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Category Archives: quality
Ram Recall for Wrong Instrument Panel
Chrysler (FCA US or Stellantis) is recalling ~2885 model-year 2026 Ram 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 2500, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The instrument panel may display an incorrect brake system warning light. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, Control and Displays. Vehicles built with instrument panels that display the incorrect brake system warning light may cause the driver to not understand that a brake system problem potentially exists, which may cause a vehicle crash without prior warning.
“Some 2026 vehicles may have been built with the incorrect 3.5-inch Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) which displays the ISO symbol brake system warning light instead of “BRAKE” light,” Chrysler said in the mandatory filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. The panels were built by Marelli North America. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Marelli North America, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nhtsa, NHTSA Safety Defect recall number is 25V530 or 25V-530, Ram recall 79C, X @KenAutoinformed
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Mixed Results – Automaker Use of AI-Technology
“Smart technologies appear to not only anticipate the driver’s needs but also reduce the cognitive workload and some of the difficulties that drivers face with digital systems,” said Kathleen Rizk, senior director of user experience benchmarking and technology at J.D. Power. “Ultimately, what matters most to vehicle owners – and therefore to automakers and suppliers – is how useful the technology is and whether it enhances their driving experience. While smart technologies are not without issues, they represent a meaningful step forward. Continued development will be essential to address current challenges and maximize their effectiveness.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, energy, news analysis, quality, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles
Tagged adas, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, blind spot camera, in-vehicle payments, j.d power, Kathleen Rizk, Ken Zino, recognition technologies, X @KenAutoinformed
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ACSI – Customer Satisfaction with Autos Dropping
“Automakers are navigating a market where innovation and practicality collide,” said Forrest Morgeson, Associate Professor of Marketing at Michigan State University and Director of Research Emeritus at the ACSI. “Customers expect advanced technology and efficiency, but they’re also scrutinizing every dollar spent. The brands that thrive will be those that can deliver meaningful improvements without losing sight of what matters most to drivers right now.” Continue reading
More Ford Motor Recalls – Lincoln Corsairs, F-150s, Mach-Es
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling a variety of vehicles for safety defects according to the mandatory recall documents released today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Ford is operating under a NHTSA consent decree because of its previous problems with defective vehicles and if or how safety recalls were conducted. The largest recall (~103,174) covers 2023-2025 model year F-150 vehicles equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and a 9.75-inch heavy duty axle with a 3/4 float axle design. This is a recall of a previously ineffective recall as customer complaints continued to be received by NHTSA. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, engineering, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety, software recalls
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford Recall 25C38, Ford Recall 25S81, Ford recall 25S82, Ford recall 25S83, Ken Zino, NHTSA 25V510 or 25V-510, NHTSA 25V513 or 25V-513, NHTSA 25V515 or 25V-515, NHTSA recall 25V512 or 25V-512, X @KenAutoinformed
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New Ford Recalls – Aviator, Bronco, Expedition, F150, Ranger
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling ~392,000 vehicles from its Ford and Lincoln brands for a variety of safety defects according to the latest documents made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this week. During the first half of 2025 Ford Motor booked a $1.3 billion loss from repairs of vehicles under warranty, cancellation of plans to build an electric sport utility vehicle and other one-time costs. Ford is operating under a consent order from NHTSA because of its handing of recalls.
The largest of the latest safety defect recalls involves the Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module that controls the bakes on some of the most profitable and popular Ford Motor models in the United States. Here ~312,000 model year 2025 Lincoln Navigator SUVs, Ford F-150 pickups, Expedition SUVs, Bronco SUVs, and Ranger pickups can lose power-brake assist when driving. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, news analysis, quality, recalls, software recalls
Tagged audio control module software, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Electronic Brake Booster, FMVSS118 Power-Operated Window Systems, Ford recall 25C33, Ford recall 25S77, Ford recall is 25C31, Ken Zino, NHTSA recall 25V488 or 25V-488, NHTSA recall or Campaign Number 25V484 or 25V-484, NHTSA recall or Campaign Number 25V489 or 25V-489, X @KenAutoinformed
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JLR NA Land Rover Evoque Passenger Airbag Recall
Jaguar Land Rover North America (JLR NA) is recalling ~21,000 model year 2021-2025 Range Rover Evoque vehicles. The Hungarian made passenger air bag may tear during deployment.
“The basis of the recall population is all Land Rover Range Rover Evoque vehicles from 2021 Model Year up until the introduction of a modified airbag specification in production during 2025 Model Year. A concern has been identified on 2021 – 2024 and certain 2025 Model Year Range Rover Evoque vehicles where, during a passenger airbag deployment, the airbag may tear as a result of improper folding of the airbag during the airbag assembly process [at the Halewood UK plant- AutoCrat],” JLR NA told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mandatory recall filing made public by NHTSA this morning. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Jaguar Land Rover North America recalls, Ken Zino, Land Rover Evoque recall N945, NHTSA Recall 25V454 or 25V-454, X @KenAutoinformed
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Another Ford Mach E Electrical System Recall
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: Ford) is recalling 239 2022 model year Mustang Mach E vehicles equipped with an extended range battery. The high voltage battery main contactors may overheat. This recall is an expansion of a previous NHTSA recall number 23V687 or 23V-687 because of a calculation error. Ford is operating under a consent order from NHTSA because of its handing of recalls.
“The recalled Bussed Electrical Center parts NK48-10C666-AA, NK48-10C666-BA, or LK98- 10C666-AB were introduced into production on 05/27/2020 and were taken out of production on 05/27/2022. Vehicles produced 5/27/2020 through 5/24/2022 are included in the original recall population (23V687). Affected vehicles are equipped with the extended range battery, but without the GT powertrain. These vehicles are not produced in VIN order,” Ford told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the mandatory safety defect recall filing that NHTSA made public today. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford Mustang Mach E recalls, Ford Recall 23S56, Ford Saftey Action 23S56/23V687, Ken Zino, NHTSA Ford Mach E recall number 23V687 or 23V-687, NHTSA Ford Mach E recall number 25V441 or 25V-441, TE Connectivity Mexico, X @KenAutoinformed
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Ford Motor Recalls 850,000 Vehicles for Sudden Stalling
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling model year 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The Mexican made low-pressure fuel pump from Phinia Inc. may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving. The driver may experience poor engine performance – misfiring or rough running – a check engine light, or a reduction in engine power. Fuel pump failure is more likely to occur in low fuel or warm weather and hot fuel in the fuel tank.
“Fuel pump failure can result in an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash,” Ford told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public by NHTSA earlier this week. “Loss of fuel pressure and flow from the low-pressure fuel pump can be due to internal contamination of the jet pump, specifically in low fuel conditions, and reduced fuel pump internal clearances that result in an increase of internal friction and sensitivity to vapor lock.” Ford said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bronco, Expedition, Explorer, f-150, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Ford fuel pump recall 25S75, Ken Zino, Lincoln Aviator, Lincoln Navigator, mustang, NHTSA Recall or campaign number 25V455 or 25V-455, Phinia, X @KenAutoinformed
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GM Fire Recall – Chevrolet Silverado Medium Duty Trucks
General Motors (NYSE: GM) is recalling ~62,468 model year 2019-2024Chevrolet Silverado Medium Duty 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD trucks. The brake pressure sensor assembly may leak brake fluid into the brake pressure switch and cause a short circuit, which can cause a fire. Until the recall fix is performed, owners are advised to park their vehicles outdoors. This safety defect may show with a “service brake system” malfunction indicator lamp.
“If brake fluid shorts the brake pressure switch and the associated fuse, the circuit can generate excessive heat that could result in a fire, increasing the risk of injury. An underhood fire may occur when the vehicle is off and possibly unattended,” GM told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mandatory recall filing made public by NHTSA this morning. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged Akron Rubber Development Lab, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, GM fire recall N242482680, Ken Zino, Kodiak Controls, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA recall 25V390 or 25V-390, X @KenAutoinformed
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J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study Released
The number of problems cited by owners in the first 90 days of ownership has improved slightly, according to the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS)SM released today. Overall, problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) have improved to 192 PP100 from 194 PP100 a year ago. Premium brands have improved to 27 PP100 to 203 PP100 from 230 PP100 in 2024, while problems among mass market brands have increased to 187 PP100 from 181 PP100 in 2024. A lower score reflects higher vehicle quality.* Lexus is the highest-ranking brand overall in initial quality with a score of 166 PP100. Among premium brands, Jaguar (175 PP100) ranks second and Genesis (183 PP100) ranks third. Among mass market brands, Nissan ranks highest with a score of 169 PP100. Hyundai (173 PP100) ranks second and Chevrolet (178 PP100) ranks third. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, awards, customer satisfaction, design and styling, engineering, manufacturing, news analysis, quality
Tagged 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Frank Hanley, j.d power, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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Mercedes-Benz USA Recalls ~93,000 Vehicles with Sunroofs
Mercedes-Benz USA is recalling ~93,000 model year 2023-2025 GLC 300, GLC 300 4MATIC, 2024-2025 AMG GLC 43 4MATIC, 2025 GLC 350E 4MATIC, and AMG GLC 63 S E vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. according to the mandatory recall document made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“In certain crash scenarios, where the rear occupant’s head contacts the C-pillar, the pillar may not absorb an adequate amount of the impact. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, “Occupant Protection in Interior,” MBUSA told NHTSA. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, engineering, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, MBUSA panoramic sunroof recall, MBUSA safety defect recalls, nhtsa, NHTSA Recall 25V379 or 25V-379, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, X @KenAutoinformed
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Volvo Car USA Recalls for Brake Loss – 11,000+
Volvo Car USA is recalling all 2023 Volvo C40 BEV, 2025 EC40, 2023-2024 XC40 BEV, 2020-2026 XC90 PHEV, 2022-2026 XC60 PHEV, 2023-2025 S60 PHEV, 2024-2025 V60 PHEV, 2025-2026 EX40 and 2025 S90 PHEV vehicles. In some driving scenarios while coasting down a hill and using “B” mode or “One Pedal Drive,” the vehicle may lose brake function, according to the mandatory recall document made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. More than 11,000 Volvo electric vehicles are affected by the potentially deadly safety defect. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, mobility company, quality, safety, software recalls
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA recall 25V392 or 25V-392, R10329, Volvo Car recall, Volvo Car USA Recalls for Brake Loss, X @KenAutoinformed
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Polaris Fire Recalls – Ranger XP and Pro XD Kinetic ROVs
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said today that a recall is active for fires covering Polaris Model Year 2023-2024 Ranger XP Kinetic and Model Year 2025 Pro XD Kinetic Recreational Off-road Vehicles (ROVs). In addition, this recall covers accessory charger service parts/kits with part numbers 2417296, 2417297, 2889704 and 2889486. Water can leak through a cracked filter into the ROV’s high-voltage charging harness components and cause a short circuit, creating a fire hazard. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, manufacturing, quality, recalls, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Polaris Model Year 2023-2024 Ranger XP Kinetic and Model Year 2025 Pro XD Kinetic Recreational Offroad Vehicles recalls, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, X @KenAutoinformed
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Ford Motor Recalls – Seat Belts, Instruments, Lost Steering
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling more than 36,000 vehicles for a variety of safety defects. Included are Lincoln Aviator and Corsair, Transit and F150 Lightning models, according to filings made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Among the group of the latest Ford Motor recalls, the most potentially deadly safety defect appears to be loss of steering control caused by “Front Control Arm Separation” covering 2024-2025 model F-150 Lightning battery electric vehicles.
“Certain vehicles may have an improperly torqued nut on the ball joint which secures the front upper control arm to the knuckle assembly. An improperly torqued nut on the ball joint can result in separation of the front upper control arm from the knuckle assembly,” Ford told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mandatory safety defect recall filing. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged 2024-2025 F-150 Lightning Safety Recalls, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford Motor Safety Recalls, Ford Transit Safety Recalls, Ken Zino, Lincoln Aviator and Corsair Safety Recalls, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nhtsa, X @KenAutoinformed
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No Steering – Mercedes-Benz Recalls EQE and GLC Models
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling ~3749 model year 2023-2026 vehicles, according to documents made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall involves a flat head screw and a hexagon nut.
“The steering coupling bolt may have been improperly tightened, allowing the steering coupling to loosen from the steering rack,” MBUSA told NHTSA in the required safety defect recall filing. “In this case, the connection between the steering coupling and steering rack might loosen over time. Such an occurrence could result in a loss of steering control and may increase the risk of crash,” Mercedes said. Continue reading →