1FMEU15H9NLA267431992 FORD BroncoXL
1992 FORD Bronco was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 4 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 49 owner complaints include 2 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
Executive Summary
1992 FORD Bronco
1992 FORD Bronco was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 4 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 49 owner complaints include 2 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- 4 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Brake system recall; Structural/frame recall)
- 2 injuries reported across 49 owner complaints
- Common owner-reported issues: rust/corrosion, electrical problems
- High fire risk — 2 complaint(s) involved a fire
- Brakes is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
- Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
49 owner complaints filed — top areas: Brakes (27%), Body/Structure (18%), Engine/Powertrain (14%). Common issues: rust/corrosion, electrical problems. 2 crashes reported.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- FORD
- Model
- Bronco
- Year
- 1992
- Trim / Series
- XL
- Body Style
- Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
- Vehicle Type
- MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
- Drive Type
- 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 8-cyl 5.8L 205 hp
- Doors
- 2
- Manufacturer
- FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Assembly
- WAYNE, MICHIGAN, UNITED STATES (USA)
- GVWR
- Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: WAYNE, MICHIGAN
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Brake system recall
- ▸Structural/frame recall
- ▸2 complaint(s) involved a fire
- ▸1 recall(s) involve fire or ignition risk
- ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Deferred Failure Risk
Components and defects approaching or past their known service milestones
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
4 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 4 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 4 recalls is ~64%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
FORD completes recalls at a good rate (89%), averaging about 18 months to remedy. Most affected vehicles are fixed.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~18 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SummaryCERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
SummaryTHIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY.
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 15, 16, AND 17 INCH TIRES MOUNTED ON FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. FORD REPORTS TREAD SEPARATION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A COMBINATION OF THE SENSITIVITY OF THE TIRE DESIGN TO STRESS, AGING, AND MANUFACTURING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PLANTS. FORD IS REPLACING THESE TIRES TO PREVENT POSSIBLE PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THE VEHICLES LISTED BELOW MAY HAVE BEEN ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES OR MAY HAVE HAD WILDERNESS AT TIRES INSTALLED DURING THE FIRESTONE RECALL LAUNCHED IN AUGUST 2000.
CERTAIN 1991 THROUGHT 2002 FORD EXPLORER
CERTAIN 2001 THROUGHT 2002 EXPLORER SPORT, AND SPORT TRAC
CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER
CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 2001 RANGER
CERTAIN 1999 THROUGH 2001 EXPEDITION
CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994, AND 1997 MODEL YEAR F-SERIES
CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994 BRONCO
NOTE: BOTH ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENT TIRES ARE AFFECTED.Read full details...
~40% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
SummaryWATER CAN ENTER THE DOOR LATCH RELEASE CABLE. IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURES, THE WATER IN THE DOOR LATCH RELEASE CABLE CAN FREEZE AND CAUSE THE LATCH MECHANISM TO MALFUNCTION.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL
SummaryTHE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL SELF-ADJUST PAWL DOES NOT LINE UP PROPERLY WITH THE SELF-ADJUST RACHET CAUSING THE PAWL TO SLIP OVER ONE OR MORE TEETH IN THE RACHET.Read full details...
~32% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
Recall Remedy Effectiveness — Complaints Continue After Fix
RECALL DIDN'T FIX ITOwner complaints filed AFTER recall remedies were issued for the same components
100% of complaints about "PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL" were filed AFTER recall campaign 94V169001 (1994-07-09) — the recall remedy may not have fully resolved the issue.
Continuing complaints after a recall may indicate an inadequate fix, a new failure mode, or that many vehicles never had the recall performed. Verify recall completion status directly with NHTSA.
Complaint Intelligence
49 complaints analyzed across 10 system categories
43% of complaints filed in Jan & Oct — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME49 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO MY TRANSMISSION WENT OUT IN MY 92 FORD BRONCO ON MY WAY TO WORK WITH A CO-WORKER WITH ME, I WAS PULLING UP TO A RED LIGHT AND WENT TO DOWNSHIFT TO FIRST BUT IT WASN'T THERE, TRIED SECOND NOT THERE EITHER,I HAS TO GIMP ME BRONCO HOME IN THIRD GEAR THERE BY SMOKING AND BURNING UP THE CLUTCH,AFTER GETTING THE POS(PIECE OF ?!@#$%) HOME I CALLED A FEW SHOPS AND FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH ALL FORD TRUCKS USING A MAZDA MANUAL TRANSMISSION,BEING A MECHANIC MYSELF I PROCEEDED TO BUY A REBUILT TRANSMISSION AND INSTALL IT MYSELF, NOW IT IS OUT AGAIN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM NO FIRST OR SECOND. NOW UNTIL I BOUGHT THIS POS I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A FORD MAN BUT NOW I DON'T KNOW WHAT MANUFACTURER TO TRUST, CHEVY HAS PROBLEMS WITH THEIR BLAZER TRANSMISSIONS TOO. I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED WITH LESS THAN A HUNDRED THOUSAND ON THE ODOMETER AND FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT ORIGINAL WHEN I CHANGED IT LAST TIME NOW AFTER I FIX IT I WILL SELL IT A DRIVE IT THROUGH THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP SHOW ROOM,MAYBE THAT WOULD MAKE THEM ANSWER FOR ALL THE PROBLEMS EVERYONE HAS WITH THESE PROBLEMS. MAYBE WHAT MY BROTHER SAYS IS TRUE FORD MEANS F%*@ED OVER REBUILT DODGE. *JB
FUEL TANK DEVELOPED LEAKS DUE TO RUST CAUSED BY WATER TRAPPED BETWEEN BRUSH GUARD AND TANK BOTTOM. BRUSH GUARD DESIGNED WITHOUT HOLES TO ALLOW WATER TO DRAIN PROPERLY THUS TRAPPING WATER BETWEEN THE GUARD AND TANK BOTTOM. *NLM
THE PARKING BRAKE DID NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER LOOKED ON NHTSA SITE AND DISCOVERED A RECALL (94V-169001) FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED A LOCAL DEALER WHO INDICATED THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *NLM *NLM
CONSUMER IS HAVING THE SAME DEFECT WITH THERE VEHICLE'S EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKES, AS STATED IN RECALL NUMBER 94 V 169 000 BUT THERE VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED. PH
TAILGATE RUSTS EXCESSIVELY, AND IT IS THE ONLY PART OF THE CAR TO DO SO.
BOTH DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE FIRST PASSENGER SIDE, MONTHS LATER DRIVER'S SIDE. *AK
I DONT KNOW IF RECALL IS STILL VALID, DEALER DOES NOT SHOW ON COMPUTER. *AK
REPLACEMENT TIRES ON A FORD, BRONCO 1992, VNHL P23575R15. TWO FRONT TIRES HAVE CRACKS GOING ALL THE WAY AROUND. TOOK TO MECHANIC, AND HE SAID THAT TREAD WAS ABOUT TO SEPARATE. *AK
THE FRONT BRAKES WERE REPLACED FOUR TIMES, METALLIC DISC PADS WERE INSTALLED, AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED, RESURFACED, AND MACHINED. *SLC
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL ENGINE RELATED FAILURES, THE THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED, THE WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED TWICE, THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK, AND THE SERPINTINE BELT WAS REPLACED TWICE. *SLC
4 SETS OF TIRES (NO TYPE OR SIZE) HAVE BEEN PUT ON THIS VEHICLE FROM 13897 MILES TO 77883 MILES, SHOCKS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE, THE FRONT RADIUS ARM BUSHINGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE, BUSHING KITS HAVE BEEN REPLACED ON BOTH SIDES, THE FRONT END HAS HAD SEVERAL ALIGNMENTS, THE TIRES HAVE BEEN BALANCED AND ROTATED YET THEY ARE STILL WEARING ABNORMALLY AND ARE THE POSSIBLE CAUSE OF VEHICLE VIBRATION, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RADIUS ARM BUSHING GOES BAD BECAUSE IT IS SO CLOSE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHICH GETS VERY HOT, AND THIS CAN AFFECT THE TIRE WEAR. *SLC *SLC
THE LEFT AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK FAILED, THE DEALER REPLACED THE ACTUATOR. *SLC
VEHICLE STALLS LIKE A VAPOR LOCK IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. SOMETHING TELLS THE CAR THAT IT OVERHEATING AND IT WILL JUST STOP RUNNING.*AK
THE TIRE IS A FIRESTONE DUNLOP/RV RADIAL ROVER 30X9.5 R15 LT INSURED SAID THAT THE TIRE CAME APART LIKE A RE-TREAD. LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED ANYTHING ELSE. THANKS! (CLAIM 06-5307-091) *MW
OWNED 5 BRONCO'S AND 3 OUT OF THE 5 ALL HAD A GAS TANK LEAKAGE PROBLEM. THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED.
RECALL 94V169 000/PARKING BRAKE: VEHICLE EXPERIENCES INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILING TO HOLD. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL. *AK
REPORTED PROBLEMS TO MANUFACTURER DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE. WAS TOLD BY DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE THAT NO ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN BY THEM, AS NO RECALL WAS IN EFFECT. *AK
FUEL LEAK FROM GAS TANK, GAS TANK SHIELD RUSTED RESULTING IN LEAK. (2ND VEHICLE ON DOC# 607560)
WINDOW MOTOR/BUFFER WIND MECH HAS FAILED TWICE. DEALER NOTIFIED AND THEN MANUFACTURER. HAD TO "FIGHT" FFOR THE REPLACEMENT UNDER WARRANTY THE FIRST TIME. HAD TO "FIGHT" W/ FOMOCO IN ADDITION. HAS FAILED FOR SECOND TIME, THREE MONTHS AGO. ALONG W/ A/C. A/C 1200.00 WINDOW 210.00
WHILE DRVING 35 MPH HAD A DIRECT FRONTAL IMPACT AND THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT IN ACCIDENT. NO PRIOR PROBLEM WITH THE AIRBAG. CAUSE UNKNOWN, PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK
BOLTS THAT HOLD THE BUMPER TO THE SUSPENSION BRACKET BROKE OFF, CAUSING BUMPER TO DROP.
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. *AK
MUFFLER MALFUNCTIONED, ALSO REPLACED POWER DOOR LOCKS. *AK
THE DESIGN OF THE GAS TANK AND GAS TANK BRUSH GUARD ALLOWED WATER AND ROAD DEBRIS TO BECOME TRAPPED BETWEEN THE PARTS, CAUSING RUST AND SUBSEQUENT HOLES IN THE TWO PARTS, RESULTING IN GASOLINE LEAKAGE.
WHILE PARKED THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. *AK
BRAKE AND TRANSMISSION FAILURE, FOUR WHEEL DRIVE MALFUNCTION, AND AN INACCURATE SPEEDOMETER.
TRANSMISSION GEAR SHIFT SLIPPED INTO REVERSE, CAUSING ACCIDENT/INJURY.
HEARD A POPPING AND HISSING NOISE WHILE DRIVING BECAUSE THE EXHAUST AIR SUPPLY CHECK VALVE CAME OFF, ALLOWING THE FUMES TO COME THROUGH THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. *AK *JB
AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAUSED THE STEERING COLUMN TO SMOKE WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. *AK *SLC
GAS TANK LEAK.
AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SHORT OR SHOCK CAUSED THE VEHICLE WIRES TO BURN. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE ROTORS. *AK
FAILURE OF THE ABS BRAKES. TT
REAR BRAKES FAILED, COULD NOT STOP VEHICLE. *AK
PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE PADS. *AK
REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER. *AK
PARKING EMERGENCY CABLE RUBBED A HOLE INTO THE BRAKE LINE AND CAUSED BRAKE AND FLUID LOSS. TT
PARKING EMERGENCY CABLE RUBBED A HOLE INTO THE BRAKE LINE AND CAUSED BRAKE AND FLUID LOSS. TT
PARKING BRAKE OPERATION INTERMITTENT.
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT DOESN'T LOCK IN PLACE. TT
DRIVER'S DOOR RELEASE MECHANISM INOPERATIVE.
POOR PERFORMACE OF THE FRAME ON THE VEHICLE FRAME NEEDS TO BE BOLTED. TT
HYDRAULIC ADJUSTER LATCH IN ENGINE HAS MALFUNCTION. TT
DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERTY, IMPAIRING VISIBILITY. *AK
HEADLIGHTS GO OFF WHEN MAKING TURN. TT
BRAKES GRAB WHEN FIRST APPLIED, CAUSING OCCUPANTS TO BE LUNGED FORWARD. TT
DRIVER/PASWSENGER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED, IMPAIRING VISIBILITY. *AK
STEERING GEAR BOX VALVE HOUSING CASTING BROKE, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING/ACCIDENT/INJURY. *DH
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Loss of brake assist and ABS in emergency — can significantly extend stopping distances
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 49 total NHTSA complaints filed over 10 years, with the worst year being 1996 (15 complaints).
The amber reliability line averaged 99/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 91/100 in 1994.
The recall (red dashed line) were issued in the same year or before complaints peaked, suggesting the manufacturer identified and acted on the defect relatively quickly.
Red dots on the amber line flag 2 years (1994, 1998) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $51,614 (~$860/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 1992 FORD Bronco — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
15% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
- ▸Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for 1FMEU15H9NLA26743. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History
Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations
FORD has been fined $17M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2015: Failure to timely file Early Warning Reports on defect data.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | 1FMEU15H9NLA26743 |
| Model Year | 1992 |
| Make | FORD |
| Model | Bronco |
| Trim | XL |
| Vehicle Type | MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV) |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV] |
| Doors | 2 |
| Drive Type | 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 8 |
| Displacement (L) | 5.8 |
| Horsepower | 205 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | FORD MOTOR COMPANY |
| Assembly City | WAYNE |
| Assembly Country | UNITED STATES (USA) |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | 1FM |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 9 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | N |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | L |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | A26743 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 4 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 49 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 8/1/2026, 1:52:12 AM.