Hyundai Surprises in New York with 2027 Hyundai Boulder Concept

Very cool, probably far more reliable than the Ford Bronco's.

They better hurry before Nissan gets a new Xterra or Toyota gets a new FJ.  This off roader segment is getting pretty flooded, but Hyundai should do this and a pick up.  Chevy missed out with the Blazer, not sure what they were thinking.

21 hours ago, G. David Felt said:

Very cool, probably far more reliable than the Ford Bronco's.

Unless it's an EV, Hyundai/Kia aren't known for reliable ICE vehicles. 

I couldn't find anything here that states if it's supposed to be ICE or EV. Did I miss it by chance? 

36 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Unless it's an EV, Hyundai/Kia aren't known for reliable ICE vehicles. 

(Looks at the Wrangler and Bronco reliability history and chuckles).

Hyundai/Kia should be fine with whatever ICE option that they put in this when looking at the competition. 

40 minutes ago, surreal1272 said:

(Looks at the Wrangler and Bronco reliability history and chuckles).

Haha right?! 

Then again, I don't actually know what has been wrong with the Bronco. I know right out of the gate it had the horrid hardtop wind issue, but I don't actually know what's been wrong with it since. 

18 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Haha right?! 

Then again, I don't actually know what has been wrong with the Bronco. I know right out of the gate it had the horrid hardtop wind issue, but I don't actually know what's been wrong with it since. 

To sum it up for the Ford Bronco series:

Engine and Mechanical Issues
One of the most serious problems involves the 2.7-liter V6 EcoBoost engine, particularly in early Bronco Wildtrak models. Owners have reported sudden engine failures due to faulty valves, which can break and damage the engine block or head, sometimes before 5,000 miles. This issue is linked to a bad batch of valves produced between July and October 2021, and Ford has not issued a recall for it. Other engine concerns include misfires, rough idling, and check engine warnings, often resolved with software updates or sensor replacements. Fuel starvation and incorrect oil dipsticks have also caused engine damage in some cases. 

Transmission complaints are less severe but include rough shifting at low speeds and delayed engagement from a stop. These issues are usually addressed with software updates or recalibration. 

Electrical and Software Problems
Electrical issues are common, including warning lights activating without cause, infotainment system glitches, and sensor errors. While these rarely prevent driving, they can lead to frequent dealership visits and affect owner confidence. Lane-keeping assist, traction control, and brake system alerts may also appear unexpectedly, particularly in newer models. 

Build Quality and Exterior Concerns
Owners report hardtop defects, such as cracking, delamination, and poor fit, especially in early removable hardtops. Ford has replaced some early hardtops with the updated MIC 2.0 version under warranty, but issues like honeycombing or leaks may persist. Other build-quality complaints include interior rattles, loose trim, and water leaks around roof panels. 

Recalls and Safety Concerns
The 2021 and 2022 Bronco models experienced multiple recalls and NHTSA complaints, including airbag sensor malfunctions, seatbelt latch problems, and windshield breakage. The 2022 model had nine recalls affecting over 175,000 vehicles, while the 2023 model had eight recalls with safety concerns like child safety lock malfunctions. Later models, such as 2023–2024, show fewer recalls and improved reliability.

To sum up the Wrangler issues:

Engine Problems: Certain models, with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, experienced oil contamination, misfires, rough idling, and valve timing issues, sometimes leading to engine seizure. 

Electrical and Steering Issues: JL models had frame welding defects, “death wobble” steering problems, and Uconnect infotainment glitches, which were mostly resolved by mid-2019. 

Rust and Frame Integrity: Older TJ models (1997–2006) are praised for mechanical simplicity but may suffer from rust and frame issues, especially in regions with heavy road salt use. 

Recalls: Wranglers have had recalls for airbags, power steering, and, in 2025, fire risks in 4xe plug-in hybrid models.

this thing is cool and totally buildable

18 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

 

this thing is cool and totally buildable

That is so much better than the Ford Bronco IMHO.

1 hour ago, ccap41 said:

Haha right?! 

Then again, I don't actually know what has been wrong with the Bronco. I know right out of the gate it had the horrid hardtop wind issue, but I don't actually know what's been wrong with it since. 

The Bronco has had more recalls than buyers lol. (I embellish but you get the point)

8 minutes ago, surreal1272 said:

The Bronco has had more recalls than buyers lol. (I embellish but you get the point)

I'm less concerned about recalls than actually blowing engines/transmissions early and needing warranty work. But, as David noted, the 2.7 sounds like it did have early issues and I have definitely read and watched videos where the 10spd isn't exactly smooth or doing what people want or expect it to do.

25 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

I'm less concerned about recalls than actually blowing engines/transmissions early and needing warranty work. But, as David noted, the 2.7 sounds like it did have early issues and I have definitely read and watched videos where the 10spd isn't exactly smooth or doing what people want or expect it to do.

The 10-speed has been problematic in most of the larger applications it’s in. Silverados and F-150s both having issues with it. It seems to be fine in the Cadillac sedans, though they did have a recall. 

2 hours ago, ccap41 said:

I'm less concerned about recalls than actually blowing engines/transmissions early and needing warranty work. But, as David noted, the 2.7 sounds like it did have early issues and I have definitely read and watched videos where the 10spd isn't exactly smooth or doing what people want or expect it to do.

Perhaps you should look up the Bronco recalls regarding the engine(s) alone. Things like cracked fuel injectors are a little more than standard recall stuff. Those engines have had major teething issues from the jump and it hasn't stopped.

My point here is that Hyundai/Kia will do just fine if we are going to bring up things like reliability with the competition. 

7 hours ago, ccap41 said:

I'm less concerned about recalls than actually blowing engines/transmissions early and needing warranty work. But, as David noted, the 2.7 sounds like it did have early issues and I have definitely read and watched videos where the 10spd isn't exactly smooth or doing what people want or expect it to do.

5 hours ago, surreal1272 said:

Perhaps you should look up the Bronco recalls regarding the engine(s) alone. Things like cracked fuel injectors are a little more than standard recall stuff. Those engines have had major teething issues from the jump and it hasn't stopped.

 

My point here is that Hyundai/Kia will do just fine if we are going to bring up things like reliability with the competition. 

Is there a manufacturer that isn’t having major engine issues lately?  I think Subaru cleaned up their gasket issues. Mazda seems pretty safe, and…. That’s it?

51 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

 

Is there a manufacturer that isn’t having major engine issues lately?  I think Subaru cleaned up their gasket issues. Mazda seems pretty safe, and…. That’s it?

Mazda has issued recalls affecting nearly 200,000 vehicles, primarily for wiring faults, suspension issues, and manufacturing defects that could impact safety.

Recent and Notable Recalls
Mazda3 and CX-3 (2013–2020): Close to 200,000 vehicles were recalled due to a wiring fault that may cause the rearview camera to flicker or display distorted images, increasing the risk of accidents. Owners will be contacted by Mazda when parts are available, and repairs are free of charge. 

CX-60 and CX-90 (2023–2024): 860 diesel variants were recalled over unspecified issues affecting these SUVs. 

CX-50 and CX-50 Hybrid (2025): 1,007 units were recalled for front suspension bolts not tightened properly, which could lead to loss of drive power. 

Mazda3 (2018–2020): Previous recalls included software issues causing false automatic emergency braking and powertrain control module errors that could stall the engine. 

Other recalls: Some Mazda models, including the Mazda 6, CX-5, CX-9, MX-5, and Mazda 2, have been affected by low-pressure fuel pump cracks and other safety-related defects. 

Just now, G. David Felt said:

Mazda has issued recalls affecting nearly 200,000 vehicles, primarily for wiring faults, suspension issues, and manufacturing defects that could impact safety.

Recent and Notable Recalls
Mazda3 and CX-3 (2013–2020): Close to 200,000 vehicles were recalled due to a wiring fault that may cause the rearview camera to flicker or display distorted images, increasing the risk of accidents. Owners will be contacted by Mazda when parts are available, and repairs are free of charge. 

CX-60 and CX-90 (2023–2024): 860 diesel variants were recalled over unspecified issues affecting these SUVs. 

CX-50 and CX-50 Hybrid (2025): 1,007 units were recalled for front suspension bolts not tightened properly, which could lead to loss of drive power. 

Mazda3 (2018–2020): Previous recalls included software issues causing false automatic emergency braking and powertrain control module errors that could stall the engine. 

Other recalls: Some Mazda models, including the Mazda 6, CX-5, CX-9, MX-5, and Mazda 2, have been affected by low-pressure fuel pump cracks and other safety-related defects. 

Except for the diesels, none of that is an engine issue. 

11 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

 

Is there a manufacturer that isn’t having major engine issues lately?  I think Subaru cleaned up their gasket issues. Mazda seems pretty safe, and…. That’s it?

That may be the case but the volume from Ford alone makes my case when bringing up Hyundai/Kia ICE reliability versus their competition.