Even before Ford took the crown as the most recalled automotive manufacturer in 2023, CEO Jim Farley had already begun taking action to right the proverbial ship. Shortly after declaring that initial quality would be the first progress metric for the company moving forward, The Blue Oval set best-in-class quality targets for its entire lineup, though those dates do vary by model. Additionally, FoMoCo started conducting quality checks starting with the redesigned 2023 Ford Super Duty before it began delivering new models, all of which resulted in some noticeable improvements throughout last year. However, during the automaker’s Q1 2024 earnings call with investors, Farley also noted that the 2024 Ford lineup has improved even more, too.
“Our quality is making real progress,” Farley said. “Kumar and the team have really focused on our key areas. Our ’23 model year has three months in service, initial quality is 10 percent better than the previous model year. And we’re seeing our current model year that we’re selling for several months, another 10 percent improvement. That should put us in the middle of the pack, and many of our vehicles start to lead their segments in initial quality.”
We’ve already seen this in action, as Farley previously stated that the automaker was targeting the Toyota Tundra in terms of a quality benchmark when developing the refreshed 2024 Ford F-150, and that – coupled with the aforementioned pre-delivery quality checks – reportedly prevented a whopping 12 recalls that might have otherwise been issued after the fact.
Farley has also previously expressed regret over the fact that he failed to tackle these quality issues before they spiraled out of control, but now, it has become abundantly clear that the executive remains laser focused on that mission. In fact, as Ford Authority reported back in March, the bonus payouts of managers throughout the company are now tied directly to quality targets as well.
We’ll have more on Ford’s efforts to improve quality soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for 24/7 Ford news coverage.
Comments
I was just at the dealership and as far as fit and finish, horrible.,$90,000 2024 super duty’s none of the trim lines up. And that is supposed to be with their new quality control program. It’s amazing they can’t even get the trim to line up. Very disappointing.
Ordered a 2024 last July I hope when it arrives ford has resolved their quality control so I don’t have to deal with the issues you have seen
I know it isn’t where it needs to be, but I’m at least glad that they are focusing on this important issue!
It’s good to see Farley finally focusing on quality. Ford’s goal should be to be Number 1 in quality, not pretty good, not top 10, Number 1. Aren’t American workers as good as those in Japan? All we hear is how good UAW workers are. Didn’t they just get a big raise? Aren’t our factories as good as anyone’s? If not, why not? Aren’t our suppliers as good as theirs? If not, why not? And last, isn’t our top level management as good as theirs? Are they just smarter than we are? We have handed over half of out car market to imports. Are we going to continue this trend?
Halfway into my 3rd year on my ’22 F150, no problems at all
Purchased 2024 Silverado LTZ last October, truck is perfect, all trim ilnes up, haven’t been back to dealer and no recalls. Glad I don’t own a Ford, no wonder gm outsold Ford by 47k units!
Farley’s paying lip service to quality when even the “fixed” fuel lines are bursting . Quality takes a backseat to profit.