Ford Bronco Reliability and Common Problems

If you’re in the market for a reliable SUV, you can’t go wrong with a Ford Bronco. All of its model years have something great to offer, from excellent safety ratings to its superb performance. Its resale value is also good, as it only depreciates by 35% in five years, according to CarEdge.com.

Are Ford Broncos Reliable?

The Ford Bronco enjoys above-average reliability ratings. Cars.com gave its 2021 model a rating of 4.4 out of 5.0, and 88% of the drivers on its site recommend it. Meanwhile, the car owners on RepairPal gave its models a 4.1 out of 5.0.

Sixth-Generation Ford Bronco Reliability

The sixth-generation Ford Bronco was released in 2021, with the latest model featuring some retro styling and luxurious features.

There are rumors that Ford Broncos can run into transmission failure early in its service life. This is after a Reddit user shared that his Ford Bronco’s automatic transmission failed randomly while cruising on the highway.

That said, many Ford Bronco owners report that their Broncos haven’t had any issues after driving thousands of miles.

One user did report a minor issue with the vehicle’s vacuum braking system, which caused intermittent braking. However, this seems to be an isolated case like the transmission issue.

That said, not all issues show up within the first few years of a vehicle’s service life. The sixth-generation Ford Bronco has only been out for a few years. It’s likely that issues with the Ford Bronco’s design will show up once owners put their Broncos through their paces.

Top Ford Bronco Problems

Although the Ford Bronco is one dependable SUV, it still has its fair share of problems. Here are the most commonly reported issues for different model years:

Ignition Module Failure

Ignition module malfunctions are among the most reported 1996 Ford Bronco problems. According to some owners, their SUV would stall while they’re driving and fail to start until 20 to 30 minutes later. Most of the time, their vehicles would start back up again after some time.

While this issue usually happens without warning, several drivers have noticed that their Broncos tend to stall or fail to restart while it’s raining.

In most cases, the stalling or a “no start” condition is caused by a faulty ignition module. Replacing the worn-out ignition moduleusually fixes the problem. Despite the numerous complaints about this defective module, Ford has yet to issue a recall to resolve it.

EGR System Tube Issues

According to some owners of the 1996 Ford Bronco, problems with its exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system tubes are common for this model year. The system’s tubes can break or wear out, resulting in exhaust leaks. Several drivers have also reported hearing odd noises under the hood. Replacing the damaged EGR lines usually resolves this problem.

Interior Accessories Problems

Reported problems with the 1995 Ford Bronco are fewer than other model years, the most common of which concern its interior accessories. Some owners have reported that their dashboards rattled so hard they shook off everything on them and onto the floor. Others complained about their gear shifter just falling off without any warning.

Faulty Intake Manifold Gasket

Some owners of the 1993 Ford Bronco have complained that their SUV had a high idle. When they took their Bronco to the dealership for a diagnosis, most of them were told that a faulty intake manifold gasket caused the issue.

Reports show that some 1993 Broncos started idling at around 1800-2000 RPMs. Most of the owners of the affected SUVs also noticed pieces of the gasket missing. This may be caused by a faulty intake manifold gasket or an engine vacuum leak that could affect the vehicle’s drivability.

Replacing the faulty part usually resolves these issues. An intake manifold gasket replacement typically costs around $10 to $45 plus labor costs.

Brake System Troubles

Many drivers of the 1992 Ford Bronco have reported problems with their brake system. Some report that their front brakes stick, bind, or grab from time to time, while others report issues with their vehicle’s brake caliper pins. Most were able to resolve these problems by cleaning or replacing their brake caliper pins.

Transmission Issues

According to some owners of the 1991 Ford Bronco, problems with its transmission are typical for the model year. Many of them 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 Problems

Engine issues are among the most widely reported 1990 Ford Bronco problems. 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. Some owners found a quick fix to resolve this issue, which involves putting the rig in neutral and revving the engine up.

If you’re in the market for a Ford Bronco, be prepared to embrace the good and the potential bad. But don’t worry. As long as you’re aware of the issues that the model year you’re planning to get may develop, buying it should come with little risk. This will also help you avoid costly repairs and stay on top of preventive maintenance to maximize the service life of your SUV.

Ford Bronco Years to Avoid

While the Ford Bronco is a relatively safe SUV to buy, some models are plagued with issues. Here are some of the years you should avoid.

1980 – 1983 Ford Bronco

The third-generation Ford Broncos have had their fair share of criticism due to their underpowered engines, specifically, the carburetor. It often led to poor performance, decreased fuel economy, and engine damage.

There were even some reports of malfunctioning brake systems. But those are few and far between, unlike the engine troubles most drivers deal with.

Luckily, some owners have mentioned these vehicles work well if they’re well-maintained.

1990 and 1991 Ford Bronco

The fifth-generation Ford Broncos were dubbed the worst of the bunch, specifically the 1990 and 1991 models that are plagued with transmission failures, faulty electrical systems, and rust issues.

The 1990 model also tends to drop its oil pressure to zero when idle.

Where to Get Replacement Parts for Your Ford Bronco

Going on road trips without your reliable Ford Bronco is no fun at all. You’ve probably enjoyed some of the best drives on your SUV, and leaving it to gather dust in the garage due to faulty parts is a waste of its potential.

For premium replacement parts for your Ford Bronco, look no further than CarParts.com. To start your search, simply enter your Bronco’s details into our vehicle selector to view compatible products. Then, use the search filters to customize the catalog to your needs.

All our Ford Bronco replacement parts underwent rigorous quality testing to ensure they meet industry standards and specifications. We also source them from only the most trusted brands in the industry, so you can trust that you’re getting top-notch parts for your Bronco.

Plus, all our parts are on hand and ready to ship from strategically located warehouses across the country. Order today, and get your Ford Bronco part in as fast as two business days.

Check out our catalog and shop now to get your SUV back on the road in no time!