1FMEU15N2KLA596961989 FORD Bronco
1989 FORD Bronco was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 2 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 109 owner complaints include 3 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
Executive Summary
1989 FORD Bronco
1989 FORD Bronco was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 2 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 109 owner complaints include 3 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- 2 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
- 3 injuries reported across 109 owner complaints
- Common owner-reported issues: fire, electrical problems, stalling
- High fire risk — 19 complaint(s) involved a fire
- Electrical is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
109 owner complaints filed — top areas: Electrical (29%), Engine/Powertrain (20%), Brakes (9%). Common issues: fire, electrical problems, stalling, rust/corrosion. 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
- 1989
- 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 5L 185 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
- ▸Fire/ignition recall
- ▸19 complaint(s) involved a fire
- ▸1 recall(s) involve fire or ignition risk
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Deferred Failure Risk
Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones
Owners of the 1989 FORD Bronco report electrical issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 1989 FORD Bronco report engine/powertrain issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 1989 FORD Bronco report brakes issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
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
2 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 2 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 2 recalls is ~60%. 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
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
SummaryTIRE RESERVE LOAD LABEL MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED.Read full details...
~44% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
SummaryTHE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.Read full details...
~36% 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
Complaint Intelligence
109 complaints analyzed across 11 system categories
Electrical System leads owner complaints (29%), most reported when the vehicle was 5–7 yrs old. Also common: Engine And Engine Cooling (16%), Service Brakes (10%).
Based on 95 complaints with a reported incident date. Too few owners cited mileage (1) to report a reliable failure-mileage range.
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME109 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD BRONCO. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 96V071000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION). THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE DUE TO A DEFECTIVE STEERING COLUMN. THE STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE BEFORE THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 153,000.
CONSUMER PARKED THE VEHICLE AT A RESTAURANT AND WENT INSIDE TO EAT. WITHIN TEN MINUTES THE CONSUMER NOTICED FIRE TRUCKS COMING INTO THE RESTAURANT'S PARKING LOT. CONSUMER WENT OUTSIDE TO INVESTIGATE WHAT WAS GOING ON, AND NOTICED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH CAUSED THE FIRE. *AK
THE FLOOR PAN UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HAD THROWN. IF VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT OR BRAKES HAD TO BE DEPRESSED SUDDENLY DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD RIP OUT BECAUSE IT WAS ATTACHED TO THE FLOOR PAN. THERE WAS TSB/ RECALL IN ALL DATA B93900801 FOR THE FLOOR PAN REINFORCEMENT(NOT IN ARTEMIS). ARTEMIS HAS INVESTIGATION PE90036, BUT IT'S FOR THE FLOOR BOARD.*AK
VEHICLE HAD BEEN SITTING OVER NIGHT WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED STEERING COLUMN AND DASH PLAYED A MAJOR PART IN FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
WITH NO WARNING MY BRONCO DIED WHILE I WAS TRAVELING AT 45 MPH IN WORK TRAFFIC. I HAD TO PUSH THE BRONCO OUT OF TRAFFIC, AND THEN WAIT 2 HRS. FOR A TOW TRUCK TO TOW ME TO A MECHANIC, WITHA REPAIR BILL OF $184.00 TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE IGNITION MODULE. I WANT TO BE REIMBURSED $184.00. THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED - I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED!!!!!*AK
VEHICLE HESITATED AND SMOKE COMING FROM HOOD AREA. VEHICLE BURNED TO THE GROUND.*AK
WHILE DRIVING WOULD STEP ON BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP OR TO REDUCE THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE, BUT BRAKES WILL NOT ACTIVATE ON TIME. HAD CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK
WHILE DRIVING COULD HEAR A LOT OF NOISE. HAD CONTACTED DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT WAS CAUSING THE NOISE. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *AK
CONSUMER EXPERIENCED SOME ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WHICH CAUSED VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT COULD NOT SAY WHAT EXACTLY CAUSED THE FIRE.*AK. CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE STALLED 3 TIMES PREVIOUSLY.*JB
VEHICLE STALLS AT ANY TIME/ ANY SPEED. DEALER IS REPLACING IGNITION FOR THIRD TIME.*AK
GAS TANK IS RUSTING AND LEAKING FUEL FROM THE TANK LEAVING SMALL AMOUNTS OF FUEL ON THE GROUND. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
VEHICLE STALLED WHEN ENGINE OVERHEATED. *AK
TWICE THE ENGINE JUST QUIT RUNNING WITHOUT ANY WARNING, I LEFT THE VEHICLE AT MY FATHERS HOME OVER NIGHT THE FIRST TIME AND THE NEXT MORNING IT STARTED UP. I DROVE IT FOR ABOUT A WEEK K AND IT JUST QUIT RUNNING AGAIN , THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE MECHANIC COULD'T FIND A PROBLEM(IT STARTED UP THE NEXT DAY AGAIN).
WHEN APPLYING BRAKES BRAKE LIGHTS DID NOT COME ON UNTIL CONSUMER PRESSED BRAKES A SECOND TIME. CONSUMER STATED THAT SOMEONE COULD REAR END HIM BECAUSE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT COMING ON.*AK
IGNITION COIL, IGNITION SWITCH,IGNITION CONTROL MODULE IN DISTRIBUTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED MANY TIMES AND CAR STILL STALLS WHEN TEMPERTURES REACH WARM DEGREES OUTSIDE.*AK
VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING ESPECIALLY ON HOT DAYS, AFTER THE VEHICLE IS ALLOWED TO COOL OFF THE VEHICLE STARTS AGAIN, CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS PROBLEM IS RELATED TO A FAULTY TFI MODULE. NLM
VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING ESPECIALLY ON HOT DAYS, AFTER THE VEHICLE IS ALLOWED TO COOL OFF THE VEHICLE STARTS AGAIN, CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS PROBLEM IS RELATED TO A FAULTY TFI MODULE. NLM
SEAT JAMS DUE TO FLOOR FLEXING. THE PROBLEM WAS IDENTIFIED UNDER NHTSA ITEMS NO. SB017182, SB019336, SB019393, SB019395, SB019879, WHICH CALLED FOR FLOOR REINFORCEMENT. NO NOTIFICATION WAS PROVIDED TO OWNER. DEALER AT THE TIME OF THE SB'S WAS SALINAS VALLEY FORD, SALINAS, CA. NO RECALL NOTICE IN THE FORD SYSTEM FOR THIS VIN ACCORDING TO PHIL LONG FORD. OWNER IS EXPECTED TO BEAR COST OF REPAIR.
MY TRUCK STALLED ON THE FREEWAY TWICE.ONCE ON THE BAY BRIDGE,THE OTHER TIME ON I280.BOTH TIMES MY TRUCK WAS RUNNING FINE THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WOULD JUST SHUT STALL.THE TIME ON THE BRIDGE WAS VERY TERRIFYING,IF TRAFFIC WAS HEAVY THERE DEFINITELY WOULD HAVE BEEN A COLLISION.I HOPE SOMEBODY DOESN'T GET HURT BEFORE FORD DECIDES TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION.
NO SUMMARY
PEOO 020; WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 57MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND HEARD A NOISE. SHE PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF SHOULDER. FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE TREAD HAD SEPARATED. DID DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. TIRE IS FIRESTONE FIREHAWK #SS10 P215/70R15. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SHE ALSO CONTACTED FIRESTONE. *AK
TIRES WERE ANALYZED BY FIRESTONE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY SHOULD BE REPLACED. NOT UNDER RECALL OR REPLACEMENT PROGRAM. TIRES WERE PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, IL FACILITY WERE A MAJORITY OF THE PROBLEM TIRES WERE PRODUCED. THEY ARE DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE REPLACED BY THE COMPANY WHO PRODUCED THEM. WHY WOULDN'T ALL TIRES PRODUCED AT THAT FACILITY BE RECALLED/REPLACED?( DOT NUMBER: VD60AW4467 TIRE SIZE: 31X10.5X15 )
I NOTICED ABOUT A WEEK BEFORE THE TIRE BLEWOUT THAT WHILE WE WERE IDDLING THROUGH THE LOCAL WALMART PARKING LOT THE VEHICLE ROCKED BACK AND FORTH. ABOUT A WEEK LATER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE AND I NOTICED A BLISTER ON THE LEFT REAR TIRE IN THE TREAD SECTION. I CHECKED THE OTHER TIRES AND IT APPEARED THAT TWO OTHER TIRES LOOKED AND FELT OUT OF ROUND. AT THAT TIME I ORDERED OVER THE INTERNET FROM TIRERACK.COM A COMPLETE SET OF WHEELS AND TIRES (265/70R17). WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS THE LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. THIS WAS THE SECOND SET OF FIRESTONE FIREHAWKS 31X10.50R15LT M/S ON THE VEHICLE. THE FIRST SET WAS REPLACED AT APPROXIMATELY 66,000 MILES AND SEEMED TO PROFROM ACCEPTABLE. THE SECOND SET WHICH WAS THE PROBLEM SET, HAD ROUGHLY 36,000 MILES ON THEM. IN THINKING BACK ABOUT THE ROCKING MOTION AT IDLE SPEED, THIS WAS FIRST NOTICED MANY MONTHS AGO. INITIALLY I THOUGHT THE TIRES WERE OUT OF BALANCE AND WOULD HAVE THEM RE-BALANCED AT EITHER A FIRESTONE OR EXPERT TIRE STORE. THE ROCKING MOTION AT THAT TIME WAS HARDLY NOTICABLE, PROGRESSING AT A VERY SLOW PACE UNTIL THIS AUGUST. BEING AWARE OF PROPER INFLATION AND SERVICEING OF TIRES BOTH SETS OF THE FIRESTONE FIREHAWKS WERE MAINTAINED AT 35 PSI (RATED AT 50 PSI MAX.). SINCE IT IS A FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE ALIGNMENT AND TIRE ROTATION IS AT THE VERY LEAST DONE ANNUALLY.*AK( DOT NUMBER: VD60 TIRE SIZE: 31X10.50 )
CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH AND LEFT REAR TIRE BEGAN TO PEEL OFF AND BECAME SEPARATED FROM THE BELT. *AK
IN THE SUMMER OF 1998 (JULY-AUGUST) I HAD THREE TIRE FAILURES. THE FIRST TIRE LOCATED ON THE RIGHT REAR FAILED TRAVELING 65 MILES PER HOUR ON I-75. THE TREAD SEPARATED LEAVING THE CORE INFLATED. I LOST TRACTION ON THE WHEEL AND THE VEHICLE BECAME HARD TO CONTROL AS IT WHEN OFF THE ROAD. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE BRONCO AND CHANGE THE TIRE AND CONTINUE DRIVING. THE SECOND FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THE LEFT REAR A WEEK LATER ON I-4 AT 65 MILES PER HOUR, THE TIRE SEPARATED AND DEFLATED AND CAUSED ABOUT $500.00 DAMAGE TO THE LEFT REAR QUARTER PANEL. THE NEXT WEEK ON I-75 THE VEHICLE BECAME UNSTABLE AND HARD TO CONTROL I STOPPED THE BRONCO AND FOUND THE RIGHT LEFT REAR TIRE WAS STARTING TO SEPARATE AND CHANGED TO TIRE OUT. I ASKED MY FIRESTONE DEALER AT THAT TIME WHAT THEY THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE TIRES AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS PROBABLY THE AGE OF THE TIRES. I REPLACED ALL THE TIRES ON THE BRONCO AND KEPT ONE OF THE OLD ATX TIRES AS A SPARE ON 08/13/1998.( DOT NUMBER: VD60AT4493 TIRE SIZE: 31X1050R15 )
MY PAINT IS PEELING AND I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS CONCERN FOR MY TRUCK IN WHICH I WAS NEVER INFORMED NOR SENT ANY PAPERWORK- ALSO I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT OTHERS HAVE FILED LAW SUITS DUE TO THIS AND ONE AND HAVE GOTTEN THEIR VEHICLES RE-PAINTED- IF I HAD BEEN NOTIFIED I WOULD HAVE BROUGHT MY TRUCK IN SOONER- NOW I HAVE TO PAINT MY TRUCK AT MY EXPENSE- PLEASE ADVISE. IS THERE IN FACT STILL A RECALL IN EFFECT OR WAS THERE ONE I STILL MAY BE ABLE TO GET COVERAGE WITH? NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN THE SUMMARY. *AK
HEADLAMP SWITCH IS THE SAME AS ON T-BIRDS, STILL NO RECALL, LIGHTS WILL FLASH ON AND OFF. STEERING BOX LOCKED UP, NO LEAKS, FLOOR PAN BROKEN, NOT COVERED DUE TO THE FACT OF NOT HAVING CAPTAINS CHAIRS. SHOULD HAVE TO DO WITH THE STRENGTH OF THE FLOOR NOT THE SEAT APPLIED TO THE FLOOR, VERY WEAK DESIGN ON FLOOR PAN, WOULD LIKE TO SEE RECALL EXPANDED.
WHEN VEHICLE IS DRIVEN FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME IN HOT CLIMATES, IT STALLS OUT AND DIES. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK *JB
THIS VEHICLED HAS A RECALL ON THE FLOORBOARD, WHICH HAS STRESS CRACKS IN IT. HOWEVER WHEN I CHECKED THIS IT COMES BACK SALVAGED WITH JUNK TITLE WHICH VOIDS THE RECALL! NOW WHAT ?
BRAKE LINES RUST OUT AND CAUSE BRAKE FAILURE!
FUEL LINES RUSTED OUT CAUSING FUEL TO RUN ON THE FLOOR IN A GARAGE. FIRE POTENTAL
PAINT IS PEELING FROM FRONT END AND IS RUSTING IN SOME SPOTS.
THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH ALTERNATOR HARNESS. WHEN STARTED VEHICLE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. WHEN THE CONSUMER OPENED THE HOOD, VEHICLE WAS IN FLAMES. THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT WITH AN EXTINGUISHER. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
CONSUMER PARKED VEHICLE IN DRIVEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 4:30 PM AND AT APPROXIMATELY 3:06 AM CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY NEIGHBOR OF VEHICLE BEING ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. NINE DAYS LATER, CONSUMER RECEIVED MANUFACTURER'S. RECALL NOTICE # 95S-28 / NHTSA RECALL # 96V- 071, IGNITION SWITCH. DEALER/MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED. *AK
WHILE DRIVING STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK UP, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. *AK
WHEN APPLYING BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE SHIFTS TO THE RIGHT. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. *AK
FRONT BUCKET SEATS MOUNTING STRUCTURE IS FAILING AND SEAT IS FALLING THROUGH BOTTOM OF VEHICLE.
RADIUS ARM BRACKET HAS CORRODED PREMATURELY.
LUGS:NUTS ARE ALL LOOSE ON WHEELS.
THERE WAS A RECALL LISTED ON THE IGNITION SWITCH 97V-071. BUT WHAT HAPPENED TO THIS TRUCK COULD HAVE BEEN PART OF THE RECALL. THE ALTERNATOR CAUGHT ON FIRE THAT WAS CAUSE BY THE ENGINE OVERHEATING. *AK
WIRING HARNESS HAS OVERHEATED AND BURNED SEVERAL TIMES CAUSING ALTERNATOR AND OTHER COMPONENTS TO BURN AND MELT AS WELL.
HAD RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE (#96V071000) IN THE MAIL. HAD CALLED DEALER FOR APPOINTMENT & TOOK VEHICLE IN. DEALER DID NOT REPAIR VEHICLE AT ALL. NOT SATISFIED. *AK
VEHICLE ROLLED OVER IN COLLISION.
REAR VIEW MIRRORS DO NOT REMAIN STABLE WHILE TRAVELING AT 35 MPH OR MORE.
VEHICLE'S LEGS TO SEAT TRACKS GETS STRESS CRACKS AND SEAT COMES LOOSE FROM FLOOR. *AK
GAS TANK RUSTED OUT AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT.
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE THE HARNESS TO THE ALTERNATOR CAUGHT FIRE. THIS PART WAS ON RECALL. *AK
FUEL TANK RUSTED, CAUSING GAS LEAK.
EXHAUST MANIFOLD CRACKED.
EQUIPMENT: FAILURE OF JACK ASSEMBLY, WHEN VEHICLE WAS LIFTED THE JACK WOULD NOT HOLD/CRACKED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO FALL. *AK
OWNER STATES THAT AFTER DRIVING VEHICLE 10 MIN LATER VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. OWNER NOTES THAT FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID IT MAY HAVE BEEN AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. *AK
EQUIPMENT: JACK FAILURE, VEHICLE WAS LIFTED AND THE JACK CRACKED CAUSING VEHICLE TO FALL. *AK
AFTER HAVING IGNITION SWTICH REPLACED UNDER RECALL # 95S28, ACCESSORY FUNCTION DOES NOT OPERATE. DEALER CANNOT MAKE SWTICH FUNCTION. *AK
FUEL PUMP FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL. *AK
HORN RELAY SWITCH DEFECTIVE PRIOR TO RECALL.
PISTON SIZE INCORRECT.
ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN.*AK
FUEL TANK LEAKS.
FUEL PUMP LEAKS.
DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S AND REAR HATCH BACK WINDOW WILL NOT OPEN. WINDOWS ARE POWER LOCK WINDOWS. *AK
BATTERIES CONTINUALLY LEAK ACID, CAUSING CORROSION DAMAGE TO EMISSIONS EVAPORATOR CANISTER, WIRES, STARTER SOLENOID, BATTERY CABLES AND BOTTOM OF RADIATOR.
AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT MECHANISM FAILED, RESULTING IN ENTRAPMENT. OWNER USES SCREW DRIVER TO UNLATCH SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY. *AK
VIBRATION IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
ENGINE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY. *DH
PARKED VEHICLE SMOKE CAME FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD, RESULTING IN VEHCLE FIRE. *AK
WATER PUMP REPLACED. *SD
TRANSMISSION STICKS IN GEAR WHEN DOWNSHIFTING. *SD
VALVE COVER GASKETS REPLACED. *SD
ELECTRICAL FIRE. *SD
MANUAL TRANSMISSION REPAIRED. *SD
POWER STEERING LEAKS. *SD
BRAKES REPAIRED. *SD
CLUTCH FAILED. *SD
FLYWHEEL
SPARK PLUGS REPLACED. *SD
BATTERY CABLES REPLACED. *SD
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO AN ELECRICAL FIRE THAT STARTED IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND UNDER THE DASH. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
WENT TO START THE VEHICLE, FLAME CAME FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, RESULTING IN VEHICLE BEING TOTALED. *AK
VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR PERIOD OF TWO DAYS, UNDER THE HOOD BURNED, ELECTRICAL SHORT. *AK
VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR PERIOD OF TWO DAYS, UNDER THE HOOD BURNED, ELECTRICAL SHORT. *AK
STEERING LINKAGE FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING, LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. *AK
FRONT BRAKES REPAIRED. *SD
INTERMITTENT STALLING. *SD
STEERING WHEEL REPLACED DUE TO NOISE. *SD
ENGINE OIL SEAL REPLACED. *SD
ANTILOCK BRAKES LOCK UP. *SD
XLT FULL SIZE LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP LOCATED ON TANK ON TOP SHORTED, CATCHING FIRE, BURNING MELTING WIRING HARNESS AND LINES. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
BODY RUSTS ALONG WELDS. *DSH
ABS, BRAKE FAILURE,ON WET OR DRY SURFACE VEHICLE WILL SKID WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. TT
DRIVESHAFT REPLACED 7 TIMES. *AW
TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT INTO DRIVE/OVERDRIVE.
REPLACED TORQUE CONVERTER.
REPLACED NOISY ENGINE. *AK
FUEL TANK RUSTED OUT, CAUSING GASOLINE TO LEAK ONTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *SKD
LEFT AND RIGHT OUTER DOOR LOCKS FAILED, PREVENTING DOORS FROM BEING UNLOCKED FROM THE OUTSIDE.
ENGINE REEVED AND STARTED TO RACE VEHICLE WAS AIRBORNE AND LANDED ON FORD BRONCO. TT
THE DRIVER SEAT MOUNT BRACKET BROKE SEAT FOLDS BACKWARDS WHEN YOU ACCELERATE. TT
FRONT DRIVER SIDE LAP/SHOULDER BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. TT
WHEELS LOCK WHEN BRAKES APPLIED WHILE TRAVELLING ON ICE. *TW
INTERMITTENT STALLING DURING WARM WEATHER. *TW
ENGINE OIL SEAL REPLACED, ALSO THUMPING NOISE UNDERNEATH. *SKD
INTERMITTENT STALLING.
STEERING COLUMN REPLACED DUE TO CLICKING NOISE WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL.
FRONT BRAKES REPLACED.
DOT REFERENCE NO 954511. STEEL PLATE NEEDED FOR REPLACEMENT OF SEAT BRACKET UNDER DRIVER SEAT. TT
VEHICLE WAS PARKED AFTER BEING DRIVEN, UNDER THE DASH FIRE CAUSED BY A SHORT IN ALTERNATOR. TT
PROBLEMS WITH STRESS CRACKS OVER THE RAIN GUTTERS ABOVE THE DOOR. TT
STRAP RUSTED THROUGH GAS TANK WHERE STRAP AND PLATE REST ON TANK, RESULTING IN LEAK. TT
INTERMITTENT STALLING. *AK
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 109 total NHTSA complaints filed over 12 years, with the worst year being 1996 (35 complaints).
The amber reliability line averaged 99/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 91/100 in 1999.
Notably, despite 109 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.
Red dots on the amber line flag 2 years (1995, 1999) 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: $33,114 (~$552/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 1989 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
5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
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.
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 | 1FMEU15N2KLA59696 |
| Model Year | 1989 |
| Make | FORD |
| Model | Bronco |
| 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 |
| Horsepower | 185 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | FORD MOTOR COMPANY |
| Assembly City | WAYNE |
| Assembly Country | UNITED STATES (USA) |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | 1FM |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 2 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | K |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | L |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | A59696 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 2 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 109 |
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: 10/1/2026, 12:48:28 AM.