Ford Bronco Owners Noticing Issues With Molded Roof
A few Ford customers are expressing concerns about the quality control of the new Bronco after noticing the molded hardtop seemed to be coming apart prematurely. The issue impacts an unknown number of early vehicles, with only a handful of owners suggesting they’ve noticed anything. However, those that are sounding alarm bells noted that the vehicle seemed put together when they purchased it, with the defects manifesting after a few weeks of regular use.
Problems include the headliner separating from the roof panels and some discoloration at the seams. But the signature defect appears to be scales appearing on the hardtop’s exterior. While smooth to the touch, members of the Bronco6G forum reported that their roofs had developed patterning that resembled snakeskin in some areas — attributing the phenomenon to the outer laminate layer being cast too thin.
Ford tapped German supplier Webasto for the part, which required the completion of Webasto Roof Systems Inc. in Plymouth, Michigan, on a fairly tight timeline that wasn’t made any easier by COVID lockdowns. Its first batch may have been subject to some growing pains as it fine-tuned the assembly process or (potentially) rushed to meet order demands. But we’re just guessing here. Ford could have just as easily given them the wrong specifications and then just shrugged when they arrived all sigogglin.
What’s certain is that we’ve heard murmurings that some of the molded hardtops weren’t looking so good after about a month of use. A few customers have also bemoaned the fit and finish, citing misaligned edges, minor warping, and separation from the headliner. Whether those turn out to be isolated issues or something more pervasive, Ford has at least indicated that it’s happy to fix whatever problems arise — provided they’re under warranty.
Meanwhile, everyone’s going to be watching out to see how many more reports of wonky roofs come in to see if it was just the first batch that has problems. If not, Ford could find itself involved in another recall campaign that could have been avoided if a bit more time was taken to make better decisions in preproduction.
[Image: Ford Motor Co.]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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From the article: Problems include the headliner separating from the roof panels and some discoloration at the seams. Can we do a go-fund-me to get one for Corey?
It's not an issue! It's a feature... after all "they all do that" Just ask ask any sales associate ;) Now, aren't you glad you waited so long and paid over list!? Or look at it another way. In 20 years these "defective" versions will bring another $10k at BAT