Ford: Difference between revisions

=== Patents regarding consumer data ===

Ford has obtained patents for systems which could collect data on the consumer, unrelated to the primary functions of driving. One patented system can [[Ford ad patent|serve ads]] based on the driver's conversations,<ref>https://therecord.media/ford-patent-application-in-vehicle-listening-advertising</ref> and another patented system about vehicle [[Ford Repossession Patent|repossession]] enables the restriction of access to cars e.g. if their owners have missed car payments.<ref name=":1">https://arstechnica.com/cars/2023/03/ford-files-patent-for-system-that-could-remotely-repossess-a-car/</ref> Ford has responded to patent controversy by explaining that patents are not necessarily an indication of new product plans. <ref name=":1" /> The development of questionable systems should however compromise the overall trust in the company and make consumers more wary of accepting sales terms.

===Engineering practices===

Various Ford models' engine designs use a rubber belt rather than a metal chain to transmit power to the engine's oil pump. This belt which is submerged in the crankcase engine oil can prematurely degrade and cause a sudden loss of oil pressure.<ref>https://garagewire.co.uk/news/bbc-watchdog-ford-ecoboost-wet-belt-problem/</ref> Ford has also knowingly released a flawed transmission in the Fiesta and Focus models where the transmission can fail in a variety of ways; loss of forward power from a stop, loss of power when in top gear at constant speed, sudden unintended acceleration, and loss of power when the transmission is shifting between gears.<ref>https://www.freep.com/in-depth/money/cars/ford/2019/07/11/ford-focus-fiesta-transmission-defect/1671198001/</ref> A Ford user has reported about a software update that ended up bricking their vehicle.<ref>https://www.fordraptorforum.com/threads/automatic-software-update-bricked-my-truck.96624/</ref>

Ford has been known for being the maker of America's most recalled vehicles, setting the record for most recalls issued in 2021, 2022, and 2023.<ref>https://datahub.transportation.gov/stories/s/NHTSA-Recalls-by-Manufacturer/38mw-dp8u/</ref> Ford has a large market share so a large amount of recalls is not too surprising, but it may indicate that Ford doesn't meet the production quality of other manufacturers.