Category Archives: customer satisfaction

Ford Motor Recalls 2.9 Million Vehicles for Rollaways

Ford Motor Company is recalling more than 2.9 million 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The Hilex-supplied bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach causing unexpected rollaways. This is an expansion of previous recalls that were based on customer complaints to NHTSA.* Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, quality, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Too Darn Hot – Ford Mustang Mach-E Recall

On recalled Mustangs, Direct Current (“DC”) fast charging and repeated-wide open accelerator pedal movements can cause the high voltage battery main contactors to overheat. This overheating can lead to arcing and deformation of the electrical contact surfaces, which can result in an electric relay switch remaining open or a relay switch that welds closed from heat. Ford has not thus far issued instructions to stop driving vehicles under this safety recall? Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, quality, recalls | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Aftermarket Services Beat Dealers Again in Latest Survey

The study, now in its third year following its debut in 2019, measures customer satisfaction with aftermarket service facilities, providing a numerical index ranking of the highest-performing facilities in the U.S. aftermarket doing full-service maintenance and repair; quick oil changes; and tire replacement. Continue reading

Posted in aftermarket, customer satisfaction | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Mercedes-Benz and Daimler Van Software Recall on 164 Models

In all cases, an error in the communication module’s SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system. Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Hyundai Expands Seat Belt Shrapnel Recall

This safety defect recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall numbers 21V-796, 22V-069, 22V-218, and 22V-123 for Accent, Elantra, and Elantra HEV vehicles. All Accent, Elantra, and Elantra HEV vehicles already repaired under the previous recalls will need to have the new repair remedy completed. Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Semiconductor Crisis – Toyota Again Suspending Production

“We at Toyota would like to again apologize for the repeated adjustments to our production plans due to the parts shortage resulting from the spread of COVID-19, and for causing considerable inconvenience to our customers, suppliers, and other parties concerned,” Toyota said. Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, manufacturing | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

NHTSA – Hyundai and Kia Recalls for Rollaways

A software error in the Shifter Control Unit (SCU) may disengage the parking mechanism, which can allow the vehicle to rollaway. NHTSA recalls: Hyundai 22V324000 and Kia 22V322000. Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, quality, recalls | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

A Closer Look at Biden’s 49 MPG CAFE Standard

The new Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards proposed by the Biden Administration# last month require an industry-wide fleet average of ~49 mpg for passenger cars and light trucks in model year 2026, the strongest fuel efficiency standards to date. On … Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ford Recalls Explorer, Super-Duty F-Series for Safety Defects

Ford Motor is recalling 2020-2021 Explorer Police FHEV, Explorer Police 3.3L, and 2020-2022 Explorer 2.3L RWD, 3.0L PHEV, 3.3 L FHEV, and 3.0L ST gasoline vehicles because the rear-axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

In another recall, Ford is recalling 2020 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines. A washer within the vehicle’s transmission can disintegrate, causing metallic debris to become lodged in the ‘Park’ mechanism. Debris lodged within the ‘Park’ mechanism may prevent the vehicle from achieving or holding ‘Park,’ increasing the risk of a vehicle roll-away and a crash.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov. Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, quality, recalls | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tesla Recalls Half of 2021-22 Model Xs for Bad Airbags

As such, these vehicles with a major safety defect fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 226, “Ejection Mitigation.” All of the more than 7000 unsafe vehicles involved remain covered under the new vehicle warranty. Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Ford Recalls F-150 Pickups for Sudden Shifting into Neutral

Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) is recalling 47,084 model year 2021 F-150 vehicles for shifting into neutral without warning. Affected vehicles are equipped with 3.5L GTDI, 2.7L and 5.0L engines, 10R80 transmissions and not equipped with Auto Start-Stop technology built between … Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, quality, recalls | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

EPA: Bans Asbestos – First Under Chemical Safety Act

The proposed rule would ban chrysotile asbestos, the only known form of asbestos that’s currently imported into the U.S., which is found in products such as asbestos diaphragms, sheet gaskets, brake blocks, aftermarket automotive brakes/linings, other vehicle friction products, and other gaskets also imported into the U.S. Most consumer products that historically contained chrysotile asbestos have been discontinued. Continue reading

Posted in aftermarket, customer satisfaction, environment, litigation | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Stellantis Consolidates Financial Services for All Brands

All these are supporting Stellantis’ desire to develop a full-service captive finance arm. To provide customers, dealers and partners with a complete range of financing options in the near-to-medium term, including retail loans, leases, and floorplan financing. Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Ford Motor Recalls 160,000 F-150 Pickups for Bad Wipers

The front windshield wiper motor made by Trico in Mexico may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail. An inoperative wiper motor has the potential for reduced visibility or loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. In the require NHTSA filing Ford said, “The primary causal factors that led to inoperative or poorly performing wipers were poor quality motor brush plate spot welding, insufficient motor magnet adhesive being applied, and insufficient motor nut assembly torque. Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, quality, recalls | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Hyundai, Kia Recall 2022 Seat Belts for Shrapnel Explosions

Hyundai Motor America and Kia Motors America are recalling seat belts because during a crash the front passenger-side seat-belt pretensioner may explode upon deployment sending metal fragments into the interior. The actual incident that remains under investigation occurred in February … Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, recalls | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment