Model year guide

1989 Ford bronco

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1989 Ford bronco is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1989 Ford bronco — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1989 Ford bronco at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints109
Combined11–18 mpg

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

1989 Ford bronco recalls 2

Electrical System:ignition NHTSA Campaign #96V071000 · 25/04/1996

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #89V220000 · 21/11/1989

TIRE RESERVE LOAD LABEL MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED.

Fix: INSTALL PROPER LABEL.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 7 Oct 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.

1989 Ford bronco common problems

Owners have filed 109 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

1989 Ford bronco MPG & running costs

Combined11–18 mpg
City13 mpg
Highway16 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,729
EPA size classSpecial Purpose Vehicles
Transmission4 options
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$11,643 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 14 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 1989 Ford bronco costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$23,645
Fuel only$23,645
Per mile$0.32

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.

1989 Ford bronco trims & engines on record

Engines
5.0L 8-cyl 185 hp

1989 Ford bronco vehicles on record

1989 Ford bronco 1989 Ford bronco1FMEU15N6KLA98971

Other Ford bronco model years

1996 1995 1993 1990

1989 Ford bronco — frequently asked questions

Does the 1989 Ford bronco have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1989 Ford bronco. 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 free.

What are the most common problems with the 1989 Ford bronco?

Owners have filed 109 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine and engine cooling, service brakes.

What gas mileage does the 1989 Ford bronco get?

The 1989 Ford bronco has U.S. EPA estimates of 11–18 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (14 versions).

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