Warped Cowl

kenkasza
Jul 30, 2024

Rank 0

Jul 30, 2024

See picture. Taking to dealer tomorrow. Do you think this is sun (UV, Heat) related, or wiper motor getting hot and warping cowl?
There is at least one broken tab.

Catches on hood when opening and pops the cowl tabs out. Can scratch paint or even chip it. Possibly even break windshield.
Deano Bronc
Last edited by a moderator: Aug 16, 2024

Rank VI

Jul 30, 2024

#1
This was a problem a couple of years ago. Haven’t heard of this problem in quite a while. What year is your Bronco?

Rank 0

Jul 30, 2024

#2
Sorry I left the info out.

'23 SAS-OBX 2-door.

I see many comments on the G6 forum. '21s thru '23s. Have not seen a '24 with that reported issue yet. But most of those comments are related to the cowl pulling away from the windshield. I just thought it was a weird place for that piece to warp.

Rank VI

Jul 31, 2024

#3
I don’t know if it was ever figured out, other than cheap/flimsy material. The only solution I ever heard was to not open the hood when it’s really hot. How impractical is that 🤡

Rank IV

Jul 31, 2024

#4
I don’t know if it was ever figured out, other than cheap/flimsy material. The only solution I ever heard was to not open the hood when it’s really hot. How impractical is that 🤡

If this was the only solution FOMO could provide for the issue, then it is just inane. 🤷‍♂️
2023 Wildtrak 4D Lux MIC Tow Oxford White
Last Ride Bronco

Rank 0

Aug 15, 2024

#5
Just pick up the Bronco from the dealer. Dealer replaced the cowl under warranty. Stated there was no indication of anything overheating under the cowl. Conclusion is a sun damaged part. Dealer stated to bring it back if it happens again. Will be covered under warranty.

This is something simple that Ford could fix on future Broncos by using a better material and a small redesign, adding a rubber piece that has direct contact with the windshield. Make is similar to other vehicles (F150).
UserError, Deano Bronc

Rank 0

Aug 15, 2024

#6
waiting to get mine repaired right now, how long did it take for your part to come in?

Rank IV

Aug 16, 2024

#7
Just pick up the Bronco from the dealer. Dealer replaced the cowl under warranty. Stated there was no indication of anything overheating under the cowl. Conclusion is a sun damaged part. Dealer stated to bring it back if it happens again. Will be covered under warranty.

This is something simple that Ford could fix on future Broncos by using a better material and a small redesign, adding a rubber piece that has direct contact with the windshield. Make is similar to other vehicles (F150).

Just how hot does it get where you’re at, @kenkasza? 🤔
2023 Wildtrak 4D Lux MIC Tow Oxford White
Moderator

Life is a Highway

Aug 16, 2024

#8
Man I live in the heat of Arizona and thank god that hasn’t happened to mine!

GOT SNOW

Aug 16, 2024

#9
Man I live in the heat of Arizona and thank god that hasn’t happened to mine!

I got my 21 BL in Feb 22 and had the cowl replaced in July. The first time it popped out and you open the hood like normal it's never the same. The replacement did the same thing. The tabs are pretty wimpy. Mine now has a screw I installed under the hood to the center tab to keep it in place. If you don't know it's there you will never see it.
21 Badlands, 2 dr, four banger, slushbox, SAS. PERFECT!
UserError

Rank 0

Aug 30, 2024

#10
Just how hot does it get where you’re at, @kenkasza? 🤔

I live near Dallas Tx. The Bronco is garage kept. 90 in the garage during the summer. 105 outside temps. After looking at the newly installed cowl it appears the cowl is over sized. Meaning end to end it need to be 3/16 inch shorter. Currently the cowl ends hit against the plastic pieces by the mirrors. When the plastic expands, it has nowhere to go and warps. There needs to be a small gap between the plastic pieces or an overlap that would allow for expansion and contraction.
UserError

Rank 0

Aug 30, 2024

#11
waiting to get mine repaired right now, how long did it take for your part to come in?

@BLTom,
Sorry for late replay. Took 8 work days. Inspect, order part, shipping, install.
TK1215

I wandered and got lost, again.

Sep 01, 2024

#12
Sorry I left the info out.

'23 SAS-OBX 2-door.

I see many comments on the G6 forum. '21s thru '23s. Have not seen a '24 with that reported issue yet. But most of those comments are related to the cowl pulling away from the windshield. I just thought it was a weird place for that piece to warp.

What people forget are the supply chain issues that were chronic during the COVID shutdowns. The OEMs had to resort to many supplier alternatives just to keep production moving, and that often at a snails pace. Alternative tooling, suppliers, materials, etc. The quality issues that we see are often directly related to OEMs enduring limited supply resources.
"No matter where you go, there you are."
IG: Buckaroo_Bronco
TK1215, UserError

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