1990 Ford Bronco

Introduction

The 1990 Ford Bronco was a popular SUV that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 4.9L V8 that produced 145 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. Optional engines included a 5.0L V8 that produced 185 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.8L V8 that produced 205 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual, a 4-speed automatic, and a 3-speed automatic.

The Bronco was praised for its ruggedness and off-road capabilities, but it was also criticized for its poor fuel economy and cramped interior.

Engine

4.9L V8

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking coolant, loss of power, overheating
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

5.0L V8

• Throttle position sensor failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, poor acceleration, check engine light on
  • Solution: Replace throttle position sensor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

5.8L V8

• Fuel injector failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfiring, poor fuel economy, check engine light on
  • Solution: Replace fuel injectors
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-speed manual

• Clutch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noise when shifting
  • Solution: Replace clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

4-speed automatic

• Transmission slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, loss of power
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000
  • Recalls: None Found

3-speed automatic

• Converter lock-up failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering when shifting gears, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

Front suspension

• Ball joint failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise when turning, excessive tire wear
  • Solution: Replace ball joints
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Rear suspension

• Leaf spring breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, excessive bed bounce
  • Solution: Replace leaf springs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, battery not charging
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine not starting, clicking noise when turning key
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Surface rust on body panels, frame, and suspension components
  • Solution: Repair or replace rusted components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on extent of rust
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks and warping on dashboard
  • Solution: Replace dashboard or repair with dash cap
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1990 Ford Bronco is a rugged and capable SUV, but it is not without its problems. The most common issues include engine intake manifold gasket failure, throttle position sensor failure, fuel injector failure, clutch failure, transmission slipping, ball joint failure, leaf spring breakage, and rust. The severity of these issues can range from minor annoyances to major repairs. The cost to fix these issues can also vary depending on the severity of the problem and the cost of parts and labor.