Ford: Difference between revisions

Ford has obtained patents for systems unrelated to the primary functions of driving that can collect data on the consumer. One patented system can [[Ford ad patent|serve advertisements]] based on the driver's conversations,<ref>https://therecord.media/ford-patent-application-in-vehicle-listening-advertising</ref> while another patented system pertaining to vehicle [[Ford Repossession Patent|repossession]] enables the restricting access to vehicles (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 the controversy surrounding these patents by stating that possessing these patents is not necessarily an indication of new product plans. <ref name=":1" /> However, the development of such systems may negatively impact consumers' overall trust in the company, and lead them to be more wary of accepting sales terms.

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 operates submerged in the crankcase engine oil, and can degrade and fail prematurely, potentially causing a sudden loss of vehicle oil pressure.<ref>https://garagewire.co.uk/news/bbc-watchdog-ford-ecoboost-wet-belt-problem/</ref> Ford has also knowingly released transmission systems in the Fiesta and Focus models that have had multiple issues: 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 also reported that a software update resulted in their vehicle being rendered unusable ("bricked").<ref>https://www.fordraptorforum.com/threads/automatic-software-update-bricked-my-truck.96624/</ref>

Ford has a notable history of manufacturing 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> This may be partially attributable to Ford's large market share; a large amount of recalls is not uncommon for large companies. However, it may also indicate that Ford doesn't meet the production quality of other manufacturers.