2024 Initial Quality Study Recognizes Ford’s Advancements

Photo Source: Ford

Over the past several years, Ford officials have emphasized that the brand is striving to improve the quality of its automobiles amid excessive recalls and steep warranty costs. As such, CEO Jim Farley repeatedly announced that 2024 model-year vehicles would be the first to profit from the automaker’s more meticulous attention to quality. Based on the results of J.D. Power’s annual study released on June 27, 2024, third-party data now exists to lend support to his declarations. 

How Did Ford Win the Award?

The J.D. Power Initial Quality Study analyzes feedback from drivers and data on vehicle repair visits during the first three months of new vehicle ownership. This extensive method guarantees a rigorous evaluation of initial quality across different models. That said, the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Initial Quality Study, conducted from July 2023 through May 2024, surveyed 99,144 purchasers and lessees of 2024 model-year vehicles early in their ownership period. 

Ford made significant strides in the study, stepping up 14 places to secure the ninth position from its previous rank of 23rd in 2023. Notably, the Ford Bronco Sport was identified as the best small SUV for initial quality, surpassing 18 other models.

The brand’s executives reflected its commitment to improving vehicle quality for its customers.

“We are making a lot of progress on quality, and customers with our latest vehicles are benefiting from it. We have more work to do, as our ambition is to have best-in-class quality and we won’t be satisfied until we achieve and sustain it.”

–Jim Baumbick, Ford’s vice president of Product Development and Quality

Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power, further praised Ford’s efforts, stating, “Ford’s achievement of receiving the award for the Bronco Sport in the Small SUV segment shows their continued commitment to Initial Quality.” This accolade highlights Ford’s focus on producing high-quality vehicles.

Indeed, aside from the Bronco Sport’s triumph, other Ford models also performed well in their respective segments. The 2024 Maverick, Explorer, and Super Duty ranked second in their categories. These results showcase Ford’s consistent performance across numerous vehicle types.

Ford’s Future Plans

As part of its continued focus on quality, the refreshed 2024 Ford F-150 only shipped out to dealers after a lengthy review period where the first assortment of pickup trucks were held at their respective assembly plants to identify issues before they reached dealers. As a result, Jim Farley claimed the manufacturer avoided 12 recalls.

It is worth noting that Ford develops a range of vehicles, including SUVs, cars, trucks, and commercial vans. The company operates through three customer-oriented segments: Ford Model e for electric vehicles (EVs) and digital experiences; Ford Blue for gas-fueled and hybrid vehicles; and Ford Pro for commercial customers’ needs. Moreover, Ford offers financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. With approximately 176,000 employees globally, Ford remains dedicated to customer satisfaction and innovation.

Drive the Blue Oval’s Success Forward at NYE Ford!

The automaker’s recent accomplishments in the J.D. Power study indicate significant progress but also underscore areas where improvements can be made. Ford’s ongoing commitment to quality will likely drive future successes in upcoming studies. If you approve of Ford’s intention to deliver quality vehicles, please visit NYE Ford. Do not forget we have a trained service team that can help with an online appointment to get started on all maintenance work and repairs. We know what it takes to provide a worthwhile experience.