Cracked cylinder head and head gasket
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
4 NHTSA complaints · 1995-10 → 1997-11
“ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD CRACKED TWICE, CAUSING LEAK”
“ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD HAS CRACKED TWICE”
1990 Ford Bronco II Recalls, Problems & Maintenance
The 1990 Ford Bronco II has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Cracked cylinder head and head gasket.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.
Save this car as:
No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Known issues & problems for this vehicle
What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 1990 Ford Bronco II.
Reported to NHTSA
Transmission failure
POWER TRAIN
2 NHTSA complaints · 1996-11 → 1997-07
“TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE TRAVELING ON A FIVE LANE HIGHWAY WHILE IN THE MIDDLE LANE”
“TRANSMISSION FAILED, SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION DUE TO FAILURE”
Seat belt retraction and buckle lock-up
SEAT BELTS
2 NHTSA complaints · 1996-02 → 1997-06
“THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLES LOCKED UP ON A 4-YEAR OLD”
“THE DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT WILL NOT RETRACT AND WILL NOT RESTRAIN IN AN ACCIDENT”
Tire tread separation
TIRES
3 NHTSA complaints · 2000-09 → 2000-11
“FIRESTONE TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION CAUSING VEHICLE TO ROLLOVER, CONSUMER SUSTAINED INJURIES FROM ACCIDENT”
“WHILE DRIVING ON I-35 NEAR NORMAN OKLAHOMA IN MY RECENTLY ACQUIRED 1990, FORD BRONCO II, THE TREAD ON MY RIGHT FRONT TIRE COMPLETELY SEPERATED”
“VISUAL INSPECTION OF THE TIRE SHOWS THE TREAD COMPLETELY SEPERATED FROM THE TIRE WHICH WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY”
Brake component failure
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
5 NHTSA complaints · 1996-08 → 2008-01
“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING, VERY SHORTLY AFTERWARDS HAD A LOSS OF BRAKE POWER, THE HUB AREA OF THE WHEEL WAS IN FLAMES”
“FRIEND WAS DRIVING VEHICLE, WHILE DRIVING, SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING, TRIED TO APPLIED BRAKES, WHEEL WELL HUB AREA WAS IN FLAMES, BRAKES FAILED TO WORK”
“ABS BRAKE PROBLEMS; WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES IN REGULAR TRAFFIC CONDITIONS, UNDER NORMAL BRAKING, THE PEDAL FADES”
Alternator-related vehicle fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 NHTSA complaints · 1995-06 → 2004-04
“THE ALTERNATOR CAUSED THE TRUCK TO CATCH ON FIRE”
“MY LAST TWO ALTERNATORS BURST INTO FLAMES”
Loss of control and rollover
SUSPENSION
2 NHTSA complaints · 1994-07 → 1997-07
“VEHICLE SWERVED OUT OF CONTROL THEN ROLLED OVER, CAUSING INJURIES/ONE DEATH”
“DRIVER SWERVED, VEHICLE ROLLED OVER”
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.
We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.
Essential maintenance
Critical for safety and preventing major damage
Engine Oil & Filter
Every 7,500 miReplace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$120–$160
Shop
~$85–$115
DIY
~$25–$55
Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.
Tire Rotation
Every 10,000 miRotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.
Brake Inspection
Every 10,000 miInspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.
Brake Fluid
Every 45,000 miFord specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$180–$200
Shop
~$125–$140
DIY
~$10–$25
DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.
Important maintenance
Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently
Engine Air Filter
Every 30,000 miReplace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Every 150,000 miFord 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$330–$500
Shop
~$235–$355
DIY
~$60–$180
Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.
Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)
Every 60,000 miOn 4x4 models, replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$105–$140
Shop
~$75–$100
DIY
~$15–$40
AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.
Rear Differential Fluid
Every 100,000 miF-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$150–$195
Shop
~$105–$135
DIY
~$20–$50
Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.
Spark Plugs
Every 100,000 miIridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$390
Shop
~$200–$275
DIY
~$25–$100
Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.
Engine Coolant
Every 50,000 miMotorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$330
Shop
~$200–$235
DIY
~$25–$60
Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.
Recommended maintenance
Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort
Cabin Air Filter
Every 20,000 miReplace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.
Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.
How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.
This maintenance schedule for the 1990 Ford Bronco II reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.