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

[Altitude]

I really would like to know Ford's thought process on just continuing to manufacture and offer these tops knowing that they have a high failure rate. This should have been addressed and resolved in 2021 / 2022, and they're still selling what appears to be the same junk tops today.

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[Dude1967]

I just do not understand why Ford wont do the right thing. Been a loyal customer for 40 plus years. I see these tops being replaced every week not just by the same costomers but new as well. 2 Broncos for myself. Wont be a 3rd till they get it right. Damn shame. I know it does not bother some people and yes there are other options but why should we need or have to spend more $$$$$ to have someting that should not have to be replaced so soon? Gen5 tops are still rockin out there!!!

 

[Montana Bronco]

2023 with 40K miles, zero defects in my roof.

 

[BroncoAdventure]

2023 with 40K miles, zero defects in my roof.

I bet some coin I'd find hairline spider cracks along your rear windows.

 

[Bronco Badlands76]

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.

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.

My 24 Badlands started cracking a month ago. I’m not even wasting my time with the warranty. Got an appointment to get it Rhino lined.

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.

 

[Dantastic]

Sorry to hear this, MJ. If they won't allow you to upgrade and pay the difference, you could always get the replacement top, and sell it. There still seems to be a market for it due to the backorder/availability. Then use the proceeds to get the top you want. You could even get a soft top off FB Marketplace in the interim. They pop up a lot because of people ordering dual tops.

 

[J-Lugster]

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.

https://fixourbroncotops.com/

 

[J-Lugster]

My top was fully replaced twice. The third cracked. Ford refused to replace it precisely because the cracking is widespread and they now consider it "normal." So much for your theory.

That logic is honestly right out of the Twilight Zone.

If I hadn't heard this from several sources I wouldn't think it was possible that Ford would actually try to sell that swill.

 

[2023bronco]

That logic is honestly right out of the Twilight Zone.

If I hadn't heard this from several sources I wouldn't think it was possible that Ford would actually try to sell that swill.

I have it, in writing, from Ford. And in testimony under oath.

 

[93&22BroncoMan]

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.

I had a 2022 Wildtrak that was rear-ended and totaled, by an F350 Deisel crew cab, and I must say that these tops are very strong. The only pares that were broken were the mounts on the body, the four bolts on that side. Here’s a picture from the outside…

now it is hard to see, but that top held up in my opinion very well!! The issues with the tops are basically cosmetic to be honest, and don’t get me wrong, I’d be upset about those cracks and bubbling as well. This was an extremely hard hit! And I was moving at 25 MPH!!! As per the GPS on the video!

 

[Southside_Ray]

Is this happening more to the 4 door tops? Although, I heavily Rhino lined my top and my wife's HEL is painted white, but neither of us have had any issues with either of our 2dr hardtops...?

How much weight does rhino lining add?

 

[heavyD]

Ford has known for years that the MIC tops are no good, so clearly the profit margins for the Bronco are high enough that Ford has deemed that there's enough profit per vehicle to continually replace tops under warranty and wait out the warranty period. I imagine they will just keep selling the MIC top for the entirety of this generation and go a different direction when they do a complete redesign. It's really unfortunate in this day and age that they can't build a better top but it's clear right from the beginning of development that the hardtop was an area where they thought they could really save a lot of money by going ultra-cheap.

 

[Nibroc99]

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.

That looks totally normal. In other words... This is such a big problem that cracked hard tops seem to be the norm. Ford NEEDS to fix their hard tops!!!

 

[The Bronc]

That looks totally normal. In other words... This is such a big problem that cracked hard tops seem to be the norm. Ford NEEDS to fix their hard tops!!!

These vehicles are a significant investment, and customers have every right to expect a high standard of quality in return. No one purchasing at this price point should be asked to accept defects as part of the ownership experience. Issues such as bubbling, honeycombing, and cracking may be dismissed by some as minor, but it is unreasonable to label them as “normal” or expect consumers to simply live with them.
Even if these problems have become common, that does not make them acceptable. Customers deserve products that reflect careful craftsmanship and consistent quality control. Ford Motor Company should take greater pride in its vehicles and demonstrate a stronger commitment to standing behind its customers and the standards they expect.

 

[Hummell]

Steps:

1) Replace under warranty
2) Get new top put on once it arrives
3) Drive home and list it as brand new on Facebook for $4,000
4) Buy a Turn Offroad hardtop

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