DETROIT (AP) — The race to increase vehicle fuel economy is taking a toll on quality.
Owners
of three-year-old vehicles are reporting more problems than they did a
year ago, according to J.D. Power and Associates’ annual survey of
vehicle dependability. It’s the first time since 1998 that the average
number of problems per vehicle has increased.
J.D. Power, a
California-based ratings and consulting company, said engine issues
accounted for most of the increase in problems reported by the original
owners of cars and trucks from the 2011 model year. Owners reported an
average of 133 problems per 100 vehicles, up from 126 problems a year
ago. Only problems within the prior 12 months are counted.
Automakers
are rapidly implementing new engine technology to save fuel, including
direct fuel injection and turbocharging, stop-start systems that
automatically shut cars down at traffic lights and transmissions with
higher gears. But those more complex systems can cause problems. David
Sargent, J.D. Power’s vice president of global automotive, said the
company saw an increase in complaints about engine hesitation, rough
transmission shifts and lack of power.
"While striving to reduce fuel consumption, automakers must be careful not to compromise
quality," Sargent said in a statement.
The
scores could improve in coming years because since 2011, automakers
have worked to make new transmissions shift more smoothly, they’ve
refined clunky stop-start systems and improved other fuel-saving
technologies.
Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and Cadillac had the vehicles
with the fewest reported problems. Lexus had just 68 problems per 100
vehicles, the only brand with fewer than 100 problems.
General
Motors Co. had the most winners in each segment, with eight, including
the highest-ranked compact car, the Chevrolet Volt, and the
highest-ranked pickup, the GMC Sierra. Toyota Motor Co. was second with
seven segment winners, including the Toyota Camry minivan and Lexus ES
luxury compact car.
Mini, Dodge and Land Rover had the most reported problems. Mini, the worst performer, had 185 problems
per 100 vehicles.
The survey questioned 41,000 owners of 2011 model year vehicles between October and December of last
year.
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