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Category Archives: customer satisfaction
J.D. Power – Vehicle Dependability Down Again
Owners are experiencing lower levels of vehicle dependability after three years, according to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability StudySM released today. The large number of tech-ache problems owners face indicate a decline in long-term vehicle dependability, with increased levels of problems reported for nearly two-thirds of brands in the study. The industry average has increased 4 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) year-over-year to 190 PP100 from 2023. The rate at which problems have increased between 90 days and three years of ownership has increased to 17%, up 5 percentage points from 12% in 2023.
“Historically, VDS model results mirror the results of the respective model year in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, so a deterioration of vehicle dependability is unusual,” said Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, mobility company, news analysis, quality
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed tech-ache problems, AutoInformed Tech-Aches, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Frank Hanley, J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability StudySM, Ken Zino
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Kia Recalls Niro EV and EV6 Models for Driveshaft Failures
Due to a manufacturing error by the supplier, Hyundai WIA, the left hand drive shaft in the subject Niro EV vehicles and rear inner drive shaft in the subject EV6 vehicles may have been improperly heat-treated. An improperly heat-treated drive shaft may break under load resulting in a sudden, unexpected loss of motive power, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, manufacturing, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Hyundai made driveshafts, Ken Zino, Kia 2024 Niro EV and 2023 EV6 recalls, Kia driveshaft recall, NHTSA recall 24V057
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Tesla Recalls 2.2 Million Vehicles Covering 13 Model Years
Tesla is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, “Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems” and 135, “Light Vehicle Brake Systems.”
A visual warning indicator whose letter font size is smaller than 3.2 mm (1/8 inch), as prescribed in FMVSS Nos. 105 (105 – Hydraulic and electric brake systems) and 135 (135 – Light vehicle brake systems), could reduce the driver’s detection of it when illuminated, increasing the risk of a collision. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, energy, mobility company, news analysis, public health, quality, recalls, safety, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Brake Park and Antilock brake system recall, Ken Zino, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V051, Tesla Recalls
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Air Travel Consumer Report Shows Improvements in 2023
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) today released its Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR)* on airline operational data compiled for the month of November 2023 for on-time performance, mishandled baggage, and mishandled wheelchairs and scooters. During 2023, DOT issued the largest fines on airlines in the history of the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection while helping return more than $3 billion in refunds to travelers since the start of the pandemic. Continue reading
Posted in aviation, customer satisfaction, news analysis, people, transportation
Tagged air travel consumer report, ATCR, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Office of Aviation Consumer Protection, President Biden and DOT Secretary Buttigieg, USDOT Bureau of Transportation Statistics
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Donald Trump is a Scab – UAW Endorses President Biden
“This November, we can stand up and elect someone who wants to stand with us and support our cause. Or we can elect someone who will divide us and fight us every step of the way,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “That’s what this choice is about. The question is, who do we want in that office to give us the best shot of winning? Of organizing. Of negotiating strong contracts. Of uniting the working class and winning our fair share once again, as our union has done so many times in our nation’s history. We need to know who’s going to sit in the most powerful seat in the world and help us win as a united working class,” said Fain. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, labor issues, manufacturing, milestones, people, shows and events, transportation
Tagged 2024 presidential election, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, CAP, donald trump, Ken Zino, President Biden, Shawn fain, uaw, UAW Community Action Program conference
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Ford Recalls 1.88 Million Explorer SUVs for Trim Detachment
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling ~1,880,000 (~2.2 million globally) model-year 2011-2019 Explorer SUVs because the A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged. This allows the trim to detach creating a safety hazard for other vehicles, which Ford initially maintained was not a safety problem. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, engineering, manufacturing, quality, recalls
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford CCRG, Ford Explorer Recalls, Ford recall 24S02, Ken Zino, National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA 24V0310
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Some VW ID.4 EVs Qualify for Full Federal Tax Credit
Volkswagen Group of America said today that model year 2023 ID.4 compact SUVs with SK On battery components and model year 24 Volkswagen ID.4 models when released with SK On components placed in service in 2024 are eligible for the full $7500 Federal Tax Credit* on a purchase by a qualifying purchaser. Model year 2023 ID.4 vehicles with LG components do not qualify. During 2023, the ID.4 was the fifth best-selling EV in the US market. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, labor issues, marketing, mobility company, news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, compact SUV EVs, Ken Zino, LG batteries, Pablo Di Si, SK On battery, Volkswagen Group of America
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Like the Weather, Grey is Top Car Color in Old Blighty
“2023 was a bumper year for the British new car market, as buyers continued to gravitate towards familiar monochrome hues for another year – even as ever more motorists embrace new technologies. Car manufacturers have diligently expanded their offerings, with a huge selection of color options available across hundreds of models and thousands of specification options. The extensive variety allows drivers flexibility in choosing a tint that embodies their individuality and style,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive.
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Posted in blog, customer satisfaction, design and styling, people
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Channel Islands, Great Britain, Ken Zino, Mike Hawes, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders
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Volvo Cars Recalls 2024 XC40 Hybrids for Bad Software
Volvo Car USA is recalling ~17,409 2024 XC40 hybrid SUVs. A diagnostic error in the Central Electronic Module (CEM) software may cause the left rear turn signal indicator to not function, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in a filing made public today. What is characterized as “a diagnostic mis-detection of short to ground of the left-hand rear turn indicator will result in no function of the left-hand rear turn indicator.” Continue reading
Posted in connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, mobility company, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged Aptiv Deutschland, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, defective programing and software, Hybrid EV Recalls, Ken Zino, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA 24V010, Volvo Car USA, Volvo recalls R10256
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Ford Recalls EcoSport and Focus Models for Engine Seizures
A loss of engine oil pressure can result in engine damage or seizure, which can result in a loss of motive power and a loss of the mechanical vacuum pump required to provide power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash. The engine oil pump drive belt tensioner arm may fracture, separate from the tensioner backing plate, and/or the oil pump drive belt material may degrade and lose teeth, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure, according to the NHTSA filing. Continue reading
Lucid Motors Recalls Air Sedans for Defroster Failures.
The HVCH supplies warm air for both cabin heat and defrosting capability in Lucid Air vehicles. If an HVCH fails, coolant cannot be heated and the windshield cannot be defrosted. Loss of adequate windshield defrost capability could lead to restricted driver field of vision and an increased risk of a crash. Continue reading
Posted in connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, EV recalls, Ken Zino, LUCID AIR Sedan recalls, NHTSA 23V-011, software recalls, Webasto Thermo & Comfort
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Premium Dolby Atmos Storytelling Coming From Mercedes
“This collaboration with Audible and Amazon Music is another important facet of digital experience in a Mercedes-Benz. Immersive audio storytelling enables our customers to benefit fully from the advanced sound technology in our vehicles. For us, unparalleled in-car entertainment is a further dimension of the hyper-personalized user experience,” said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management at Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, marketing, mobility company, news analysis
Tagged Amazon Music, Audible, audiobooks, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, connected cars, Dolby Atmos, Ken Zino, Markus Schäfer, MBUX, mercedes-benz, podcasts, Steve Boom
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Air Travel Shows Improvement After DOT Scrutiny, Fines
The release of air travel service complaint data in the ATCR has been delayed primarily because of the continued high volume of complaints against airlines and ticket agents received by the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) and the time needed to review and process these consumer complaints. In AutoInformed’s view airlines encourage the use of automobiles.* Continue reading
Posted in aviation, customer satisfaction, news analysis, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, DOT Secretary Buttigieg, Ken Zino, October 2023 Air Travel Consumer Report, Office of Aviation Consumer Protection, President Biden, US Department of Transportation
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Ford Airbag Recall – 2023 F-150, F250, F350, F450, F550, F600
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling 2023 F-150 and Ford SD F250, F350, F450, F550, and F600 vehicles. The steering wheel clock spring from supplier BCS Automotive Interface Solutions may have an bad weld, causing a loss of electrical connection to the driver’s frontal air bag. The customer may notice loss of illumination and function of switches on the steering wheel, such as radio controls, inoperative horn and an airbag warning light. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BCS Automotive Interface Solutions Farmington Hills Michigan, Ford F-Series safety recalls, ford recalls, Ken Zino, NHTSA 23V847, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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Toyota to Restart Pixis Production and Shipments
“Toyota will provide full support to ensure that the various measures are implemented. We will resume production of the models to be released for shipment by MLIT as soon as they are ready, while carefully communicating with our suppliers and other related parties,” Toyota said. Continue reading →