Ford Ranks High in New Vehicle Quality Study, Leads in Recalls

Ford has achieved the number one ranking for mainstream brands in J.D. Power's latest new vehicle quality study, according to IT Home. This achievement contrasts sharply with the company's ongoing leadership in vehicle recalls, having initiated 56 recalls affecting 12.1 million vehicles.

Ford CEO Jim Farley expressed pride in the company's new vehicle quality results but acknowledged that significant work remains. "There is obviously no one here that is satisfied. We have a lot of work to do to be the number one brand in every respect of quality," Farley stated in an interview with CNBC. He has been implementing measures to improve quality since 2023, including enhanced development phase testing and increased collaboration among teams.

Despite these efforts, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the U.S. fined Ford in 2024 for failing to conduct recalls as required. The settlement involved an initial payment of $65 million, with additional funds contingent on meeting specific remediation tasks and reviewing past recalls.

Farley indicated that Ford will continue efforts to reduce recall numbers and warranty costs. While the number of recalls may decrease this year compared to previous records, the number of affected vehicles has notably increased. Ford has been a significant participant in industry recalls, with warranty expenses reaching a record $4.8 billion in 2023.