Category Archives: quality

Engine, Transmission Problems lead drop in Vehicle Dependability for The First Time in 15 Years

Posted on 7 March 2014 by Ken Zino

A large part of the quality decline appears to come from automakers rushing balky four-cylinder engines and more fuel-efficient, but rough transmissions into production in response to buyer’s demand resulting from high fuel prices in the U.S. Continue reading →

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Infotainment Defects Grow in Latest Auto Reliability Data

Posted on 28 October 2013 by Ken Zino

The 2013 Annual Auto Reliability rankings revealed today before the Automotive Press Association in Detroit shows that General Motors and the Chrysler Group have barely average reliability, while Ford Motor continues to do poorly. Continue reading →

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BMW Recalls 5-Series Cars for Defective Rear Lights

Posted on 20 September 2013 by Ken Zino

BMW said that it does not believe a safety defect exists but is recalling the cars anyway. While likely such language is lawyer dictated, the Bavarians have a precarious relationship with U.S. safety regulators. Previously BMW was fined by NHTSA for covering up safety defects. Continue reading →

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Porsche and General Motors Top Power IQS Quality Survey

Posted on 19 June 2013 by Ken Zino

Luxury brand Porsche and populist Chevrolet lead initial quality reports for 2013 models. As a manufacturer, General Motors leads other automakers by far. These claims come from the latest J.D. Power and Associates IQS – Initials Quality Survey – that polled more 83,000 owners after 90 days of experience with their new car or light truck. Continue reading →

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Auto Insurance Websites Only Rated Fair for Policy Shopping

Posted on 22 May 2013 by Ken Zino

Auto insurance customers say that using insurance company websites to service an existing policy is generally easier than using them to shop for a policy, according to a new study. Continue reading →

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Subaru Recalls Forester for Pedal Interference

Posted on 29 April 2013 by Ken Zino

Subaru is recalling more than 10,000 2014 model Forester vehicles because the carpeted floor mats were not manufactured properly and can interfere with the gas, accelerator, brake or clutch pedals. Continue reading →

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Honda Recalls CR-V, Odyssey and Acura RDX Models

Posted on 22 April 2013 by Ken Zino

American Honda is recalling more than 204,000 model year 2012-2013 CR-V, Odyssey and 2013 Acura RDX vehicles because of a defective gearshift lever. Continue reading →

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Nissan Recalls Popular 2013 Models for Bad Passenger Airbags

Posted on 18 March 2013 by Ken Zino

Nissan is recalling numerous 2013 model Altima, Leaf, Pathfinder, Sentra, and Infiniti JX35 vehicles because the passenger side airbag is defective. Sensors within the so-called passenger Occupant Detection System may have been manufactured out of specification for several months. This may cause the system to malfunction and permanently suppress the passenger airbag on some of Nissan’s most popular vehicles. Continue reading →

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U.S. Vehicle Dependability at All-Time High as New Models Lead

Posted on 13 February 2013 by Ken Zino

Overall vehicle dependability continues to improve for three-year old models to an all-time high, and for the first time dependability of all-new or substantially redesigned models is greater than carryover models from automakers. This is good new for used car buyers since well maintained off-lease vehicles will likely be durable. This assertion also confounds the conventional wisdom that says avoid buying all new models when they first go on sale. Continue reading →

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Toyota Recalls More than 1 Million Corolla and Lexus IS Cars

Posted on 30 January 2013 by Ken Zino

Bad airbags and windshield wipers are forcing the recalls of 752,000 Corolla and Corolla Matrix models and 270,000 Lexus IS cars by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S. The two separate safety recalls are the result of a defective airbag control module … Continue reading →

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Bad Airbags – Honda Recalls 748,000 Pilot, Odyssey Models

Posted on 23 January 2013 by Ken Zino

Honda is recalling 2009-2013 Pilot crossover models and 2011-2013 Odyssey minivans built in Alabama because rivets that attach the airbag module to the airbag cover may be missing. The absence of more than one rivet could alter the performance of the driver’s airbag during deployment,increasing the risk of injury. Continue reading →

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Another Ford Fire Recall on New Escape and Now Fusion Models

Posted on 3 December 2012 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company is recalling 2013 Ford Escape SE and SEL models equipped with the 1.6-liter engine and 2013 Ford Fusion SE and SEL models equipped with the 1.6-liter engine because of engine fires. Almost 90,000 of Ford’s latest models – both redesigned for 2013 – are affected. Continue reading →

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BMW 7-Series Doors Flying Open – NHTSA forced Recall Underway

Posted on 6 November 2012 by Ken Zino

After queries from safety agencies in Japan and the U.S., BMW is recalling 2005-2007 model 7-Series sedans because the doors can fly open without warning. A software programming error on the so-called Comfort Access and Soft Close Automatic options does not properly latch the doors. A bump in the road or movement of a passenger can pop the door open. Continue reading →

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Ford, University of Michigan Hunt Smelly Microbes in Auto Interiors

Posted on 5 November 2012 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company and University of Michigan Researchers are studying microbes in automobiles that spread over interior surfaces causing discoloration and odors. Ford wants to know where microorganisms grow to develop antimicrobial additives for its coatings on interior surfaces. Continue reading →

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Chinese Auto Industry Initial Quality at All Time High

Posted on 4 November 2012 by Ken Zino

Chinese automakers made large improvements in initial quality during 2012, narrowing the gap between domestic and international brands. As a result, the auto industry in the world’s largest auto market set a record low in overall average problems per vehicle. Continue reading →

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