NHTSA Service Bulletin 10246357: 2021 Ford Bronco
Official manufacturer communication context for 2021 Ford Bronco, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.
Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.
Some 2021 Bronco vehicles built on or before 01-Sep-2021 equipped with a factory soft top roof may not have the hard top roof prep kit. The prep kit includes the controls, wiring, hoses and module configurations required to have a functional rear wiper, washer and defroster. Without the prep kit installed from the factory, the rear wiper, washer and defroster, will not function. The prep kit can be identified on the window sticker as Soft-Top, Cloth W/Prep Kit under the optional equipment/other heading. This is a normal condition and no repairs/upfitting should be performed. Do not submit a claim for this condition.
What this bulletin may mean before buying
Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.
Affected products listed in this communication
Buyer checklist
- Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
- Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
- Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
- Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
- Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHTSA service bulletin 10246357?
Some 2021 Bronco vehicles built on or before 01-Sep-2021 equipped with a factory soft top roof may not have the hard top roof prep kit. The prep kit includes the controls, wiring, hoses and module configurations required to have a functional rear wiper, washer and defroster. Without the prep kit installed from the factory, the rear wiper, washer and defroster, will not function. The prep kit can be identified on.
Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?
No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.
How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?
Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.
Check the exact VIN before you buy
Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.
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