Ford CEO Preaches Patience as Automaker Works on Quality Issues
Ford quality is on the rise and now ranks above the industry average according to J.D. Power’s latest Initial Quality Study. However, for many, it’s not enough.
Various design flaws and other issues have marred the launch of key products like the Mustang Mach-E (battery, displays), Bronco (roof) and next-generation F-150 (driveshaft, rust). And when you add reliability troubles and all those recalls—Ford tops the list of automakers with the most recalls in 2022—the picture isn’t very bright.
- Also: Ford F-150: the Recall List Keeps Growing
- Also: More Ford Escape, Bronco Sport SUVs Recalled Due to Fire Risk
Speaking to a group of retired engineering executives at their most recent meeting, Ford CEO Jim Farley reiterated that “fixing quality is my No. 1 priority,” but warned that improvements won’t come overnight.
“It is the most important initiative in the whole company. And it’s going to take several years. We didn’t lose it in just one or two years. Until we fix quality, nothing else matters,” Farley said in his speech, as reported by Ford Authority.
Earlier this year, Ford hired a former VP at J.D. Power, Josh Halliburton, to fill the role of executive director of quality. Then on December 1, his superior Stuart Rowley left the automaker after 32 years on the job (he was replaced by another Ford VP, Jim Baumbick).
Clearly, things are moving at Ford and appearing to be headed in the right direction. We’ll just have to be patient. Hopefully the quality improvements will be significant and durable. With high-demand models coming up, particularly EVs featuring lots of new and cutting-edge technologies, Ford customers won’t want to waste their time and money making service appointments at their dealerships.