UPDATE: Hardtops need to be redesigned! Cracking and bubbling on my second hardtop replacement

[The Bronc]

I just noticed cracking and bubbling on my 2nd full hardtop replacement. I also had just the rear replaced one time, so essentially 3 hardtops.These problems are in addition to terrible honeycombing. I will take it in Monday for what I presume will be my 3rd full hardtop replacement. My warranty runs out in June. I have a 2023 model year. I am beyond frustrated. There has to be something coming soon to address these known issues.

Sponsored

 

[Noco]

I’d be irate. Luckily I opted for the soft top in 2021 after they told me I’d have to wait several more months for a hard top. My order was for dual tops, but they wouldn’t let my order go through until I switched to soft top only. See if they will just give you a soft top- they aren’t any louder than the hard top. Plus, if you add a roof liner they aren’t any louder super quiet. I just laid two moving blankets on top of my Bimini, and it deadened the road noise. The only drawback is if you wanted a roof rack, not many racks are available for the soft top, and they prevent opening the top.

 

[LeJerk]

That's the MIC top, right?

 

[The Bronc]

That's the MIC top, right?

Yes, this is an MIC hardtop. I am going to request to pay the upgrade/difference on the current B&P for a painted top. We should be afforded this option.

 

[DarthLincoln]

Since you have had 2 replacements already, have you noticed any differences in their apparent rate of degradation?
In other words, did the replacements seem to degrade more quickly or more slowly than the original hardtop, or basically the same? I know one user experience doesn’t prove anything, but I’m curious.

 

[ScottyD]

There’s a class action suit being assembled. I saw it on Facebook the other day. I don’t have any of the details though.

 

[The Bronc]

Since you have had 2 replacements already, have you noticed any differences in their apparent rate of degradation?
In other words, did the replacements seem to degrade more quickly or more slowly than the original hardtop, or basically the same? I know one user experience doesn’t prove anything, but I’m curious.

The rear shell was replaced first 15 months into ownership for honeycombing. Then 4 months later they agreed to replace the entire top because of honeycombing. It has been a year now and this hardtop is honeycombing, bubbling, and cracking. This is the first hardtop to bubble and crack. Seriously...Ford is 5 years into this hardtop with Webasto. What is it going to take to see some real upgrades or changes?

 

[ScottyD]

There’s a class action suit being assembled. I saw it on Facebook the other day. I don’t have any of the details though.

found the link…

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DdZ2EvXMc/?

 

[Bmisk19]

Yes, this is an MIC hardtop. I am going to request to pay the upgrade/difference on the current B&P for a painted top. We should be afforded this option.

Word to the wise:

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...rn-analysis-7-29-25-update.82260/post-2723990

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/ford-quality-control-problem.126564/post-2708833

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/2024-hard-top-cracking.124357/post-2675186

 

[Jakob1972]

It is just sad that I have a top with a few cracks that I feel it is the lesser of two evils to keep it than risk the replacement being worse. To be fair I did not buy the thing for the top, but it would be nice if Ford cared even just a little bit.

 

[The Bronc]

The cracks are most concerning. The inside is cardboard. A hardtop with cracks will not last the life of the vehicle. It is not unreasonable to want and or expect a hardtop that will not crack. They have had 5 years to address these concerns and they have not addressed any of them. I see new broncos on my dealer's lot that have waves and honeycombing.

 

[swamp2]

Wow, that's severe degradation. Indeed, there are no excuses. I've had mine (all parts) replaced as well. Unfortunately, I give you a 0.01% chance of any top upgrade.

You should try to find the link to the website made by a user here creating a top failure registry/database.

 

[2023bronco]

Ford does not give a shit. They will not lift a finger. Your only option is to sue. Forget about persuading Ford to give you a different hard top even if you offer to pay the difference. Ford knows this problem is extremely widespread and is going to limit its exposure as best it can.

BTW, if you got a replacement top, it is covered for the service replacement part warranty after installation, even if it's past your factory warranty. I got that from the Horse's mouth. But that will do little to no good because all you'll get is another janky ass top (and these tops will have to fall apart pretty fast for the service part warranty to help any).

 

[broncobase1]

Yes, this is an MIC hardtop. I am going to request to pay the upgrade/difference on the current B&P for a painted top. We should be afforded this option.

I agree you should have this option, and the ones I've seen at the dealer look great. I have a TOR (Turn Offroad) top and it has been great, good solid top. That is something to check out if all else fails.

 

[The Bronc]

Ford does not give a shit. They will not lift a finger. Your only option is to sue. Forget about persuading Ford to give you a different hard top even if you offer to pay the difference. Ford knows this problem is extremely widespread and is going to limit its exposure as best it can.

BTW, if you got a replacement top, it is covered for the service replacement part warranty after installation, even if it's past your factory warranty. I got that from the Horse's mouth. But that will do little to no good because all you'll get is another janky ass top (and these tops will have to fall apart pretty fast for the service part warranty to help any).

Does it reset the 3 year 36 month factory warranty for the top only if replaced or just a year? Does anyone know the terms on a part replaced within the original 3yr. 36mo factory warranty?

Sponsored