Category Archives: quality

Ford Motor Recalls a Software Recall on 58,000 Focus Models

Affected vehicles did not receive the intended 18S32 calibration software that will detect a malfunctioning canister purge valve. When the canister purge valve is stuck open in these vehicles, an excessive vacuum can develop in the fuel vapor management system, potentially deforming the fuel tank. Continue reading

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BMW Stops Sales and Leasing of Mini, 5-Series, X1 and Rolls-Royce models for Bad Seat Belts. No Accidents, Injuries Known

Dealers have been told to stop sales and leasing of the recalled models, new or used. Continue reading

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Ford Recalls Ranger, Fusion for Shifter Cable Safety Defects

In both cases, the shift indicator will read falsely, and the driver may be able to remove the key when the unsafe vehicle is not in “Park.” Ford claims that it is aware of three reports alleging property damage and one report alleging an injury potentially related to this safety defect. Continue reading

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J.D. Power – Most Owners Love Their Three-Year-Old Wheels

“Vehicle dependability continues to improve, but I wouldn’t say that everything is rosy,” noted Dave Sargent, Vice President of Global Automotive at J.D. Power. “Vehicles are more reliable than ever, but automakers are wrestling with problems such as voice recognition, transmission shifts and battery failures. Continue reading

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Non-Representative Government? Religions of the 116th Congress

By a wide margin, the largest difference between the U.S. public and Congress is in the share who are unaffiliated with a religious group. In the general public, 23% say they are atheist, agnostic or “nothing in particular.” In Congress, just one person – Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., who was recently elected to the Senate after three terms in the House – says she is religiously unaffiliated, making the share of “nones” in Congress 0.2%. Continue reading

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Nissan Mired in Japanese Corporate Governance Scandals

The latest development also casts doubt about the origination and integrity of a Nissan internal investigation into former Chairman Carlos Ghosn who is due to be released today after a month in Japanese jail for allegedly under reporting deferred income. Ghosn says he will vigorously defend his actions. Continue reading

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Carma Project, Toyota Try to Up Takata Recall Awareness

Carma Project claims – not without self-interest – that “will further help address the recall of deadly Takata airbags, which is labeled ‘the largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history’ by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). About 87% of all Toyota vehicles sold during the past 15 years are still on the road today. Continue reading

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Optional GM Extended Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty

The standard factory bumper-to-bumper limited warranty on Chevrolet and GMC products is three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. On Buicks and Cadillacs, it is four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Continue reading

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Porsche 911 Highest-Rated Vehicle for 2018 Model Year

Power says the scores are based on depreciation and verified data from real owners in the areas of quality, dependability, performance, reviews, awards and dealership ratings. Continue reading

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Schuler and Porsche Start Joint Venture for Car Body Parts

The purpose of the joint venture between Schuler and Porsche is to build a Smart Press Shop. The intention is for the new, highly flexible press shop to produce complex body parts using pioneering technologies; the focus will be on aluminum outer skin panels, as well as the production of smaller batch sizes. Continue reading

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Ford Issues Two Safety Defect Recalls for Fires

Ford admits that it is aware of “some fire reports.” Continue reading

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Death of the Diesel Continues: CARB Probe Prompts Recall of 500,000 Cummins Trucks

The recall number includes about 232,000 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles with Cummins engines that had the same SCR defect. Recalls for those vehicles were approved in July 2016 and July 2017, respectively, and are already underway. Continue reading

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Ford Issues Two Safety Recalls on ~550,000 Vehicles

The potentially deadly defect could allow the driver to move the shift lever to “Park” and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in “Park,” with no warning message or audible chime. Continue reading

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Ford Recalls Autoliv Air Bags on 2018 Escapes

Owners are given no warning about the shrapnel that results, increasing the risk of injury. This of course is like the ongoing Takata airbag shrapnel recall. Continue reading

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Consumer Reports: Infotainment, Transmissions Hurt Reliability. Detroit Three Quality Dismal

“These new technologies can add features and improve fuel efficiency, but are more prone to have issues. Often our data suggests it’s prudent for consumers to wait for the technology to mature” said Jake Fisher of CR. Continue reading

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