Perpetuating Ford’s chronic new vehicle launch issues, the Bronco will be delayed once again. This time it is over what has caused hand wringing at Ford for months; those molded-in-color hard tops. All Broncos with this feature will have their tops replaced; those waiting to get to dealers and those already sold. 

The Bronco tops issue is only the latest in a string of bad new-car launches

Unfortunately, it seems that Ford is singing the same song as it has done with most of its current launches. This includes the Mustang Mach-E, Explorer, F-150, and the continuing saga of the Bronco. Ford says this latest hiccup will delay delivery to owners for months. 

It’s not completely Ford’s fault, however. In a statement, it says the molded-in-color tops for both the two- and four-door Broncos have quality issues. Ford says that it “creates an unsatisfactory appearance when exposed to extreme water and humidity.” 

What is most unfortunate is that it doesn’t expect to take delivery of replacement tops until October. Bronco owners will be notified in September once Ford determines a delivery schedule. Unfortunately, that schedule has already been adjusted numerous times already.

“We’re doing everything we can to get the product to customers”

“We’re embarrassed we didn’t catch this sooner,” Jeff Marentic, Ford’s general manager of passenger vehicles, told Automotive News. “We’re doing everything we can to get the product to customers as soon as possible. We understand how unhappy they are but we’re working to get that resolved as fast as we possibly can.”

Most of the blame, if one is pointing fingers, looks to be Webasto, which manufactures the tops. Back in March, it had to hold back production of the “modular painted” hard top and “dual roof.” The only top available then became the molded-in-color tops and soft tops. 

Owners who ordered the dual roof or modular painted hard top were told they wouldn’t be getting their Broncos until next year. Bummer. In spite of the supplier issues, Ford is on record as standing with Webasto. “We remain committed to get this done right and get this done right with Webasto,” Marentic said.

Broncos that have already been delivered to customers get the first replacement tops

Those who have already received their Broncos with the hard tops will receive new ones first. The next group to get the tops will be all of the Broncos in holding lots in and around Michigan. And there are maybe thousands of them based on images revealed just today.

More bad news comes to those who have ordered Broncos but have not received them yet. Except for those with First Edition reservations, the rest won’t get their Bronco until 2022. Production for those 2022 models won’t begin until December. 

So for those frustrated over how Ford is handling their orders, they’ll have to hold on for a bit longer. Bronco forums have many reservation holders venting over the on-again, off-again delivery promises. Let’s hope that for those who can hang in there, they’ll feel the wait was worth it once they’re blasting through the Mojave desert.