Model year guide

1987 Ford bronco ii

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1987 Ford bronco ii is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1987 Ford bronco ii — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1987 Ford bronco ii at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints41
Combined17–19 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1987 Ford bronco ii recalls 3

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #87V139000 · 04/09/1987

SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.

Fix: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #87V070000 · 18/05/1987

STICKERS CONCERNING HANDLING AND MANEUVERABILITY WHICH ARE AFFIXED TO DRIVERS SUN VISOR SLEEVES DO NOT MEET CRITERIA FOR PERMANENT ADHESION.

Fix: OWNERS WILL BE MAILED NEW SUN VISOR SLEEVES WITH ALL APPLICABLE DECAL INFORMATION PERMANENTLY AFFIXED.

Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs NHTSA Campaign #87V039000 · 23/03/1987

ALUMINUM WHEELS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED WITH IMPROPER LUG NUTS.

Fix: CHANGE TAPERED STYLE LUG NUTS TO SHORT SHANK STYLE LUG NUTS.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1987 Ford bronco ii common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 41 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

1987 Ford bronco ii MPG & running costs

Combined17–19 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway21 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,725
EPA size classSpecial Purpose Vehicle 2WD
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$6,625 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1987 Ford bronco ii costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,625
Fuel only$18,625
Per mile$0.25

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
158.3 in
Width
68.1 in
Height
68.1 in
Wheelbase
94.1 in
Curb weight
3,175–3,219 lb

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1987 Ford bronco ii — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 6

VEHICLE ROLLOVER Closed

PETITIONER ALLEGED BRONCO II SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES 1983-1990 WERE DESIGNED WITH HANDLING AND STABILITY DEFECTS

NHTSA #DP97006 · Structure · opened Dec 1997 · closed May 1999

WHL SEPARATION/TORQUE LOSS Closed

NHTSA #PE92029 · Suspension · opened Mar 1992 · closed Aug 1992

THROTTLE STICKING Closed

NHTSA #EA90042 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Aug 1990 · closed Dec 1991

ROLLOVER PROPENSITY Closed

SUMMARY: THE BRONCO II IS INVOLVED IN MORE FATAL SINGLE VEHICLE, FIRSTEVENT ROLLOVERS COMPARED TO ANY OTHER CLOSED BODY UTILITY VEHICLE (WITHOR WITHOUT NORMALIZING VEHICLE POPULATIONS AND EXPOSURE).===

NHTSA #EA89013 · Suspension · opened Feb 1989 · closed Oct 1990

UNDER SEAT FIRES Closed

NHTSA #EA88033 · Electrical System · opened May 1988 · closed Jan 1989

LUMBAR SWTCH HRNESS FIRES Closed

SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER: MANUFACTURER HAS BEENCONTACTED, AND PROVIDED TWELVE REPORTS OF UNDER SEAT FIRES.ANALYSIS: THE LUMBAR SWITCH IS MOUNTED ON THE LOWER SEAT FRAME AND THEWIREING HARNESS IS INSTALLED BETWEEN THE SLIDE RAILS. MOVEMENT OF THESEAT MAY FRAY THE INSULATION AND PRESENT A POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD.FORD HAS MADE TWO PRODUCTION CHANGES; 1) RELOCATED THE WIREING HARNESSTO THE SEAT CUSHION FLEXO…

NHTSA #PE88008 · Electrical System · opened Nov 1987 · closed May 1988

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 18

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 18.

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC

Bulletin 01156 · Visibility · Aug 2001

INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC

Bulletin 01157 · Aug 2001

SUBJECT REGARDING CONTAMINATION FROM PRIOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS OR EXCESS WEAR MAY BE TRAPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM. *TT

Bulletin 002310 · Power Train · Nov 2000

INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS

Bulletin 0015 · Power Train · Jan 2000

SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT

Bulletin 99222 · Electrical System · Oct 1999

INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT

Bulletin 99196 · Equipment · Sep 1999

INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT

Bulletin 99152 · Power Train · Jul 1999

FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A NEW ELECTRICAL GREASE ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF MOISTURE CORROSION AT THE TERMINALS. *YC

Bulletin 98246 · Electrical System · Dec 1998

INFORMATION ON A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHART. *YC

Bulletin 9888 · Power Train · Apr 1998

INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC

Bulletin 9852 · Tires · Apr 1998

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the BRONCO II. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 3

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1987 Ford bronco ii. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Engine

THIS RECALL SUPERSEDES RECALL 90-27 FOR VEHICLES IN THE MARITIMES. THE THROTTLE MAY STICK IN AN OPEN POSITION DUE TO LINKAGE BINDING CAUSED BY CORROSION. THIS WOULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO RUN AT HIGHER THAN IDLE SPEED WHEN THE THROTTLE IS RELEASED AND COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT DRIVER CONTROL RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE CRASH. CORRECTION: A STAINLESS STEEL SLEEVE, WHICH WILL BE PLACED OVE…

Transport Canada #1991021 · Feb 1991

Engine

RANGER/BRONCO II - 2.9 LITRE ENGINES TAURUS/SABLE - 3.0 LITRE ENGINES NOTE: VEHICLES LOCATED IN NEWFOUNDLAND, NOVA SCOTIA, NEW BRUNSWICK AND PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND. THE THROTTLE MAY STICK IN AN OPEN POSITION DUE TO LINKAGE BINDING CAUSED BY CORROSION. THIS WOULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO RUN AT HIGHER THAN IDLE SPEED WHEN THE THROTTLE IS RELEASED AND COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT DRIVER CONTR…

Transport Canada #1990027 · Feb 1990

Fuel System

ON VEHICLES WITH EFI OR CFI, THE SPRING-LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING USED TO CONNECT THE FUEL SUPPLY AND RETURN LINES TO THE EFI FUEL RAILS OR TO THE CFI THROTTLE BODIES AS WELL AS OTHER FUEL LINE CONNECTIONS NEAR THE DASH PANELS ON SOME VEHICLES, COULD DISENGAGE DURING VEHICLE USE. SHOULD THIS OCCUR, LOSS OF FUEL WILL RESULT, PROVIDING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE FIRE. CORRECTION:…

Transport Canada #1987098 · Sep 1987

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Ford bronco ii

The Ford Bronco II is a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) that was manufactured by the American manufacturer Ford. Closely matching the first-generation Ford Bronco in size, the Bronco II was sold for the 1984 to 1990 model years, alongside the third and fourth generations of Ford's full-size Bronco. Derived from the Ford Ranger compact pickup truck, the Bronco II was produced in a single generation as a three-door wagon only, competing against the three-door version of the Jeep Cherokee introduced the same year, and the compact Chevrolet S-10 Blazer and GMC S-15 Jimmy which GM had launched as smaller, similar-named SUVs alongside their full-size Blazer and Jimmy a year prior.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1987 Ford bronco ii trims & engines on record

Trims
XL
Engines
2.9L 6-cyl 140 hp

1987 Ford bronco ii vehicles on record

Other Ford bronco ii model years

1987 Ford bronco ii — frequently asked questions

Does the 1987 Ford bronco ii have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 1987 Ford bronco ii. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1987 Ford bronco ii?

Across all 41 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, fuel system, gasoline.

What gas mileage does the 1987 Ford bronco ii get?

The 1987 Ford bronco ii has U.S. EPA estimates of 17–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.