Over the past few years, we’ve witnessed a massive tech boom when it comes to new automobiles, with a ton of new features being added on an annual basis. Much of this tech is designed not only to make our lives more convenient, but also, to make the simple act of driving safer. However, the many features classified as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) haven’t exactly endeared themselves to a lot of new car buyers, as many of them report that they aren’t just problematic, but also, can be a bit intrusive and even annoying in certain cases.
According to J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. ADAS Quality and Satisfaction Study, ADAS accounts for a total of 12.8 percent of total reported new-vehicle issues at a rate of 24.9 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher vehicle quality. Of the 99,144 purchasers and lessees of new 2024 model year vehicles surveyed for this study after 90 days of ownership, those respondents identified ADAS vehicle alerts as the biggest specific issue at 9.0 PP100, and that rate has been growing over the past five years as well.
“The biggest issue consumers have with advanced driver assistance systems is that the alerts are annoying and bothersome,” said Ashley Edgar, senior director of global automotive supplier benchmarking and alternative mobility at J.D. Power. “As more technology is added to vehicles, manufactures need to ensure that driver assistance systems are integrated in such a way that enhances safety without detracting from the overall driving experience. Additionally, dealer personnel should focus on educating new-vehicle buyers about the purpose of various ADAS technologies to increase comprehension and satisfaction.”
ADAS features have long been a thorn in Ford’s side as well, with that specific area playing a big role in The Blue Oval’s below average rankings in both the 2024 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, as well as this year’s U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study. Regardless, a recent, separate study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that more and more drivers are choosing to leave these features turned on, rather than switching them off.
Comments
I had an experience I didn’t expect in my (then very new) 2024 Ford Escape Platinum while traveling on an interstate highway at 70 + mph. A car in the right lane following a slow-moving semi (we were starting up a long hill), moved over in front of me to pass the truck – a bit too close and with no signal, but not really dangerous as I just backed off the accelerator to slow down and let her merge. The hill was sufficient to let the speed bleed off my car quite quickly.
But instead the Escape computer kicked in, (I hadn’t dealt with this feature having not had exposure to it) and applied very strong and rapid braking – a big surprise to me, as well as a concern – I mashed the pedal down and quickly looked into my rear-view mirror and saw no one was following me closely; that was fortunate – some unexpected hard braking could have gotten me rear-ended by someone following. All in all, I didn’t think the computer did a wise thing – it placed me in potentially more harm than just letting me solve the issue. The system should understand that I had taken some action – releasing the gas pedal in this case – and its intrusion into the process was not appropriate.
The computer should certainly have the capability to assess the danger, determine if the driver has taken action – steering, reducing speed, etc., even “blowing the horn in anger”, and stay out of the way. That would be an easy fix to program.
I appreciate the technology and am not arguing it shouldn’t be there, but there’s certainly no mystery when the driver is active, or when he is not paying attention and takes no immediate action to a perceived threat. C’mon, guys – get out of the computer room and experience these features yourselves!
I would agree 1000%. Most of the ADAS features are distracting, error prone, and dumbing down the driver. Drive the vehicle, be aware of your surroundings, listen and look at what is going on with your vehicle. Quit talking on the phone, doing emails, or Facecracking….
Make drivers responsible for driving.