The Ford Bronco Raptor is a top-of-the-line model of the Bronco lineup, at least for now. The Bronco Raptor takes the regular Bronco model, enlarges it by quite a bit with hefty body parts, large wheels and tires, a significant increase in ride height, and adds in a 400hp 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine that Ford says is “perfect” for the Bronco.
When it comes to reliability, things aren’t as perfect as Ford hoped because the Bronco is facing several issues with essential systems such as primarily the engine. The car also seems to be suffering from various equipment-related problems such as both the soft top and the hardtop. Moreover, the seals seem to be an issue as well because the Bronco suffers from water ingress.
The Bronco also suffers from various suspension issues such as not properly tightened bolts and defective lower control arms. Overheating also seems to be an issue and many believe that Ford rushed the production of the Bronco so much that they didn’t test the car out properly.
Finally, the Bronco Raptor also suffers from various electrical issues as well, specifically the infotainment system and even many essential electrical components that could cause the car to stall or lose power.
Ford Bronco Raptor – Engine issues
The Ford Bronco Raptor suffers from engine-related issues that can typically be found on cars such as the Ford Explorer ST because they share the very same engine and transmission. The first complaints about the engine seem to be pointing towards an overall lack of sophistication, but also that the engine can shudder at higher speeds or lose power altogether.
Some journalists have complained about the car being unwilling to start, especially in warmer climates. We also need to add that some Ford specialists speculated that the fuel pump is the primary reason why any of these problems happen and that Ford should figure that out and solve it before the Bronco Raptor reaches the market in full capacity.
Ford Bronco Raptor – Equipment issues
The Ford Bronco is available with either a soft-top roof or a hard-top roof, but it seems like both of these are problematic. Starting with the soft top, many regular Bronco owners have stated that the quality of the top is questionable and that it is really unlikely that the soft top will be able to last a considerable amount of time.
The hardtop issue is likely the most talked-about issue about the new Bronco altogether as Ford somewhat skimped on quality when they designed the hard top. People are complaining about the top being difficult to align and that certain parts are prone to peeling and shredding apart.
Ford Bronco Raptor – Suspension issues
The Ford Bronco Raptor is a true off-roader and that is obvious the moment you lay your eyes on it. However, the Bronco’s off-road capability has somewhat been diminished because the Bronco suffers from suspension issues. The most notable issues are related to various manufacturing defects such as improperly fastened bolts.
The lower control arms are also questionable because many Bronco owners are reporting trouble. These sorts of issues are the most dangerous ones to have as they can easily end up deadly. Ford already did a few recalls on the Bronco, many of which were directly associated with faulty suspension components.
Ford Bronco Raptor – Overheating issues
It’s not often for a brand-new car to overheat, but the Bronco certainly does. Some say that Ford failed to thoroughly test out the new Bronco because they rushed it to market while others believe that Ford just didn’t do an okay job on the Bronco at all. Either way, many journalists and prospective owners have reported the Bronco displaying error messages related to overheating.
Some journalists have put the Bronco Raptor through its paces and they say the car prompted a “4WD System Disabled” warning light which diminishes the Bronco’s off-road capability entirely.
Ford Bronco Raptor – Electrical issues
The Ford Bronco Raptor is a relatively well-equipped car, especially when compared to the old Bronco which only had a steering wheel and four tires. However, Ford in general is not a champion when it comes to electrical wizardry that works, and that is rather apparent in the new Bronco Raptor.
Some safety systems such as airbags and forward collision warning were also problematic, and Ford issues a recall because of these. The infotainment system can glitch out, the lane keep assist system can fail, and the entire car can lose power and go into park mode.
FAQ Section
Is the Ford Bronco Raptor worth it?
The Ford Bronco Raptor costs as much as $22,000 then the next in line Ford Bronco Wildtrak. Sure, it may have 400hp and be one of the most powerful smaller SUVs on sale, but the Bronco Raptor isn’t really a small SUV to begin with. It has grown quite a bit with the Raptor package and some deem it to be a bit too big.
Either way, if you love the Bronco and you want the newest and the baddest Bronco money can buy, then yeah, it is worth it. On the other hand, if you are not a fan of the Bronco in general, or you only like the iconic Bronco, then the new Bronco Raptor is certainly not worth the money.
Is the Ford Bronco Raptor better than the Ford F150 Raptor?
The Ford Bronco Raptor costs pretty much the same as the Ford F150 Raptor so it’s reasonable to think that many potential customers will be comparing these two models and deciding which one to get. In my opinion, the F150 is the better car overall and should be your first choice.
First of all, the F150 Raptor is already a proven car as it is the no1 best-sold car in the US. Second of all, it has a usable bed and even though it may be larger, it is way more practical. The Bronco might be a better off-roader, but the F150 is better at everything else.
Is Ford going to offer a V8 with the Bronco?
There are many people out there who aren’t sold on the idea of owning a Bronco with a V6. However, it seems like Ford is coming out with a Ford Bronco that is going to offer the 5.0L V8 from the Mustang GT. The V8-powered Bronco is called the Bronco DR.
