NHTSA Complaint #11640479 — 2023 FORD BRONCO

Factory hard top developing cracks around the corner of the back window on the passenger side. Vehicle is still under the 3-year / 36,000 mile factory warranty. This is the first instance that I have experience with this type of cracking on the factory hard top, and appears to be a known issue to Ford Motor Company since they have issued a General Service Bulletin (23-7004) regarding this type of issue. I am in the process of having the vehicle inspect by local Ford dealership for warranty claim. As a consumer, I do have concern about the long term durability of the hard top or any factory replacements. There are numerous examples of owners that have had multiple hard top replacements under the factory, in some cases 3-4 hard top replacements, prior to exhausting the 3 -year /36,000 mile factory warranty. These cracking issues associated with this hard top can present at different points in the part lifetime; In some cases within a few hundred miles and in others, not until the vehicle has surpassed the factory warranty. Regardless of lifespan, which does appear to be much short than a consumer would expect, The greatest concern I have as a consumer is the potential for this part to suddenly and unexpectedly fail without warning, and potential risk that could have on the vehicles' occupants or other vehicles on the roadway. The inner core of these factory hard tops are made come a cardboard composite material; Ford has stated the cracks are generally cosmetic in nature, but myself, as well as numerous other owners, have concern that with time, if moisture penetrates the hairline cracks, the cardboard may cause unexpected deteriorate enhancing risk for part failure. This gives consumer a false sense of safety and security. Ford should be finding a long term solution to this issue instead of replacing factory hard tops replacements of the same kind that also fail. It is a matter of time before injury or death occurs due to Ford's lack of a long-term solution.