Complaints with quality were abound in the 2022 U.S. Initial Quality Study performed by J.D. Power, as vehicle owners reported a surprisingly high rate of problems with their vehicles. As Ford Authority recently reported, Ford and Lincoln ranked above average, although owners of both brands experienced more issues in 2022 than 2021. However, there were two bright spots in the study: The Blue Oval’s rivals fared far worse, and the Ford Bronco Sport was among the top Small SUVs with the highest initial quality.
The study collected responses from 84,165 purchasers and lessees of new vehicles from the 2022 model year, and responses were collected early in the ownership period, and the study was fielded between February and May 2022. This year’s study expressed the worst results in 36 years, with an average of 180 problems reported per 100 vehicles, compared to an average of 162 problems in 2021. Ford owners reported an average of 167 problems per 100 vehicles this year, compared to an average of 162 problems in 2021.
That being said, the Ford Bronco Sport received accolades for being one of the most high-quality 2022 model year vehicles in the small SUV segment. It was ranked third overall, trailing just behind the Buick Encore GX in first place, and the “regular” Buick Encore in second. This result demonstrates a positive change for Ford, as many complaints regarding The Blue Oval products’ quality have arisen in the last year or so, prompting Ford to bring a former J.D. Power executive on board in order to get things back on track.
The Ford Bronco Sport is certainly proving to be a force to be reckoned with in its segment, as the results of the study reflect sentiments shared by other publications. Consumer Reports recently named it as one of the vehicles it recommends, based on reported reliability. Additionally, the Hermosillo Assembly plant was recently recognized as being the best vehicle production plant in North America, based on internal study conducted by a division within the automaker.
We’ll have more on the Ford Bronco Sport soon, so subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Bronco Sport news, and ongoing Ford news coverage.
Comments
Is that before or after the axle recall