Ford Broncos Have Faulty Hard Tops

Ford is calling back some 16,000 Bronco sport utility vehicles over problems with their removable roofs.

The hard-top roofs may crack and fall apart, Ford recently told federal regulators. Pieces that fly off vehicles could pose a hazard to others on the road, according to the automaker.

“Detachment of a section of the hard top outer layer while driving can create a road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash,” Ford said in a recall notice. 

The recall covers certain 2021–2022 Broncos with the molded-in-color hard tops. Ford said it has received at least 25 warranty claims related to the defect, but it is not aware of any reports of accidents or injuries stemming from the problem.

The company planned to notify owners of recalled SUVs by the end of May, but Ford said it does not expect to fix the problem until later this year, at the earliest. The company is in the process of creating new hard tops. “The replacement MIC hard top will be manufactured using updated manufacturing processes to address previous adhesion concerns,” Ford said. 

Bronco drivers can also check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website to see if their cars are part of the recall. In the meantime, they should be aware of the signs of trouble. Ford said owners might notice progressive delamination and hear additional wind noise while driving.

Ford Safety Issues

These kinds of serious safety recalls that cannot be addressed immediately are, sadly, par for the course for Ford. The automaker has had more recalls than any other car manufacturer for several years in a row. Ford issued more than 150 separate recalls last year alone. 

The automaker recalled at least 7.4 million cars in the first four months of this year alone. The bulk of the recalls - about 4.4 million cars - were over a software issue that could cause trailer connection lights to go on the fritz. 

More recently, Ford recalled more than 140,000 Ranger pickup trucks. The company cited a unique defect that could cause the vehicles’ sun visors to catch fire. Ford, around the same time, called back 5,000 Bronco SUVs, warning they could lose power and roll away.

Ford Drivers: Know Your Lemon Law Rights

Ford drivers have some important rights and protections under the California lemon law.

The lemon law generally requires carmakers to perform various repairs on vehicles under warranty. It also forces them to buy back covered vehicles they are unable or unwilling to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the car’s purchase price, as well as financing fees, rental car costs, and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must occur before the buyback-or-replace requirement kicks in. An experienced lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action.

Speak with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.