You’re about to set out on a wild ride, searching for the perfect used Ford Bronco, but beware – not all models are equal! With some years riddled with safety concerns and others plagued by reliability problems, you’ll want to steer clear of the worst offenders. But don’t worry, we’ve got the inside scoop on the best years to buy, and it’s about to get very interesting…
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Key Takeaways
- The 1977 Ford Bronco is considered near-perfect with only two recalls, making it a top choice.
- The 1983 model is the best bet for a used Ford Bronco due to high production numbers and ease of location.
- Avoid the 1993 Ford Bronco due to its two major recalls affecting over 3.6 million units.
- The 2021 and 2022 Ford Bronco models with multiple recalls, complaints, and issues, making them the worst years.
- The first generation (1965-1977) stands out as the best due to its significance, timeless design, and reliability.
Best Years for Ford Bronco
When searching for a Ford Bronco, you’ll find that some models stand out from the rest.
The 1977 Ford Bronco is considered near-perfect, with only two recalls.
If you’re looking for a used Ford Bronco, the 1983 model is your best bet, with high production numbers making it easy to locate.
For a classic but not vintage model, the 1987 Fourth Generation Ford Bronco is a great option.
If you prefer a new Ford Bronco, the 2024 model is your best bet, with few consumer complaints and only two minor recalls.
Years to Avoid: Safety Concerns
You’ll want to steer clear of the Bronco II, notorious for its safety testing issues and rumored rollover problems that Ford allegedly knew about but didn’t address.
This model’s reputation has been marred by these concerns, making it a year to avoid. Its safety record is a major red flag for potential buyers.
Bronco II Flop
The Ford Bronco II, launched in 1984, proved to be a commercial flop, largely due to its compromised safety features.
As the second generation of the Bronco, it was expected to excel, but frame issues plagued the model.
The manual transmission and fuel injection system didn’t help, making it prone to stalling during a police chase.
You might think the lower price would’ve made up for it, but it didn’t.
In fact, the Bronco II was often compared unfavorably to the Ford Ranger.
Its transfer case issues only added to the list of woes, solidifying its reputation as a flop.
Rollover Issues Spread
Safety concerns surrounding the Bronco II’s compromised frame and rollover problems spread quickly, casting a shadow over the entire Ford Bronco lineup.
You might be surprised to learn that rumors of Ford’s knowledge of the rollover issues spread like wildfire, but the company failed to make design changes to rectify the problem.
This lack of action led to a string of safety testing issues, earning the Ford Bronco a worst reputation among compact SUVs.
The recalls that followed, including those related to malfunctioning speed control deactivation switches that could spark under-hood fires, only added to the woes.
Worst Reputation Earned
What’s behind the Ford Bronco’s worst reputation?
You’ll find it in the worst years, marked by safety testing issues and recalls.
The 1993 model, for instance, had two major recalls affecting over 3.6 million units, including a malfunctioning speed control deactivation switch that sparked under-hood fires.
The 2021 Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport didn’t fare better, with multiple recalls, NHTSA complaints, and issues with airbag sensors, electrical systems, and brakes.
With over 300 complaints and nine recalls, these models are ones to avoid due to their malfunction-prone safety features.
Years to Avoid: Reliability Issues
You’ll want to exercise caution when considering the 2022 Ford Bronco, which was plagued by nine NHTSA recalls and nearly 200 complaints.
The 2023 model didn’t fare much better, with eight recalls and several critical safety concerns.
Both years are marked by reliability issues that can impact your driving experience and safety on the road.
2022 Recalls and Issues
When buying a Ford Bronco, you’re likely to encounter some recalls and issues, particularly in the 2022 model.
The 2022 Ford Bronco had nine NHTSA recalls, including over 175,000 vehicles with potential seat belt latch problems and over 63,000 vehicles impacted by windshield breakage concerns.
You’ll also find nearly 200 complaints, mostly related to visibility issues, followed by engine, power train, and brake problems.
In contrast, the 2023 and 2024 models have fewer recalls and complaints, suggesting more reliable options.
2023 Safety Concerns
Three critical safety concerns plague certain Ford Bronco models, making them years to avoid due to reliability issues.
You’ll want to steer clear of the 2022 Bronco, which was impacted by nine NHTSA recalls, including seat belt latch problems affecting over 175,000 vehicles.
Visibility-related issues topped the complaint list, followed by engine and power train problems.
The 2023 Bronco didn’t fare much better, with eight recalls and a poor safety rating, including child safety lock malfunctions and windshield breakage concerns.
These safety concerns are red flags you shouldn’t ignore when considering a Ford Bronco purchase.
Ranking the Generations
The Bronco’s six generations span over five decades, with each iteration leaving its mark on the iconic SUV.
As you delve into the Ford Bronco’s history, you’ll find that the first generation (1965-1977) stands out as the best, thanks to its significance and timeless design.
The sixth generation (2021-present) ranks high due to its successful revival and modern features.
The third generation (1979-1986) falls mid-pack, with solid performance but some issues.
If you’re looking to avoid the worst reviews, steer clear of the fifth generation (1991-1996) and the fourth generation (1987-1991), which are ranked second to last and last, respectively.
Fourth Generation (1986-1991)
You’re likely aware that the fourth generation of the Ford Bronco had its strengths, but it also struggled with engine performance issues, particularly with its 4.9-liter six-cylinder and 5.8-liter V8 engines.
Additionally, the body panels of this generation were prone to rust, which compromised the vehicle’s structural integrity.
These flaws significantly impacted the overall reliability and durability of the fourth-generation Bronco.
Engine Performance Issues
As the fourth generation Ford Bronco rolled off the assembly lines, its underwhelming engine performance quickly became a major concern for drivers.
You may have opted for the 4.9-liter or 5.8-liter V8 with electronic fuel injection, but both were criticized for being underpowered.
The introduction of a five-speed manual transmission in 1988 and a new Borg Warner 1345 transfer case with optional Touch Drive electric shift didn’t alleviate the issue.
Even the addition of rear anti-lock brakes couldn’t overshadow the generation’s poor engine performance, making it one of the worst years for the model.
Rust Prone Body Panels
Rust issues plagued the Ford Bronco’s fourth generation, a consequence of inferior steel and inadequate rust-proofing measures during manufacturing.
As a buyer, you’ll want to inspect the body panels carefully, especially if you’re looking at a 1987 Bronco, which is notorious for rust-prone panels.
Rust damage can lead to structural issues, compromising the vehicle’s integrity and safety.
Be wary of rust spots and holes in the hood, doors, and quarter panels.
When shopping, look for rust damage or repair signs to avoid costly surprises down the line.
Third Generation (1979-1986)
In 1978, development of the third-generation Ford Bronco began, remarkably, before its predecessor had even hit the market.
You’ll find the new Bronco featured a lighter frame initially, but it was later deemed too weak and replaced with a stronger one in 1982.
Under the hood, you’d the option of the powerful Windsor V8, producing over 200 hp, and the popular 300 inline-six.
The third-generation Bronco was introduced for the 1980 model year, and unfortunately, it didn’t see strong sales until its final two model years.
Fifth Generation (1991-1996)
You’ll find the fifth generation of the Ford Bronco began in 1991, introducing a more modern look with a rounded front fascia while retaining the familiar chassis.
Every model in this generation was powered by a V8 engine, a key feature that differentiated it from other generations.
New features introduced during this period included a driver’s airbag in 1994 and available four-wheel ABS in 1993, making it one of the safest Bronco generations.
The O.J. Simpson police chase in 1994 led to a significant increase in sales and popularity.
However, its lack of refinement and discontinuation make it less desirable.
The Ford Bronco Sport Years to Avoid
After exploring the fifth generation of the Ford Bronco, it’s clear that the newer Bronco Sport models have their own set of issues. If you’re considering buying a used Ford Bronco Sport, you should avoid the 2021 and 2022 models. These years are plagued by engine problems and a lack of technology.
| Year | NHTSA Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 300+ | 9 |
| 2022 | 200 | 9 |
| 2023 | – | – |
| 2024 | – | – |
These models have received numerous NHTSA complaints, including visibility-related issues, engine problems, and brake issues. To guarantee reliability, it’s best to opt for the 2023 or 2024 Ford Bronco Sport models, which have undergone upgrades and repairs.
Common Problems and Reliability
While the Ford Bronco Sport‘s troubled years are well-documented, understanding its common problems and reliability can give you a clearer picture of what to expect from this vehicle.
You’ll want to stay away from models with a history of significant issues, like the fuel crisis-era Bronco.
Consumer Reports notes that the base model’s air conditioning and tilt steering can be problematic.
Additionally, some Best Years models have been known to have faulty driver’s airbag systems.
Knowing these common issues can help you make a more informed purchase decision and avoid costly repairs.
Methodology
To determine the best and worst years of the Ford Bronco, our methodology relies on a comprehensive analysis of various factors.
You’ll want to weigh the model year, trim level, and transmission type, as these impact reliability.
We’ve examined NHTSA recalls and customer complaints to identify the most problematic years, like 1993, 2021, and 2022.
On the flip side, years like 1977, 1983, and 1987 stand out for their fewer recalls and complaints, making them the best years to buy a used Ford Bronco.
When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Ford Pinto, Ford Edsel, Ford Excursion and Ford Fiesta. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.
