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Things were finally going well for those who ordered a 2021 Ford Bronco. After a long delay, the Ford Bronco finally entered production. But unfortunately, Ford may have jumped the gun because production just got paused. 

2021 Ford Bronco production is paused 

A yellow 2021 Ford Bronco off-roading over rocks
2021 Ford Bronco | Ford

Well, this stinks! Now we have to wait even longer for the 2021 Ford Bronco to hit the streets. According to Roadshow, Ford Bronco production came to a screeching halt. Production finally started just a few weeks ago, but now the Bronco faces supply issues due to the global semiconductor shortage. 

The Ford factory in Wayne, Michigan, that also builds the Ford Ranger, will be closed in July, on the weeks of the fifth and the 26th. This creates quite the pickle for Ford because they already have thousands of reservations to fill. It’s unclear how this massive closure will affect Bronco delivery dates. 

Ford may be in hot water because it promised customers that orders would be filled before any dealer stock was allocated. But they didn’t hold their word, and some soft-top Broncos are going directly to dealers. This contradicts their promise. Also, it may mean that someone can buy a Bronco and drive it off the lot while those who made an order in advance have to wait. 

The Bronco faces flood problems 

Detroit area flooded
The Detroit deluge on I-94 Friday | Detroit Bureau

If you thought things couldn’t get worse for the 2021 Ford Bronco, then we have a surprise for you. The Ford plant in Dearborn, Michigan, is struggling with floodwater. The plant builds the Bronco and Ford F-150 models but was closed due to a leaking roof. 

A rainstorm caused extreme flooding, with as much as six inches of rainfall. Workers couldn’t reach the plant due to road closures. As a result, factories were closed until the shipping yards were cleared of floodwater. 

The Jeep plant in Detroit where the Grand Cherokee, Grand Cherokee SRT, Grand Cherokee L, and Dodge Durango are built was also closed. Videos and images revealed that brand new vehicles were submerged underwater. 

You can barely see their rooflines. At least 25 new Jeep models were damaged, and there is an ongoing investigation to find more. The vehicles damaged by the flood water will most likely be scrapped. But on a positive note, factories are back up and running. 

Is there any Bronco compensation? 

A yellow 2021 Ford Bronco compact SUV traveling on trail near a wooded area
2021 Ford Bronco | Ford Motor Company

Some 2021 Ford Bronco buyers are facing an indefinite delay. Along with the semiconductor shortage, Ford is struggling with supply chain issues related to the optional hardtop. Instead of going with the painted modular hardtop, buyers can change their order to the soft top or the Carbonized Grey molded-in-color removable hardtop with a free sound-deadening roof liner. 

Ford will email buyers as soon as their vehicle enters production. They will be updated when their Bronco has been built and when it leaves the factory. But until then, they are unable to provide a definitive delivery window. 

As compensation, Ford will enroll each buyer that’s been facing delays into the Bronco Off-Roadeo driving experience. It trains off-roaders of each skill level to confidently tackle the wild and celebrate the great outdoors. 

Attendees have to pay a refundable deposit of $150 to $200 to attend, plus a $35 reservation fee. The first school is located in Texas, and there are four other locations, so you may have to drive across the country to attend. The first guest fee is $395 plus tax. 

It’s good that Ford is trying to compensate buyers for waiting, but this deal feels a little complicated. We hope that the production of the Ford Bronco gets back on track soon because we’re ready to spot them and enjoy them in the wild. 

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