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Since its launch in 2021, the sixth-gen Ford Bronco has traversed a considerable distance, exceeding 100,000 miles. This period may seem both distant and recent, depending on the perspective. Although three years are insufficient to accumulate substantial mileage, one particular adventurous Bronco owner managed to surpass the 100,000-mile mark, subjecting the vehicle to rugged terrains and demanding activities. Despite encountering challenges along the way, the Bronco has withstood the test of time admirably.
Ethan Bryant, the Bronco’s owner, enthusiastically recounted his experiences over the phone, emphasizing his penchant for pushing the vehicle to its limits. “It’s not a vehicle for pristine roads,” Bryant chuckled. “I take it off-road and even enjoy leaping over sand dunes at a nearby beach.”
Ethan Bryant
He mentioned being the second owner, acquiring the vehicle when it had only traveled around 4,000 miles. Featuring a two-door design with the Black Diamond trim and Sasquatch Package, equipped with 35-inch tires, improved gearing, and various off-road enhancements, the Bronco possesses a unique and robust configuration, complimented by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine.
The focal point of concern arose when the original engine failed at approximately 92,000 miles. This issue ranked as the most significant one encountered so far. Bryant clarified that the engine had shown signs of deterioration in the lead-up to its eventual breakdown, attributing it to both unconventional technology like a turbo-four in an off-road vehicle and perhaps his driving style.
“While journeying to Midland, Texas,” Bryant recounted, “I started experiencing persistent misfire issues. I found a temporary solution at speeds between 65 and 70 mph to mitigate the misfires. However, upon reaching Waco, the engine sounded noticeably distressed.”
“It operated akin to a two-stroke engine,” he added.
According to a local Ford dealership technician, the spark plugs had detached and collided with the piston heads in cylinders two and four, leading to irreversible damage. Subsequently, the vehicle spent approximately five months in the repair shop undergoing an engine replacement, and since then, the operation has largely been trouble-free. Bryant mentioned a minor incident post-repair involving a loose coolant hose clamp, which was swiftly rectified.
Ethan Bryant
Transitioning to less consequential yet troublesome issues, the driver-side window without a frame tends to come loose when the vehicle exceeds 60 mph. Given the vehicle’s tendency to operate at higher speeds, this issue could be quite bothersome. Bryant mentioned that he has learned to ignore it, which is a positive outcome.
Moreover, the passenger-side headlight malfunctioned at around 45,000 miles. Although Bryant replaced it, the daytime running light only functions intermittently, indicating minor glitches.
An image of the Bronco’s digital dashboard confirms the mileage claim, also revealing a concerning detail: a fuel consumption of only 11.9 miles per gallon. The EPA rates the two-door Bronco Sasquatch models with automatic transmission and 2.3-liter EcoBoost at 18 mpg combined, implying that Bryant’s driving style significantly impacts fuel efficiency. Describing his driving experience as akin to a lifted Mini Cooper, he emphasizes its capability in executing donuts efficiently despite the compromised fuel economy.
In conclusion, Bryant expresses immense satisfaction with his Ford Bronco. His ambitions include setting a new milestone as the vehicle with the highest recorded mileage. Continuously addressing any issues that arise, it appears that the Bronco will continue enduring without significant setbacks.
Have any tips or inquiries for the author? Reach out directly: caleb@thedrive.com
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