Car Reliability Down for First Time since 1998

[finnbow]

For the first time since 1998, vehicle dependability has declined, according to the 2014 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study released today. Most of the problems are with engines and transmissions, the report said...

Engine and transmission problems increased by nearly 6 problems per 100 vehicles over last year, which accounts for the majority of the overall increase in problems reported, of 7 per 100.

For vehicles with 4-cylinder engines, problems increased by nearly 10 per 100 vehicles, partly a result of the shift by many manufacturers to build more cars with these smaller engines.

...“A lot of the root cause is software,” Mr. Sargent added. “The engine and transmission are programmed to respond in a certain way to customer input. But it manifests itself as a mechanical problem.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/12/a...declines-significantly-in-jd-power-study.html

It'll probably take a while to iron out problems with highly efficient direct injection motors coupled with 6-speed (or more) automatic transmissions programmed to shift for efficiency, not performance.

 

[noogies]

I can solve the problem in one word: S-I-M-P-L-I-F-Y.

 

[finnbow]

I can solve the problem in one word: S-I-M-P-L-I-F-Y.

Indeed, but technology is required to meet CAFE standards in the USA or fuel economy demands of consumers in countries with $8-10 gas (either direct injection engines with variable valve timing and advanced transmissions or hybrid powerplants). There's simply no way of getting there with conventional (port injected) 6 or 8 cylinder engines with 3 or 4 speed transmissions.

 

[BMWCCA]

We've had a spate of buy-backs of cars with as few as 100-miles on them related to engine faults displayed for the driver and our techs, with the help of the manufacturer, not being able to completely clear or diagnose the reason for the fault warning. In some cases we were instructed to replace a part that wasn't available and in others the part didn't fix the fault warning. In none of these cases was the performance of the vehicle compromised.

We did have one problem that caused a buy-back before our manufacturer realized they had a problem and offered a recall. Seems the brake booster is mechanically driven off the camshaft and incorrect manufacturing tolerances on the cam caused lack of oil to the brake booster effectively disabling power assist.

All of these are on 4-cylinder engines that were new introductions within the past three years. I think things will get better but the proliferation in electronic controls isn't going to increase longterm reliability without some glitches. Last time I looked under a new car it seemed the tire-pressure monitor receiver was just zip-tied to the chassis exposed to all elements. And there were all sorts of rubber and cast-iron anti-vibration dampers hanging from the final drive as if they were an afterthought to kill vibrations in the drivetrain. Maybe that's in improvement in NVH we didn't have before?

 

[Eric H]

Squeezing massive horsepower out of tiny engines, 6, 7, 8 speed automatics, increasingly complex computer controls.
At what point do the extra problems outweigh the better efficiency?

Lets not even start on the computer gadgets installed on many new cars.
How fast does your iGadget go obsolete? do you really want such ephemeral junk built into your car?

 

[usedto]

For the first time since 1998, vehicle dependability has declined, according to the 2014 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study released today.

That's because John Q Public is too stupid to demand quality from the manufacturers. All they care about is having something fancier than their next door neighbor.

 

[finnbow]

That's because John Q Public is too stupid to demand quality from the manufacturers. All they care about is having something fancier than their next door neighbor.

Perhaps, but there are certain brands that seem to do consistently well on quality (e.g., Subaru, Mazda, Lexus). For some reason, German cars haven't fared well with the reliability of their high-tech gizmos though (IMHO, of course. No flames please).

 

[perchdog]

That's because John Q Public is too stupid to demand quality from the manufacturers. All they care about is having something fancier than their next door neighbor.

I love the KIA ads on tv... WTF well dressed hip rats out on the town jamming out on some dance crap music that mostly appeals to teenage girls. Says a lot about the junk they're trying to pedal.

Plug-in and enjoy...

 

[rickr15]

They'll get it right.
I remember when the feds first dumped emissions regs on cars and we ended up with 455 cid engines making 220 hp. It took a while then too but cars are better performing and more reliable today than at any time in history.

Too bad they all look like ugly little jelly beans but I guess aerodynamics comes with a price.

 

[parman]

Indeed, but technology is required to meet CAFE standards in the USA or fuel economy demands of consumers in countries with $8-10 gas (either direct injection engines with variable valve timing and advanced transmissions or hybrid powerplants). There's simply no way of getting there with conventional (port injected) 6 or 8 cylinder engines with 3 or 4 speed transmissions.

Well said finnbow :thmbsp:

 

[EWizard]

I could care less. I drive old cars.
Just bought a 1998 Subaru Outback that rules.
Top of the line model (that I can work on myself) for $3K.

 

[parman]

That's because John Q Public is too stupid to demand quality from the manufacturers. All they care about is having something fancier than their next door neighbor.

I don't think this is true at all. Manufactures are being held to very high standards if they want to stay in business.

 

[Octaven]

I love the KIA ads on tv... WTF well dressed hip rats out on the town jamming out on some dance crap music that mostly appeals to teenage girls. Says a lot about the junk they're trying to pedal.

I own one of those hamster vehicles. A little 1.6 liter engine, gas-direct injection, and a six speed automatic. Smooth as glass. Although the ads are aimed at the youth market, a lot of us oldsters are buying the cars. They're outselling the competing Scion Xb and the Nissan Cube by something like ten to one.