Owners have filed 109 complaints
about the 1996 Ford Bronco with NHTSA between 1995 and 2018.
The largest single group is the acceleration & cruise control.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 30
Against the median year of the Ford Bronco. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
47.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 6
3% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
13.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
26.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
620.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1446.7%
150,000+ miles
723.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 1995peak 11Jul 2018
NHTSA investigations into the 1996 Ford Bronco
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA05005Opened 22 Mar 2005Closed 2 Aug 2006ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
EA05-005 IS CLOSED WITH FORD?S ACTIONS IN RECALLS 05V-017, 05V-388, AND 06V-286, RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 6.7 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).THE BRAKE SYSTEMS IN THESE RECALLED VEHICLES GENERATE A VACUUM THAT CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE SCDS TO FAIL AND, IN CERTAIN SWITCH INSTALLATION ORIENTATIONS, CATCH FIRE.FORD IS ALSO INCLUDING THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF 1998 EXPLORERS.FORD HAS INFORMED ODI THAT TESTING TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURES IN THE 1998 EXPLORERS WILL CONTINUE AFTER THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI BELIEVES THAT THE VEHIC...
Recalls on the 1996 Ford Bronco
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
06E026000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN 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.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
05V388000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Risk: A FIRE AT THE SWITCH COULD OCCUR.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2005028304,417 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation. Correction: Initially as an interim repair, owners will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. As soon as replacement parts are available, owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a new switch or fused wiring harness.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 180,000 milesFallon, NVFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD BRONCO. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER BUT WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V388000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #10460512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 209,650 milesSlidell, LAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1996 FORD BRONCO CAUGHT FIRE OVER WEEKEND WHILE MY FAMILY AND I WERE DRIVING HOME. MONDAY FORD HAD IT TOWED INTO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO REPAIR AND NOW, THREE DAYS LATER THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT THEY WILL NOT REPAIR IT SINCE I KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM. I ARGUED THAT I HAD NO IDEA AND THEY SAY THAT THEY MAILED ME A CARD AT THE END OF 2007. THE VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WANT ME TO COME PAY CASH FOR THE REAPAIRS. PLEASE HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10323252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesSacramento, CAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD BRONCO. SPARKS WERE DRIPPING BELOW THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S NEIGHBOR ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH THE GARDEN HOSE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. EVENTUALLY, SEVERAL NEIGHBORS WERE ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES WITH GARDEN HOSES AND FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. THE FLAMES APPEARED FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL AND INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CONTINUED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THEY ALSO DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY IN FEAR THAT IT MAY CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED AS DESTROYED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 130,000. UPDATED 4/28/09 *CN UPDATED 04/30/09.*JB UPDATED 12/08/09. *LJ UPDATED 12/10/09.
NHTSA complaint #10263070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,000 milesSacramento, CAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD BRONCO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A LOT, IT SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. FLAMES AND SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THROUGH NUMEROUS RESEARCH, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V388000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THE DEFECT AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD INVESTIGATE TO DETERMINE IF THE FIRE WAS LINKED TO THE RECALL. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT HE SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 136,000.
NHTSA complaint #10263075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesSacramento, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD BRONCO. SPARKS WERE DRIPPING BELOW THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S NEIGHBOR ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH THE GARDEN HOSE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. EVENTUALLY, SEVERAL NEIGHBORS WERE ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES WITH GARDEN HOSES AND FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. THE FLAMES APPEARED FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL AND INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CONTINUED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THEY ALSO DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY IN FEAR THAT IT MAY CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED AS DESTROYED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 130,000. UPDATED 4/28/09 *CN UPDATED 04/30/09.*JB UPDATED 12/08/09. *LJ UPDATED 12/10/09.
NHTSA complaint #10263070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Defuniak Springs, FLFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE YARD FOR SEVERAL HOURS, AND I WAS WORKING IN MY SHOP ABOUT 30 FEET AWAY. I STARTED SMELLING BURNING PLASTIC, AND I THOUGHT THAT THE NEIGHBORS WERE BURNING TRASH. WHEN THE ODOR BECAME STRONGER, I LOOKED OUT THE DOOR OF MY SHOP. THERE WAS SMOKE POURING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD, AND FROM THE FRONT OF THE GRILLE. I RAN AND GOT THE GARDEN HOUSE, AND STUCK IT IN THE WHEELWELL, IN A HOLE THAT HAD BURNED THROUGH THE INNER FENDER. ONCE THE FIRE SEEMED NEARLY OUT, I OPENED THE HOOD TO FINISH QUENCHING THE FLAMES.
NHTSA complaint #10254458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 145,000 milesNicholson, GA
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION JUMPS OUT OF OVERDRIVE, AFTERWARDS HARD SHIFTS IN ALL GEARS AFTER HIGH RPMS. THE FIX IS TO STOP, CUT THE ENGINE OFF AND THE TRANSMISSION RESETS FOR LACK ON A BETTER TERM. WHEN THE BRONCO IS IN OD AND IS JUST CRUSING, NOT IN A PULL, IS WHEN THE OD JUMPS OUT. LIKE ANY OTHER THING IT DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME.
NHTSA complaint #11110905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 210,000 milesMedical Lake, WA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEAD LIGHT DIMMER SWITCH/TURN SIGNAL SWITCH. AFTER HEAD LIGHTS HAVE BEEN RUNNING FOR A FEW MINUTES, THE HEAD LIGHTS WILL BEGIN TO FLASH ON/OFF IN EITHER HIGH BEAMS OR LOW BEAMS. I HAVE FOUND THE ISSUE TO BE IN THE HIGH BEAM SWITCH ITSELF. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON A BUSY STREET OR IN A LOCATION WHERE PEOPLE WERE CROSSING THE ROAD IT COULD HAVE BEEN VERY BAD. RESEARCH SHOWED THIS TO BE A VERY COMMON ISSUE AND SHOULD BE CHANGED. THERE IS EVEN A HARNESS FOR SALE THAT ROUTES POWER AROUND THIS SWITCH AND THROUGH A RELAY SETUP TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE. I'M SURE FORD SHOULD BE FIXING THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT, DUE TO INABILITY TO SEE...
NHTSA complaint #10499678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesFallon, NVFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD BRONCO. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER BUT WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V388000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #10460512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,000 milesMariah Hill, IN
TIRES
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD BRONCO WITH INDICO THORNBIRD 385* 14 * 16 TIRES(NA) DOT NUMBER KPBC80507. THE TIRES WERE VIBRATING; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT HAD THEM ROTATED. DURING THE ROTATION THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE LINING INSIDE OF ALL FOUR TIRES CURLED UP. THE MANUFACTURER INSISTED THAT THIS WAS NOT A PREVIOUS CONCERN ON INDICO TIRES. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE ON THE TIRES WAS 4000.
NHTSA complaint #10362490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 209,650 milesSlidell, LAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1996 FORD BRONCO CAUGHT FIRE OVER WEEKEND WHILE MY FAMILY AND I WERE DRIVING HOME. MONDAY FORD HAD IT TOWED INTO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO REPAIR AND NOW, THREE DAYS LATER THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT THEY WILL NOT REPAIR IT SINCE I KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM. I ARGUED THAT I HAD NO IDEA AND THEY SAY THAT THEY MAILED ME A CARD AT THE END OF 2007. THE VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WANT ME TO COME PAY CASH FOR THE REAPAIRS. PLEASE HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10323252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 203,000 milesKansas City, MO
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 1996 FORD BRONCO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WAS ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE BEGIN TO ACCELERATE BEYOND ITS SET SPEED. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE CRUISE CONTROL WITH A USED CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH AND THAT HAS REMEDIED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL COULD HAVE CAUSED A CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 203,000.
NHTSA complaint #10314399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesSacramento, CAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD BRONCO. SPARKS WERE DRIPPING BELOW THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S NEIGHBOR ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH THE GARDEN HOSE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. EVENTUALLY, SEVERAL NEIGHBORS WERE ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES WITH GARDEN HOSES AND FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. THE FLAMES APPEARED FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL AND INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CONTINUED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THEY ALSO DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY IN FEAR THAT IT MAY CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED AS DESTROYED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 130,000. UPDATED 4/28/09 *CN UPDATED 04/30/09.*JB UPDATED 12/08/09. *LJ UPDATED 12/10/09.
NHTSA complaint #10263070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,000 milesSacramento, CAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD BRONCO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A LOT, IT SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. FLAMES AND SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THROUGH NUMEROUS RESEARCH, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V388000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THE DEFECT AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD INVESTIGATE TO DETERMINE IF THE FIRE WAS LINKED TO THE RECALL. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT HE SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 136,000.
NHTSA complaint #10263075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesSacramento, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD BRONCO. SPARKS WERE DRIPPING BELOW THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S NEIGHBOR ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH THE GARDEN HOSE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. EVENTUALLY, SEVERAL NEIGHBORS WERE ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES WITH GARDEN HOSES AND FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. THE FLAMES APPEARED FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL AND INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CONTINUED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THEY ALSO DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY IN FEAR THAT IT MAY CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED AS DESTROYED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 130,000. UPDATED 4/28/09 *CN UPDATED 04/30/09.*JB UPDATED 12/08/09. *LJ UPDATED 12/10/09.
NHTSA complaint #10263070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Defuniak Springs, FLFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE YARD FOR SEVERAL HOURS, AND I WAS WORKING IN MY SHOP ABOUT 30 FEET AWAY. I STARTED SMELLING BURNING PLASTIC, AND I THOUGHT THAT THE NEIGHBORS WERE BURNING TRASH. WHEN THE ODOR BECAME STRONGER, I LOOKED OUT THE DOOR OF MY SHOP. THERE WAS SMOKE POURING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD, AND FROM THE FRONT OF THE GRILLE. I RAN AND GOT THE GARDEN HOUSE, AND STUCK IT IN THE WHEELWELL, IN A HOLE THAT HAD BURNED THROUGH THE INNER FENDER. ONCE THE FIRE SEEMED NEARLY OUT, I OPENED THE HOOD TO FINISH QUENCHING THE FLAMES.
NHTSA complaint #10254458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesGolden Valley, AZFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
DROVE 1996 FORD BRONCO 3 BLOCKS AND PARKED IT IN CLOSED UP GARAGE. CAME BACK A FEW DAYS LATER AND FOUND IT BURNT UP. FIRE BURNT UNDER HOOD AND DASH. IT SCORCHED THE VEHICLE PARKED NEXT TO IT AND DAMAGED INSIDE OF GARAGE.
NHTSA complaint #10248962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesGolden Valley, AZFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DROVE 1996 FORD BRONCO 3 BLOCKS AND PARKED IT IN CLOSED UP GARAGE. CAME BACK A FEW DAYS LATER AND FOUND IT BURNT UP. FIRE BURNT UNDER HOOD AND DASH. IT SCORCHED THE VEHICLE PARKED NEXT TO IT AND DAMAGED INSIDE OF GARAGE.
NHTSA complaint #10248962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesEast Berlin, PAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS DRIVING, CAME HOME AT 11PM, AT 11:30PM THE HORN WAS BLOWING ON MY 1996 FORD BRONCO, WENT OUTSIDE TO FIND IT HAD COMPLETELY BURNED IN A FIRE - SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY, NOT RUNNING, KEYS OUT OF THE VEHICLE. HAD TO CALL FIRE COMPANY TO EXTINGUISH, POLICE WERE HERE ALSO - DID SOME INTERNET SEARCHING TO FIND THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE, WAS RECOMMENDED TO REPORT TO YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10231901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesWheat Ridge, COFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD BRONCO. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AFTER BEING PARKED FOR 20 MINUTES. THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN DRIVEN FOR 30 MINUTES AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ACTIVATED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 120,000. UPDATED 11/26/07
NHTSA complaint #10207451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 224,000 milesSuffolk, VAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
DRIVEN 96 BRONCO TO STORE, NOTICED "SQUISHY BRAKES ON WAY HOME. PARKED VEHICLE FOR APPROX. 20-30 MIN. WHEN CAME OUTSIDE TO FIND FLAME BALLS OF DRIPPING PLASTIC; OPENED THE HOOD TO FIND MASTER CYLINDER ON FIRE & SPREADING TO AREAS BELOW. UNABLE TO QUICKLY ACCESS FIRE EXTINGUISHER; PULLED A GARDEN HOSE BACK TO VEHICLE & AT THIS TIME ALL AREAS BENEATH MASTER CYLINDER WERE INVOLVED AND SPREADING OVER TO TIRES, WIRING HARNESS & INSULATION DRIPPING ONTO FUEL LINES. REPORTED TO FORD MOTOR CO. IMMEDIATELY AND NOT GETTING ANYWHERE WITH THEM TO ACCEPT LIABILITY FOR THE DAMAGE. CONTINUALLY RECEIVING RECALL NOTICES FROM FORD AS TO WHY THIS REPAIR HAS NOT BEEN DONE... ??? PLEASE HELP!!
NHTSA complaint #10197178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 210,000 milesSuffolk, VAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD BRONCO. ON JUNE 15, 2005, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE AND THEN CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT SAFETY RECALL # 05V388000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MAJORITY OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SUFFERED FIRE DAMAGE (MASTER CYLINDER, ENGINE WIRING HARNESSES, PLASTIC FENDER, AND THE CHROME PLATING ON THE GRILL PEELED). THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 225,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 210,000.
NHTSA complaint #10191364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scarborough, ME
TIRES
I BOUGHT 4 TIRES FROM SULLIVAN TIRES IN SCARBOROUGH, MAINE ON ROUTE 1. I PAID FOR THE UPGRADED QUALITY TIRES BY THEIR RECOMMENDATION. THE TIRES WERE GUARANTEED FOR 25,000 MILES. AFTER 14,000 MILES, ONE OF THE FOUR TIRES BEGAN TO HAVE IRREGULAR WEAR UNTIL ONE SIDE OF THE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY BALD. THE OTHER 3 TIRES ARE STILL LIKE NEW. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN TO THEM ASSUMING THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THIS TIRE. THEY TOLD ME TO COME BACK NEXT WEEK, THEY WERE TOO BUSY. I EXPLAINED THE ENTIRE SITUATION TO THEM, BUT WHEN I RETURNED THE NEXT WEEK, THE SAME PERSON HAD FORGOTTEN ALL ABOUT MY ISSUE. I EXPLAINED IT AGAIN. I HAD TO LEAVE MY TRUCK FOR THEM TO LOOK AT THE TIRE. I HAD A FRIEND PICK ME UP. I LEFT MY PHONE NUMBER FOR THEM TO CONTACT ME AND AFTER 3 HOURS WHEN I DID NOT HEAR FROM THEM I CALLED. THEY DID NOT OR WOULD NOT REPLACE THIS TIRE. THEY ACCUSED ME OF MANY THINGS THAT WERE NOT TRUE, LIKE I HAD NEW TIE-ROD ENDS PUT ON, DID NOT BALANCE THEM, DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH AIR IN IT, ETC...I SPOKE FIRST TO THE ASSISTANT MANAGER, THEN TO THE MANAGER WITHOUT ANY RESOLUTION. THEY ASKED ME TO BRING IT BACK FOR ANOTHER DAY NEXT WEEK SO THEY COULD DO A ALIGNMENT CHECK. THEY WERE NOT GOING TO ALIGN IT, JUST CHECK IT. BUT BY THIS TIME, I DID NOT TRUST THEM AND DID NOT WANT TO WASTE ANOTHER DAY WITHOUT MY VEHICLE. THEY DID NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR TIRES OR THEIR WARRANTY ON THE TIRES. I AM DISGUSTED AND I FEEL THAT OTHER CONSUMERS SHOULD BE WARNED BEFORE CONSIDERING SULLIVAN TIRES. I PLAN ON TAKING THEM TO COURT.
NHTSA complaint #10170811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesWinston-Salem, NCFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
THE FORD BRONCO WAS SITTING IN FRONT OF MY CAR. OVERNIGHT THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED THE FRONT CONSOLE OF THE CAR AND BELOW THE DASHBOARD. THE HOTTEST POINT OF THE FIRE WAS UNDERNEATH THE HOOD WHERE THE METAL TURNED WHITE AND DESTROYED THE PAINT. A CLAIM FILED WITH FORD WAS FILED AFTER THE RECALL FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WAS ISSUED A FEW WEEKS AFTER THE FIRE. FORD DENIED THE CLAIM BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT LOCATE THE SWITCH, WHICH, ACCORDINGLY TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP, WAS NOT IN THE ENGINE BLOCK.
NHTSA complaint #10151714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boise, ID
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE TO HAVE 1996 FORD BRONCO CRUISE CONTROL DISCONNECTED. *TS FORD RECALL #05S28. AN ADDITIONAL THREE-MONTH DELAY WAS ISSUED BEFORE THE REPAIR COULD TAKE PLACE. THE CONSUMER FELT THAT THIS WAS IRRESPONSIBLE OF FORD.
NHTSA complaint #10145319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesSAN Jose, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
1. GENERAL USE OF THE VEHICLE 2. CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. BRAKE FLUID DARK/LEAKING OUT. BRAKE PRESSURE SWITCH CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED. 3. I WILL HAVE TO GET A NEW SWITCH.
NHTSA complaint #10133371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greensboro, NCFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
DT: THE CONTACT OWNED A 1996 FORD BRONCO. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN EARLY JUNE 2005. THE FIRE OCCURRED IN THE WIRE CLUSTER THAT CONNECTED INTO THE FRONT OF THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE FIRE WAS FIRST NOTICED COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT OPERATING UNUSUALKY BEFORE THE FIRE STARTED. CONTACT ONLY HAD THE VEHICLE FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS AND THE CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT WORK. HEARD ABOUT THE CRUISE CONTROL RECALL BUT DID NOT PAY ATTENTION TO IT. THIS WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY BYPASSING THE CRUISE CONTROL AND WIRING IT. INSURANCE COMPANY PAID FOR THE REPAIRS.
NHTSA complaint #10131152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesVilla Rica, GAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
DT: CONSUMER STATED THAT 1996 FORD BRONCO XL CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNT ON JUNE 5, 2005. THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE LEFT FRONT FENDER WELL RIGHT AT THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES. THE VEHICLE HAD DRIVEN JUST FINE BEFORE THIS. CONSUMER HAS NOT CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AT THIS POINT. THERE WAS A FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE DEPORTMENT REPORTS. THERE WAS NO INSURANCE REPORT. DRIVER HAD NOT SMELLED ANY SMOKE OR SEEN ANY SMOKE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THERE ARE PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE BEFORE IT WAS MOVED BY THE CONSUMER. THE OWNER GOING TO TAKE MORE PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE FOR ODI.
NHTSA complaint #10128794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wautoma, WIFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUSED BY CRUISE CONTROL BRAKE SWITCH. MY FIRST INDICATION OF A PROBLEM WAS THAT MY CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT WORK. I WENT TO MY GARAGE AND FOUND THAT A FUSE HAD BLOWN. WHEN I REPLACED THE FUSE, THE SWITCH ASSEMBLY, LOCATED DIRECTLY ABOVE THE BRAKE FLUID TANK, IMMEDIATELY IGNIGHTED, WHICH DESTROYED THE SWITCH AND MELTED PART OF THE BRAKE FLUID. WE PUT OUT THE FIRE WITH AN EXTINGUISHER, BOUGHT AND INSTALLED A REPLACEMENT SWITCH, AND IT NOW SEEMS TO BE WORKING OK. I HAD FIGURED IT WAS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT, UNTIL I LEARNED IT HAS HAPPENED TO HUNDREDS OF OTHER PEOPLE AND THAT A "PARTIAL" RECALL HAS BEEN CONDUCTED BY FORD, BUT THE RECALL DID NOT INCLUDE MY VEHICLE. NOW I'M AFRAID I MAY HAVE ANOTHER FIRE. I BECAME AWARE OF THIS BY WATCHING A CNN NEWS STORY ON THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10127153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,000 milesMelburn, FLFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
DT: THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, THE FIRE MARSHAL SAID IT STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, THE INSURANCE AGENCY CAME TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE HOUSE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. *SC
NHTSA complaint #10126006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesPittsburgh, PAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
WHILE CLEANING MY 96 BRONCO I NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE HOOD. AFTER OPENING IT, I SAW THE CRUISE CONTROL BOX TO BE SMOKING HEAVILY. I POURED WATER ON IT AND COOLED DOWN THE SUPERHEATED DEVICE. EXCEPT FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL NOT WORKING, I DID NOT ENCOUNTER ANY OTHER PROBLEMS. LATELY I'VE BEEN READING ABOUT INVESTIGATIONS INTO POTENTIAL SYSTEMATIC DEFECTS OF THE CRUISE CONTROL OF FORD TRUCKS AND EXTENSIVE RECALLS DUE TO THAT PROBLEM. THE SYMPTOMS DESCRIBED ARE MATCHING WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR - I SEEM TO JUST HAVE BEEN LUCKY TO BE PRESENT. I REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO MY CAR DEALER AND TO FORD BUT BOTH DENIED A CLAIM BECAUSE THERE WAS NO RECALL ON MY KIND OF VEHICLE. THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS ON FORD F150 TRUCKS BUT I COULD NOT FIND ANY REGARDING THE BRONCO MODEL WHICH IS SURPRISING SINCE BOTH CARS ARE ESSENTIALLY THE SAME EXCEPT FOR THE FLAT BED.
NHTSA complaint #10122538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.