Latest news with #reliability
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Are Kias Reliable? Here's Everything You Need To Know
Are Kias Reliable? Here's Everything You Need To Know originally appeared on Autoblog. Can Kia match Toyota in the reliability stakes? Kia recently posted record sales in the United States, emphasizing just how far the brand has come since the Sephia compact arrived here in the first half of the 1990s. Once known for little more than plasticky, high-value econoboxes, today's Kia's are true style leaders, boast the latest tech, and some are as quick as far more expensive sports cars. One would assume that the brand's success has something to do with a strong reputation for dependability, too, but are Kias actually reliable? And can the brand match Toyota in this aspect? We'll try to answer that here. Brand Reliability Vs. Model Reliability Many consumers like to paint a single brand and all its models with the same brush. Just because you were able to cover 250,000 trouble-free miles in a basic Civic doesn't mean that all Hondas are automatically as reliable, which is why it's important to distinguish between brand reliability and model reliability. Often, there is some correlation, but even the best manufacturers are guilty of producing a lemon every now and then. For this exercise, therefore, we'll hone in on specific Kia model issues while also taking a bird's eye view of the brand as a whole. We'll consult a range of reputable sources and customer complaints, as one source can often be at odds with another. Most of our information will also be based on Kia models from the 2022 model year and older, as it's impossible to make an accurate dependability assessment for vehicles that are still quite new and which have not racked up many Brand Reliability: Consistently Better Than Average We'll start by looking at Kia as a brand. According to the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, which assesses issues that owners of 2022 model year vehicles experienced over the first three years of ownership, Kia fares quite well. The study ranks automakers by the number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100); the lower the number of problems, the higher that manufacturer ranks. Vehicle owners were surveyed about aspects such as the driving experience, infotainment systems, the seats, the powertrain, and anything else that could affect the ownership experience. Kia was ranked 11th out of 30 brands, with 196 PP100. This was marginally better than the study average of 202 PP100. With this score, Kia outperformed the likes of Honda and Subaru, while ranking far higher than its corporate rival, Hyundai (222 PP100). Rival brands like Mazda (161 PP100) and Toyota (162 PP100) performed better than Kia, but the Korean brand still put in a decent showing. We went back a few years to see how Kia performed: 2024 study: Ranked 8th with 187 PP100 (study average: 190 PP100) 2023 study: Ranked 3rd with 152 PP100 (study average: 186 PP100) 2022 study: Ranked 1st with 145 PP100 (study average: 192 PP100) 2021 study: Ranked 3rd with 97 PP100 (study average: 121 PP100) 2020 study: Ranked 14th with 132 PP100 (study average: 134 PP100) 2019 study: Ranked 10th with 126 PP100 (study average: 136 PP100) So, how reliable are Kias? Based on these results, we can see that while Kia's ranking has fluctuated, it has consistently been above-average in brand rankings for dependability. Consumer Reports ranks Kia ninth out of 22 brands for predicted reliability. Much like J.D. Power's results, Kia is above average but does not quite hit the consistently high ratings of Toyota. Examples Of Reliable Kia Models Below, we've looked at some of the most reliable Kias between the 2010 and 2020 model years. We've chosen this time span, as these vehicles have been around long enough for reliability data to accumulate, but they're also not so old whereby maintenance will become an issue. These models have a low number of recalls and complaints, and the complaints that were logged are also not severe or have been successfully resolved via a recall. This is by no means an exhaustive list of reliable Kias, but gives us an idea of specific models and years that have high ratings. 2020 Kia Sportage J.D. Power quality and reliability rating: 89/100 No. of complaints via Car Complaints: 12 A high quality and reliability rating and few complaints single out the 2020 Sportage, which is part of the crossover's fourth generation. This model was affected by two recalls for a fire risk, but these recalls affected many Sportage model years and once addressed, we see no issue with buying one of these. 2019 Kia Soul J.D. Power quality and reliability rating: 87/100 No. of complaints: 15 Kia's Soul is a simple, affordable crossover without a lot of technology that can fail. For the lowest-risk option, consider the base 1.6-liter model with no turbo and the manual gearbox. The only recall on record is from 2022 and relates to airbags, so as long as these have been checked, this should be a solid runabout. 2018 Kia Optima J.D. Power quality and reliability rating: 86/100 No. of complaints: 12 With few complaints and a high quality score, the now-defunct Optima sedan makes for a solid used buy. Over at Kelley Blue Book, it also has a commendable 4.3 out of 5 rating for reliability. KBB suggests you can pick up a used example for under $10k, which is great value for a spacious and comfortable sedan. 2016 Kia Forte J.D. Power quality and reliability score: 82/100 No. of complaints: 10 One minor recall for a trunk emergency release that could fail, few complaints, and a good quality score make the 2016 Forte a solid used bet. Consumers on KBB also rated it at 4.4 out of 5 for reliability, and a used example will cost you under $6,000. There's nothing remarkable about it, but the Forte is hard to beat for simple, honest motoring. The Most Problematic Kias According to Car Complaints, the following Kias have racked up the highest and/or most serious number of complaints by drivers: 2013 Kia Optima 2013/2014/2015/2016 Kia Sorento The 2016 Sorento, for example, is prone to complete engine failure for a rod bearing issue. The typical repair cost is extremely high, at $7,390, and the average mileage this occurs is at just over 94,000 miles. Major Kia Reliability Issues No automaker is perfect, and even Kia doesn't have an untarnished reliability record. These are some of the brand's most serious issues to watch out for. Theta II Engine Failure This four-cylinder engine family was introduced in 2009 and went on to power many Hyundai and Kia models. Equipped with gasoline direct injection (hence the GDI name), two versions were available: A 2.0-liter and a 2.4-liter, both with four cylinders. Once consumers began to put some miles on the Theta II engines, a range of very serious issues cropped up. In 2015, the NHTSA recalled 470,000 Sonatas with these engines, manufactured for the 2011 and 2012 model years. According to Hyundai, metal debris may have been left in the crankshaft's oil passages, forcing the debris into the connecting rod oiling passages amd restricting oil flow to the bearings. Ultimately, this leads to premature bearing wear, a knocking noise, and complete engine failure in some cases. On Car Complaints, there are 193 complaints for a seized engine on the 2011 Sonata, with a typical repair cost of $5,150. Later, the 2015 recall was expanded to include thousands of Optima, Sorento, Sportage and other models with the Theta engine. Lawsuits followed, and it's estimated that Hyundai and Kia spent over $2 billion in settlements and engine replacements related to this engine. In 2022, Hyundai and Kia announced a settlement for over 2 million affected vehicles, plus a replacement (if necessary) of vehicles still in the extended warranty period of 15 years/150,000 miles. Some Kia model years appear to be much more affected than others, so we recommend thoroughly researching your specific model if buying a used Kia with this engine. Other Kia Problems On RepairPal, the most complaints related to Kia are for the following issues. Fortunately, none are as serious as the Theta II engine troubles: Headlamps Malfunctioning door locks Difficulty starting due to malfunctioning anti-theft control module Faulty throttle position switch Transmission issues We have also noted a few cases of owners noticing paintwork issues on some older Kias, which can be prone to cracking, peeling, or fading. If Anything Goes Wrong, Kia Has A Brilliant Warranty Together with Hyundai, Kia has one of the best warranties for new cars. Its limited warranty runs for five years/60,000 miles, but the powertrain warranty is particularly good, stretching to 10 years of 100,000 miles; that's double the duration offered by Toyota or Honda. EV batteries are also covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Kia's long-term reliability reputation may not match Toyota's, but its warranty provides great peace of mind. Summary: So, Is Kia A Reliable Car Brand? Based on the available data, we'd say that yes, Kia can generally be regarded as a reliable car brand. It consistently ranks higher than the average for all car brands in terms of the number of customer issues, and many individual models score highly. Build quality of modern Kias has improved steadily, to the point where most of its models now feel quite premium. The Theta II engine scandal is a particularly serious blemish, though, so we'd advise you to find a used model without one of these engines, or to make sure that your particular model year isn't one of the riskier options. That said, even Toyota has had engine troubles; it had to recall certain Tundra and Lexus LX models for almost exactly the same issue as the Theta II engines, whereby machining debris could be left in the engine from the manufacturing process. While these issues are damaging to the brands' reputations, it would be unfair to suggest they don't make any reliable cars. If you buy a well-maintained used Kia, it has the potential to last for a long time before a serious issue occurs. FAQs Is Kia a good, reliable vehicle? Many Kias are reliable, but watch out for models equipped with the Theta II engine. Do Kia cars last long? Kias can last for well over 10 years if well-maintained, although the brand doesn't have the same reputation for longevity as Toyota. Where does Kia rank in reliability? Depending on the study or year, Kia often ranks above the industry average, and has even been as high as number 1 previously. Is Kia as reliable as Toyota? Kia ranks as better than average, but it does not consistently outrank Toyota for reliability. Is Kia or Honda better? In terms of reliability, both brands are above average, but Honda has a slightly stronger reputation in this area. Kia leads in some areas, though: Its cars are more boldly styled, generally pack in more tech, and its EV lineup is much broader than Honda's. Are Kias Reliable? Here's Everything You Need To Know first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 20, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
I Asked ChatGPT Which Used Cars To Stay Away From Buying: Here's What It Said
I'm in the market for a new-to-me used car. I want my next car to have good gas mileage and be in my price range, but other than that, I wasn't sure what I wanted. So I turned to ChatGPT for guidance. Read Next: Check Out: ChatGPT has a reputation of being overly positive, but I was hoping it could dish out some criticism that could help me eliminate some models from my search. I decided to start with the question, 'Which used car models should I stay away from buying?' Here's what it said, and what car I ended up shopping for. Also see which car brand has the most reliable vehicles, according to ChatGPT. A Long List of Cars To Avoid To start, ChatGPT provided a lot of cars to stay away from. For luxury brands, it said any BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz or Volkswagen models were going to have 'high maintenance costs and complex systems.' Land Rovers and Volvos were also a no due to 'frequent electrical issues, suspension failures and pricey upkeep.' It then listed 'models with notable reliability problems,' which included Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Wrangler (all for 'chronic electrical faults and transmission problems'), as well as Ford Explorers for 'timing chain and transmission failures in many model years.' But that's not where its list ended. Be Aware: Cars With Recurring Issues ChatGPT highlighted some specific models that it said had recurring issues. Chevrolet Cruze, Malibu, Tahoe, Suburban: It cited engine and transmission failures, as well as electrical problems Nissan Altima, Pathfinder, any continuously variable transmission (CVT) models: ChatGPT said these are known CVT failures. If it has CVT, approach with caution. Ford Escape (including Hybrid): These models have engine, brake and transmission concerns. Hyundai Kona Electric, Tucson (older models): It cited battery, charging and engine/transmission issues in these models. ChatGPT then said to avoid minivans and SUVs with histories of recalls, including the Chrysler Pacifica 200, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey and Ford Bronco Sport. Electric and Hybrid Cars Next, it turned its attention to electric and hybrid vehicles. It specifically called out first-generation electric vehicles, like the Nissan Leaf. It noted that aging batteries can drop capacity quickly and are costly to replace. It also cited pricey repairs and parts delays for the Tesla Model 3, Model S/X (2019-2021) and Rivian R1T. What Cars Are Worth Purchasing? This was a lot of cars not to buy, so I was grateful when, within the same answer, it gave me a list of cars that would be good to purchase. 'Consider reliable alternatives like Toyota (Camry, Corolla, Tacoma) and Honda (Civic, CR-V).' it said. I was looking for a sedan, so I asked ChatGPT this question: 'Between the Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, which one should I buy?' It listed pros and cons for each vehicle, and then had a 'final verdict' section, which broke down everything at a glance. Best all-around sedan: Honda Civic (fun, fuel-efficient, reliable) Best for comfort and power: Toyota Camry Best on a tight budget: Toyota Corolla If you're tall, frequently drive with passengers or value highway comfort: Toyota Camry If you just need something reliable, affordable and efficient: Toyota Corolla If you enjoy driving and want a bit more flair: Honda Civic ChatGPT helped provide an overview of less reliable models and provide pros and cons for recommended vehicles. Because I wanted something fuel-efficient, I've decided the Honda Civic is the car I want to look for, but your choice could depend on your own specific needs and wants. More From GOBankingRates Here's the Minimum Salary Required To Be Considered Upper Class in 2025 This article originally appeared on I Asked ChatGPT Which Used Cars To Stay Away From Buying: Here's What It Said Solve the daily Crossword
Motor 1
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
'That's Why They're Giving Longer Warranties:' Mechanic Runs Diagnostics on 2023 Hyundai. Then He Gets the 'Death Code'
A viral TikTok clip is once again stirring debate over Hyundai's engine reliability. The problem this time is with a 2023 model and a so-called 'death code' that recommends immediate engine replacement. The clip from Colorado-based Accurate Automotive (@accurateautoinc), which has been viewed more than 1.4 million times, doesn't hold back in presenting a maintenance technician's thoughts on Hyundai's long-running engine problems with a number of its vehicles. 'Their engines are terrible, unfortunately. That's also part of the reason why they're giving longer warranties on their engines,' the tech said when asked if Hyundai engines are still problematic in 2025. Details About Hyundai Engine Problems Hyundai and its corporate cousin, Kia, have spent the better part of the last decade grappling with engine-related problems across millions of vehicles, many of which are centered on their 2.0L and 2.4L Theta II GDI engines. These issues first came into widespread public view in 2015, when both brands recalled hundreds of thousands of vehicles due to premature engine bearing wear that could cause stalling or fires. The problems didn't stop there. In 2019, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into whether automakers had acted promptly enough on known defects, particularly after a growing number of vehicle fires not associated with crashes were reported. The probe ultimately led to Hyundai and Kia paying a combined $210 million in civil penalties , one of the most significant enforcement actions in NHTSA history. The heart of the issue lies in engine debris and wear inside the Theta II's rotating assembly . Defects in the manufacturing process could restrict oil flow to critical components, such as connecting rod bearings, increasing the risk of a seized engine or fire. In response, Hyundai began installing a Knock Sensor Detection System in affected vehicles. The system is designed to detect early signs of bearing wear and alert drivers before a failure occurs. When triggered, the sensor often sends what the mechanic in the TikTok clip refers to as a 'death code,' recommending immediate engine replacement. Hyundai also significantly expanded its powertrain warranty coverage for affected vehicles and introduced extended warranties for replacement engines, aiming to restore consumer trust and provide coverage for known defects. Are Engines Still Failing in 2025? While Hyundai has taken significant steps to address its engine troubles, persistent complaints suggest that the problem hasn't entirely gone away, at least not in the eyes of mechanics and some owners. In the TikTok video, the technician references a 2023 Hyundai vehicle that triggered a knock sensor code serious enough to require a new engine. That's notable, given that most of the widely reported engine defects were thought to affect vehicles built before 2022. However, there are still active recalls involving Hyundai vehicles as recently as 2023 and 2024. For instance, in October 2023, Hyundai recalled over 3 million vehicles in the US for potential fire risks stemming from brake fluid leaks, faulty anti-lock braking system (ABS) modules, and electrical short circuits, many of which were unrelated to the earlier Theta engine issues but contributed to the company's continued reputation struggles. Still, it's worth noting that newer Hyundai models use updated engine platforms such as the Smartstream G2.5 and G1.6 T-GDi, which have not yet been subject to widespread recalls or confirmed systemic defects. Tips For Hyundai Owners and Buyers If you drive a Hyundai or are considering buying one, the TikTok chatter may sound alarming. However, it's essential to distinguish between internet buzz and practical steps you can take. Many Hyundai vehicles are running smoothly well past the 100,000-mile mark, and the company has implemented several programs to protect owners when issues do arise. Here's what you need to know: Check Your VIN for Recalls: The easiest way to find out if your car is affected by an open recall is to enter your Vehicle Identification Number on the NHTSA recall lookup tool . Hyundai also offers its own recall lookup page . Recalls are typically performed free of charge at a certified dealership, and some campaigns may even include towing and rental assistance. Pay Attention to Warning Lights: In vehicles equipped with the Knock Sensor Detection System—especially those with Theta II engines—a check engine light, combined with a knock sensor code (often described as a P1326 fault), may indicate pre-detonation or internal wear. If this happens, don't ignore it. According to Hyundai's recall materials , continued driving may increase the risk of engine damage. In many cases, dealers will perform a bearing clearance test and replace the engine if needed, often under warranty. Warranty Coverage May Apply: For affected vehicles, Hyundai extended its powertrain warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles, even for second owners in some cases. These extensions were part of both recall actions and class-action settlements. Hyundai also has a Lifetime Warranty Registration Program for some vehicles with replaced engines. Coverage varies by model year and campaign, so it's best to contact your dealership with your vehicle's VIN or review the documentation related to recall campaigns. Motor1 reached out to Accurate Automotive via direct message. Now Trending Customer Walks Into Dealership With Bad Credit Score. Then They Get the Highest Interest Rate This Salesman's Ever Seen 'It's Bad:' Los Angeles Woman Heads to Her Mercedes Benz In Parking Lot. Then Firefighters Stop Her Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ford's recall problem keeps getting worse—and this one could start fires
Ford is setting records in 2025, but not in a good way. The automaker has already blown by the previous record for having the most safety recalls in a calendar year, and now another major round of recalls is calling the brand's reliability into question. This new tax deduction in Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' lets people cash in on charitable donations up to $2,000. Here's what to know The Platinum Card is about to change. Amex's new fast-format airport lounge might be a sneak preview Southwest Florida's housing market is undergoing a material home price correction—here's why Switch Auto Insurance and Save Today! Affordable Auto Insurance, Customized for You The Insurance Savings You Expect Great Rates and Award-Winning Service On Wednesday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that Ford will recall 694,271 crossover SUVs due to a fuel leak problem that could cause a fire under the hood. Ford's 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape models with a 1.5-liter engine were named over concerns that their fuel injectors could crack, leaking fuel into the engine compartment, where it could then catch fire. Ongoing concerns The latest recall is the result of a yearlong investigation, and Ford told Reuters that it will cost an estimated $570 million for the company to resolve, a loss that would be reflected in its second-quarter earnings report. Recalls in 2022 and 2024 addressed the same concerns with software updates, but didn't swap out the fuel injectors. The price of Ford shares dipped on the news Wednesday. The NHTSA opened a query into the issue in 2024, prompting the company to reevaluate its recall plan and eventually leading to the broader recall to deal with the injectors themselves, which have been linked to fires even in vehicles with the updated software, Reuters reports. At the time of the prior recalls, Ford said that it was confident the lesser fixes would 'prevent the failure from occurring and protect the customer.' To deal with a separate safety concern, Ford recalled more than 850,000 vehicles earlier in July over worries about the low-pressure fuel pumps in some models, including the Bronco, Explorer, and Lincoln Aviator. The recall notice noted concerns that a loss of fuel pressure and flow could dangerously cause affected vehicles to stall out. Those worries were especially pronounced in warm weather and 'low fuel conditions, and reduced fuel pump internal clearances that result in an increase of internal friction and sensitivity to vapor lock.' Why so many recalls? While going public with vehicle problems certainly makes for bad headlines, Ford's chief operating officer Kumar Galhotra defended the company's unprecedented flurry of recalls in comments to The Wall Street Journal. 'The increase in recalls reflects our intensive strategy to quickly find and fix any hardware and software issues and to go the extra mile to protect customers,' Galhotra said. Last year, Ford CEO Jim Farley said that the company hopes to trim its recall track record by keeping redesigned models for up to six weeks for additional extensive quality checks. That move was expected to put a dent into business in the short term, Farley warned, but the long-term benefits would balance out. 'What we're going to see long term is fewer recalls and lower warranty costs because of this new process,' Farley said in a 2024 earnings call. Since joining Ford in 2020, after two decades at Toyota—a car brand synonymous with reliability—Farley has reportedly crusaded to up the automaker's quality game. Ford test-drove the new process with a redesigned version of its best-selling model, the F-150 pickup. After holding onto 60,000 fully built vehicles for weeks, the company rooted out issues that would have led to 12 recalls, including assembly problems and software bugs. The company followed suit with updated versions of the Explorer, Bronco, and Maverick. 'We are somewhere in the middle of the pack, and obviously we're not happy with being in the middle of the pack,' Galhotra told Bloomberg last year. 'The goal is to move very rapidly to catch Toyota.' If all goes as planned, Ford's new process will reduce recalls for new models as they hit the streets. Ford vehicles already on the road won't benefit from the additional testing period and are still leading to costly recalls, as recent headlines make clear. Vehicle recalls have been on the rise in recent years. Between 2013 and 2023, recalls shot up by 43%, according to data from the NHTSA. The increased technological complexity in modern cars means that more things can go wrong, but automakers are also being more proactive in recalling vehicles over potential problems before they can become serious down the road. Even with recalls rising across the board, Ford still stands out. Since 2020, the company has held the ignominious title of being the most-recalled car manufacturer in the U.S. This post originally appeared at to get the Fast Company newsletter: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ford's recall problem keeps getting worse—and this one could start fires
Ford is setting records in 2025, but not in a good way. The automaker has already blown by the previous record for having the most safety recalls in a calendar year, and now another major round of recalls is calling the brand's reliability into question. The Platinum Card is about to change. Amex's new fast-format airport lounge might be a sneak preview This new tax deduction in Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' lets people cash in on charitable donations up to $2,000. Here's what to know Southwest Florida's housing market is undergoing a material home price correction—here's why Switch Auto Insurance and Save Today! The Insurance Savings You Expect Affordable Auto Insurance, Customized for You Great Rates and Award-Winning Service On Wednesday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that Ford will recall 694,271 crossover SUVs due to a fuel leak problem that could cause a fire under the hood. Ford's 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape models with a 1.5-liter engine were named over concerns that their fuel injectors could crack, leaking fuel into the engine compartment, where it could then catch fire. Ongoing concerns The latest recall is the result of a yearlong investigation, and Ford told Reuters that it will cost an estimated $570 million for the company to resolve, a loss that would be reflected in its second-quarter earnings report. Recalls in 2022 and 2024 addressed the same concerns with software updates, but didn't swap out the fuel injectors. The price of Ford shares dipped on the news Wednesday. The NHTSA opened a query into the issue in 2024, prompting the company to reevaluate its recall plan and eventually leading to the broader recall to deal with the injectors themselves, which have been linked to fires even in vehicles with the updated software, Reuters reports. At the time of the prior recalls, Ford said that it was confident the lesser fixes would 'prevent the failure from occurring and protect the customer.' To deal with a separate safety concern, Ford recalled more than 850,000 vehicles earlier in July over worries about the low-pressure fuel pumps in some models, including the Bronco, Explorer, and Lincoln Aviator. The recall notice noted concerns that a loss of fuel pressure and flow could dangerously cause affected vehicles to stall out. Those worries were especially pronounced in warm weather and 'low fuel conditions, and reduced fuel pump internal clearances that result in an increase of internal friction and sensitivity to vapor lock.' Why so many recalls? While going public with vehicle problems certainly makes for bad headlines, Ford's chief operating officer Kumar Galhotra defended the company's unprecedented flurry of recalls in comments to The Wall Street Journal. 'The increase in recalls reflects our intensive strategy to quickly find and fix any hardware and software issues and to go the extra mile to protect customers,' Galhotra said. Last year, Ford CEO Jim Farley said that the company hopes to trim its recall track record by keeping redesigned models for up to six weeks for additional extensive quality checks. That move was expected to put a dent into business in the short term, Farley warned, but the long-term benefits would balance out. 'What we're going to see long term is fewer recalls and lower warranty costs because of this new process,' Farley said in a 2024 earnings call. Since joining Ford in 2020, after two decades at Toyota—a car brand synonymous with reliability—Farley has reportedly crusaded to up the automaker's quality game. Ford test-drove the new process with a redesigned version of its best-selling model, the F-150 pickup. After holding onto 60,000 fully built vehicles for weeks, the company rooted out issues that would have led to 12 recalls, including assembly problems and software bugs. The company followed suit with updated versions of the Explorer, Bronco, and Maverick. 'We are somewhere in the middle of the pack, and obviously we're not happy with being in the middle of the pack,' Galhotra told Bloomberg last year. 'The goal is to move very rapidly to catch Toyota.' If all goes as planned, Ford's new process will reduce recalls for new models as they hit the streets. Ford vehicles already on the road won't benefit from the additional testing period and are still leading to costly recalls, as recent headlines make clear. Vehicle recalls have been on the rise in recent years. Between 2013 and 2023, recalls shot up by 43%, according to data from the NHTSA. The increased technological complexity in modern cars means that more things can go wrong, but automakers are also being more proactive in recalling vehicles over potential problems before they can become serious down the road. Even with recalls rising across the board, Ford still stands out. Since 2020, the company has held the ignominious title of being the most-recalled car manufacturer in the U.S. This post originally appeared at to get the Fast Company newsletter: Sign in to access your portfolio
