Ford Bronco II years to avoid, and the best years to buy
Every Ford Bronco II model year: which ones owners and specialists recommend, which have documented problems, which carry recalls, and what they sell for now.
1989–1990. The Ranger Station says the 2.9's cylinder heads were redesigned for 1989 (look for '89TM' castings and rectangular rocker pedestals), largely ending the cracking that plagues 1986–88 engines, and that 1989-on A4LD automatics are noticeably better than the 1985–87 units its builder's guide says to stay away from. A late-1990 4x4 may also have the stronger Dana 35 front axle. If you do buy a 1986–88, check the oil for coolant, or for proof the heads have been swapped.
At a glance
Ford Bronco II year by year
| YEAR | VERDICT | WHAT CHANGED |
|---|---|---|
| 1983 | — | Production begins at Louisville in January and the Bronco II is introduced in March as a 1984 model. Four-wheel drive only, carbureted 2.8 Cologne V6 (115 hp), TK4 four-speed or C5 automatic, Dana 28 TTB, 7.5 rear. |
| 1985 | — | Five-speed manuals (TK5, FM145); the A4LD four-speed automatic replaces the C5 from November 1984 builds; power window and lock group; side glass changes from glued to bolted-in late in the year. Last year of the XLS. |
| 1986 | Beware | Fuel-injected 2.9 Cologne V6 (140 hp); Mitsubishi 2.3 turbodiesel offered; Touch-Drive electric-shift transfer case late in the year. The Ranger Station says 1986–88 2.9 heads are known to crack, and rates 1985–87 A4LD automatics the least reliable. |
| 1987 | Beware | Rear-wheel ABS standard; 2WD sales begin in earnest (22,286 sold per NHTSA). Still crack-prone 2.9 heads and the early A4LD, which The Ranger Station's builder's guide says to stay away from. |
| 1988 | — | Sequential fuel injection; FM146 and Mazda M5OD five-speeds; dual-solenoid A4LD from mid-year; XL Sport arrives. Last year of the front-door vent windows and the early body. |
| 1989 | Sweet spot | Facelift to match the Ranger: new hood, fenders, bumper and dashboard, 161.9 in long. Redesigned 89TM 2.9 heads largely eliminate the cracking, and The Ranger Station rates 1989-on A4LDs noticeably better than 1985–87. Ball joints move from the TTB beam to the knuckle. XLT Plus package. |
| 1990 | Sweet spot | Final year, with the 89TM heads. BW1354 on electric-shift trucks; Dana 35 TTB on 4x4s built from November 1989; some 2WD trucks get a true 2WD transmission. Production ends in early 1990 and the Explorer replaces it for 1991. |
“Sweet spot” means owners and specialists recommend those years; “Beware” means documented problems; “Recall” means check the recall was done rather than walk away.
What a Ford Bronco II costs (October 2026)
Bronco IIs are still cheap. Clean, original Eddie Bauers and XLT 4x4 five-speeds bring the most, and very-low-mileage survivors bring far more.
| Tired or engine-swapped driver | $5k–9k |
|---|---|
| Good original XLT or Eddie Bauer 4x4 | $9k–16k |
| Exceptional low-mileage survivor | $28.5k+ |
Based on 24 recent Bring a Trailer results (August 2024 to October 2026): sold prices ran from $5,000 (a 302-swapped 1989 XLT) to $15,750 for most trucks, with a 9,000-mile 1989 Eddie Bauer at $28,550. BaT lists 69 Bronco II auctions in all.
Recalls by year
- Shoulder-belt D-ring anchorage too weak ↗ 1984
- Automatic locking-hub cams may crack ↗ 1984
- EEC wiring harness short can open fuel injectors ↗ 1986
- Nylon fuel-return lines may crack ↗ 1986
- Spring-lock fuel couplings may not be engaged ↗ 1986–1987
- Wrong lug nuts on aluminum wheels ↗ 1987
- Handling-warning sticker on the sun visor won't stay on ↗ 1987
- Power lumbar seat wiring can chafe ↗ 1986
- Front wheel-bearing nut retaining keys missing ↗ 1989
- Automatic transmission park pawl may not engage ↗ 1990
Best years are buyer consensus from owners, specialists and forums, not spec sheets. See all Bronco years to avoid across every generation.