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Bad news for excited Ford Bronco buyers: another delay. Read on for details on the Ford Bronco delays and the roof issues that were discovered.
The Wait Continues
Ford is facing another delay with the release of the off-roading Bronco, available in three roof options: a soft top, a molded plastic hardtop, and a painted metal hardtop. That has led to several timing questions regarding the Bronco. We’ve got the answers to those questions below.
Why the Delay?
Already delayed once due to a supply issue with roof supplier Webasto, the Bronco is now facing quality issues in its molded-in color hardtops on thousands of Ford Bronco vehicles built to date.
The issue was discovered at their Michigan Assembly Plant as part of routine quality checks before the vehicles were shipped. Ford says the issue doesn’t impact the functionality of the hardtop roof, but could cause an issue with the appearance when exposed to extreme water and humidity. Every two-door and four-door hardtop models built to date are affected, so Ford is now fixing those, delaying some into the 2023 model year.
What if I Already Have My Bronco?
The Ford Bronco models already at dealers are still usable, but they’ll require some additional work. Ford is sending a letter that outlines their Customer Satisfaction Program and the next steps. Hardtop roof replacement kits will be available starting October 2021. They will prioritize the oldest units first.
How Does This Impact Production?
Vehicles already scheduled for production, won’t require any action, but they are impacted by the roof issue, so they will be delayed. Ford needs to replace all existing molded-in-color hardtop roofs before they make any new hardtop Bronco vehicles. Emails with additional details on those delays will be sent in early October 2021.
Ford will also be producing fewer 2021 Bronco models than initially planned. More details on that will also be given later in the year, but production is scheduled to begin in late December 2021. Availability at the dealership, reservation timestamp, and part availability will all impact the delivery schedule for 2021 model year Bronco hardtops.
December 2021 is also when the 2022 model year production should begin, but that date is subject to change.
First Edition and Wildtrak Bronco vehicles are expected to continue being produced throughout the 2021 model year. Every single customer who placed a Bronco order won’t necessarily get the 2021 model year. The limited-run, First Edition series is the exception to that. It will be exclusive to the 2021 model year.
How Does This Impact Pricing?
Ford said it will honor 2021 model year Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) pricing for a similarly equipped vehicle for all customers who had a reservation or order as of March 19, 2021. The final selling price will be based on the buyer’s agreement with their selected dealer. They’re also including a no-charge sound deadening headliner roof material on all molded-in-color hardtops. Up to $1,100 worth of FordPass Reward points to use toward accessory purchases will also be provided.
Are There Any Other Options?
Customers who want to get the 2021 Bronco sooner are being advised to consider changing from a hardtop to a soft-top roof. The four-door soft tops are scheduled to begin production in early September 2021. Those owners will receive a complementary hardtop roof prep kit and will then be able to purchase an accessory hardtop roof after the delivery of their Bronco. The accessory hardtops will be available in the 2023 calendar year. Ford is suggesting customers contact their local Ford Dealer to talk about that option.
They also suggest changing orders from the Wildtrak Trim, the Sasquatch Package, a 2.7L engine, a Lux Package, Trailer Tow, and/or a Safari bar on order. Changing orders won’t impact anyone’s timestamp. Adding or subtracting certain elements will speed up or slow down the process, however. Bronco customers are able to change their orders up until it is scheduled for production.
It’s Going to Be a While
Basically, buyers with orders have two options: keep your reservation with price protection or choose a soft top instead. If you were hoping to simply test drive a Bronco to see if it’s even an option on your list, that will require even more patience. Here’s to hoping that Ford doesn’t run into any more delays.
