TORQUE CONVERTER/TRANSAXLE COOLING SYSTEM CLEANING PROCEDURES - SERVICE TIP. *TW

103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER

TORQUE CONVERTER - LEAK TEST PROCEDURE - SERVICE TIP. *TW

131000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

WINDSHIELD AND INTERIOR GLASS - FOG/FILM. *TW

021000 SUSPENSION:FRONT

UNKNOWN

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

KNOCKING NOISE ON INITIAL START-UP. *TW

NHTSA Safety Investigations, FORD BRONCO

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2021

Low-pressure fuel pump failure

On July 29, 2024, the Oﬃce of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE24019 to investigate complaints of low-pressure fuel pump failures in MY 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles. Some consumers reported that the failure occurred without warning while driving, resulting in a complete loss of motive power with ... no ability to restart the engine. Ford determined that several other vehicle models contain low-pressure fuel pumps substantially similar to the 2021 Ford Bronco, including the 2022-2023 Ford Bronco, 2018-2023 Ford F-150, 2022-2023 Ford Expedition, 2019-2023 Lincoln Navigator, 2020-2023 Ford F-250-F-550, 2024 Ford Super Duty Chassis Cab, 2024-2025 Ford Ranger, 2020-2023 Ford Explorer, 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator, and 2021-2025 Ford Mustang. ODI's investigation found that the aﬀected vehicles may lose fuel pressure and ﬂow from the fuel delivery module (consisting of a low-pressure fuel pump, jet pump, reservoir, and other parts) due to a low-pressure pump failure. This can cause the engine to stall while driving. The root cause is reduced internal clearance in the fuel pump, increasing friction and sensitivity to vapor lock. Fuel blockage from contamination inside the jet pump also contributed to the failure. Ford stated that the contamination source was unknown. On July 7, 2025, Ford ﬁled recall 25V-455 for certain 2021-2023 Ford F-550 SD/F-450 SD/F-350 SD/F-250 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, 2021-2022 Ford Mustang, 2021-2022 Ford F-150, 2021-2023 Ford Explorer, 2022 Ford Expedition, and 2021-2023 Ford Bronco vehicles produced between July 1, 2021, and July 30, 2022. The recall also included certain 2021-2023 Lincoln Aviator produced between July 1, 2021, and December 21, 2022. Ford explained in its recall filingthat the production dates used for the recall were based on changes in the manufacturing process. Specifically, Ford determined that in June 2021, the supplier modified the jet pump manufacturing process, producing fuel pump chambers with a lower-than-specified internal clearance. In July 2022, the supplier implemented corrective actions to the manufacturing process by adding two additional vacuum pumps to reduce contamination during the production of the jet pump. ODI has identified approximately 1,000 reports involving vehicles covered in this investigation but excluded from recall 25V-455. However, even with such reports, these vehicles experienced comparatively lower failure rates than the vehicles that are subject to Recall 25V-455. Ford has explained that these vehicles were excluded from the recall population because they did not experience the manufacturing changes that prompted the recall. Specifically, according to Ford, vehicles built before July 1, 2021 (the recall production start date), were not affected by the supplier’s change to the jet pump manufacturing process. Even after closing this investigation, ODI will continue to monitor complaints for vehicles excluded from recall 25V-455 to consider whether they exhibit the same risks as the vehicles encompassed by the recall. The recall remedy is currently under development. In view of Ford’s recall action, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation, but will continue to monitor the issue as a remedy is developed and implemented. ODI will take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identiﬁcation Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2021

Loss of Motive Power

On July 22, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) granted a Defect Petition (DP22001) and opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE22007) to investigate allegations of loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles equipped with 2.7L EcoBoost engines. Complainants were reporti... ng sudden engine failure while driving resulting in a loss of motive power, often without the ability to restart. During PE22007, the cause of engine failure and loss of motive power in the subject vehicles was determined to be intake valve fracture, and the full scope of vehicles affected by the subject defect was identified as all MY 2021-2022 Ford and Lincoln models equipped with either the 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost engines, referred to as the “Nano” engine family. If an intake valve fractures in the subject engines, it may drop into the cylinder and contact the piston, often resulting in catastrophic engine damage. On September 29, 2023, PE22007 was upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA23002) to further investigate the subject defect across the full scope of affected vehicles. During EA23002, ODI visited Ford facilities to review technical information related to intake valve fracture in “Nano” engines, coordinated with NHTSA’s Vehicle Research and Testing Center (VRTC), and analyzed updated field data relating the subject defect. Forensic analysis of fractured intake valves demonstrated that the defective components exhibited “grinding burn” or out of specification hardness in the area of the keeper grooves. The presence of grinding burn is evidence that during the groove grinding phase of production, the temperature of the valve became sufficiently high to alter the microstructure of the material and is indicative that the valve supplier’s manufacturing processes were not within control specifications. Grinding burn results in a hard, brittle microstructure and high residual stresses toward the surface of the valve. Through normal engine loading, a valve with grinding burn will likely fracture at the area of highest vulnerability, which is the third keeper groove. In its response to the EA23002 Information Request (IR) letter, Ford provided evidence of 396 customer complaints (including field reports), 825 warranty claims, and 936 engine exchanges. When considering both ODI and manufacturer failure report data, there have been reports representing 1066 unique vehicles within the subject vehicle population. Analysis of the failure report data demonstrates that vehicles equipped with potentially defective intake valves were built within a production “spike period” of May 2021 – October 2021. The beginning of the spike period corresponds to a ramp up in production at the valve supplier manufacturing facility, and the end of the spike period aligns with the implementation of several mid-production process improvements and the decision to change the metal alloy used to produce intake valves from “Silchrome Lite” to “Silchrome 1”. Ford began investigating the subject defect in July 2021, determined the root cause, and took corrective measures for the new production vehicles. Analysis of the failure report data demonstrates that these corrective actions were successful in eliminating the risk of intake valve fracture for subject vehicles produced after October 2021. However, Ford did not take any field action to address vehicles produced during the spike period, and in the several months following the implementation of the production changes, a significant number of field failures continued to occur. It is Ford’s assessment that not all valves produced during the spike period are defective, and that failures associated with the subject defect occur at low time in service. Analysis of the failure report data demonstrates that the vast majority of failures have occurred before 20,000 miles with over half of all reported failures occurring before 5,000 miles. The rate of reported failures related to the subject defect has steadily decreased since November 2021. ODI coordinated with NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA) to conduct statistical analysis and predict the number of future failures associated with the subject defect. The results of this analysis, and the trends identified through the failure report data are generally consistent with Ford’s assessment that defective intake valves will likely fail at a low time in service and indicate that the majority of subject vehicles equipped with defective valves have already experienced a failure. On August 23, 2024, Ford submitted recall 24V635 for subject vehicles equipped with “Nano” engines and built within the production spike period identified above (total population 90,736 vehicles). The remedy includes an inspection at a Ford/Lincoln dealership where the lifetime engine cycles of the vehicle will be determined. If a vehicle does not meet a threshold for lifetime engine cycles, the dealership will conduct a high RPM engine cycle accumulation procedure, which aims to identify if the vehicle is equipped with defective intake valves. Any vehicle that fails the accumulation procedure will receive an engine replacement under the recall. In addition to recall 24V635, Ford has stated that it will launch customer satisfaction campaign 24N12, which will provide extended warranty coverage to the subject vehicles through the earlier of 10 years or 150,000 miles. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2021

Loss of motive power due to valve intake failure on Ford Bronco vehicles.

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition dated March 16, 2022, requesting an investigation regarding allegations of defective intake valves in model year (MY) 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles equipped with the 2.7L Eco-boost (“Nano”) engines. The petitioner alleged these vehicles... Read more

DP, Closed , Model Year: 2021

Loss of Motive Power

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received three petitions on March 17, March 18, and March 29, 2022, which requested a defect investigation into an alleged defect of the valves on model year (MY) 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles equipped with the 2.7L Eco-boost engines. The petitioners alleged tha... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1994

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

EA05-005 IS CLOSED WITH FORD?S ACTIONS IN RECALLS 05V-017, 05V-388, AND 06V-286, RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 6.7 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).THE BRAKE SYSTEMS IN THESE RECALLED VEHICLES GENERATE A VACUUM THAT CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE SCDS ... Read more

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 1992

PARKING BRAKE