1988 Ford Bronco electrical system problems
19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 1988 Ford Bronco — 37% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“While driving consumer noticed smoke coming from steering column, and from the vents. Consumer pulled over. Then, vehicle caught on fire. Consumer called the fire department to extinguish the fire. Vehicle was towed and totaled by the insurance company. *ak”
filed Dec 16, 2004
“The vehicles alternator burned up, consumer replaced alternator and completed work the first time this happened, however the second time the damage was extensive, consumer is requesting ford to help in this defect. Nlm”
filed Mar 27, 2001
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses. *tt
99222 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 18, 1999Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( f8az - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals. *yc
98246 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 7, 1998
Electrical System problems in other Bronco years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Bronco | 11 | 23% |
| 2024 Bronco | 17 | 24% |
| 2023 Bronco | 22 | 10% |
| 2022 Bronco | 37 | 10% |
| 2021 Bronco | 28 | 13% |
| 1996 Bronco | 10 | 12% |
| 1995 Bronco | 14 | 15% |
| 1994 Bronco | 10 | 11% |
| 1993 Bronco | 3 | 8% |
| 1992 Bronco | 5 | 14% |
| 1991 Bronco | 11 | 34% |
| 1990 Bronco | 18 | 32% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1988 Ford Bronco
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.