Bronco Just Broken Since Day 1

[TheGr8Snarfle]

This post is half venting, and half...seeking advice for dealing with Ford and its stellar dealership network.

I've got a 4DR, manual transmission Bronco Badlands that I bought in May of 2024. All in, thing ran me 62,5. Now, I know that in 2024 when literally everything in this country isn't worth the money (in a normative sense of the word, as well as from a price gouging standpoint), but to me, this is still a solid chunk of money for a domestically produced vehicle.

The sales team at the dealer was absolutely miserable: zero knowledge about just about everything from how to turn off of the tracking features of Ford Pass (you all did that, right?), to disclosing the MANY powertrain issues I'd need to WAIT IN LINE to get fixed right off the bat, as Ford declined to fix anything even in the 3rd year of production. I intentionally waited several years and not early adopt specifically to avoid initial debugging problems like this.

So I get 4k miles into this thing's lifetime and start having issues with the clutch (while I'm pulling a small hiker trailer, no less). I take that to the dealer complaining of a symptom (not a specific warranty related claim). I start researching and find an additional, service bulletin for the synchronizer rings, and I mention this to the... clerk. Get this car back and find out they didn't do the latter, and I'm informed the pressure plate in the transmission was just straight up machined incorrectly and the clutch was toast.
Fast forward a couple more months and this other latent issue with the cold temps and the transmission is now a major annoyance (at least?), and I've got a host of other issues:

1. A clanging sound in the transmissions every 3-5 shifts (related to the service bulletin?)
2. Rear windows that won't seal completely on cold days after being opened in the morning (can replicate on video)
3. A windshield covered in a crack starting from all sides.

So I'm back in line (5 weeks and running, told 'at least another 4 weeks') to fix #1 because the dealer didn't want to do more than they were obligated to do the first time around. I can' t find someone to replicate #2 (even though I've got it documented with videos). Every dealer in my 'tiny' 3.5M person metro just "doesn't handle glass".

Turns out there are 2, and only 2 dealers, in my entire "small" 3.5M person city that can work on manual transmissions - and only 1 that has any loaner vehicles. I'm a single parent with 1 car in the household, so this becomes a deal breaker pretty quickly unless I'd like to spend $4-500 for the "week" that diagnostics will take.

Been driving for 25 years and manual cars for half of that time, so I know what's up. I've never in my life driven, or owned an American car. I'm under no illusions that the Japanese and German cars I'm used to have issues out the door, but I'm finding myself fairly frustrated with the utter lack of customer service and warranty support follow-through on Ford's part. Is this normal with manufacturers that have just become complacent with their easy market entry? Is this too (cars) just now shit like pretty much everything else has turned into this decade? Just me for being "stupid" and buying a manual that doesn't seem like it was ready for prime time?


Anyone have any tips or tricks in getting Ford to actually make good on that "amazinnnnnngg 60k powertrain warranty"... I'm in the Denver area. Athis point, I'm about ready to dump this truck and pick up a Landcruiser, never to give money to Ford or it's partners ever again.

Sponsored

 

[iamcris]

Landcruiser isn't offered with a manual transmission as an option.
It won't be apples to apples if you jump ship.
I have 60k on my automatic and zero issues.
Since day 1.
Hope you get it sorted.

 

[bassist]

Look up the lemon laws in your state and get a good lawyer. You might be able to get a buyback - or at least someone’s attention.

 

[Aknobronco]

This post is half venting, and half...seeking advice for dealing with Ford and its stellar dealership network.

I've got a 4DR, manual transmission Bronco Badlands that I bought in May of 2024. All in, thing ran me 62,5. Now, I know that in 2024 when literally everything in this country isn't worth the money (in a normative sense of the word, as well as from a price gouging standpoint), but to me, this is still a solid chunk of money for a domestically produced vehicle.

The sales team at the dealer was absolutely miserable: zero knowledge about just about everything from how to turn off of the tracking features of Ford Pass (you all did that, right?), to disclosing the MANY powertrain issues I'd need to WAIT IN LINE to get fixed right off the bat, as Ford declined to fix anything even in the 3rd year of production. I intentionally waited several years and not early adopt specifically to avoid initial debugging problems like this.

So I get 4k miles into this thing's lifetime and start having issues with the clutch (while I'm pulling a small hiker trailer, no less). I take that to the dealer complaining of a symptom (not a specific warranty related claim). I start researching and find an additional, service bulletin for the synchronizer rings, and I mention this to the... clerk. Get this car back and find out they didn't do the latter, and I'm informed the pressure plate in the transmission was just straight up machined incorrectly and the clutch was toast.
Fast forward a couple more months and this other latent issue with the cold temps and the transmission is now a major annoyance (at least?), and I've got a host of other issues:

1. A clanging sound in the transmissions every 3-5 shifts (related to the service bulletin?)
2. Rear windows that won't seal completely on cold days after being opened in the morning (can replicate on video)
3. A windshield covered in a crack starting from all sides.

So I'm back in line (5 weeks and running, told 'at least another 4 weeks') to fix #1 because the dealer didn't want to do more than they were obligated to do the first time around. I can' t find someone to replicate #2 (even though I've got it documented with videos). Every dealer in my 'tiny' 3.5M person metro just "doesn't handle glass".

Turns out there are 2, and only 2 dealers, in my entire "small" 3.5M person city that can work on manual transmissions - and only 1 that has any loaner vehicles. I'm a single parent with 1 car in the household, so this becomes a deal breaker pretty quickly unless I'd like to spend $4-500 for the "week" that diagnostics will take.

Been driving for 25 years and manual cars for half of that time, so I know what's up. I've never in my life driven, or owned an American car. I'm under no illusions that the Japanese and German cars I'm used to have issues out the door, but I'm finding myself fairly frustrated with the utter lack of customer service and warranty support follow-through on Ford's part. Is this normal with manufacturers that have just become complacent with their easy market entry? Is this too (cars) just now shit like pretty much everything else has turned into this decade? Just me for being "stupid" and buying a manual that doesn't seem like it was ready for prime time?


Anyone have any tips or tricks in getting Ford to actually make good on that "amazinnnnnngg 60k powertrain warranty"... I'm in the Denver area. Athis point, I'm about ready to dump this truck and pick up a Landcruiser, never to give money to Ford or it's partners ever again.

Sorry to hear what happened to your bronco. There is a recall for manual transmission but built much earlier dates than yours. 2024 should not have issues but it's Ford with Jim at helm u never know!

Bronco is a recreational vehicle and as such it bound to have issues here and there. Not a good choice as the only daily vehicle.

Best course for u currently is call ford customer service and get a case number to have district manager to expedite your repairs. Ask for free rental along the way, and seek lemon law lawyer for advices. Good luck!

 

[Rednek]

This post is half venting, and half...seeking advice for dealing with Ford and its stellar dealership network.

I've got a 4DR, manual transmission Bronco Badlands that I bought in May of 2024. All in, thing ran me 62,5. Now, I know that in 2024 when literally everything in this country isn't worth the money (in a normative sense of the word, as well as from a price gouging standpoint), but to me, this is still a solid chunk of money for a domestically produced vehicle.

The sales team at the dealer was absolutely miserable: zero knowledge about just about everything from how to turn off of the tracking features of Ford Pass (you all did that, right?), to disclosing the MANY powertrain issues I'd need to WAIT IN LINE to get fixed right off the bat, as Ford declined to fix anything even in the 3rd year of production. I intentionally waited several years and not early adopt specifically to avoid initial debugging problems like this.

So I get 4k miles into this thing's lifetime and start having issues with the clutch (while I'm pulling a small hiker trailer, no less). I take that to the dealer complaining of a symptom (not a specific warranty related claim). I start researching and find an additional, service bulletin for the synchronizer rings, and I mention this to the... clerk. Get this car back and find out they didn't do the latter, and I'm informed the pressure plate in the transmission was just straight up machined incorrectly and the clutch was toast.
Fast forward a couple more months and this other latent issue with the cold temps and the transmission is now a major annoyance (at least?), and I've got a host of other issues:

1. A clanging sound in the transmissions every 3-5 shifts (related to the service bulletin?)
2. Rear windows that won't seal completely on cold days after being opened in the morning (can replicate on video)
3. A windshield covered in a crack starting from all sides.

So I'm back in line (5 weeks and running, told 'at least another 4 weeks') to fix #1 because the dealer didn't want to do more than they were obligated to do the first time around. I can' t find someone to replicate #2 (even though I've got it documented with videos). Every dealer in my 'tiny' 3.5M person metro just "doesn't handle glass".

Turns out there are 2, and only 2 dealers, in my entire "small" 3.5M person city that can work on manual transmissions - and only 1 that has any loaner vehicles. I'm a single parent with 1 car in the household, so this becomes a deal breaker pretty quickly unless I'd like to spend $4-500 for the "week" that diagnostics will take.

Been driving for 25 years and manual cars for half of that time, so I know what's up. I've never in my life driven, or owned an American car. I'm under no illusions that the Japanese and German cars I'm used to have issues out the door, but I'm finding myself fairly frustrated with the utter lack of customer service and warranty support follow-through on Ford's part. Is this normal with manufacturers that have just become complacent with their easy market entry? Is this too (cars) just now shit like pretty much everything else has turned into this decade? Just me for being "stupid" and buying a manual that doesn't seem like it was ready for prime time?


Anyone have any tips or tricks in getting Ford to actually make good on that "amazinnnnnngg 60k powertrain warranty"... I'm in the Denver area. Athis point, I'm about ready to dump this truck and pick up a Landcruiser, never to give money to Ford or it's partners ever again.

Sorry to hear you are having dealer woes,if the window not indexing correctly(sits outside the weatherstrip when closed)there is a SSM for that concern
SSM 52470 - Effective April 23, 2024
2021-2024 Bronco - Loss Of Window Initialization
as well for the transmission issue
TSB 24-2042 - Effective February 22, 2024
2021-2024 Bronco - MT88 Manual Transmission - Rotational Scraping Noise When Cold And In Neutral, 1st And/Or 2nd Gear With Clutch Pedal Released
hope this helps

 

[zburbn]

This post is half venting, and half...seeking advice for dealing with Ford and its stellar dealership network.

I've got a 4DR, manual transmission Bronco Badlands that I bought in May of 2024. All in, thing ran me 62,5. Now, I know that in 2024 when literally everything in this country isn't worth the money (in a normative sense of the word, as well as from a price gouging standpoint), but to me, this is still a solid chunk of money for a domestically produced vehicle.

The sales team at the dealer was absolutely miserable: zero knowledge about just about everything from how to turn off of the tracking features of Ford Pass (you all did that, right?), to disclosing the MANY powertrain issues I'd need to WAIT IN LINE to get fixed right off the bat, as Ford declined to fix anything even in the 3rd year of production. I intentionally waited several years and not early adopt specifically to avoid initial debugging problems like this.

So I get 4k miles into this thing's lifetime and start having issues with the clutch (while I'm pulling a small hiker trailer, no less). I take that to the dealer complaining of a symptom (not a specific warranty related claim). I start researching and find an additional, service bulletin for the synchronizer rings, and I mention this to the... clerk. Get this car back and find out they didn't do the latter, and I'm informed the pressure plate in the transmission was just straight up machined incorrectly and the clutch was toast.
Fast forward a couple more months and this other latent issue with the cold temps and the transmission is now a major annoyance (at least?), and I've got a host of other issues:

1. A clanging sound in the transmissions every 3-5 shifts (related to the service bulletin?)
2. Rear windows that won't seal completely on cold days after being opened in the morning (can replicate on video)
3. A windshield covered in a crack starting from all sides.

So I'm back in line (5 weeks and running, told 'at least another 4 weeks') to fix #1 because the dealer didn't want to do more than they were obligated to do the first time around. I can' t find someone to replicate #2 (even though I've got it documented with videos). Every dealer in my 'tiny' 3.5M person metro just "doesn't handle glass".

Turns out there are 2, and only 2 dealers, in my entire "small" 3.5M person city that can work on manual transmissions - and only 1 that has any loaner vehicles. I'm a single parent with 1 car in the household, so this becomes a deal breaker pretty quickly unless I'd like to spend $4-500 for the "week" that diagnostics will take.

Been driving for 25 years and manual cars for half of that time, so I know what's up. I've never in my life driven, or owned an American car. I'm under no illusions that the Japanese and German cars I'm used to have issues out the door, but I'm finding myself fairly frustrated with the utter lack of customer service and warranty support follow-through on Ford's part. Is this normal with manufacturers that have just become complacent with their easy market entry? Is this too (cars) just now shit like pretty much everything else has turned into this decade? Just me for being "stupid" and buying a manual that doesn't seem like it was ready for prime time?


Anyone have any tips or tricks in getting Ford to actually make good on that "amazinnnnnngg 60k powertrain warranty"... I'm in the Denver area. Athis point, I'm about ready to dump this truck and pick up a Landcruiser, never to give money to Ford or it's partners ever again.

 

[JC2DR]

You definitely have a case. I would say that I've used my 2 Dr MT everyday for close to 50,000 miles in almost 3 years with not much issue.
Did have to get those gears redone on the MT due to noise, but not much else and it's been great. Its more than just a recreational vehicle for me and I would guess many others. Sounds to me like your dealer selection isn't so great.
@Ford definitely has to get involved. They helped me from this forum.
They should help you.

 

[RoLyMa27]

You definitely have a case. I would say that I've used my 2 Dr MT everyday for close to 50,000 miles in almost 3 years with not much issue.
Did have to get those gears redone on the MT due to noise, but not much else and it's been great. Its more than just a recreational vehicle for me and I would guess many others. Sounds to me like your dealer selection isn't so great.
@Ford definitely has to get involved. They helped me from this forum.
They should help you.

Ford no longer monitors this forum. No help here.

 

[RoLyMa27]

This post is half venting, and half...seeking advice for dealing with Ford and its stellar dealership network.

I've got a 4DR, manual transmission Bronco Badlands that I bought in May of 2024. All in, thing ran me 62,5. Now, I know that in 2024 when literally everything in this country isn't worth the money (in a normative sense of the word, as well as from a price gouging standpoint), but to me, this is still a solid chunk of money for a domestically produced vehicle.

The sales team at the dealer was absolutely miserable: zero knowledge about just about everything from how to turn off of the tracking features of Ford Pass (you all did that, right?), to disclosing the MANY powertrain issues I'd need to WAIT IN LINE to get fixed right off the bat, as Ford declined to fix anything even in the 3rd year of production. I intentionally waited several years and not early adopt specifically to avoid initial debugging problems like this.

So I get 4k miles into this thing's lifetime and start having issues with the clutch (while I'm pulling a small hiker trailer, no less). I take that to the dealer complaining of a symptom (not a specific warranty related claim). I start researching and find an additional, service bulletin for the synchronizer rings, and I mention this to the... clerk. Get this car back and find out they didn't do the latter, and I'm informed the pressure plate in the transmission was just straight up machined incorrectly and the clutch was toast.
Fast forward a couple more months and this other latent issue with the cold temps and the transmission is now a major annoyance (at least?), and I've got a host of other issues:

1. A clanging sound in the transmissions every 3-5 shifts (related to the service bulletin?)
2. Rear windows that won't seal completely on cold days after being opened in the morning (can replicate on video)
3. A windshield covered in a crack starting from all sides.

So I'm back in line (5 weeks and running, told 'at least another 4 weeks') to fix #1 because the dealer didn't want to do more than they were obligated to do the first time around. I can' t find someone to replicate #2 (even though I've got it documented with videos). Every dealer in my 'tiny' 3.5M person metro just "doesn't handle glass".

Turns out there are 2, and only 2 dealers, in my entire "small" 3.5M person city that can work on manual transmissions - and only 1 that has any loaner vehicles. I'm a single parent with 1 car in the household, so this becomes a deal breaker pretty quickly unless I'd like to spend $4-500 for the "week" that diagnostics will take.

Been driving for 25 years and manual cars for half of that time, so I know what's up. I've never in my life driven, or owned an American car. I'm under no illusions that the Japanese and German cars I'm used to have issues out the door, but I'm finding myself fairly frustrated with the utter lack of customer service and warranty support follow-through on Ford's part. Is this normal with manufacturers that have just become complacent with their easy market entry? Is this too (cars) just now shit like pretty much everything else has turned into this decade? Just me for being "stupid" and buying a manual that doesn't seem like it was ready for prime time?


Anyone have any tips or tricks in getting Ford to actually make good on that "amazinnnnnngg 60k powertrain warranty"... I'm in the Denver area. Athis point, I'm about ready to dump this truck and pick up a Landcruiser, never to give money to Ford or it's partners ever again.

If I were you, I would get away from that "small population" 3.5M city as you call it and get to a "nano population" 20k town similar to the one where my dealer is located. I have noticed a trend around here over the last couple years. It seems as though small town dealers are generally more knowledgeable, helpful and friendly.

 

[JC2DR]

Ford no longer monitors this forum. No help here.

I didn't know that. Thats unfortunate.

 

[Sparkie]

This post is half venting, and half...seeking advice for dealing with Ford and its stellar dealership network.
...
Is this too (cars) just now shit like pretty much everything else has turned into this decade? Just me for being "stupid" and buying a manual that doesn't seem like it was ready for prime time?
...
Anyone have any tips or tricks in getting Ford to actually make good on that "amazinnnnnngg 60k powertrain warranty"... I'm in the Denver area. Athis point, I'm about ready to dump this truck and pick up a Landcruiser, never to give money to Ford or it's partners ever again.

@TheGr8Snarfle Yes, I too avoided the "first year" of a brand new truck design. I read about the early Bronco issues and I think they were distorted by the pandemic (all the car companies were having troubles).
I have a 2024 MT Bronco. I have no issues at all with the tranny, top, or windows. I'm still very impressed with the engineering that went into the suspension, drive-train, and many other features in the Bronco that make it a uniquely fun drive.
And like you, my dealership struggles with service and knowledge -- but I have known about that for a decade (we've owned multiple Fords, Nissans, Mazdas, Dodges, and a Honda -- almost all with an MT). In my experience, dealerships are struggling with the same problems of every other retail and service industry -- it's hard to find and keep good employees.
However, I am surprised that your 2024 has so many issues on the same Bronco. Like others have already suggested, keep documenting your problems and find an attorney familiar with your state's Lemon Law.
Good luck.

 

[ncarter124]

This post is half venting, and half...seeking advice for dealing with Ford and its stellar dealership network.

I've got a 4DR, manual transmission Bronco Badlands that I bought in May of 2024. All in, thing ran me 62,5. Now, I know that in 2024 when literally everything in this country isn't worth the money (in a normative sense of the word, as well as from a price gouging standpoint), but to me, this is still a solid chunk of money for a domestically produced vehicle.

The sales team at the dealer was absolutely miserable: zero knowledge about just about everything from how to turn off of the tracking features of Ford Pass (you all did that, right?), to disclosing the MANY powertrain issues I'd need to WAIT IN LINE to get fixed right off the bat, as Ford declined to fix anything even in the 3rd year of production. I intentionally waited several years and not early adopt specifically to avoid initial debugging problems like this.

So I get 4k miles into this thing's lifetime and start having issues with the clutch (while I'm pulling a small hiker trailer, no less). I take that to the dealer complaining of a symptom (not a specific warranty related claim). I start researching and find an additional, service bulletin for the synchronizer rings, and I mention this to the... clerk. Get this car back and find out they didn't do the latter, and I'm informed the pressure plate in the transmission was just straight up machined incorrectly and the clutch was toast.
Fast forward a couple more months and this other latent issue with the cold temps and the transmission is now a major annoyance (at least?), and I've got a host of other issues:

1. A clanging sound in the transmissions every 3-5 shifts (related to the service bulletin?)
2. Rear windows that won't seal completely on cold days after being opened in the morning (can replicate on video)
3. A windshield covered in a crack starting from all sides.

So I'm back in line (5 weeks and running, told 'at least another 4 weeks') to fix #1 because the dealer didn't want to do more than they were obligated to do the first time around. I can' t find someone to replicate #2 (even though I've got it documented with videos). Every dealer in my 'tiny' 3.5M person metro just "doesn't handle glass".

Turns out there are 2, and only 2 dealers, in my entire "small" 3.5M person city that can work on manual transmissions - and only 1 that has any loaner vehicles. I'm a single parent with 1 car in the household, so this becomes a deal breaker pretty quickly unless I'd like to spend $4-500 for the "week" that diagnostics will take.

Been driving for 25 years and manual cars for half of that time, so I know what's up. I've never in my life driven, or owned an American car. I'm under no illusions that the Japanese and German cars I'm used to have issues out the door, but I'm finding myself fairly frustrated with the utter lack of customer service and warranty support follow-through on Ford's part. Is this normal with manufacturers that have just become complacent with their easy market entry? Is this too (cars) just now shit like pretty much everything else has turned into this decade? Just me for being "stupid" and buying a manual that doesn't seem like it was ready for prime time?


Anyone have any tips or tricks in getting Ford to actually make good on that "amazinnnnnngg 60k powertrain warranty"... I'm in the Denver area. Athis point, I'm about ready to dump this truck and pick up a Landcruiser, never to give money to Ford or it's partners ever again.

I had avoided Ford for years because buying a Ford and expecting reliabilty is literally delusional. So back in 2011 I decided to give them a try and factory ordered a MY2012 Mustang GT Premium. Absolutely miserable experience with 4x the issues you have and Ford of course did nothing. Tried to Lemon Law but I lived in Florida at the time and that proved to be a whole thing, so I just had to unload it and move on. I didnt try Ford again until literally 6 months ago with a Maverick and now a Bronco. Moral of the story? Get ready to just have to abandon ship and lose your a$$ because this is a losing battle in every sense of the word. I wish you luck, but unloading that vehicle is IMO the only answer, and the sooner the better.

 

[BigBend530]

Driving our 2022 Bronco home from purchasing at out of town dealership, it died while going down the highway. Long story shortened, it had a bad PCM. Took roughly 30 days and several calls from me to Ford Customer Relations for them to overnight a PCM from assembly line to local dealer for repair. Local dealer had tried to order PCM but Ford Corp didn't agree it was the PCM even after all required testing was done.

Calling Ford Customer Relations getting case number started is first step. Get them to call dealership. If no progress, talk with Customer Relations again and indicate you want to look into them purchasing it back. That's what I had to do to get them to send a PCM.

 

[wgw]

Ford no longer monitors this forum. No help here.

HMMMM wonder why

 

[OmahaKevin]

I had avoided Ford for years because buying a Ford and expecting reliabilty is literally delusional. So back in 2011 I decided to give them a try and factory ordered a MY2012 Mustang GT Premium. Absolutely miserable experience with 4x the issues you have and Ford of course did nothing. Tried to Lemon Law but I lived in Florida at the time and that proved to be a whole thing, so I just had to unload it and move on. I didnt try Ford again until literally 6 months ago with a Maverick and now a Bronco. Moral of the story? Get ready to just have to abandon ship and lose your a$$ because this is a losing battle in every sense of the word. I wish you luck, but unloading that vehicle is IMO the only answer, and the sooner the better.

My experience with Ford is completely opposite of yours. In almost 40 years I've only owned one non-Ford. I spent more money keeping that Dodge alive than all my Fords combined. I've still got my 2012 Mustang GT Premium and it's been flawless.

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