J.D. Power: Initial Quality News
#162
The Third Ball
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Ram was split off into it's own brand last year. Strictly trucks now.
#163
Race Director
The excuse for Dodge is.....
Dodge placed last in J.D. Power's Initial Quality Survey this week because it was held back by "a couple of vehicles that were not updated for 2011," a Chrysler Group spokeswoman explained today.
The two were the Nitro SUV and the Caliber small crossover, a J.D. Power officials tells Bloomberg News.
Making matters worse, spokeswoman Ann Smith says Dodge's performance was "sales weighted," with outgoing models selling heavily during the period in which was studied the most closely by the survey. Smith hints that Dodge would have done much better if its updated models were better represented in the survey.
The two were the Nitro SUV and the Caliber small crossover, a J.D. Power officials tells Bloomberg News.
Making matters worse, spokeswoman Ann Smith says Dodge's performance was "sales weighted," with outgoing models selling heavily during the period in which was studied the most closely by the survey. Smith hints that Dodge would have done much better if its updated models were better represented in the survey.
#164
The Third Ball
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Its not really an excuse its the truth.
The outgoing models have been HEAVILY discounted at the dealers to move them.
Where as, with every other model in their lineup has received updates and refreshes for 2011.
Their quality is going up...the longevity remains to be seen. But most people I know with Chargers and higher mileage Challengers than mine, have had no major issues other than standard maintenance.
I think the Challenger winning their mid-size sports coupe category gives validity to the given statement. We all know the Mustang has grown in to one hell of a contender, and the one to beat.
The outgoing models have been HEAVILY discounted at the dealers to move them.
Where as, with every other model in their lineup has received updates and refreshes for 2011.
Their quality is going up...the longevity remains to be seen. But most people I know with Chargers and higher mileage Challengers than mine, have had no major issues other than standard maintenance.
I think the Challenger winning their mid-size sports coupe category gives validity to the given statement. We all know the Mustang has grown in to one hell of a contender, and the one to beat.
#165
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The newer Dodges/Chryslers are much much better vehicles than say five years ago.
#166
AZ Community Team
In sales it's
1 Camaro
2 Mustang
3 Challenger (~38% of Camaro)
#167
The Third Ball
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Thats true, too.
The Challenger has a higher price tag than the other two.
I'm very much OK with not seeing 20 challengers a day like the other 2.
The Challenger has a higher price tag than the other two.
I'm very much OK with not seeing 20 challengers a day like the other 2.
#168
AZ Community Team
#169
Race Director
http://content.usatoday.com/communit...anty-costs--/1
Far from ducking its history of quality problems, Volkswagen seems eager to discuss them -- well, discuss how it has improved, how the standard measures of quality aren't the be-all indices, and how other things count, too.
No self-flagellation, but no more denial or weaseling, it seems. That's a strong impression from a session that Drive On attended the past week at VW headquarters in Herndon, Va., just a few miles down the toll road from USA TODAY h.q. in McLean.
The main reasons for the VW session were to provide 2012 Beetle driving opportunities for dozens of journalists, and to emphasize that VW is a full-line automaker, not merely a seller of niche-mobiles (such as the Beetle).
But the warmup was, "We do beter as a brand than we get credit for," in the words of Marc Trahan, VW's new executive vice president in charge of quality.
Yes, yes, he acknowledges, "We have some trouble in IQS," a reference to J.D. Power and Associates' widely watched initial qulity study, a measure of owner-reported problems the first 90 days of ownership:
In the 2011 IQS, VW owners reported an average 131 problems per 100 cars, putting VW into a tie with Mini for 29thwamong 32 brands. Best was Lexus at 73/100. Worst: Dodge at 137/100. VW's score in 2010 was slightly worse: 135/100.
Automakers have begun to criticize the IQS because it lets owners call something a problem even if it works as designed, but they found it confusing or cumbersome, such as a telecommunications or navigation system. Hardly the same as brakes that fail or an engine that won't run, but still a "problem" in the survey.
VW prefers to point to its many models rated as "top safety pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which crash-tests cars to judge how well they would protect occupants. And the recent "Total Quality Award" from consultant Strategic Vision.
And even a different Power study, called APEAL (Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout). In that one, VW is above average, and ranks 14th out of 32 brands.
Probably more important from VW's perspective, its warrany costs went down 10% last year, are on track to repeat that this year, and have been dropping at about that rate for several years.
VW U.S. chief Jonathan Browning says that drop in costs is true even after you adjust for the fact that VW shortened its warranty to three years from five when it began offering free maintenance.
To improve its quality scores, VW says it is:
Reviewing customer feedback and complaints monthly, in an internal process much like the yearly Power IQS.
Involving a customer satisfaction team early in product development.
Changing designs andn layouts specifically to address U.S. customer issues. For instance, making seat recliner levers and climate-control knobs and switches easier to find, figure out and operate.
Paying more attention, sooner, to problems reported by fleet customers and dealers, to find and fix things before they become widespread among individual customers.
Hosting German-based VW Group board members for test drives during new-model development in the U.S.
No self-flagellation, but no more denial or weaseling, it seems. That's a strong impression from a session that Drive On attended the past week at VW headquarters in Herndon, Va., just a few miles down the toll road from USA TODAY h.q. in McLean.
The main reasons for the VW session were to provide 2012 Beetle driving opportunities for dozens of journalists, and to emphasize that VW is a full-line automaker, not merely a seller of niche-mobiles (such as the Beetle).
But the warmup was, "We do beter as a brand than we get credit for," in the words of Marc Trahan, VW's new executive vice president in charge of quality.
Yes, yes, he acknowledges, "We have some trouble in IQS," a reference to J.D. Power and Associates' widely watched initial qulity study, a measure of owner-reported problems the first 90 days of ownership:
In the 2011 IQS, VW owners reported an average 131 problems per 100 cars, putting VW into a tie with Mini for 29thwamong 32 brands. Best was Lexus at 73/100. Worst: Dodge at 137/100. VW's score in 2010 was slightly worse: 135/100.
Automakers have begun to criticize the IQS because it lets owners call something a problem even if it works as designed, but they found it confusing or cumbersome, such as a telecommunications or navigation system. Hardly the same as brakes that fail or an engine that won't run, but still a "problem" in the survey.
VW prefers to point to its many models rated as "top safety pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which crash-tests cars to judge how well they would protect occupants. And the recent "Total Quality Award" from consultant Strategic Vision.
And even a different Power study, called APEAL (Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout). In that one, VW is above average, and ranks 14th out of 32 brands.
Probably more important from VW's perspective, its warrany costs went down 10% last year, are on track to repeat that this year, and have been dropping at about that rate for several years.
VW U.S. chief Jonathan Browning says that drop in costs is true even after you adjust for the fact that VW shortened its warranty to three years from five when it began offering free maintenance.
To improve its quality scores, VW says it is:
Reviewing customer feedback and complaints monthly, in an internal process much like the yearly Power IQS.
Involving a customer satisfaction team early in product development.
Changing designs andn layouts specifically to address U.S. customer issues. For instance, making seat recliner levers and climate-control knobs and switches easier to find, figure out and operate.
Paying more attention, sooner, to problems reported by fleet customers and dealers, to find and fix things before they become widespread among individual customers.
Hosting German-based VW Group board members for test drives during new-model development in the U.S.
#170
Race Director
Changing designs and layouts specifically to address U.S. customer issues. For instance, making seat recliner levers and climate-control knobs and switches easier to find, figure out and operate.
#171
Senior Moderator
Dont even get me started on how difficult it is to make the car warmer
#172
Safety Car
2013
The majority of problems owners experience with their new vehicle in the 1st 90 days of ownership are design-related rather than manufacturing defects. These design problems are far less likely to be successfully resolved at the dealership than are defects, according to the J.D. Power 2013 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) released today at an Automotive Press Association luncheon at the Detroit Athletic Club.
The J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, which serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality, has been redesigned for 2013. The study has been enhanced to better measure the quality of today's vehicles, particularly problems related to new technologies and features now being offered. In addition, the study, now in its 27th year, allows for more detailed feedback from new-vehicle owners.
Nearly 2-thirds of the problems experienced in the 1st 90 days of ownership are related to the vehicle's design, as opposed to components that malfunction. For example, the component may be working as designed, but owners deem it a problem because it may be difficult to understand or operate.
Because design problems are not the result of a breakdown or malfunction, just 9 percent of these problems are taken to a dealership within the 1st 90 days of ownership. When owners take their vehicle to a dealership for a design-related issue, the problem is fixed only 13 percent of the time. In contrast, 28 percent of owners who experience a defect or malfunction with their vehicle within the 1st 90 days of ownership take it to a dealership, and 42 percent of the time the dealership is able to fix the problem.
"Automakers are investing billions of dollars into designing and building vehicles and adding technologies that consumers desire and demand, but the risk is that the vehicle design, or the technology within the vehicle, in some cases may not meet customer needs," said David Sargent, vice president of global automotive at J.D. Power. "Keep in mind that automakers are trying to design vehicles that appeal to a broad array of consumers, and what works for the majority may not work for all. The successful companies will be those automakers that find a way to give customers the technology they want while at the same time making it sufficiently intuitive so all customers find it easy to use."
Overall initial quality for the industry averages 113 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100).1 The study finds that many of the problems owners have with their vehicle relate to the driver interface, which includes voice recognition or hands-free technology, Bluetooth pairing for mobile phones, and the navigation system, among others.
According to Sargent, some of these problems may be mitigated at the time of purchase by the salesperson explaining how to use the technology, and others may be remedied with software changes. However, features that are difficult for owners to operate, hard to understand, or inconveniently located in the vehicle likely will remain a problem for the life of the vehicle.
"Owners desire, and in some cases are demanding, more content in their new vehicles, especially technology-related features, and automakers are trying to provide it," said Sargent. "The majority of owners don't experience problems, but those who do are frustrated. That's understandable, especially when owners often keep their new vehicle for 5 years or more. In contrast, when consumers have a problem with their smartphone, they are likely to replace the phone much sooner."
2013 IQS Ranking Highlights
Porsche ranks highest among nameplates included in the study, averaging 80 PP100. GMC ranks second with 90 PP100, and Lexus ranks third with 94 PP100. Infiniti (95 PP100) and Chevrolet (97 PP100) round out the 5 highest-ranked positions.
Among the 26 model-level segment awards, Chevrolet receives 5, while Honda, Kia, Mazda and Porsche each receive 2. Chevrolet models receiving an award are the Avalanche (tie), Camaro (tie), Impala, Silverado HD and Tahoe. Honda receives awards for the Civic and CR-V; Kia for the Soul and Sportage (tie); Mazda for the MAZDA2 and MX-5 Miata; and Porsche for the Boxster and 911.
The Lexus LS ranks highest in the Large Premium Car segment and achieves 59 PP100, the lowest average problem level among all models in the study.
Also receiving segment awards are Acura TL; Buick Encore (tie); Cadillac Escalade; Chrysler Town & Country; Ford Mustang (tie); GMC Sierra LD (tie); Hyundai Genesis Sedan; Infiniti FX; Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class; Nissan Murano; smart fortwo; and Toyota Camry.
Plant Assembly Line Quality Awards
Toyota Motor Corporation's Lafayette B Plant (SIA) in Indiana, which produces the Toyota Camry, receives the Platinum Plant Assembly Line Quality Award for producing models that yield the fewest defects or malfunctions. Plant awards are based solely on average levels of defects and malfunctions and exclude design-related problems.
Among plants in the Asia Pacific region, the Toyota Motor Corporation Yoshiwara, Japan, (TABC) plant, which produces the Lexus LX and Toyota Land Cruiser, receives a Gold Plant Assembly Line Quality Award.
In the Europe and Africa region, Audi AG receives a Gold Plant Assembly Line Quality Award for its Neckarsulm, Germany, plant, which produces the Audi A4, A5, A6, A7 and A8.
The 2013 U.S. Initial Quality Study is based on responses from more than 83,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2013 model-year cars, trucks and multi-activity vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study is based on a 233-question battery designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate identification of problems and drive product improvement. The study was fielded between February and May 2013.
The study is used by manufacturers worldwide to improve quality and by consumers to help them make more informed purchasing decisions. Throughout the years, initial quality has been shown to be a leading indicator of long-term durability, which directly impacts customer loyalty and purchase decisions.
#173
Senior Moderator
#174
Senior Moderator
The Tesla Paradox: Highest Emotional Attachment, Lowest Quality
#175
Azine Jabroni
#176
Team Owner
I would not trust a company with its CEO wants to challenge Johnny Depp in a Cage fight over a girl
#177
#178
Race Director
While probably not a surprise to everyone, it appears supply chain issues have affected car quality. According to the latest JD Power Initial Quality Study, consumers are reporting 11 percent more initial quality problems than the prior year’s new models. Expected or not, according to JD Power, these initial problems reach a surprising 36-year high—the entire run of JD Power’s Initial Quality Study.
As far as the sample size, this is from a survey of 84,165 new buyers and lessees involving 223 questions. These surveys cover early ownership experience and important aspects of a vehicle like features, control and displays, as well as active safety features like driver aides. Of course, JD Power also asks questions about infotainment; with a focus on technology, it makes sense that a massive microchip supply shortage would have a big impact on these results.
It’s not all bad news—at least for everyone. According to the JD Power study, Buick takes top honors for fewest initial quality problems, with Dodge following closely. Genesis takes the top premium spot and narrowly bests Lexus by one problem per 100 cars. Unfortunately, chasing the pack for the second year in a row is Chrysler.
Joining the list for the first time, JD Power finally put some data behind Tesla’s initial quality anecdotes. Despite not meeting criteria for any awards, the study did throw Tesla into the mix. The score? Well, it lines up with Mitsubishi with the same 226 problems per 100 cars. That’s not great, to say the least.
It will be interesting to see if car companies can overcome the continued supply chain issues when the next new models start rolling into their respective dealerships. Hopefully the next JD Power initial quality doesn’t hit a 37-year high.
As far as the sample size, this is from a survey of 84,165 new buyers and lessees involving 223 questions. These surveys cover early ownership experience and important aspects of a vehicle like features, control and displays, as well as active safety features like driver aides. Of course, JD Power also asks questions about infotainment; with a focus on technology, it makes sense that a massive microchip supply shortage would have a big impact on these results.
It’s not all bad news—at least for everyone. According to the JD Power study, Buick takes top honors for fewest initial quality problems, with Dodge following closely. Genesis takes the top premium spot and narrowly bests Lexus by one problem per 100 cars. Unfortunately, chasing the pack for the second year in a row is Chrysler.
Joining the list for the first time, JD Power finally put some data behind Tesla’s initial quality anecdotes. Despite not meeting criteria for any awards, the study did throw Tesla into the mix. The score? Well, it lines up with Mitsubishi with the same 226 problems per 100 cars. That’s not great, to say the least.
It will be interesting to see if car companies can overcome the continued supply chain issues when the next new models start rolling into their respective dealerships. Hopefully the next JD Power initial quality doesn’t hit a 37-year high.
#180
Ex-OEM King
WTF happened to Porsche? They used to always top this list and now they're below Jeep...
#181
Moderator
Interesting to see Dodge so high on the list, but they only make what 2 cars, Charger & Challenger? Ram, Jeep & Chrysler (also 2 cars, 300 & Pacifica?) are much lower on the list.
Chevrolet being so high is a but surprising. Maybe all the feature deletes due to chip shortage pushed them higher.
Polestar
Also, initial quality is a bit of a meh. Yes, you want the car to have good fit & finish off the lot, but I'm more interested in longevity, 5 & 10 year quality.
Chevrolet being so high is a but surprising. Maybe all the feature deletes due to chip shortage pushed them higher.
Polestar
Also, initial quality is a bit of a meh. Yes, you want the car to have good fit & finish off the lot, but I'm more interested in longevity, 5 & 10 year quality.
#182
My first Avatar....
Ouch for muskmobiles and Polestar.
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#183
Yeah, Polestar (and Volvo) have been having a bunch of issues with the new AAOS based infotainment systems. Looks like it’s not ready for primetime yet.
#184
Team Owner
The more tech, more advanced, more innovative you are, the more issues you are gonna have.
#185
AZ Community Team
Interesting to see Dodge so high on the list, but they only make what 2 cars, Charger & Challenger? Ram, Jeep & Chrysler (also 2 cars, 300 & Pacifica?) are much lower on the list.
Chevrolet being so high is a but surprising. Maybe all the feature deletes due to chip shortage pushed them higher.
Polestar
Also, initial quality is a bit of a meh. Yes, you want the car to have good fit & finish off the lot, but I'm more interested in longevity, 5 & 10 year quality.
Chevrolet being so high is a but surprising. Maybe all the feature deletes due to chip shortage pushed them higher.
Polestar
Also, initial quality is a bit of a meh. Yes, you want the car to have good fit & finish off the lot, but I'm more interested in longevity, 5 & 10 year quality.
And last statement QFT
#186
Race Director
All the major EV-only manufacturers that have a presence in the United States have ranked very poorly in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study 2023, which analyzes what problems arise in the early ownership period of a new vehicle. The results of this year’s study are based on responses from 93,380 purchasers and lessees of new 2023 model-year vehicles who were surveyed early in their ownership.
Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, and Polestar have ranked at the bottom spots of the chart, with the worst score going to Lucid Motors, which got a result of 340 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100).
The whole EV manufacturer picture is as follows:
The data analytics company says that, unlike other car manufacturers, Tesla, Rivian, Polestar, and Lucid do not grant it permission to survey its owners in states where authorization is required. As a result, a score was calculated based on a sample of surveys from owners in other states where authorization is not required.
Compared to the top three brands ranked in this year’s Initial Quality Study, the four EV makers are lagging quite a lot: Dodge is on the first spot, with 140 PP100, followed by Ram with 141 PP100 and, rather surprisingly, Alfa Romeo with 143 PP100.
J.D. Power notes that all new vehicles are becoming more problematic, with 12 problems per 100 vehicles more this year than in 2022 and 30 more PP100 compared to 2021. Among the issues mentioned by owners and lessees have to do with simple things like poor-sounding horns, cup holders that don’t serve their purpose, and the use of much more technology in general.Door handles are also increasingly problematic as manufacturers are trying to redesign them and make them stand-out features. The survey says that owners are having issues with high-tech approaches to this basic function and that seven out of the 10 most problematic models in this area are battery electric vehicles (BEVs), without going into detail.
“The automotive industry is facing a wide range of quality problems, a phenomenon not seen in the 37-year history of the IQS,” said Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power. "The industry is at a major crossroad and the path each manufacturer chooses is paramount for its future. From persistent problems carrying over from years past to an increase in new types of problems, today’s new vehicles are more complex—offering new and exciting technology—but not always satisfying owners.”
The US Initial Quality Study, now in its 37th year, is based on a 223-question survey organized into nine vehicle categories: infotainment, features, controls and displays, exterior, driving assistance, interior, powertrain, seats, driving experience, and climate.
Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, and Polestar have ranked at the bottom spots of the chart, with the worst score going to Lucid Motors, which got a result of 340 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100).
The whole EV manufacturer picture is as follows:
- Tesla Motors: 257 PP100
- Rivian Motors: 282 PP100
- Polestar: 313 PP100
- Lucid Motors: 340 PP100
The data analytics company says that, unlike other car manufacturers, Tesla, Rivian, Polestar, and Lucid do not grant it permission to survey its owners in states where authorization is required. As a result, a score was calculated based on a sample of surveys from owners in other states where authorization is not required.
Compared to the top three brands ranked in this year’s Initial Quality Study, the four EV makers are lagging quite a lot: Dodge is on the first spot, with 140 PP100, followed by Ram with 141 PP100 and, rather surprisingly, Alfa Romeo with 143 PP100.
J.D. Power notes that all new vehicles are becoming more problematic, with 12 problems per 100 vehicles more this year than in 2022 and 30 more PP100 compared to 2021. Among the issues mentioned by owners and lessees have to do with simple things like poor-sounding horns, cup holders that don’t serve their purpose, and the use of much more technology in general.Door handles are also increasingly problematic as manufacturers are trying to redesign them and make them stand-out features. The survey says that owners are having issues with high-tech approaches to this basic function and that seven out of the 10 most problematic models in this area are battery electric vehicles (BEVs), without going into detail.
“The automotive industry is facing a wide range of quality problems, a phenomenon not seen in the 37-year history of the IQS,” said Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power. "The industry is at a major crossroad and the path each manufacturer chooses is paramount for its future. From persistent problems carrying over from years past to an increase in new types of problems, today’s new vehicles are more complex—offering new and exciting technology—but not always satisfying owners.”
The US Initial Quality Study, now in its 37th year, is based on a 223-question survey organized into nine vehicle categories: infotainment, features, controls and displays, exterior, driving assistance, interior, powertrain, seats, driving experience, and climate.
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