Ford service really let me down, Bronco Sport owners be careful

I always knew Ford only cares about selling their cars, but we decided to ignore our bad experiences with two different F-150s and got a Badlands Bronco two years ago.

The truck was mostly fine, no big problems, and we got it exactly how we wanted. But over the past two years, the local dealerships in Colorado have failed us with basic issues, just like they did with the F-150s.

Several dealerships did everything they could to avoid helping us with easy repairs, like fixing the well-known brake noise issue in the rear. It’s a great truck, but it’s been making a loud noise since day one. They kept making excuses about part shortages and never got back to us. We also had warranty issues like the stereo going haywire while driving. Even with video proof, they claimed they couldn’t recreate the problem. Ridiculous.

The last straw was when an oil change took them three days, even though they knew we needed the car and only had two vehicles in the household.

I’ve owned over 15 different cars and trucks, and Ford’s service is by far the worst. They just don’t care.

And it’s no wonder. All three dealers I dealt with over the last two years had lots full of Fords waiting to be serviced.

Luckily, we sold the Badlands at a good price, but I don’t think our family will ever buy a Ford again. The cars are great on the outside, but if you can’t get simple things fixed without waiting a week, what’s the point of a warranty?

Sadly, I’ve read a lot of stories like ours online.

Just wanted to share my experience with you all. This forum has been a great place to learn from, and I’ll still check in from time to time to see the cool builds people post. But from now on, I’m done with the big three. I’ll stick to Honda, which actually makes the most American cars when you look at where they’re made and where the parts come from.

My local Ford dealer has been pretty great. They offer valet service for oil changes, so they always pick up mine or my wife’s car. Our sales guy even sends us birthday cards, and we bought our car three years ago.

@Taryn
Same with ours. No complaints here.

Skye said:
@Taryn
Same with ours. No complaints here.

Yep, me too. I’ve had good experiences.

I avoid the Ford dealer for service completely. My parents taught me to stick with a local mechanic. I’ve been going to the same guy for 24 years, and I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my car.

Harlan said:
I avoid the Ford dealer for service completely. My parents taught me to stick with a local mechanic. I’ve been going to the same guy for 24 years, and I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my car.

Can small shops get the parts the dealership says aren’t available? I feel like I’m being lied to.

@Dakota
I’ve never had a parts issue. Also, I don’t really mind the occasional brake noise. Keeps my neighbors alert!

Harlan said:
@Dakota
I’ve never had a parts issue. Also, I don’t really mind the occasional brake noise. Keeps my neighbors alert!

I live where it’s cold, so it’s not fun dealing with it.

@Dakota
I’m in Boston. They squeal for like 30 seconds when I back out in the morning, but then it’s fine the rest of the day. It’s really only for a few months each year.

I had the same problem with Colorado dealers, but since moving to Pennsylvania, the service has been incredible. Loaners when needed, pickups, constant updates—everything you’d expect. I think the dealers in Colorado just don’t have enough competition. Here in PA, there are way more options.

My dealership’s been great too. They send birthday and Christmas cards, and they call to check in on how my car’s doing. Can’t ask for more than that.

If you can’t find good service anywhere, maybe you need to look at how you’re approaching it.

I’ve had the same issues, OP. Got a 2022 Bronco Sport, and it’s been repair after repair. Every time I take it in, it’s a struggle to get the work done. The last issue was a leaking head gasket, which took three trips to diagnose and fix over two months. They didn’t give me a loaner until the last visit, and when I finally got the car back, it was missing the undercarriage cover. I haven’t heard a thing from my sales rep since I bought the car. If you’re thinking of using Hertrich Ford in Maryland, think twice.

I’m still fighting the brake noise in reverse. My dealer said the same thing—parts shortage, and they don’t even know if the fix will work when it comes in. It’s a toss-up.

Caden said:
I’m still fighting the brake noise in reverse. My dealer said the same thing—parts shortage, and they don’t even know if the fix will work when it comes in. It’s a toss-up.

We did the TSB fix and it worked… for about a week. Then I switched to Power Stop pads, and now the noise is completely gone. I recommend trying them out.

@Quincy
What are Power Stop pads? I’m done with the dealership and taking my truck to my regular mechanic. Can he install these?

Caden said:
@Quincy
What are Power Stop pads? I’m done with the dealership and taking my truck to my regular mechanic. Can he install these?

Yep! Most modern cars have electric parking brakes, so any shop with the right scanner can replace the pads. You can find Power Stop brakes on RockAuto. The parts I got were POWER STOP 172300 and POWER STOP 171833A. No more noise or brake dust!

@Quincy
Thanks! I looked them up and realized they’re brake pads. So all this hassle is because Ford used cheap pads… figures.

What does this have to do with the Bronco Sport?

I live in a big city, so we have a bunch of Ford dealers. If one slacks off, I can just go to another a few miles away.