1989 Ford Bronco II
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Bronco II › 1989
These records cover every 1989 Ford Bronco II. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1989 Ford Bronco II. Newest first.
Front wheel bearing adjusting nut retaining keys may be missing from front axle assemblies, allowing the nut to loosen.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could result in detachment of the wheel and hubassembly from the axle, loss of vehicle control, and an accident.
Remedy
Install retaining keys in front wheel hub assemblies where missing.
Owner complaints
39 complaints3 involved a crash11 involved a fire9 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
1989 ford bronco II, spontaneously caught fire in our garage 8/23/02. I was the original owner of the vehicle which was purchased from a dealer in taylor texas, vin # [xxx]. The vehicle was rolled into the driveway, whereby it burned beyond recognition. The fire department was called. I have…
1989 ford bronco II, spontaneously caught fire in our garage 8/23/02. I was the original owner of the vehicle which was purchased from a dealer in taylor texas, vin # [xxx]. The vehicle was rolled into the driveway, whereby it burned beyond recognition. The fire department was called. I have contacted ford and requested reimbursement for the vehicle and driveway replacement. At this time they are declining the opportunity to take the corrective action requested. I would like to request that ford broaden the scope of it's recall based upon the nhtsa findings 4/25/96 recall #96v071000 or the ford recall related to the cruise control deactivation switch . *nm *jb *nm information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
We were driving the speed limit, came around a curve on hwy 86, hit loose gravel and lost control.....we rolled the vehicle once(landing on our top). As soon as the bronco 2 started to roll over, the top of the cab started buckling like an aluminum soda can...the result was the driver side being…
We were driving the speed limit, came around a curve on hwy 86, hit loose gravel and lost control.....we rolled the vehicle once(landing on our top). As soon as the bronco 2 started to roll over, the top of the cab started buckling like an aluminum soda can...the result was the driver side being smashed about two inches into the driver's seatback. I have seen other bronco 2 that have rolled and they held up much better than ours. my fiancee, our son, our dog and i(being 6 months pregnant) all went to the hospital to get checked. this total damage of the vehicle cost us $200.00 to get the vehicle and our belongings home, not to mention lost wages and hospital bills.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
Fuel line ruptured and vehicle caught on fire. *Ak
- Tires
This tire was an original equipment spare, mounted on the right rear on 4-12-97 (3 new tires purchased at same time).the tire had about 22,100 miles on it. It lost about 1/3 of its tread at 50 mph but did not blow out. I heard the loose tread hit the fend. *ak (dot number: hyul tiresize: p205/75r15)
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
I have replaced the fuel pump several times the man at the gas station stated that it had a bad sending unit and this caused me to go though the fuel pumps. The man at the gas station told me to do this. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition · Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
Eec test wiring IS bare and has been melting, ignition switch sticks which causes anti-lock brake light to come on - gas pedal sticks - headlights and blinkers do not work - power windows do not work - dash lights do not work. air conditioner constantly runs and freezes up (compressor and fan).…
Eec test wiring IS bare and has been melting, ignition switch sticks which causes anti-lock brake light to come on - gas pedal sticks - headlights and blinkers do not work - power windows do not work - dash lights do not work. air conditioner constantly runs and freezes up (compressor and fan). there was an original recall for the ignition switch in 1996 however, we never received anything on this and now we are experienceing the problems stated earlier. anything that can be done to correct this would be greatly appreciated.
- Tires
The right rear firestone atx wilderness tire blewout due to tread separation resulting in vehicle rollover accident which caused death. (attorney for consumer) *mjs
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery
The battery IS located in the engine compartment on the passenger side of the vehicle. the battery IS held in place by a small ineffective retainer that only covers an edge of the battery on the bottom of the battery. in addition, this retainer does not often fit replacement batteries properly.…
The battery IS located in the engine compartment on the passenger side of the vehicle. the battery IS held in place by a small ineffective retainer that only covers an edge of the battery on the bottom of the battery. in addition, this retainer does not often fit replacement batteries properly. the positive lead on the battery IS connected to the battery on the side of the battery that IS directly adjacent to the fender on the passenger side of the vehicle. these two design flaws work together to cause a situation which can easily cause a fire in the engine compartment of the vehicle. in my particular case, which should be very typical, the battery hold down bracket did not hold the battery in place. due to this problem, the battery shifted just a few inches toward the fender on the passenger side of the vehicle. This caused the positive terminal of the battery to come in contact with the fender, thus causing the battery to "short to ground". the result of this occurance was that my entire wiring harness was shorted, burned and destroyed. the cables that release my emergency brake and hood were shorted and the exterior coating began to burn. other plastic parts of the vehicle began to burn and flames "shot out" from under the engine compatment area. when I attempted to pull the hood release lever to try and contain the fire, the cable pulled loose due to the immediate damage caused by the "short to ground" and the resultant fire. I was able to release the hood from underneath the front of the car, then I pulled the battery from the fender to stop the cause of the fire. finally, I was able to extinguish the fire with dirt and sand from the surrounding area. the fire and short caused $4000 to $5000 in actual damage to include fire damage to the paint on my hood and fender. this could have been much worse however. imagine if this occured while a parent was outside the vehicle and a short distance from the vehicle with their child or pet inside.
- Tires
Car totaled - have police report. No safety defect mentioned in summary. *ak( dot number: tire size: p205/75r15 )
- Unknown or other
Unspecified.
- Electrical system › Wiring
While parked an electrical short in the plug connector at the alternator, caused alternator to catch on fire. please provide details. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft · Unknown or other · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
The first problem we encounter was the ac going out the first day we had the vehicle was told it worked great. The air cond problem the heater did not work was told it was reapired and has yet to work not even the defrost. The thrid was the emergency brake going out and the springs popping. The…
The first problem we encounter was the ac going out the first day we had the vehicle was told it worked great. The air cond problem the heater did not work was told it was reapired and has yet to work not even the defrost. The thrid was the emergency brake going out and the springs popping. The fourth probelm while driving at about 35mph no warning signs no nothing the vehicle launged forward and came to a complete stop. Got out of the vehicle and looked under and the whole drive shaft had broken intwo. Thank goodnes we werent goping down a hill we have rolled. My baby and mother were with me and no one was injured.the guy we bought it from refuses to fix it says I have to pay for it this vehicle has been in the shop thre times already in two months. We bought it with no warranty because his mechanics inspeacted it before we purchased it and told us it was in great shape. We belived them now we are stuck with a lemon and still paying for it. Isnt there anyone out there who can help?
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
Left and right rear view mirrors run in anytime vehicle IS driven over 40 mph.
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
Both exterior mirrors fold in when vehicle travels above 40 mph.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
After trying to start the vehicle 3 times the vehicle caught on fire in the engine compartment. cause unknown. Please describe details. *ak
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
While driving on the highway about (65) mph the hood flew up and hit the windshield. Driver was able to stop vehicle safely. the hood has not been repaired. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
While parked, an electrical short in the ignition switch, caused the dash area to catch on fire. *ak
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
Hood latch failed.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Gas tank rusted, causing leak.
- Tires › Tread/belt · Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
Mirrors designed that whole mirror pivots, not just glass, causing mirrors to fold with wind, causing poor visibility.
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
The outside mirrors on both sides of the truck folded in from the pressure of the wind. *ak consumer states has seen this on numerous ford ranger vehicles. *Jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Failure on the gas tank, the gas tank rusted through, causing gas to leak on the exhaust system.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components · Vehicle speed control
When consumer started up vehicle, it went into 100% acceleration with foot on the brake. Vehicle hit a tree which was (60) feet away.*ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
Wires in steering column shorted, causing fire.
- Electrical system › Wiring
An electrical short or shock caused the vehicle to caught fire. please describe. *ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Vehicle rollover
Petitioner alleged bronco II sport utility vehicles 1983-1990 were designed with handling and stability defects
- Whl separation/torque loss
There is no summary currently available
- Rollover propensity
Summary:the bronco II IS involved in more fatal single vehicle, firstevent rollovers compared to any other closed body utility vehicle (withor without normalizing vehicle populations and exposure).===
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 616522Subject regarding contamination from prior transmission concerns or excess wear may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system.
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda.
- 606420Ford motor company now recommends sae 5W-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year.
- 605573Subject regarding a new service center support that uses a thrust bearing (#3 and #4) in place of thrust washers has been released.
- 604059Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( F8AZ - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals.
- 601312Information on a buzzing or rattle noise from the exhaust system.
- 601290Information on tire company telephone numbers for customer assistance.
- 601269Announcing the ford oem air conditioning retrofit kit availability.
- 601238Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart.
- 51945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts.
- 51689Frame- rivet replacement with bolts- service tips.
- 50997Transaxle - torque converter replacement guidelines and torque converter/transaxle cooling system cleaning procedures - service tip.
- 50940Windshield and interior glass - fog/film.
- 50908Torque converter - leak test procedure - service tip.
- 50905Wiring - electrical diode identification and service replacements.
Every Ford Bronco II model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.