So, I'm a big Ford fan. However, I'm no longer a big fan of Ford.
That's what Zack Launius (@zacklaunius) says in his TikTok video, which he made as a warning for other Ford Bronco buyers.
Picture this: You're all set to surprise your fiancé with the car of her dreams, a 2024 Ford Bronco. You've found the perfect one, negotiated the deal, and even secured the financing. The only catch? The Bronco is in Alabama, and you're in Arizona. But that's no problem, right? You're used to traveling for work and planned to pick it up just in time for Christmas. It's the perfect gift.
You're both filled with excitement as you drive your Ford F-350 King Ranch to pick up the new Ford Bronco. And when you finally see the Bronco, it's everything you've both dreamed of.
You drive the new Bronco for a few days before heading back. After the holidays, it's time for you to return to work. Your fiancé drives the new Ford Bronco, and she leaves for a quick trip to see friends in Colorado before heading home. You drive your truck back to Arizona.
But what follows is beyond belief. The dream car turns into a nightmare. Here's their unbelievable story. Strap in, it's a wild ride.
Zach says, "I wanted to share about my experience purchasing a 2024 Ford Bronco. Here's a rundown of how that's gone. First and foremost, my fiancé wanted a Bronco. She wanted a Bronco, and it's like her dream car, so I thought we'd get one for Christmas.”
So y'all think, ya, we get a Bronco. Well, let me tell you what happened.
Okay, this whole thing started when we found a brand-new 2024 Ford Bronco that we liked. It's a silver Big Bend with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission.
After filling out the application and after a week, we get the approval. We put $8,000 down on it, and the price out the door was around $42,000.
So, we scheduled the pick up for December 22nd because I travel full time for work. We are currently in Arizona, and we drove across the country from Arizona to Minnesota because I had to go for some training.
After that, we drove down to the Ford dealer in Alabama to pick up the Bronco. So, after the test drive, we take the Bronco from the dealer, and it has 15 miles on it from previous test drives, so it's a brand new car.
We drove it for three or four days, and then Charlene, my fiancé, had to work after the holidays, so we both drove back to Arizona. This is really when (expletive) hit the fan.
So she leaves about an hour before me because she will see her friends in Colorado. But she discovers her friend's husband is sick, and they don't want to get anyone sick, so she returns to Arizona.
When I heard the news, I left and returned to Arizona. So, she takes Interstate 40 from our route, and I take an I-20. So, she's in Arkansas, and I'm in Mississippi, and let me say that I love Ford as a brand. I've always driven a Ford since I could own a vehicle.
I had a 2017 Ford F-250, and it was a fantastic truck. Currently, I have a 2020 F-350 King Ranch. So, I'm a big Ford fan. However, I'm no longer a big fan of Ford. Here's why.
So, we are driving, and there's about a four-hour difference between us. We talk on the phone about every thirty minutes, and while we are on the phone, Charlene tells me that the Bronco is acting weird and jerking around, and the car has about 600 miles on it at this point.
I'm thinking oh my gosh, this is a brand new car. What could be wrong? While we were on the phone, she told me through the Ford Pass app that it had a PCM failure and a start assist failure, and the four-wheel drive and engine should be serviced soon.
Well, it's raining so hard that I had to change routes. I'm five hours away, and we are on the phone. Charlene's stuck in traffic, and it's raining hard.
She has to drive the Bronco in a limp model and can only go 20 miles an hour on the interstate. So imagine it's pouring rain, going 20 miles an hour on I-40 through rural Arkansas, and there is nowhere to get off the highway.
Everyone is speeding past her at 60 to 70 miles per hour. That's a very (expletive) experience. So, she can finally pull off the highway, turn off the vehicle, and restart the engine. It works perfectly, so I think, okay, thank god that's over.
So, she gets back on the highway, and we plan to meet in Dallas and spend the night in Abilene. We wake up the following day, leave, get to El Paso, and pull over to get gas.
Then, Zack says, the Bronco completely shuts down out of nowhere. It's a total shutdown with no response. It won't start, and there's nothing.
The unexpectedness of it all leaves Zack and Charlene in shock.
So, we get on the Ford Pass app and get roadside assistance. The driver picks up the Bronco and says he can't take it to the dealer until Monday morning. We can't wait because we have to get back home.
So, about four hours from the house, we got a call from the dealer saying they had no idea why we brought the Bronco into them. It's 100% okay. You can come and pick it up.
We drove four and a half hours from Arizona back to El Paso to get the Bronco. We get in the car, drive 30 miles, and it's (expletive) up again.
So, if you've ever been on I-10 east of El Paso, the speed limit is 85 miles per hour. The people who drive that road are going 90 to 95 miles per hour.
Now imagine that we are 10 miles per hour on I-10 with cars speeding by us going 90. It's just dangerous, dangerous as hell. We are finally able to limp back to the Ford dealer.
The tech scans the Bronco's computer, and it's reading five different error codes. It has a random cylinder misfire, a PCM error, and a throttle position sensor code.
So now my fiancé can't go to work, she can't do anything because we only have one car and the Bronco is at the dealer. They refused to give us a loaner, they won't get us a rental car, and there's been no communication between Ford and us as customers who spent $40,000.
So, we're at the Ford dealer now, and the Bronco is still in the service department. We are still waiting to hear. I have requested a new vehicle at this point.
Everyone I've talked to about the Bronco says they have never had this problem. So, this is a fair warning: don't buy a (expletive) Bronco. Ford does not care about you. They don't care about helping you get a loaner or if your brand-new car is in repair.
I would get it if the Bronco had 20,000 or 30,000 miles on it, but this Bronco was still under factory warranty. But they have been no help at all in our situation. So, stay away from Ford.
We submitted a claim with Ford to buy the vehicle back, and they denied our claim. They said no because it must be out of service for 30 days and in the shop three times for the same issue.
So, Zack and Charlene sit in the waiting room. As a loyal Ford fan, Zack has always valued the brand. However, his recent experience has left him feeling betrayed and disillusioned.
Conclusion.
What should Zack and Charlene do at this point?
There is nothing they can do but wait for the Ford dealer to fix their 2024 Bronco.
The Ford dealer is correct. The Arizona Lemon Law presumes the vehicle's repair history is unreasonable if the car has been in the repair shop for a cumulative total of 30 days or the car was repaired for the same related issue four times but the car was not fixed within those four repair attempts, and the issue continued to exist.
What the Ford dealer should have done was to provide a loaner vehicle for Zack and Charlene until they got the Bronco fixed. There were clearly issues with the new Bronco that the Ford dealer could not resolve or fix quickly.
It's Your Turn.
Have you had issues with the 2024 Ford Bronco or another Ford vehicle? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
Check out this Ford story.
Ford Dealer Says “My Ford Raptor R Customers Always Want Me to Remove the $1,800 Graphics, But I Would Keep Them On” Read my report here.
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Zack Launius and Ford
Comments
We had to get a new engine…
Permalink
We had to get a new engine around 1k. We kept noticing billows of white smoke coming out of the car and it finally died trying to make it home.
It's prob been at the dealership at least 3 times for the same problem.
When we got it back with a new engine there was another engine issue and we had to take it back, like, same day.
Fiance's first Ford.
Love my 2024 Ford Bronco…
Permalink
Love my 2024 Ford Bronco Sport! Bought new. Driven nearly 5,000 miles . No problem.
My ford had same problems…
Permalink
In reply to Love my 2024 Ford Bronco… by Karen (not verified)
My ford had same problems.
My ford dealer gave us a rental and new transmission. Best fords dealership
Yes!!! It's all in the…
Permalink
In reply to My ford had same problems… by Al (not verified)
Yes!!! It's all in the dealership.
I had the same thing and it…
Permalink
I had the same thing and it was actually a small pin in one of the connectors was bent or broke off… it did that to me twice before .. the whole shutdown thing… I didn’t take no for an answer.. they had it for a week the first time and got it back not even 100 miles and it did it all again .. so that time I made th give me a loaner and .. this was at Hunt Ford in Franklin, Ky . After I got it back with the explanation of the small pinion the connector.. I haven’t had any more problems. Mine was brand new just like yours .. so I am wondering if it’s the same issue.. had those same error codes and everything. I have a 2022 of the same model as yours too.. said that maybe in the factory mine just got a bad connector. They had not had that happen either.
I had the same thing and it…
Permalink
I had the same thing and it was actually a small pin in one of the connectors was bent or broke off… it did that to me twice before .. the whole shutdown thing… I didn’t take no for an answer.. they had it for a week the first time and got it back not even 100 miles and it did it all again .. so that time I made th give me a loaner and .. this was at Hunt Ford in Franklin, Ky . After I got it back with the explanation of the small pinion the connector.. I haven’t had any more problems. Mine was brand new just like yours .. so I am wondering if it’s the same issue.. had those same error codes and everything. I have a 2022 of the same model as yours too.. said that maybe in the factory mine just got a bad connector. They had not had that happen either.
Sorry but this is kinda dumb…
Permalink
Sorry but this is kinda dumb. All manufacturers have cars that break down. Sucks but it happens. Personally I have had one of the early 21 Broncos and now a 23 Bronco and have not had a single issue with either.
I agree! I have a 2023…
Permalink
In reply to Sorry but this is kinda dumb… by B (not verified)
I agree! I have a 2023 bronco and a 2024 bronco raptor, never a problem with either one. I laughed while reading the whole thing.
There isn't a Ford product I…
Permalink
There isn't a Ford product I would buy nowadays. I love all the Lincoln's (not the Navigator, so much) but don't trust any of them. Same goes for Stellantis vehicles (namely Jeep). GM isn't much better, imo. I will continue to buy German. I love Mercedes E-Class but it hasn't been 100% trouble free. Moral of the story, I guess, it to buy an extended warranty from a reputable company on anything you get. And make sure there is a loaner program with no limit on the days you can use it.
Runs fine and then it doesn…
Permalink
Runs fine and then it doesn't. That is an electrical issue. Could be a bad ground, pinched wire, loose connector or water seeping in. Intermittent problems are so hard to find. I had a problem like that with a wire harness. I could move it and the car would run again. Eventually it quit all together and would never start. I was so mad I jammed a baseball bat into the harness repeatedly. Started up and never had a problem again.
I wouldn't trust new…
Permalink
In reply to Runs fine and then it doesn… by Lehman McFarland (not verified)
I wouldn't trust new vehicles anyways because they have poor build quality. It doesn't matter what kind it is. I stick with older stuff due to it being easier to work on and it last way longer than anything else new on the road.
We will never buy a ford…
Permalink
We will never buy a ford either, And one of our family retired from ford which means we also get discounts and STILL won’t buy another ford . They have NO customer service. They won’t even remember your name after you buy a new vehicle
I had the same thing…
Permalink
I had the same thing happened on my 23 Bronco Sport at 29000 miles back in October, Ford did replaced the engine and no further problems.
Similar situation. Ford…
Permalink
Similar situation. Ford Fusion 2016.
Kept taking it in for engine issues.
Thankfully my dealership cares and they replaced the engine.
Turns out the engines came out bad for that year from the factory. The entire line of engines manufactured around X time were bad. Took some diligent dealership personnel to get to the bottom of that. Still thankful to them that they cared enough to help. I'm loyal to the dealership/ people. Not the brand.
My company purchased a new…
Permalink
My company purchased a new 2024 F-250 (diesel). It has been in and out of the dealer more than a half dozen times. Yesterday the check engine light came on, again. Took back to the dealer. They are claiming it is a NOX sensor. This truck has ~43k miles on it. It is no longer under warranty. But even when it was under warranty, taking it in to the dealer is time and usage we are not getting. I with the OP. I used to love Ford but you couldn't pay me enough now to buy one. No thanks.
Bought new 2023 Broncho…
Permalink
Bought new 2023 Broncho sport for my wife. 2 months after purchase all electronics and every control on the dash and computer would shut down while driving highway speeds. Battery would drain and vehicle would drain battery. Unsafe to drive. A year dealing with this. Dealer and service no help-stated couldn't figure it out- my research with a friend who works for ford and had access to internal records found many complaints of the same issue and safety reports of a module failure and planned recall - he advised i get put of the vehicle and i got out and traded it in for another
brand at a huge loss. Ford hides issues and is corrupt and happily took my money to put my family's life a risk with an unsafe vehicle with known safety issues-bought it at Hillsborough ford in Hillsborough NH
Lemon Law usually applies…
Permalink
Lemon Law usually applies for the State where it's purchased. Some States might allow out of State purchase Lemon Law. Everyone should be familiar with their own States Lemon Law. Some States are very restrictive, meaning terrible. Bronco owner should keep a log. Log every phone call, every visit. Date/time of drop off and pickup. Keep it factual and accurate. My State Lemon Law allows for mileage. Meaning i owed money for vehicle mileage until first repair. Received way more money going Lemon Law versus trade in. Owners manual should have Lemon Law instructions. Usually requires a certified letter sent via US Postal Service to request Lemon Law. Asking the local dealer for a Lemon Law is not within the rules. After USPS letter, expect further communication to be more convenient. Seek a lawyer if necessary. Hopefully Bronco owner purchased a hardtop. Softop Bronco not reliable in high winds.
Well, so what happened ??…
Permalink
Well, so what happened ??
What was the problem?
Did it occur again?
Did they keep it or sell it like I did with my POS 2017 Escape at 7800 miles??
No more Fords, No more turbos, no more autostop, no more 4 cyl engines for me. I won't let my family members be left somewhere on the road in a new vehicle that won't run.
We purchased a 2024 Bronco…
Permalink
We purchased a 2024 Bronco Sport Outerbanks in July. The day after Christmas the truck was completely dead, no response from the vehicle(3,400 miles). Dead battery. Happens again 2 days later, we bring it to the dealership and they replace the battery. While driving home the car starts throwing error codes she looses power steering and the brakes are not functioning correctly. She restarts the vehicle and it seems okay. Dealership comes picked up the truck and tells us the computer had to be reset because of the battery failure.
We do not trust this vehicle.
We are a Ford faithful customer, maybe not for long.
Had major issues with a 2006…
Permalink
Had major issues with a 2006 F250 Super Duty with the 6.0 diesel. Stayed in shop more than on the road. This wasn't a contractors truck but the Lariot class. Filed suit against Ford. Took a little over 2 years to settle. Replaced with 2008 Lariot Super Duty with 5.0 liter. Put 379k on it.
I'm sorry I think you're…
Permalink
I'm sorry I think you're being a bit unreasonable. Lemon law is very explicit and your car doesn't meet the standard, the dealer doesn't ha have to give you a loaner or get you a rental (they could but don't have to).. Now all cars break even new ones it's not just ford they all have issues
If it's not the dealership…
Permalink
If it's not the dealership where you purchased the vehicle, that's probably why they didn't give you a loaner. They probably didn't consider it their problem.
I have a 2022 Black Diamond Bronco with 40,000 miles and have had a single issue. I LOVE mine! We are a Ford Family! We currently also own a 1994 Eddie Bauer Bronco, two F150s: a 2010 and a 2018 and we bought both of our daughters Ford Escapes: 2014 and 2016. We've owned multiple Fords over the years including a 2014 Mustang that when I sold it in 2022, the only repair that had ever been needed was a replaced battery. It had 120,000 miles. It was my daily driver and literally a perfect car.
My work truck is a 2022 f550…
Permalink
My work truck is a 2022 f550. In 2024 my work truck was having issues every time it rained or was washed. It would give me alerts on my ford pass app and wouldn’t shut off when the key was removed right away but would eventually shut itself off and work fine after it dried out. There were other symptoms too but long story short after driving in a severe rain storm the next day it was acting up again till it had to be towed. The for dealer I took it too said it was a same and the truck was going to have to be scrapped because the repair cost was going to be so high. My company fleet department push it through on the repairs anyway and we found out it was water ingress on the main vehicle harness that parked it for about 6 weeks while the repairs happened because replacement trucks are hard to get.
I have bought vehicles of…
Permalink
I have bought vehicles of many brands over 40 years. All brands have such problems. The best way to avoid risk is to find a dealer near where you live that is competent and trustworthy. Buy only what that dealer sells. I live in a suburb of a large city. One of the Ford dealers near me is good so I buy Fords. If the dealership changes I might change brands. Shop dealerships over brands.
My brand new Bronco with…
Permalink
My brand new Bronco with 7500 miles on it had a transmission go out and Ford refused to do anything and said it was our fault! Hate Ford