Wed at 2:22 am
Hope this doesn't violate any forum rules - I just wanted to share my honest experience as an early reservation holder who's put serious miles on my 2021 Bronco. This comes from a place of wanting Ford to succeed, not complaining for the sake of it.
An Open Letter to Ford Motor Company: A 2021 Bronco Early Reservation Holder's Experience
Background
As one of the early Ford Bronco reservation holders who waited patiently through production delays and supply chain issues, I write this with both passion for the Bronco concept and genuine concern for Ford's execution. After 70,000+ miles of real-world driving, I feel compelled to share my honest experience.
My Ford Experience: I came to Ford from primarily European vehicles, with my first American vehicle being a 2017 F-250 Super Duty - the most reliable truck I've ever owned. Based on that exceptional experience, I was excited to replace it with the Bronco when my reservation was fulfilled. The contrast between these two Ford vehicles is stark and disappointing - Ford clearly demonstrated they could build exceptional quality with my F-250, making the Bronco's issues even more frustrating.
What I Love About My Bronco
- The Vision: Ford brought back an icon, and I respect that bold decision
- Capability: When it works, it's an impressive vehicle
- Community: I've helped friends and colleagues purchase Broncos because I believed in the product
- Ford Loyalty: My exceptional F-250 experience convinced me Ford was the right choice, leading to my Bronco reservation
Critical Issues That Need Addressing
1. Wireless Android Auto Reliability Crisis
- Problem: Constant disconnections while driving, creating a safety hazard
- Safety Concern: System blocks reconnection while driving, leaving drivers without navigation mid-trip
- Timeline: This issue has persisted since delivery in 2021 with no effective solution
- Impact: Forces unsafe behavior (pulling over to reconnect) or defeats the purpose of wireless connectivity
2. Mixed Quality Experience
- Electronics: Had to replace the entire head unit due to Bluetooth and GPS malfunctions
- Durability Positives: Original windshield has survived 70,000+ miles (while neighbors have had multiple replacements), and original tires performed well for 50,000 miles with proper maintenance
- Maintenance Rewards: When properly cared for, the Bronco shows its potential for durability
3.Recall Management Concerns
- Multiple Safety Recalls: Suspension recalls, rear-facing camera recalls, and engine valve drop issues
- No Immediate Solutions: Issuing recalls without having parts or fixes readily available
- Customer Limbo: Owners told their vehicles are unsafe but given no timeline for resolution
- Trust Erosion: How can customers feel confident when serious safety issues are acknowledged but not promptly addressed?
4. Early Adopter Treatment & Broken Promises
- Hardtop Delays: Despite being an early reservation holder wanting a hardtop, experienced significant delays
- Moving Goalposts: Later model years (late 2022/early 2023) could purchase hardtops with soft tops, while early adopters were left waiting
- Hardtop Ready Kit Pricing: When finally offered, the pricing was prohibitively expensive, effectively punishing loyal early customers
- Broken Promises: Early supporters were led to believe hardtop options would be readily available, then faced delays and excessive costs
5. Dealer Network Quality Control
- Installation Damage: During factory accessory installation (tailgate table), dealership caused visible damage and denied responsibility
- Paint Defects: Manufacturing paint issues combined with poor dealer service experience
- Changing Ownership: Dealer buyouts have disrupted established customer relationships and service standards
The Bigger Picture
Value Proposition Concern
For a $49,000+ investment, the combination of reliability issues and unresolved safety recalls undermines confidence in Ford's commitment to quality. When basic connectivity features fail consistently AND safety recalls remain without solutions, it raises serious questions about the entire development and support process.
Brand Trust Impact
My F-250 Super Duty was so exceptional that it convinced me to sell it and trust Ford with my Bronco reservation. The quality difference between these experiences is jarring. I know Ford can build incredible vehicles because they did it with my truck - why isn't that same standard applied to the Bronco program? This inconsistency makes it difficult to confidently recommend Ford, despite my positive truck experience.
Competitive Reality
While I prefer the Bronco over Jeep Wrangler conceptually, execution issues are pushing loyal customers toward competitors who deliver more reliable experiences.
What Ford Can Do
1. Immediate Software Fix: Prioritize resolving wireless Android Auto connectivity issues
2. Recall Resolution: Don't issue recalls without having solutions and parts readily available
3. Enhanced Quality Assurance: Implement stricter testing protocols before vehicles reach customers
4.Early Adopter Recognition: Provide extended warranties or preferential service for reservation holders who waited through delays
5.Transparent Communication: Regular updates on known issues and resolution timelines
My Request to Ford Leadership
I'm not asking for special treatment—I'm asking for the reliability and quality that the Bronco's price point promises. As someone who has put 70,000 miles on my Bronco and wants to keep it longer, I need confidence that Ford stands behind its products.
To Ford's Engineers and Management: Please remember that your early reservation holders were your biggest believers. We put our faith (and deposits) in you before seeing the final product. That loyalty deserves to be met with products that work as advertised.
Moving Forward
I remain hopeful that Ford will address these concerns. The Bronco has tremendous potential, and I want to be proud of my choice to support Ford's vision. But that pride needs to be backed by reliable performance and responsive customer service.
Ford's slogan promises "Built Ford Tough." I'm asking that this toughness extend beyond the frame to include the reliability of every system, especially those we interact with daily.
---
Written by a 2021 Ford Bronco owner, early reservation holder, 70,000+ miles driven
An Open Letter to Ford Motor Company: A 2021 Bronco Early Reservation Holder's Experience
Background
As one of the early Ford Bronco reservation holders who waited patiently through production delays and supply chain issues, I write this with both passion for the Bronco concept and genuine concern for Ford's execution. After 70,000+ miles of real-world driving, I feel compelled to share my honest experience.
My Ford Experience: I came to Ford from primarily European vehicles, with my first American vehicle being a 2017 F-250 Super Duty - the most reliable truck I've ever owned. Based on that exceptional experience, I was excited to replace it with the Bronco when my reservation was fulfilled. The contrast between these two Ford vehicles is stark and disappointing - Ford clearly demonstrated they could build exceptional quality with my F-250, making the Bronco's issues even more frustrating.
What I Love About My Bronco
- The Vision: Ford brought back an icon, and I respect that bold decision
- Capability: When it works, it's an impressive vehicle
- Community: I've helped friends and colleagues purchase Broncos because I believed in the product
- Ford Loyalty: My exceptional F-250 experience convinced me Ford was the right choice, leading to my Bronco reservation
Critical Issues That Need Addressing
1. Wireless Android Auto Reliability Crisis
- Problem: Constant disconnections while driving, creating a safety hazard
- Safety Concern: System blocks reconnection while driving, leaving drivers without navigation mid-trip
- Timeline: This issue has persisted since delivery in 2021 with no effective solution
- Impact: Forces unsafe behavior (pulling over to reconnect) or defeats the purpose of wireless connectivity
2. Mixed Quality Experience
- Electronics: Had to replace the entire head unit due to Bluetooth and GPS malfunctions
- Durability Positives: Original windshield has survived 70,000+ miles (while neighbors have had multiple replacements), and original tires performed well for 50,000 miles with proper maintenance
- Maintenance Rewards: When properly cared for, the Bronco shows its potential for durability
3.Recall Management Concerns
- Multiple Safety Recalls: Suspension recalls, rear-facing camera recalls, and engine valve drop issues
- No Immediate Solutions: Issuing recalls without having parts or fixes readily available
- Customer Limbo: Owners told their vehicles are unsafe but given no timeline for resolution
- Trust Erosion: How can customers feel confident when serious safety issues are acknowledged but not promptly addressed?
4. Early Adopter Treatment & Broken Promises
- Hardtop Delays: Despite being an early reservation holder wanting a hardtop, experienced significant delays
- Moving Goalposts: Later model years (late 2022/early 2023) could purchase hardtops with soft tops, while early adopters were left waiting
- Hardtop Ready Kit Pricing: When finally offered, the pricing was prohibitively expensive, effectively punishing loyal early customers
- Broken Promises: Early supporters were led to believe hardtop options would be readily available, then faced delays and excessive costs
5. Dealer Network Quality Control
- Installation Damage: During factory accessory installation (tailgate table), dealership caused visible damage and denied responsibility
- Paint Defects: Manufacturing paint issues combined with poor dealer service experience
- Changing Ownership: Dealer buyouts have disrupted established customer relationships and service standards
The Bigger Picture
Value Proposition Concern
For a $49,000+ investment, the combination of reliability issues and unresolved safety recalls undermines confidence in Ford's commitment to quality. When basic connectivity features fail consistently AND safety recalls remain without solutions, it raises serious questions about the entire development and support process.
Brand Trust Impact
My F-250 Super Duty was so exceptional that it convinced me to sell it and trust Ford with my Bronco reservation. The quality difference between these experiences is jarring. I know Ford can build incredible vehicles because they did it with my truck - why isn't that same standard applied to the Bronco program? This inconsistency makes it difficult to confidently recommend Ford, despite my positive truck experience.
Competitive Reality
While I prefer the Bronco over Jeep Wrangler conceptually, execution issues are pushing loyal customers toward competitors who deliver more reliable experiences.
What Ford Can Do
1. Immediate Software Fix: Prioritize resolving wireless Android Auto connectivity issues
2. Recall Resolution: Don't issue recalls without having solutions and parts readily available
3. Enhanced Quality Assurance: Implement stricter testing protocols before vehicles reach customers
4.Early Adopter Recognition: Provide extended warranties or preferential service for reservation holders who waited through delays
5.Transparent Communication: Regular updates on known issues and resolution timelines
My Request to Ford Leadership
I'm not asking for special treatment—I'm asking for the reliability and quality that the Bronco's price point promises. As someone who has put 70,000 miles on my Bronco and wants to keep it longer, I need confidence that Ford stands behind its products.
To Ford's Engineers and Management: Please remember that your early reservation holders were your biggest believers. We put our faith (and deposits) in you before seeing the final product. That loyalty deserves to be met with products that work as advertised.
Moving Forward
I remain hopeful that Ford will address these concerns. The Bronco has tremendous potential, and I want to be proud of my choice to support Ford's vision. But that pride needs to be backed by reliable performance and responsive customer service.
Ford's slogan promises "Built Ford Tough." I'm asking that this toughness extend beyond the frame to include the reliability of every system, especially those we interact with daily.
---
Written by a 2021 Ford Bronco owner, early reservation holder, 70,000+ miles driven
Bella Bronco, Deano Bronc