Ford Bronco Beset by Roof Issues
Production and deliveries of the Ford Bronco are, once again, beset by delays. The latest involves a quality issue with the SUV’s molded-in color hard top, currently the only hard-top option available for order. The issue will delay production and deliveries of the Bronco, and owners of already-delivered Broncos with the roof in question will have theirs replaced by Ford for free. Soft-top-equipped Broncos are not affected.
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“As part of our extensive pre-delivery quality inspections, we discovered molded-in color roofs made by our supplier partner Webasto did not meet our quality standards,” Ford said in a statement to Cars.com. “The issue does not impact the functionality of the roof, but can cause unsatisfactory appearance when exposed to extreme water and humidity. As a result, we’ve made the decision to replace all molded-in color hard-top roof panels on all Bronco vehicles produced to date. This includes Broncos which have been delivered, are in transit, and units which have been built and are awaiting final quality release at the plant.”
Roof replacements will first go to those who have already taken delivery of their Bronco. According to Ford, dealers will reach out to affected owners to schedule a roof replacement appointment, and “many of our dealers have the ability to offer free pickup and delivery.”
Those who have ordered an already-built Bronco with the hard top in question may feel the most put off, as they’ll have to wait even longer for their vehicle delivery.
Owners whose affected Broncos have not yet been built have the option of waiting until a replacement roof is ready or changing their order to the unaffected soft-top roof, according to Ford. The automaker will add a free prep kit that will allow switching to a hard-top roof at a later date. Customers can visit Ford’s FAQ site for more information regarding the issue. Ford will also contact buyers who have not taken delivery to update them regarding estimated build or delivery dates. Currently, no soft-top option exists for the two-door Bronco.
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Webasto is in the process of adding a second production facility to meet demands for the new roofs, according to Ford, and the automaker is looking into additional options, as well. Cars.com reached out to Webasto for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
Automotive News reported in March 2021 that Webasto was also the supplier for additional roof options on the Bronco — both the modular painted hard top and dual roofs — which the publication said at the time would be delayed until the 2022 model year.
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