RoadVitals

1994 Ford Bronco Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
91
Latest Feb 9, 2015
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
18

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1994 Ford Bronco, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Brakes4240.8%
  • Airbags87.8%
  • Body & structure54.9%
  • Transmission54.9%
  • Engine54.9%
  • Interior & seats43.9%
  • Exterior lighting43.9%
  • Suspension32.9%
  • Powertrain (other)21.9%
  • Steering21.9%
  • Tires & wheels21.9%
  • Visibility11.0%
  • Other / unspecified11.0%
  • Seat belts11.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

42
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT HOLD. I CAN NOT PARK ON INCLINE. IF PARKING BRAKE IS APPLIED FULLY AT 15 MPH IT TAKES 45 YARDS TO STOP. EXTREMELY UNSAFE!!! *TR

NHTSA ID 10682368 · filed Feb 9, 2015

THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY SCHOOL PARKING LOT AND CAUGHT FIRE HOURS AFTER PARKING IT. VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10678681 · filed Jan 24, 2015
All 42 reports naming brakes

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY SCHOOL PARKING LOT AND CAUGHT FIRE HOURS AFTER PARKING IT. VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10678681 · filed Jan 24, 2015

THE 1994 FORD BRONCO EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL HAD FORD RECALL NO. 05S28 ACCOMPLISHED IN 2008. IN 2012 THE WIRING OVERHEATED AND CAUSED DAMAGE AND A LEAK TO THE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR AND HAD TO BE DISCONNECTED. WHEN FORD WAS CONTACTED THEY INSTRUCTED THAT THE RECALL HAD BEEN ACCOMPLISHED AND THEY COULD NOT WARRANTY THE PART. *TR

NHTSA ID 10509521 · filed Apr 25, 2013
All 9 reports naming electrical

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY SCHOOL PARKING LOT AND CAUGHT FIRE HOURS AFTER PARKING IT. VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10678681 · filed Jan 24, 2015

THE 1994 FORD BRONCO EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL HAD FORD RECALL NO. 05S28 ACCOMPLISHED IN 2008. IN 2012 THE WIRING OVERHEATED AND CAUSED DAMAGE AND A LEAK TO THE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR AND HAD TO BE DISCONNECTED. WHEN FORD WAS CONTACTED THEY INSTRUCTED THAT THE RECALL HAD BEEN ACCOMPLISHED AND THEY COULD NOT WARRANTY THE PART. *TR

NHTSA ID 10509521 · filed Apr 25, 2013
All 9 reports naming driver assistance

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY BEHIND STEERING WHEEL FOR AIRBAG AND STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS IS FAILING. COULD CAUSE AIRBAG TO NOT DEPLOY DURING AN ACCIDENT OR TO PREMATURELY DEPLOY UNDER REGULAR DRIVING CONDITIONS. *JB

NHTSA ID 10136160 · filed Sep 12, 2005

CLOCKSPRING ON VEHICLE FAILED AND AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH. HORN WOULD INTERMITTENTLY WORK. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK THE HORN FAILED WHILE DRIVING AND WAS REPLACED. *YH

NHTSA ID 8011912 · filed Jun 17, 2002
All 8 reports naming airbags

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER NOTICED THAT BUMPER WAS LOOSE, AND WOULD TIGHTEN IT LATER. RECALL 94 V 018 000 FOR BUMPER HAS ALREADY BEEN USED FOR REPAIRS. *AK

NHTSA ID 878643 · filed Jan 22, 2001

CRACK AND RUST RAIN GUTTER LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE ABOVE DOORS. THIS IS THE SECOND BRONCO I HAVE OWNED THAT DID THE SAME THING. THE OTHER BRONCO WAS A 1987 (?) OR SO IT WAS FIXED AT LEAST 2 TIMES BY FORD BUT CRACK CAME BACK. THIS BRONCO DID SAME THING FORD SAID THERE IS NO FIX. THERE SHOULD BE ONE OR MONETARY COMPENSATION AS IT IS A KNOWN REOCCURRING PROBLEM. THE RUST IS GETTING BAD NOW AND THEY DON'T WANT TO KNOW ANYTHING. THEY WERE NOTIFIED OF IT WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY THEY PUT BODY SEALER ON THE CRACKS TO SEAL THEM UNTIL IT PEELED AND FLAKED OFF. *AK

NHTSA ID 721792 · filed Apr 22, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE WAS MAKING LOUD HUMMING NOISES. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND GOING UP HILL, ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. APPLIED BRAKES AND PUT VEHICLE IN PARK AND LEFT IT THERE. CONTACTED THE MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION IN MARCH 1998, BUT WARRANTY WAS UP. *AK

NHTSA ID 853021 · filed Nov 17, 1999

AS YOU CAN SEE, I HAVE NOT OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR SIX MONTH OR 6,000 MILES, WHEN THIS PROBLEM AROSE, I HAVE TRIED TO CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY WITH AN ASSURANCE OF A RETURN CALL. IT NEVER CAME MY JOB LIMITS ME FROM MAKING PHONE CALLS DURNING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS, BUT I INTEND TO CALL TEM AGAIN, MY FEELING IS THAT THIS SOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED TO THIS TRUCK WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE. I AM ALSO AWARE OF A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN PUT OUT BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM, AND OTHER TRANSMISSION RELATED PROBLEMS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, YOU PROVIDE A VALUABLE SERVICE.

NHTSA ID 537193 · filed Jun 22, 1998

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

EXHAUST PIPE HIT FUEL TANK WHICH MADE A HOLE IN TANK. HAD FUEL TANK REPLACED, AND EXHAUST PIPE IS RUBBING AGAINST THAT TANK. HAD NOT CONTACTED DEALER.*AK *SLC

NHTSA ID 897764 · filed Oct 15, 2001

THIS APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN DEFECT. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS MELTING THE RADIUS ARM BUSHINGS. FORD HAS HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH FORD EXPLORER AND PROBABLY F150. IF YOU TALK TO THE PARTS FOLKS THIS IS A COMMEN PROBLEM. I HAVE WRITTEN AND CALLED FORD SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT THIS. THE RADIUS ARM BUSHINGS HELP HOLD THE FRONT AXLE IN PLACE, WHEN THEY MELT IT CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO STEER AND BRAKE DANGEROUSLY.

NHTSA ID 710685 · filed Aug 30, 1999

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

1994 FORD BRONCO DRIVER SEAT (BUCKET) BACK FRAME HAS BROKEN. HAVE SPOKEN TO NUMEROUS SOURCES THAT ALL CLAIM THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE. WAS ADVISED NOT TO REPLACE WITH BRONCO SEAT, THAT ALL HAVE EITHER ALREADY FAILED OR WILL FAIL EVENTUALLY. THAT SOUNDS TERRIBLY UNSAFE, ESPECIALLY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. *TR

NHTSA ID 10365666 · filed Nov 15, 2010

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE DASH WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH. DEALER AND MANUFACTUERER WERE NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ID 8013835 · filed Jul 15, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I OWN A FULL SIZE 1994 FORD BRONCO 351 5.8L EDDIE BAUER. AFTER DRIVING AT NIGHT FOR 5-10 MINUTES THE LIGHTS FLASH OFF AND ON INTERMITTENTLY. I NOTICED A VERY STRONG BURNING ELECTRICAL SMELL EMITTING FROM THE DASHBOARD AROUND THE HEADLIGHT/DIMMER SWITCH. I REMOVED THE DASH TO EXAMINE THE SWITCH, CONTACT BLADES, AND WIRING HARNESS PLUG. THE PLASTIC CONNECTOR AT THE END OF WIRING HARNESS THAT PLUGS INTO THE HEADLIGHT/DIMMER SWITCH WAS BURNED, MELTED AND EXTREMELY HOT TO TOUCH. AFTER RESEARCH ON INTERNET I FEEL VERY STRONGLY THAT THIS PROBLEM WILL OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY AS VEHICLES GET OLDER AND THE SWITCH FAILS DUE TO DEFECT. I'M NO AUTOMOTIVE GENIUS, BUT CONCERNED THAT OTHERS MAY CONTINUE TO DRIVE VEHICLE AND FAULTY SWITCHES WILL START FIRES. I SAW INFORMATION FROM WALTERS FORENSIC ENGINEERING - TORONTO ONTARIO THAT LAB SITUATIONS SHOWED THESE SAME SWITCHES CAUSE FIRES FROM ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE PROBLEMS. I HAVE THE MELTED PARTS FOR EXAMINATION. CONSEQUENCES CAN BE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. FORD MOTOR CORPORATION SHOULD REPLACE/RECALL THESE FAULTY ITEMS. RECENT FORD FIRES MAY ALSO BE RELATED TO THIS SWITCH DUE TO CLOSE PROXIMITY OF CRUISE CONTROL FIRES SOURCE. THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY MELT AND BURN BEHIND THE DASH AREA FROM HIGH HEAT. PART# STAMPED ON THE DIMMER SWITCH IS MOTORCRAFT E77B-11654-AA. THERE IS A SECONDARY NUMBER IN NON-REMOVABLE INK OR PAINT THAT APPEARS ALSO. MAY BE A FORD PLANT OR PART IDENTIFICATION# USED DURING ASSEMBLY. IT IS 3L 0912. THERE ARE 9 BLADES ON THE SWITCH THAT CONNECT TO WIRING HARNESS. THESE PRONGS HAVE IDENTIFICATION LETTERS NEXT TO THEM DOWN INSIDE THE SWITCH. (FOR EXAMPLE: TO NAME A FEW THERE ARE D1, D2, AND IGN) THE AREA OF CONCERN HAS B2 NEXT TO IT. IT'S AT THE BOTTOM OF THE THIRD ROWS OF BLADES IN THE CENTER. MOTORCRAFT APPARENTLY HAS A DIFFERENT OR NEW IDENTIFICATION# FOR THIS SWITCH. I HAVE NOT PURCHASED A REPLACEMENT YET, BUT IT LOOKS LIKE THE NEW PART # FOR MY VEHICLE AS DESCRIBED MAY BE SW2103. PLEASE RESPOND! *JB

NHTSA ID 10161546 · filed Jul 6, 2006

INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT FAILURE, SIMILAR TO THE 1998 RECALL OF FORD CARS

NHTSA ID 10000575 · filed Dec 24, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

IN EARLY JANUARY OF 2000, I NOTICED THE RIGHT FRONT INSULATOR (BUSHING) ON THE RIGHT FRONT RADIUS ARM HAD ALMOST BEEN COMPLETELY DESTROYED. I LOOKED ON WEBSITE WWW.ALLDATA.COM AND FOUND A LISTING FOR A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, #95259, ISSUE DATE 12/95, TITLE : PULL OR DRIFT LEFT- RADIUS ARM REPLACEMENT. I TOOK MY BRONCO TO OURISMAN FORD DEALERSHIP IN BETHESDA MARYLAND WHERE I HAD BOUGHT TRUCK AND TOLD THEM THE BUSHING WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY GONE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AT THE TIME THE TRUCK WAS UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY SO INSTED OF TRYING TO FIGHT WITH THEM ABOUT THIS BEING A SAFETY DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE FIXED FOR FREE BY FORD, I TOLD THEM THE WARRANTY COMPANY WOULD PAY FOR THE REPAIR AND THEY DID, BUT ONLY ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THE DEALERSHIP SERIVCE DEPT TOLD ME BOTH RAIDUS ARMS HAD TO BE REPLACED IN A PAIR AND THEY COULD NOT REPLACE ONE AT AT TIME, SO I HAD TO PAY FOR THE LEFT SIDE WHICH WAS NOT DAMAGED AT ALL. TODAY (8/30/02) WHILE I WAS CHECKING MY TRUCK OVER AGAIN WHILE CHANGING THE OIL AND ONCE AGAIN I FOUND THE RIGHT FRONT RADIUS ARM INSULATOR (BUSHING) HAS ALMOST DISINTEGRATED AGAIN AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THIS TIME THE TRUCK IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. CAN YOU PLEASE ADVISE ME IF YOUR STAFF AGREES THAT THIS REPEATED INSULATOR FAILURE IS DEFINITELY A MANUFACTURERS DESIGN DEFECT AND SINCE IT INVOLVES A CRITICAL COMPONENT OF THE VEHICLES SUSPENSION (THE RADIUS ARM), THAT IT SHOULD BE REPLACED FOR FREE (INCLUDING THE LEFT SIDE AND A FRONT END ALIGNMENT WHICH THEY DID LAST TIME AROUND? THE CURRENT MILEAGE ON THE TRUCK IS 85735 .*AK

NHTSA ID 766491 · filed Aug 30, 2002

BUSHINGS APPEAR TO HAVE MELTED. THE RIGHT BUSHING IS NEAR THE EXHAUST, SO WHEN IT FAILED I ASSUMED IT WAS THE PROXIMITY TO HEAT. THE LEFT IS NO WHERE NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCE. THE REPLACEMENT ON THE RIGHT SIDE AND ALL OTHER SUSPENSION COMPONEMTS SHOW NO SIGNS OF WEAR. ONLY THE ORIGIONAL BUSHINGS HAVE DETERIORATED. *AK

NHTSA ID 701855 · filed Jan 4, 1999

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD BRONCO. THE CONTACT IS ABLE TO START THE ENGINE WITH OR WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. HE SIMPLY GRABS AND TURNS THE METAL PIECE WHERE THE KEY IS PLACED. HE IS CONCERNED THAT ANYONE CAN START AND STEAL THE VEHICLE. HE HAS A FRIEND WITH THE SAME VEHICLE WHO ALSO EXPERIENCES THIS FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A SHOP OR MECHANIC. IT HAS NEVER BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,000. UPDATED 01/21/09. *JB

NHTSA ID 10253118 · filed Dec 29, 2008

AUTO-TRANSMISSION 4X4; WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, TRUCK BEGINS TO SHAKE THEN AND PRIOR DUE TO U-JOINT, TRANSFER CASE AND DRIVESHAFT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

NHTSA ID 966560 · filed Jun 9, 1995

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

A DEFECT IN STEERING COLUMN CAUSED HORN/AIR BAG, AND CRUISE CONTROL TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK

NHTSA ID 874310 · filed Nov 3, 2000

LOSS OF CONTROL OF STEERING. *DSH

NHTSA ID 491004 · filed Dec 1, 1995

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE TREAD OF THE TIRE COMPLETELY CAME OFF. THERE WAS LITTLE WARNING BEFORE IT HAPPENED, WE WERE DRIVING AT A STEADY SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH ON A STRAIGHT AWAY. NO TURNING OR BRAKING WAS TAKING PLACE AT TIME OF FAILURE. THE TREAD WAS NOT WARN AND HAD PLENTY TREAD LEFT BEFORE THE TREAD WEAR LIMITS. THERE ARE SIGNS THAT THE OTHER THREE TIRES TREAD WAS DELAMINATING. DT

NHTSA ID 769034 · filed Oct 29, 2002

TIRE TREAD SEPARATION AT HIGH SPEED. *AK (DOT NUMBER: 7B82PUB227 TIRESIZE: 31X10.5R15)

NHTSA ID 744721 · filed Apr 30, 2001

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLES BRAKES PULLS SEVERELY IN NO PARTICULAR PATTERN.TSB HAS BEEN ISSUED BUT DOES NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. TT BRAKES CAUSE BRAKE PEDAL AND STEERING WHEEL TO VIBRATE, VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT AND TO THE RIGHT WHEN BRAKING, DEALER HAS REBUILT FRONT CALIPER, REPLACED FRONT BRAKE PADS, REPLACED FRONT ROTORS, REPACKED FRONT BEARING. WINDSHIELD WASHER REPLACED. DOOR PANEL NOISY. VEHICLE EXPERIENCES ROUGH IDLE. *SLC

NHTSA ID 975731 · filed Nov 29, 1995

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

DRAW-TITE TRAILER HITCH BROKE, CAUSING ACCIDENT. *DSH

NHTSA ID 483858 · filed Sep 13, 1995

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

SEAT BELT DANGERS TO OBESE PASSENGERS. SEAT BELT COMES ACROSS NECK, NOT CHEST. SUDDEN BRAKING PUTS STRAIN ON NECK. COMMENT: CRASH DUMMIES DO NOT RESEMBLE THE MAJORITY OF AMERICAN WOMEN IN SIZE OR SHAPE. MY NECK WAS BRUISED AND THROAT INJURED. THIS WAS JUST FROM HARD BRAKING, NOT A CRASH. UNLESS THE SHOULDER HARNESS IS MADE MORE ADJUSTABLE WOMEN ARE GOING TO BE INJURED NOW THAT MORE STATES ARE GETTING TOUGH ON WEARING BELTS. I WEAR MINE TWISTED IN FRONT TO PLACE THE SHOULDER STRAP IN THE CENTER, OR WITH MY ARM THOUGH THE STRAP. *JB

NHTSA ID 10074716 · filed Jun 3, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .