4 Minutes
Nothing ruins the rugged image of an off roader faster than the thought of its roof coming apart on the move. That is now the uncomfortable reality for thousands of Ford Bronco owners, after Ford confirmed a recall affecting 16,200 vehicles fitted with removable hardtops that can crack, split, and in the worst case detach while driving.
This is the recall that stands out. While Ford has filed two separate safety campaigns covering the Bronco, Ford Escape, and Lincoln Corsair, the Bronco issue is the one likely to grab the attention of both owners and regulators. According to the automaker, the outer skin of the hardtop on certain 2021 and 2022 Bronco models may develop cracks or delamination over time. In plain English, parts of the roof panel could break loose after extended exposure to weather and road use.
Ford points to production problems at a supplier, saying the manufacturing process and key parameters were not properly optimized. That may sound technical, but the result is simple enough: a roof designed for adventure may not hold together as intended.
The affected vehicles include three door Broncos built between September 23, 2020, and January 13, 2022, as well as five door versions produced from September 23, 2020, to October 22, 2021. For a model that has been one of Ford’s most visible lifestyle vehicles in recent years, recalling more than 16,000 examples is no small matter.
The company began looking into the problem after complaints were submitted through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Ford says it is aware of 25 warranty claims, two field reports, and two direct customer complaints linked to the hardtop issue. So far, there have been no reported crashes or injuries, which is the one reassuring note in an otherwise awkward situation.
The fix is coming, but not quickly
Owners are expected to be notified from May 27 and will be asked to bring their Bronco to a dealer for inspection. The catch is that replacement parts are not yet ready. New hardtops still need to be built, which means affected customers may be left waiting until at least November before a permanent repair can actually be carried out.
That delay matters. Recalls are frustrating enough when the solution is immediate. They become far more complicated when drivers are told there is a problem, but the proper fix is still months away.
Ford’s second recall is much smaller, though it still involves a potentially serious fault. This campaign covers five Lincoln Corsair models built between October 27, 2025, and November 17, 2025, plus 203 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured from October 27, 2025, to December 9, 2025.
In these vehicles, the transmission may fail to lock properly in Park. If the electronic parking brake does not engage as it should, the vehicle could roll on an incline beyond the permitted limit. That creates the kind of risk no driver wants when stepping out of the car, especially on a slope.
Ford says the issue can be resolved through an over the air software update, which is a far less disruptive answer than replacing physical components. Owners will begin receiving notification from June 29, and they will be able to install the update remotely or visit a Ford or Lincoln dealer for assistance.
Taken together, the latest recalls add yet another chapter to Ford’s ongoing quality control troubles. The Bronco remains one of the company’s most charismatic models, a vehicle sold as much on freedom and toughness as on engineering. That is exactly why a roof defect lands so badly. For Bronco owners, removable panels are part of the experience. They are not supposed to remove themselves.
Source: carscoops
Comments
mechbyte
is this even true? supplier blame sounds convenient, feels like a bigger QC issue. also why make owners wait till Nov for parts, that’s messed up
v8rider
Wow, a Bronco roof detaching? That’s straight up scary. I love the look but not if the top might peel off on the highway. Ford fix faster pls, we can't wait months..
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