[Updated 7/20] Early Delivered Bronco MIC Top Developing Honeycomb / Snakeskin Pattern

[Sgt Beavis]

Damn… I wish nothing bad on any of y’all but now I’m glad I decided to wait. That is jacked up.

I’ve been cutting Ford slack on the production delays but this botched launch is getting more botched by the day. Ford screwed up big time. Sourcing from Webasto is looking more and more like an epic disaster.

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[mpoteet]

If we think about it logically, you can get a TRD Pro 4 Runner that will last 60,000 years for about the same price as the badlands. Or a base model 4 runner for the price of a lesser spec. Or a Jeep. My build is a 51,000 badlands 2 door. I’m a gambler, but I don’t think I’m that much of a gambler. Probably going to cancel outright.

 

[Hooper]

Starting to see why there's a delay with hard tops.

 

[Compta38]

At this rate I would almost be glad to get a 2022, Jesus...

 

[King Dusty]

Ford needs to release 2022 heritage edition (or whatever it's called) and paint/interior options info as there are probably many of us, at this point, that would just push back. Not sure number would be dramatic enough to take some pressure off Ford, but might be a good PR move. Additionally, give us early adopters first crack at ordering the hog. I'd order and trade the delivered bronco which was would be a dealer win.

 

[KnoxGnater]

Ford needs to release 2022 heritage edition (or whatever it's called) and paint/interior options info as there are probably many of us, at this point, that would just push back. Not sure number would be dramatic enough to take some pressure off Ford, but might be a good PR move. Additionally, give us early adopters first crack at ordering the hog. I'd order and trade the delivered bronco which was would be a dealer win.

I'm with you. I've tried to stay positive during the delays, but this is an unacceptable quality control failure at several levels. What else is "good enough to ship" that we can't see? I work in large scale industrial manufacturing, I know the issues and delays with new product launches, and I know things get better with time/experience. However, you never sacrifice quality to meet production. The damage being done right now to Ford's reputation will take years and cost literally millions of $ to put behind them. At this point, they need to provide a "punt" option like the above and just take the time to figure this out.

 

[Carolina Jim]

At this point, they need to provide a "punt" option like the above and just take the time to figure this out.

If the global leader in removable tops can't nail this after years of study and 6-8 months of practice...its very likely a design flaw - time to scrap the MIC and move on.

 

[rugbysecondrow]

Jeep and Jeep owners are collectively laughing aloud and pointing at Ford. Again, I reiterate my early take on the whole Bronco roll-out. This had not been planned for 8 years prior. This was a last minute rush to deliver and Ford got their tit caught in the wringer.

Reiterating a ridiculous point doesn't mean it is smart or correct. If you think no planning went into the Bronco, then you are willfully ignoring facts.

There seem to be quality issues with the tops. These quality issues have held up production. Some appear to have skipped through, which is a problem.

So far, there are 23 pages worth of people hand wringing about shit we already know, and Ford already knows. The echo chamber is getting really loud.

So, folks shouldn't ignore the problems, but damn...step back from the ledge y'all.

 

[Mjtermini]

Updated with more info from @PREMiERdrum:

The first of many we'll see of these. It's becoming apparent that many tops were delivered that had their outer laminate layer cast too thin. Commodity intake procedures weren't able to tell because they looked fine. This - along with other laminating issues - are what spurred the additional inspections that held so many units over the last 2 weeks.

FWIW my roof is still 100% fine, and I'm realizing just how lucky I havr been with this build.

A bit more info: Issues with thickness uniformity of the 3 layers is what's behind the lamination issues (and these unsightly "thin" spots). There isn't an easy fix at this point.

Watch this space.



Original post:

I haven't seen any mention or photos of this phenomenon yet. Just today I noticed a honeycomb or snakeskin like pattern starting to appear on most of the rear shell.

Anyone else also experience this? Is it UV related? Reaction with Meguiars Hybrid Ceramic Wax? Something internal?

You can't feel the texture, it's strictly visual.

Interested in hearing some theories...

Wow ... not much more that I can say. No doubt Ford will replace that section for you. Just a crazy situation overall with the MIC tops.

 

[Bronco21fan]

My top is getting painted black……problem solved.

It don’t matter what color you paint it if it starts to delaminate

 

[Mjtermini]

I'm with you. I've tried to stay positive during the delays, but this is an unacceptable quality control failure at several levels. What else is "good enough to ship" that we can't see? I work in large scale industrial manufacturing, I know the issues and delays with new product launches, and I know things get better with time/experience. However, you never sacrifice quality to meet production. The damage being done right now to Ford's reputation will take years and cost literally millions of $ to put behind them. At this point, they need to provide a "punt" option like the above and just take the time to figure this out.

As a 40 year manufacturing veteran, I can attest to the accuracy of your comments. Time to stop the bleeding and get this issue addressed.

 

[Pancho Kornwallace]

Does Webasto have a return policy like Discount Tire?


/JK

 

[Bulletbill]

I’m not sure I’m following what you are trying to say.

 

[Lazerus]

If we think about it logically, you can get a TRD Pro 4 Runner that will last 60,000 years for about the same price as the badlands. Or a base model 4 runner for the price of a lesser spec. Or a Jeep. My build is a 51,000 badlands 2 door. I’m a gambler, but I don’t think I’m that much of a gambler. Probably going to cancel outright.

Here's some irony for you:
the 8th most recalled vehicle since 2015:
Toyota 4Runner
Recall rate: 1.98
Compared to average: 2.5 times above average
It also ranks #1 in reliability - as reported by consumers.
Neither Ford (or Jeep) have a vehicle in the top 10 (of recalls)
Across all models Toyota has the most recalls in 2020, with Ford 2nd and FCA 4th.
Mercedes C class tops the recall list with the BMW 3 & 4 series in third.

The 4Runner's reliability is spoken in hushed tones and has reached legendary status (Merc & BMW also to a lesser extent) but the vehicle has had real design/manufacturing issues that needed to be corrected 'on the fly'.
In no way I excusing Ford for these tops - the quality of the ones being shipped is completely unexceptable - and makes you wonder how bad the ones being held back must be. However, unless you plan on going with a vehicle with a well established platform, the grass may not be as green as you think...

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