Hardtop cracks? Something else?

[Obeh4ve]

We had the exact same experience with the 01 to 03 MINIs. The expansion tank was a joke. Started puking out the seams. BMW was being just as big a set of tools as Ford is now. Incessant calls to corporate by thousands of MINI owners may or may not have impacted the redesign but I'd like to dream that it did. That was a much smaller cheaper part than the MIC

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[skater777]

Thanks so much for sharing your story. I haven't pulled the trigger on getting a Bronco yet, but when I do, it will definitely have an aftermarket top like ADV. Ford screwed up this design big time and it is an insult to owners to claim that cracks are "normal" on a $50K+ vehicle.

 

[1986Bronco]

In case anyone wants an update:

I rolled the dice and went back to the dealership to show them the new cracks. They took pictures, got the mileage, and told me that they would get back to me. I indicated that water from washing, rain, etc. was definitley hitting that area and it was staying damp/wet after the rest was dry and looked like it was weeping moisture. The service advisor said that this was definitely a problem. That was around 12/1 and I have not heard anything. Yesterday, I responded to the message here from FORD and they said:

"I was able to look into your recent case, and see a decision regarding coverage has already been made. I wouldn’t be able to overturn this decision, however I will add these notes to your case so your experience is fully documented. Thank you for reaching out.
Julia
Ford Social Media Team"

I'm not sure if that was from the first time I went there for the cracks under the window or from this most recent time for the new vertical cracks along the back so I sent a message asking for clarification.

It is a weird cycle/circle of having to communicate with the dealer and contact Ford then watch it restart as nothing happens.

I'm at the point that I think I want to just get the sides vinyl wrapped in the same color and to just be "out of sight out of mind" with it. My only concern is that if there is a full failure of the outer layer at any point in the future that Ford will use the wrap as an excuse to absolve themselves. Honestly though, they already are absolving themselves...so it does not seem like I have anything to lose?

 

[Markco]

Same thing is happening to mine, started happening 4 months after delivery. Showed it to my dealer while I was in there for service. Do not use the term cracking, let them know its delaminating.

This message from Ford says cracking IS WARRANTIED item.

 

[Markco]

Same thing is happening to mine, started happening 4 months after delivery. Showed it to my dealer while I was in there for service. Do not use the term cracking, let them know its delaminating.

 

[1986Bronco]

No argument from me. Just Ford. And the Ford dealership. Still have had no traction on this from Ford or the dealer. Right now, I've got better things to do than spend hours on multiple days getting back and forth to the dealer, waiting for them, waiting for Ford, etc. It looks like this is their plan...to wear me down.

And them telling me not to worry about it because it is covered under warranty is pointless when "the warranty" is not doing anything about it.

 

[Black_Stallion13]

Just turn your troublesome top into an instant $7000 stack of money via FB marketplace and be done with it while you still can.

 

[1986Bronco]

Stopped at Red McCombs Ford this morning. They said they would need the vehicle for 3-4 days to assess the situation.

They did not seem concerned about taking care of it, acknowledging that there was a problem, etc. They even pointed out an unrelated scratch that was nowhere near the cracks as if that was the cause.

Then the service guy proceeded to point out scratches on the fender flare? Not that if matters, but walking by the Bronco in my garage with jeans on inflicted those...either I have hard jeans or the plastic is soft...

I was careful with my words and did not use cracks and instead purposely used delaminating.

I mentioned that the largest crack, which is spiderwebbing out, 1 year and 3,300 miles worth of driving, was retaining water and weeping/wet after a rain when the rest of the vehicle was dry. He said that they would have to recreate that, my pictures and videos were not enough.

I asked if they could at least document my mileage and concerns as proof that I have been making attempts to come in and take care of the problem. They did not document my arrival, take any pictures, anything... I would have to scheudle a week where they can have it.

Side note 1: I'm not blind to the world. My dad was a mechanic, I work in a service industry, and I'm well aware of employee shortages. I have no issues with the human side of this, just the Ford process side of this. Some of you have met better humans that have seen your problem and immediately taken care of it, that is just not the case here in San Antonio. I still do not blame the human side of it, they are just following procedure and some people at other dealerships are just better humans.

Side note 2: I dropped off my used oil at an auto parts store right after this and drove by what looked like a Black Diamond in Area 51 with a hardtop. It was a 4 door and the hardtop mid panels were one with the rear. I thought it was a TOR top, but it was a Rally Top, 2nd Gen design. It looked good and the updated rear hatch design is very OEM looking overall.

Updated to add that I did not leave it. This is not a driveabilty issue right now. I have mentally weighed the consequences of leaving my manual transmission vehicle in a tight lot with people that clearly do not care about my vehicle as much as me; I have thought about the ensuing battle for a scratch, dent, broken/missing anything and it is currently not worth it. Nobody has built or put on the persona of trust that I would want to have in order to leave my vehicle with them.

 

[1986Bronco]

I called Covert Ford in Austin, where we purchased the vehicle from. They said we would need to leave it with them for 2-3 weeks. They recommended I take it to someone in San Antonio...

But don't worry, it's under warranty.

 

[2023bronco]

MIC TOP WOES!

All these issues developed over the past 2 years (except that the front two panels were always uneven; the weatherstrip popped up later).

I'm positive that every single MIC top will develop the hairline cracks.

I'm going in for other warranty work and will be raising these issues.

Is there a way for me to print this whole thread and the other pictures to give to the service writer? I think I want to make it part of my warranty claim file.

This Bronco built late 2022. Just over 4,000 miles. Top never off.

 

[CitrusBronco]

I called Covert Ford in Austin, where we purchased the vehicle from. They said we would need to leave it with them for 2-3 weeks. They recommended I take it to someone in San Antonio...

But don't worry, it's under warranty.

I see a member said he is getting his 4th replacement, something must be in the way the dealer is wording the claim to get Ford to replace his and your dealer cant get yours. Maybe you can reach out to him and see if you can get some info, his name is 2door.
This is the thread https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...c-hardtop-cracks-are-considered-normal.69167/

 

[2023bronco]

I see a member said he is getting his 4th replacement, something must be in the way the dealer is wording the claim to get Ford to replace his and your dealer cant get yours. Maybe you can reach out to him and see if you can get some info, his name is 2door.
This is the thread https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...c-hardtop-cracks-are-considered-normal.69167/

I wonder if the secret code is "Lawyer" and "Class Action."

 

[Reidt131]

Now I'm nervous that I have an OG/dirt mountain 21 and can't find any cracks

I have an early fill vehicle (allegedly #636 produced based on VIN) and I have been inspecting my top every two weeks for any de-lam or cracking and I haven't seen any.

Fingers crossed a small population of tops with thicker outer material were produced early in production that aren't affected by this issue. Maybe Webasto was ordered to cost cut or adjust manufacturing early in production but pre MIC 2.0?

As I am now outside of warranty, if I seen any of these symptoms I'm going to try a smooth finish bed liner to create a thick layer to prevent water intrusion.

 

[Dude1967]

I have had this issue for a bit. 4 tops and i am seeing delamination as we speak. I hate to say this but the Jeep tops have not had this problem nor the original Broncos. Ford has told the peeps to make it work for the profit brigade. We all paid good money so Ford can make profits on our behalf. I will say it again, damn shame...

 

[CitrusBronco]

I wonder if the secret code is "Lawyer" and "Class Action."

I found another thread and the member said he filed a claim with the BBB and they helped, he had the top replaced 3 times and received a $5k payout with the 3rd top.

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