Ford Plummets In Consumer Reports Survey

By Suzanne Kane

Suzanne Kane

Contributing Writer BIO

Suzanne Kane is an editor at High Gear Media focusing on covering the latest product and other auto-related information for Family Car Guide... More

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2,164 views Oct 25, 2011

2012 Ford Explorer

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Automakers keep a close eye on reliability surveys, and the results from Consumer Reports’ 2011 Annual Car Reliability Survey is disappointing, at best, for Ford Motor Company. Releasing its findings today, the publication said that Ford slipped 10 places, from 10^th place last year to 20^th spot this year.

2012 Ford Focus

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The fall was attributed to three new or redesigned models: the Ford Explorer, Focus and Fiesta, all with below-average reliability scores, according to the magazine. Read the full press release here. Note that specific results are available only to subscribers.

2012 Ford Fiesta

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As reported in Automotive News (subscription required) the problems associated with the trio included an automated transmission on the Fiesta and Focus, as well as problems with the MyFordTouch infotainment system.

In an interview, David Champion, senior director of the Consumer Reports Auto Test Center, commented that “It can’t be good for Ford. It takes a long time to build a reputation for reliable vehicles. It only takes a year or two to lose that.”

How will Ford address this issue? No doubt the top brass at the company have already mapped out an aggressive strategy to deal with all the items uncovered in the Consumer Reports survey.

2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid

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One bright spot for Ford is the Ford Fusion Hybrid sedan, which remains “outstanding,” while other Fusions were “above average,” according to Consumer Reports.

For more information on the winners and losers in the reliability survey, see the rundown in TheCarConnection. Of particular interest is the fact that the Jeep Grand Cherokee, itself a redesigned model, helped boost the Jeep brand considerably. Chrysler and Dodge both improved, thanks to the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Durango, respectively.