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1990 Ford Bronco electrical problems

18 complaints (32% of all complaints for this car).

owner complaints
18
of this car's complaints
32%
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Ignition: switch
    4
  • Wiring: interior/under dash
    3
  • Wiring: front underhood
    3
  • Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
    2
  • Ignition: module
    2
  • Ignition
    2
  • Wiring
    1
  • Alternator/generator/regulator
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Bronco electrical problems in other years

199019952026

Specific symptoms reported on the 1990 Ford Bronco electrical

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Fire or smoke 6

Related recalls

Electrical system: ignitionReported April 25, 1996 · 7,900,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
Risk
This condition could cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in the steering column area of the vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the ignition switch.

Recall number 96V071000 · Recall details

What 1990 Ford Bronco owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 29, 2004 · Electrical · HI

1990 ford bronco ignition switch failed. (safety recall #96v071000 of nov95) ford dealer said no recalls on this vehicle and charged me $476.00. I checked the ford website and they only list recalls from jan96, is there a staute of limitations on saftey recalls and how long?

Filed Jan 14, 2004 · Electrical · 102,540 miles · NY · fire

1990 ford bronco I brought this vehicle in to jim doyle ford on delaware avenue in kenmore n.y, last week. The ignition switch broke, and was to be replaced via recall. The ignition switch malfunctioned, and I smelled fire.saw smoke. Turned key off to no avail, immediately ran in the house, grabbed fire extinguisher, called fire dept (car was parked between 2 houses) and ran out and cut battery cable. After determining problem (defective ignition switch) I had the vehicle towed to jim doyle ford. They offered the free repair, and called me stating that something inside the ignition column was broken, and they would charge me 60 dollars plus tax just to diagnose. I declined, went to the dealer, and the ignition switch was just hanging out from the harness under the dash, the mechanic used a screwdriver to push the switch and started the vehicle for me. I then took the vehicle to buffalo key and lock, and the technician (ron chase) found that the internal mechanism in the steering column had broken, and he stated that it is a common problem since the defective (recalled) ignitions generally melt and weld themselves in the "start" position, when the driver attempts to turn it off it causes the rack and rods inside of the steering column to break, rendering the ignition key etc inoperable. This is directly attributable to the defective ignition switch that was recalled. Ford stated that they would not pay for this since the only thing covered was the ignition switch itself. $295.00 later, my ignition switch and internal works are replaced, they broke due to a recalled item covered by ford, and ford will not re-imburse me. This is unfair, my truck is in excellent condition, extremely well maintained and the ignition switch was directly the cause of the other damage. Plus, my vehicle was in the dealer shop for 3-4 hours and I got it back in deplorable condition (oil/grease all over it, seats and dash covered with grease, steering wheel cover torn off.

Filed Jan 10, 2003 · Electrical · 140,000 miles · CA · fire

1990 ford bronco destroyed in fire. Spontaneous fire orginated in engine compartment or under dash inside vehicle while parked on street. Vehicle was not running at the time. Vehicle is a total loss.

Filed Jul 10, 2002 · Electrical · CO

Consumer states the thick film ignition module is not usable unless the temperature is 70 degress or cooler, otherwise there is an uncontrollable stall that occurs, consumer has contacted the manufacturer on several occasions to try and get the part repaired or replaced.

Filed Jun 12, 2002 · Electrical, Engine · CO

Vehicle stalls intermittently at any speed/in warm weather/or on inclines, and down grades. Dealer replaced the fuel pump, which did not remedy the problem. *ak the consumer states that ford has never provided any data or service to solve the problem-by their use of distributor mounted thick film ignition module. (tfi problem) the vehicle will crank but won't start.

Filed Jun 11, 2002 · Electrical · OK · fire

A vehicle fire started under the dash while driving. Dealer and manufacturer were notified. Feel free to provide any further information, and please fill in vehicle mileage.

Filed Oct 15, 2000 · Electrical · HI · fire

Entire left side of dash completed burnt/melted. Total burn damage to left front seat, left interior of door, roof, floor. No damage to engine.

Filed Oct 8, 2000 · Electrical, Seats · FL

No summary

Filed Jun 26, 2000 · Electrical · OR · fire

Vehicle caught on fire. Consumer was unaware of the cause. Also, was not sure if there was a recall, but will have the insurance company look into it. *ak

Filed Jun 13, 2000 · Electrical · OR · fire

While vehicle was parked in the driveway it caught on fire. Vehicle was completely burned. Owner believed that fire started in the ignition switch area. Please provide any further information.

Questions about the 1990 Ford Bronco electrical

Does the 1990 Ford Bronco have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 18 complaints about the electrical of the 1990 Ford Bronco, 32% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 1990 Ford Bronco electrical problems start?

Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.

Was there a recall on the 1990 Ford Bronco electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 96V071000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford Bronco have the most electrical problems?

The Ford Bronco model years with the most electrical complaints are 2022 (40 complaints), 2021 (29 complaints) and 2023 (26 complaints).

Other 1990 Ford Bronco problems

Brakes 9Seats 9Body 7Fuel system 6Acceleration 4Suspension 4Tires 4Transmission 4Engine 3Lights 1

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