Just How Reliable Are Those Bells And Whistles?
Modern times bring new models, new versions and new results. Bigger, brighter better…well, better sometimes! One of the issues with applying new technology in new vehicles is that further down the track that we learn how reliable and robust the latest new technology is in practice.
The American consulting firm JD Power has reported that buyers of new cars are experiencing more problems in their cars compared with last year’s results. To keep up with other makers, car manufacturers are pressured into adding new technology as well as creating a new model quickly so as to stay ahead and keep exciting. Mostly, new car buyers are complaining of electronic components not functioning as they should. They appear to be frustrated with Bluetooth, voice recognition and navigation equipment not working properly. What’s the use of having satellite navigation if it’s not getting them to where they want to go (a bunch of bad sat-nav stuff-ups have been collected here)? Or Bluetooth communications that just cann
ot recognise your phones or and voice recognition systems that won’t understand them? What a nightmare. I remember using some of the new voice recognition software that just wouldn’t work as it should – there are few things more infuriating!
The results from Porsche, Jaguar, Lexus, Hyundai and Toyota were very interesting. These were the brands that performed the best. Unfortunately, Fiat, Jeep, Mitsubishi, Scion (a marque we don’t have here) and Mazda had the most problems.
It is thought that the particularly severe winter in the Northeast and Midwest US contributed to more complaints about heating systems, engine and transmission problems, and exterior trim and paint problems. On average, buyers reported 116 problems per 100 vehicles in the first 90 days of ownership. JD Power surveyed 86,000 new car owners between February and March 2014. This is a survey that should be closely watched by those on the lookout for a new car.
I wonder if this will be the newest high priority item on the list for those looking for a new car now that safety in new cars has improved so much across the board.
Porsche has won the top spot for least complaints for the second year in a row. It’s sad to see Fiat last on the list, as I rather like them.
The survey showed the following results. Obviously, Porsche performed the best at number 1, so the placings follow in order with Jaguar in number 2 spot, and so on…: Porsche, Jaguar, Lexus, Hyundai, Toyota, Chevrolet, Kia, BMW, Honda, Lincoln, Audi, Chrysler, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Ford, GMC, Ram, Buick, Nissan, Dodge, Land Rover, Infiniti, Volkswagen, Acura, Mini, Subaru, Mazda, Scion, Mitsubishi, Jeep, Fiat.
Other car marques didn’t make it onto the list as there were too few stats to play with.
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