Why is there a shortage of Ford Broncos?

The Ford Bronco, a beloved off-road SUV that was revived in 2021 after a 25-year hiatus, has been facing a shortage in the market. This shortage has left many eager buyers frustrated and waiting for their chance to get behind the wheel of the highly anticipated vehicle.

Reasons for the Ford Bronco Shortage

The shortage of Ford Broncos can be attributed to several factors, including:

• High Demand: The Bronco's return has generated significant excitement and interest among consumers, leading to a surge in demand that has outpaced Ford's production capabilities.


• Supply Chain Disruptions: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread supply chain issues, affecting the availability of critical components needed to manufacture the Bronco.


• Semiconductor Chip Shortages: The global semiconductor chip shortage has impacted the automotive industry, including Ford's ability to produce the Bronco in sufficient quantities.


• Production Challenges: Ford has faced various production challenges, such as temporary plant shutdowns and production line adjustments, which have further contributed to the Bronco shortage.

These factors have combined to create a situation where the demand for the Ford Bronco has significantly outpaced the available supply, leading to long wait times and frustration among potential buyers.

Impact on Consumers

The shortage of Ford Broncos has had a significant impact on consumers, including:

• Longer Wait Times: Buyers who have placed orders for the Bronco are facing extended wait times, with some reports indicating delivery delays of up to a year or more.


• Limited Availability: The limited supply of Broncos has made it challenging for consumers to find the specific model, trim, and configuration they desire, further exacerbating the shortage.


• Increased Prices: The high demand and limited supply have led to a rise in prices for the Bronco, both at the dealer level and in the secondary market, making it more difficult for some consumers to afford the vehicle.

These challenges have left many Bronco enthusiasts disappointed and frustrated, as they eagerly await the opportunity to own the iconic off-road SUV.

Outlook and Potential Solutions

Ford is actively working to address the Bronco shortage, with the company taking steps to increase production and streamline the supply chain. However, it is expected that the shortage will continue to persist in the near term, as the underlying issues, such as the semiconductor chip shortage, are not easily resolved.

To mitigate the impact of the shortage, Ford has implemented measures such as prioritizing orders and adjusting production schedules. Additionally, the company has explored alternative sourcing options and is working closely with its suppliers to address the supply chain challenges.

As the automotive industry continues to navigate these challenges, it is likely that the Bronco shortage will gradually improve over time, but it may take several months or even years before the demand and supply are fully aligned.

Does the Ford Bronco have a lot of issues?

Yes, Ford Broncos have had a number of problems, including quality control issues, numerous recalls, and some mechanical and electrical concerns. While some early model years were more problematic, issues have persisted across several model years, affecting everything from the hard tops and steering to the engine and infotainment system.
 
Common problems and areas of concern

• Quality control and build issues: Some owners report issues with misaligned panels, noisy interiors, and cosmetic problems like flaking fabric on the top. 
• Hardtop problems: Early models with the molded-in-color hard top have had issues with crazing and delamination. 
• Electrical and tech issues: Owners have reported blank or frozen screens on the infotainment system, along with problems with the rearview camera. 
• Engine problems: The 1.5L EcoBoost 3-cylinder engine has been reported to lack power and can struggle with acceleration and on inclines. Issues like stalling and rough idle have also been reported. 
• Transmission issues: Some owners have experienced jerky or clunky transmission behavior, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. 
• Recalls: The Bronco has been subject to numerous recalls for issues like faulty suspension fasteners, improperly installed rear glass panels, and seat belt anchor problems. 
• Steering and suspension: Steering and suspension issues, including problems with the tie rods and steering rack, have been mentioned as a concern by owners. 
• Higher maintenance costs: The estimated maintenance and repair costs for the Bronco over the first 10 years are higher than the industry average for similar SUVs. 

Model year-specific issues

• Early models (2021-2022): These years are often cited as having the most quality issues, with some outlets calling 2022 the worst model year due to engine problems. 
• Subsequent models: While reliability generally improves with later models, the issues listed above have persisted to varying degrees across newer model years. 

Why is Ford discontinuing the Bronco?

Ford is not discontinuing the Bronco; however, some reports indicate they are slowing down production due to declining sales, with some workers reassigned to other facilities. Previously, Ford discontinued the original Bronco in 1996 because of decreased demand for two-door SUVs and the introduction of the larger, more popular four-door Expedition, which better suited market trends.
 
Reasons for the recent slowdown in production:

• Declining sales: Sales for the new Bronco have reportedly dropped compared to previous periods.
• Production realignment: To meet other demands, Ford is reassigning workers from the Bronco production line to other facilities. 

Reasons for the original discontinuation:

• Market shift: The public's preference was shifting away from two-door SUVs towards larger, four-door models. 
• Replacement by Expedition: Ford introduced the Expedition to fill the market gap and meet consumer demand for a more spacious, four-door SUV. 
• Not profitability: The original Bronco was seen as outdated and no longer profitable enough for Ford to continue producing without a major redesign. 

Why are broncos getting recalled?

Now, more than 200,000 2025-2026 Broncos and Bronco Sport models are being recalled because their instrument panel displays do not show critical information, such as warning lights or vehicle speed. The failures increase the risk of a crash, so some models are being recalled for “instrument panel display failure.”

Why is no one buying Broncos?

And over the last couple of years there are certain models of the Broncos with dealer markups of $5,000 to $10,000. And some even reaching $20,000. Over MSRP. Which has now led to the Broncos.