Maintaining vehicle quality amid ongoing supply chain issues and other production hardships has been a difficult challenge for FoMoCo to navigate, although the manufacturer remains optimistic that said quality issues will begin to subside in 2023. However, The Blue Oval isn’t there quite yet, as Ford was ranked below average in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, and unfortunately, its luxury arm, Lincoln, has followed suit, as it was also ranked well below average.
The J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Initial Quality Study gathered responses from 93,380 purchasers and lessees of 2023 model year vehicles during the early stages of ownership. The study was conducted from February through May 2023. It found that owners are experiencing more problems with their vehicles than they did last year. In fact, this year’s study produced the worst results in its 37-year run. Reported problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) increased from 180 in 2022 to 192, with infotainment issues identified as one of the most prominent problem areas.
Owners of Lincoln vehicles reported 208 problems per 100 vehicles, skyrocketing from a PP100 score of 167 during 2022. For context, the average PP100 score was 192. As such, Lincoln was placed near the bottom of the list, underperforming the likes of Ford (201), Cadillac (170), Lexus (171), Genesis (171), Land Rover (203) and Acura (207). However, Lincoln did outpace rivals like Infiniti (212), Audi (221) and Volvo (250).
The drop in the perceived initial quality of Lincoln vehicles can likely be attributed to ongoing supply chain issues. Additionally, it’s worth noting that Lincoln has issued several recalls as of late, including one for certain Lincoln hybrids in response to a fire risk, another for the Lincoln MKC due to fire risk, and another for a less critical issue due to missing instructions in certain Lincoln vehicles. Ford has issued specific quality directives intended to take place by 2025.
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Comments
It’s long past time for blaming the supply chain. Most suppliers are shared with GM and Stellantis. Ford and Lincoln can’t fix a problem they don’t admit to owning.
What a disgrace for what’s left of an American icon. And Cadillac remains as the only true American luxury vehicle.
Does the board realize that E-vehicles are an answer but not the only answer moving forward?
Apparently Farley doesn’t. These quality issues are undermining the brand while the President dreams of an all electric future that must be funded by ICE vehicle sales.
Lincoln is being set up to fail. That is the plan. Then Ford can offer upscale Vignale series in its place.
So, brands that usually do poorly in initial quality, Alfa Romeo, Chevrolet, Kia, Mini, Jaguar, and Jeep, are better than Lincoln.