I'm writing two articles: One on luxury vehicles with the most recalls this past decade. For this one, seeking an auto expert well versed in recalls, what customers should look for, which luxury models are the most/least dependable, and how a manufacturer's history could influence decision making. The second article is on auto's newest tech features. For this one, seeking a vehicle expert that is well-versed in the space and can help our readers learn about the new features soon to be in their garage.

Question

Alice Coleman · Accepted Answer

Hi there,

I'll gladly assist with both articles.

When we're talking about high-end cars and recalls, some manufacturers such as Mercedes, BMW, and Tesla keep coming to mind -- simply because they cram their vehicles with all kinds of tech, and occasionally those systems falter. Buyers should most assuredly review recall history when making their purchase for items such as electrical systems and airbags. The good news is that even if a company has performed numerous recalls, if it acts quickly on fixes when it discovers there's an actual problem that needs to be corrected, that says plenty about how it will address larger issues in the future.

Dependability-wise, Lexus and Acura tend to remain at the top -- fewer recalls, good solid construction. Tesla, being incredibly innovative, still has a higher recall rate because they introduce new tech quickly.

With new tech features, it's crazy out there -- vehicles now have hands-free driving mode, AI-powered parking, intelligent suspension that surveys the road ahead, and even augmented reality screens. Some of this is hitting higher trim levels now, but sooner or later it'll filter down to more models and price points. But beware, buyers, if it's "first-gen" tech -- it's awesome, but is buggy at first.

If more is needed, let me know.

Alice Coleman
Head of PR, EpicVIN

Alex Cornici · Answer

Exploring the world of luxury vehicles and their reliability can reveal some surprising trends, particularly in terms of recalls. An auto expert with a focus on recalls would provide invaluable insights into which luxury models have been flagged frequently over the past decade and why. Such knowledge is crucial not only for current owners but also for potential buyers, who need to consider the historical reliability of brands when making a substantial investment in a luxury car. This expert's advice could essentially guide consumers in understanding which luxury vehicles offer both opulence and durability, and which ones fall short, potentially steering them towards more dependable choices.

On the topic of automotive technology, the industry never stands still, with new tech features rapidly transforming the driving experience. An expert deeply ingrained in the technological advancements of the auto industry could educate readers on the latest innovations that might soon become standard in many vehicles. From advancements in electric vehicle technology to cutting-edge driver-assistance systems, understanding these features can help consumers make more informed decisions about what they value most in their next vehicle. Such expert insights could shine a light on how these technologies not only enhance the driving experience but also improve safety and efficiency. This understanding can be crucial when they come across these terms while shopping for a new car.

Andrew Franks · Answer

Q1: The "Warranty Confidence Test" is an interesting concept that can explain this idea. It is usually safe to assume that manufacturers offering longer and more extensive warranties stand by their claims, believing their vehicle will remain reliable for years to come. This is the case with Lexus and Genesis, which stand out by providing extended warranty periods. Jaguar, on the other hand, as a result of losing reputation, was forced to retract unsupported 5-year warranties. To determine confidence, assess the broad area of offered coverage and check the detailed conditions for suppressed clues.

Reliability now includes past model performance as well as the current state of the supply chain. Delay or breakdown of vehicle reliability is greatly influenced by the health of the supplied chain.

While not widely acknowledged, leadership is critical in determining the quality in manufacturing. A new CEO or head of engineering, for example, brings their specific focus to quality, which can alter brand perception in an instant. The ratio of leadership turnover within a three-year period is a Hidden Risk Index that reveals potential changes in quality focus.

Q2: Consumers need to be spot on with upcoming functionalities. Teslas FSD Beta and BMW's remote parking are good case studies for underperforming tech features. Applying these principles, both self-driving features showcased massive enhancement throughout subsequent realizations. Moreover, assessing the life cycle of a feature and feedback it receives helps envisage its dependency. Most new tech features tend to have bugs their first year though.

Every new functionality should also move past what I call "Cognitive Load Check". In prosthetic interactions with vehicles, relying on technology should diminish workload and not create additional mental strain. Audi's haptic touch was more or less loved while gesture controls by BMW drew mixed sentiments for being excessively complex. Scoring the ease of a feature within the first thirty minutes goes a long way in determining whether you will like or hate the tech.

Cybersecurity risks make protecting new technologies even more crucial. Infotainment systems and ADAS features both have critical needs with infotainment being more vulnerable to hacks and requires stronger cybersecurity measures. Remember the Jeep hacking incident of 2015? Quite a number of companies like Volvo and Mercedes have since then made considerable investments in vehicle security.

John Kawecki · Answer

BMW has the reputation of a luxury brand, and they are trying to make their cars feel premium, but at the same time they continue having huge problems with some of the models, and recall thousands of them each year. Mostly due to the brand trying to cut costs whenever it's possible.

The biggest problems BMW has with their X series, especially the X5, which had been at fault more than any other model in the last decade. This model averaged over 7 recalls per year, with some of them being 100 000+ in terms of volume. The 2019 and 2020 were the worst years, as due to the starter motor putting the engine at risk of catching fire, the manufacturer had to recall over 105 000 cars. Another issue with the X5, which wasn't as big as the engine, was a cracked fuel pump, which also required numerous users to return their cars to the manufacturers for fixes.

The bad series for the X5 model continued with the hybrid engines that were responsible for some fires - in 2020, almost 5000 cars were recalled due to issues with their battery systems putting them in risk of catching fire.

On one hand, BMW is considered a luxury brand, especially with the hybrid SUVs, on the other hand, their sales are in millions, so even a small % of faulty cars that requires a recall leads to a huge number of drivers put at inconvenience.

BMW had great reputation in the past, thanks to the German engineering, and some legendary models, but in the last decade they clearly started cutting a lot of spendings at the cost of reliability and reputation. If they continue such approach, they may easily be one of the biggest loosers when Chinese cars hit the EU market, and provide better quality for lower price, so the future for BMW is looking rather grim.

Evan Tunis · Answer

When it comes to purchasing a new car, there are many factors that can influence your decision. Of course, budget and personal preferences play a big role, but one often overlooked aspect is the manufacturer's history.

I have seen first-hand how a manufacturer's track record can impact a customer's satisfaction with their vehicle. This includes not only recalls or dependability ratings, but also their overall reputation for safety and reliability.

It is important for customers to do their research before making a purchase. Look into the manufacturer's history of recalls and see how they handle them. Do they take responsibility and offer solutions quickly, or do they try to avoid blame? Additionally, reading reviews from current and past customers can give insight into their satisfaction with the vehicle's reliability and safety features.

But it's not just about the manufacturer. It's also important for customers to educate themselves on proper car maintenance and how to handle potential issues that may arise. Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and other routine maintenance can greatly extend the lifespan of a vehicle and prevent costly repairs down the road.

2 Answers

Alice Coleman

Alex Cornici

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