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Category Archives: quality
China Vehicle Dependability Same in 2023 as 2022
“Although manufacturers regard quality above everything else, some do not pay enough attention to quality after the warranty period,” said Elvis Yang, general manager of auto product practice at J.D. Power China. “However, such problems directly affect owners’ concerns about the long-term dependability and durable quality of their vehicle. Manufacturers need to pay more attention to long-term quality and improve quality management standards.” Continue reading
Ford Recalls Explorer SUVs for Loss of Power, Rollaways
Ford Motor Company is recalling ~240,000 2020-2022 model year Explorer SUVs because the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect. This leads to a sudden loss of power or vehicle roll-away if the parking brake is off. This is an expansion and correction of two previous recalls.* Ford’s previous recall repair was to add a software update that automatically applies the electronic service parking brake to keep the vehicle from rolling away in the event of a driveshaft failure. However, there is no safety remedy addressing the failed rear axle horizontal mounting bolt. Continue reading
Power Loss Recall – Genesis G80, GV80, GV70 SUVs
“The low-pressure fuel pump assemblies in the recalled vehicles may contain impellers that do not meet current material characteristic specifications, potentially leading to deformation. Deformation of the impeller could cause the impeller to interfere with the fuel pump housing, resulting in a mechanical resistance that could lead to a shutdown of the fuel pump,” Hyundai said. Hyundam Industrial Co. in Korea is the maker of the defective fuel pump module. Continue reading
Ford Recalls 2023 Super Duty Pickups for Failing Axles
Personnel at the axle shaft supplier Mid-West Forge Corp. in Ohio entered an incorrect process parameter into one of the two machines that perform electromagnetic induction heat treatment of the recalled left rear axle shafts. The axle shafts did not meet Ford’s torsional yield and case depth design specifications in the fractured area. Returned parts had fractured at ~44 mm from the flange, indicating an area of incomplete induction heat treatment. Continue reading
Kia Hybrid Fire Recalls on Niro and Niro Plug-ins
Fluid may leak into the printed circuit board inside the hydraulic clutch actuator, which can result in an engine compartment fire. More than ~121,000 Kia hybrids are affected. Illumination of the HEV warning light is an indicator.
Kia will instruct dealers to inspect the HCA and replace, if necessary. Kia will also install a new HCA fuse with one of a higher capacity to mitigate the potential risk of fire caused by an electrical short circuit. Kia will reimburse owners for repair expenses already incurred. Continue reading
APEAL Study of New Vehicle Owner Satisfaction Down Again
The J.D. Power US Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM shows that there is a consecutive year-over-year decline in owner satisfaction for the first time in its 28-year history. According to the 2023 study, overall satisfaction is 845 (a 1000-point scale), decreasing 2 points from a year ago and 3 points lower than in 2021. Continue reading
Tesla Safety Recalls for Safety Systems and Seat Belts
Tesla is recalling 2023 Model S, Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The forward-facing camera may be misaligned, causing some of the active safety features such as emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane assist to become unavailable without alerting the driver. Tesla is also recalling 2021-2023 Model S and Model X vehicles. The front-row seat belts may not be connected properly to the pretensioner anchors, which can cause the seat belts to detach. Continue reading
Toyota and Lexus Recalling Numerous Vehicles for Bad Airbags
Toyota is recalling model year 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles because of potentially defective airbags. Continue reading
Posted in manufacturing, quality, recalls
Tagged American Furukawa, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, fmvss 208, Ken Zino, NHTSA 23V480
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Fasten Your Safety Belt – Quality Problems at Record High
New vehicles are becoming more problematic with the number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) rising to a record 30 PP100 during the past two years, according to the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) released today. Power … Continue reading
NHTSA Issues Consumer Alert for Ford and Lincoln Fires
In an urgent move The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has just issued a rare CONSUMER ALERT warning that Ford Motor Company has issued a new recall for 125,322 model year 2020-2023 Ford Escape, 2022-2023 Ford Maverick and 2021-2023 Lincoln Corsair vehicles for a risk of fire due to engine failure. Ford advises customers to safely park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, lose power, or see or smell smoke. Continue reading
BMW North America Recalls Mini Models for Short Circuits
BMW of North America is conducting a regional recall of 2008-2014 MINI Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Clubman John Cooper Works, and 2007-2013 MINI Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works vehicles.The electronic control module in the driver’s … Continue reading
Ford Expanding Explorer SUV Roll-away Recall
The previous powertrain control module (PCM) update completed under recall 22V-255 did not include what is described as “the automatic electronic parking brake feature when the vehicle is shifted to park, as intended.” In addition, the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect. Continue reading
Mercedes-Benz USA Recalls 2020-23 Hybrids
The high-voltage battery monitoring system software may not alert the driver of a battery malfunction. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 305, “Electric-powered vehicles: Electrolyte Spillage and Electrical Shock Protection.”
The recall was made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. In the required filing MBAG said it “is not aware of any warranty claims, field or service reports, or reports of property damage, death, or injury related to this defect. Continue reading
Ford Motor Recalls Super Duty F-Series Trucks
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect the front wheel hub extender retaining nuts. If the retaining nuts are loose, dealers will replace the wheel hub extender, retaining nuts, and hub assembly. Continue reading →