The Ford Bronco is one of the world’s first Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) ever made. It was designed to compete with the Jeep C-5. The Bronco was made to “go nearly anywhere and do nearly anything,” and became an American classic for its off-road capabilities and resale value.
Is the Ford Bronco a good vehicle? If you’re in the market for an SUV with both on- and off-road capabilities, sporty appeal, and versatile variants, the Ford Bronco may be the right vehicle for you.
Are Ford Broncos Reliable?
Since their release in 1965, Broncos have seen significant changes in six generations, but users and reviewers generally agree that they are reliable vehicles.
Professional reviews for the Bronco are a mixed bag. J.D. Power has given the sixth and current generation of Broncos an average rating of 77/100 based on quality, reliability, reported user driving experience, and dealership experience.
US News rated the newer Broncos an above-average 8.1 and noted the model’s muscular engine lineup and cargo space. Lastly, the automotive repair website Repairpal.com has given the SUV a 3.0, or average reliability rating, based on the cost, frequency, and severity of repairs reported by owners.
According to users, some of the best things about Ford Broncos include their powerful engine ratings, good engine startup, reliable navigation and display features, and overall performance. Praise for the Bronco’s off-road capabilities, handling, and on-road drivability is common across all generations.
As for this model’s downsides, some users have reported difficulties getting in and out of the second-row seats, below-average fuel economy, and less-than-desirable cabin insulation from outside noise.
What Are the Most Common Issues with Ford Broncos?
While there are plenty of advantages to owning and driving a Ford Bronco, there are also a handful of issues with some model years. As for the sixth-generation Broncos (2021-present), there haven’t been many reports of issues available. Here are some of the most common issues in Ford Broncos:
Ignition Module Failure
According to Ford Bronco owners, ignition module failure is fairly common in the 1990-1996 model years. This issue causes intermittent stalling for 20 to 30 minutes, after which the SUV will start normal again. In some cases, there is a no-start condition. Replacing the faulty or damaged ignition module usually fixes the issue. Ford has yet to issue a recall about this issue.
Note the different distributor designs - early Broncos have the module mounted on the distributor, which makes it more prone to fail due to the heat - when replacing a module on the distributor, make sure to apply the coat of dielectric grease to the mounting plate for heat transfer.
The later Broncos have a closed bowl distributor and the module is mounted remotely on a heat sink. The heat sink mounted modules very seldom fail because they run cooler.
Affected Model Years:
- 1990
- 1991
- 1992
- 1993
- 1994
- 1995
- 1996
EGR System Issues
Some owners of the 1990 to 1996 Ford Broncos have reported issues with their exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. Exhaust leaks occur in these model years due to damaged and worn-out EGR tubes. A few owners have also reported unusual noises under the hood. EGR line replacement is a common fix for this problem.
It can, however, be rather difficult and requires large wrenches, and sometimes the fitting in the exhaust manifold tries to come out while you’re loosening the tube. This is how the tube is mounted; the bottom screws onto the manifold fitting and the top attaches to the EGR valve.
Affected Model Years:
- 1990
- 1991
- 1992
- 1993
- 1994
- 1995
- 1996
Interior Accessories Problems
There aren’t many reports concerning the 1995 Bronco, save for a few comments about this model year’s interior accessories. According to some owners, their dashboards have rattled so much that items placed on top are shaken off. Others have reported that their manual transmission gear shifter knobs have suddenly fallen off.
The new knob must be driven onto the shifter splines. That’s how the original was mounted and if it’s installed right, the replacement will stay in place.
Affected Model Years:
- 1995
Intake Manifold Gasket Issues
Some owners of the 1990-1996 Ford Broncos report that their upper intake manifold gaskets have failed, causing an engine vacuum leak. That’s the gasket under the upper plenum and it’s not hard to change if you have the tools and know where the bolts are.
Affected Model Years:
- 1990
- 1991
- 1992
- 1993
- 1994
- 1995
- 1996
Brake System Problems
Owners of the 1990-1992 Ford Broncos have reported issues with their brake system. According to these reports, their front brakes stick or grab, while others have reported issues with their brake caliper pins. This problem can be caused by corroded brake caliper pins. In many cases, the issue is resolved by replacing or cleaning the brake caliper pins.
Affected Model Years:
- 1990
- 1991
- 1992
Transmission Troubles
A few owners of 1991 Ford Broncos have reported transmission issues, including rough shifting while driving. Most owners fixed the issue by having their transmission assembly replaced.
Affected Model Years:
- 1991
Engine Problems
Engine issues, from oil leaks to poor gas mileage, have been reported for the 1990 Ford Bronco. Some owners have also reported oil pressure issues. Meanwhile, some owners have experienced intermittent oil pressure readings. A quick fix for this issue involves putting the vehicle in neutral and then revving the engine.
Affected Model Years:
- 1990
What Are the Best Model Years for the Ford Bronco?
As an SUV model that’s been on the market for six generations, the Ford Bronco generally has some great model years per generation. Here are our favorite ones:
- 1966 Ford Bronco
- 1977 Ford Bronco
- 1971 Ford Bronco Baja
- 1996 Ford Bronco
- 2021 Ford Bronco Badlands
- 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor
FAQ
What’s the most popular Ford Bronco?
One of the most popular Ford Broncos include the original 1966 model year with its vintage, boxy look and its 105 horsepower, 170 cubic inch, six-cylinder engine. This model year came in three body styles: the Roadster, Sports Utility, and Wagon.
Another popular model year is the 1971 Bronco Baja, which was a collaboration between Ford and racing legend Bill Stroppe. This model year is rare, with 450 to 650 units sold. It had an iconic look and came with a 205 horsepower, 302 cubic inch V8 engine.
Where is the Ford Bronco made?
Ford Broncos were manufactured by Ford at its Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne, Michigan, from 1965 to 1996. Sixth-generation Broncos (2021-present) are also made at the Michigan plant and at the Jiangling Ford Auto plant in Nanchang, China.