The Ford Bronco has been a critical smash, a sales hit… and chronically delayed by roof issues. Ford now plans to replace problematic hardtop plastic roofs on every Bronco, including those already sold. The decision could end months of buyer frustration but will mean further delays for many.
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3 Roof Options, 2 With Problems
To recap: The Bronco is a retro-styled, off-road-oriented midsize SUV that brings back the long-dormant name of a beloved automotive legend. Critics are wildly impressed with its off-road capabilities and rugged good looks. It is available as a 4-door/5-passenger model or a shorter 2-door/4-passenger model.
From its launch, the Bronco was available with a choice of three roof options: a retractable soft-top; a molded-in-color plastic, removable hardtop; and a metal, body-color painted roof.
We’re aware of no problems with the soft-top model, which is currently exclusive to the 4-door Bronco. Ford is still steadily building soft-top Broncos and delivering them to buyers.
The painted metal hardtop has repeatedly faced supplier delays. Last month, Ford told buyers the painted hardtop would be delayed into the 2023 model year. The company allowed buyers who had ordered a metal hardtop to switch to the molded-in-color plastic roof for faster delivery or wait for their metal roof and have their price locked in at current rates.
Now, the company says, there’s a problem with the plastic roof.
Just an Aesthetic Issue
The issue is cosmetic. The plastic material can take on an “unsatisfactory appearance when exposed to extreme water and humidity.” Ford says the problem “does not impact the functionality of the molded-in-color hardtop roof.” But the company doesn’t want buyers driving unsightly Broncos. So, it plans to replace the plastic roofs.
“Customers who already have a Bronco with a hardtop can keep driving them in the wild, and we’ll get them a new hardtop roof at no cost as soon as we can,” Ford said in a statement. “Unfortunately, for some customers who have ordered two-door and four-door Broncos with a hardtop roof, they will need to wait a bit longer.”
Production Delays for Plastic, Metal Options
Ford will pause production of Broncos with molded-in-color plastic roofs while it goes about replacing the roofs already in customers’ driveways. It expects to begin replacement in October and restart production of plastic-roof Broncos after every one already sold has been repaired.
Buyers still waiting on a Bronco can switch to the soft-top model to receive their car faster. It’s possible to purchase a standalone plastic top later and add it to a soft-top Bronco. We’re unsure when the standalone roofs will be available.
