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

[zyglyrox]

I’m just waiting until mine get worse.. as a 2024 with 15,000 miles it does upset me.. but I’m gonna throw an Armadillo Top on it eventually….

Sponsored

 

[Nibroc99]

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.

Completely agree. It is really a disappointment that Ford hasn't addressed the cracking hard tops by replacing them with painted ones or something, at least. The painted tops at least don't have the same issues although they are heavier.

 

[vrtical]

That top is hot garbage, Ford must of pulled it out of the reject pile.

 

[Nibroc99]

I’m just waiting until mine get worse.. as a 2024 with 15,000 miles it does upset me.. but I’m gonna throw an Armadillo Top on it eventually….

I just wish Armadillo made a top that was fully removable. Once you install it the front and middle sections have removable panels but the whole thing doesn't come off.

 

[The Bronc]

I’m just waiting until mine get worse.. as a 2024 with 15,000 miles it does upset me.. but I’m gonna throw an Armadillo Top on it eventually….

The key point is that a consumer should not be expected to anticipate or plan for a factory defect. Choosing to replace the top for personal preference is entirely different. However, requiring the customer to develop a contingency plan for a potential repair or replacement due to a manufacturing defect is unreasonable.

 

[zyglyrox]

I just wish Armadillo made a top that was fully removable. Once you install it the front and middle sections have removable panels but the whole thing doesn't come off.

Counterpoint is that I never take my top all the way off due to a lack of storage space here.. So for ME, that isn’t a huge issue. I can totally see for others however.

 

[J-Lugster]

Corporate policy at Ford.

 

[Mirage]

How much weight does rhino lining add?

Honestly couldn't tell it added that much at all? I used 3 liters of liner, which is roughly 6.5lbs. Felt about the same putting it back on as it did removing it to prep it. It's definitely held up for 2 years and not faded a bit!

 

[DUSTYcazOREGON]

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.

Agree 100%. The MIC is the Bronco "failure" IMO. To let this go on for all these years with no fix or redesign is irresponsible on Ford's part. Since I am keeping my Bronco (hopefully) for decades....I opted to get the Armadillo hard top. Strong and done. No failures. Ford should have opted for: aluminum hardtop fixed, aluminum with removable panels or fiberglass (such as truck canopies are built).

 

[DUSTYcazOREGON]

Should have done aluminum:

 

[OrangeBronco22]

These vehicles are a significant investment, and customers have every right to expect a high standard of quality in return.

You used "significant investment" and "vehicle" in the same sentence. The joke is on you because a vehicle is a depreciating asset not an investment, which by definition means there is inherent financial risk. I am no lawyer but I bet Ford would say you got what you paid for!

 

[The Bronc]

You used "significant investment" and "vehicle" in the same sentence. The joke is on you because a vehicle is a depreciating asset not an investment, which by definition means there is inherent financial risk. I am no lawyer but I bet Ford would say you got what you paid for!

Touché, touché… I’m fully aware that a vehicle is a depreciating asset. That said, this isn’t simply about inherent risk or normal wear and tear. This goes beyond that. The hardtop is widely known to be problematic and, by and large, defective.

 

[Dadsquatch]

Here are a few things I know and am speculating:

1.) I’m on my 4th hardtop
2.) Ford will do nothing about this other than ride it out until they discontinue the MIC and only offer the painted tops and soft tops.
3.) I’m willing to bet every MIC hard top out there has either hairline cracking, honeycomb, delam, or bubbling. Those that say they don’t aren’t looking hard enough in the right lighting with the right tools/flashlights.

 

[RagnarKon]

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.

I've always wondered what the failure rate on these actually are.

After seeing this a few times, I've been waiting for my hard top to develop issues. But honestly... my 2022 top has been fine. Parked outside.... snow, ice, rain, sleet, sun, whatever. No issue.

 

[The Bronc]

I've always wondered what the failure rate on these actually are.

After seeing this a few times, I've been waiting for my hard top to develop issues. But honestly... my 2022 top has been fine. Parked outside.... snow, ice, rain, sleet, sun, whatever. No issue.

That is what we all should expect! That is all I want!

Sponsored