The Dearborn-based automaker’s namesake and Lincoln brands took two of the bottom three spots on the survey, which is based on subscribers' experiences with 1.2 million new vehicles to predict future reliability.
Ford and Lincoln brands took two of the bottom three spots on the Consumer Reports survey, which is based on subscribers' experiences with 1.2 million new vehicles to predict future reliability. (AP File Photo)
DETROIT, MI- Ford Motor Co.’s fall from grace continues in Consumer Reports' Annual Auto Reliability Survey.
The Dearborn-based automaker’s namesake and Lincoln brands took two of the bottom three spots on the 2012 survey, which is based on subscribers' experiences with 1.2 million new vehicles to predict future reliability.
Jake Fisher, director of testing for the consumer magazine, said problems with the automaker’s MyFord Touch infotainment system and a new transmission continued to hurt its brands.
“They put out some updates for both these systems – it was not enough,” Fisher said during an Automotive Press Association meeting in Detroit. “There are no new models from Ford we can recommend (that weren't previously recommended).”
Ford dropped seven spots from last year’s rankings to No. 27 among 28 car brands. Lincoln dropped 12 spots to No. 26.
Two years ago, Ford was in the top 10 among brands for the predicted-reliability scores, with more than 90 percent of its models being average or better
Of the Detroit Three, General Motors Co. performed the best. All of its brands – Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC – improved from last year.
Consumer Reports 2012 Annual Auto Reliability Survey (Courtesy image)
“They’re really doing very well,” Fisher said.
Cadillac was the No. 1 ranked domestic brand, but remained behind 10 other foreign brands at No. 11.
Toyota’s three brands – Scion, Toyota and Lexus – took the three top spots the survey. Asian brands took nine of the top 10 spots. Audi was the only European brand in the top 10.
Chrysler Group LLC's brands had a few setbacks, according to the survey. The Auburn Hills-based automaker's recently revamped Chrysler and Dodge models dragged the nameplates’ rankings down, according to Fisher.
Jeep led the way for Chrysler at No. 19, followed by Chrysler at No. 23, Dodge at No. 24 and Ram at No. 25.
"General Motors is moving forward, Chrysler has taken a step back and Ford has taken several steps back," Fisher said.
Here's the full list:
1. Scion
2. Toyota
3. Lexus
4. Mazda
5. Subaru
6. Honda
7. Acura
8. Audi
9. Infiniti
10. Kia
11. Cadillac
12. GMC
13. Nissan
14. Mercedes-Benz
15. Chevrolet
16. BMW
17. Hyundai
18. Volkswagen
19. Jeep
20. Volvo
21. Buick
22. Mini
23. Chrysler
24. Dodge
25. Ram
26. Lincoln
27. Ford
28. Jaguar
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