New Bronco interior smells like model airplane glue

[davebdave]

Has anyone noticed an over the top new car smell? Borderline gives me a headache. My dealer went ape $&@! with the Armorall on the tires and exterior plastics. Maybe they put something on the inside? The steering wheel does feel oily and leaves my hands shiny. Any suggestions on how to get rid of the smell or notes on how long it lasts?

thanks, Dave. 2025 Heritage September build.

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[Brian_B]

If it is Armorall it will last about 3 days, but still have random greasy spots for the next few weeks.

If you want to go armageddon with it - get an ozone generator. Sprinkle baking soda on everything and let it set for a few hours, then vacuum up. Then clean everything with a good soap (i use simple green for just about everything). Then maybe Febreeze the crap out of it and throw an Ozium cartridge under the seat for good measure.

If you want the all natural approach, pop the top and roll down the windows for a few days.

I don't recall the new car smell in mine being over the top - right now it just smells like wood smoke if I try to roll the windows up due to the lovely summer CA weather.

 

[ssls6]

I looked at a Bronco in TX and the smell gagged me. They had put some BS protectant on the seats etc. I bought one in UT and it smelled like a typical new car. That's my limited experience.

 

[davebdave]

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like the dealer did something to it. I’ll try the natural open air and sunshine approach and see what happens.
Dave

 

[VirginiaHeritage]

My Heritage is 6 months old and still has a smell like new car with a hint of new boat (fiberglass). It’s not overwhelming at all and I enjoy it.

Sounds like you have something else in there. Fresh air and sunlight are probably the best option instead of adding more smells on top of smells or risking damage with chemicals. I would wipe down the interior (excluding seats) with a microfiber dampened with water only. Rinse between doing sections. Then like Brian said, pop the front panels off, roll the windows down and drive it that way as often as the weather allows for awhile. UV (sunlight) breaks down odors.

 

[Montana Bronco]

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like the dealer did something to it. I’ll try the natural open air and sunshine approach and see what happens.
Dave

It‘s a Bronco, TAKE THE ROOF OFF AND LIVE LARGE ! (while the sunlight naturally de-stenchifys your interior.

 

[Ducati1098]

 

[dgorsett]

Mine was a dirt mountain Bronco and smelled like a , well, a Dirt mountain. I missed the deteriorating plastic smell that I paid for.

 

[23OBX2.7]

It's extremely toxic off gassing leave windows open overnight for months. Should have cancer causing labels all over the car but there's no regulation just like toxic new homes.

I was thrilled to get a fully off gassed New 2023 6 weeks ago.

New ones made me want to puke.

WTF is for thinking at this price point they got all the low VOC interior tech, supply chain from Volvo when they owned it.

 

[BigFootie]

So now I know why mine was on a quality hold for 3 weeks in 2023. They were trying to figure out the funky smell. Actually mine smelt like a typical new vehicle even with a painted hard top. I suppose having the top off most of the summer helps too.

 

[23OBX2.7]

I have at least one new car at least every two years and I've never been exposed to one as toxic as bronco had to roll down all the windows driving various trims.

Top off all summer definitely helps.

Ford knows tactile and aroma senses are stronger influencers than visuals....

 

[Ducati1098]

So now I know why mine was on a quality hold for 3 weeks in 2023. They were trying to figure out the funky smell. Actually mine smelt like a typical new vehicle even with a painted hard top. I suppose having the top off most of the summer helps too.

I think this was only for the new style painted top for 24-25

 

[Bugkillah]

Use some wet wipes (flushable, not alcohol based) on the parts you touch with your hands (steering wheel, gear shifter, etc.). Take top off (fall is good weather for it), let fresh air and sunlight get rest.

 

[davebdave]

All good advice, thanks. I gave it a targeted smell test and the seats are the worst offenders. Everything else just smells like new plastic. Don’t know if the dealer sprayed something but maybe.

 

[MayhemMike]

It‘s a Bronco, TAKE THE ROOF OFF AND LIVE LARGE ! (while the sunlight naturally de-stenchifys your interior.

“ De-stenchify” what an awesome word. I am stealing this for sure. Well done.

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