EETimes: Japanese cars lead in electrical reliability.

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

Japan's cars lead in electrical reliability

I believe the article is based on information taken from the April issue of Consumer Reports. From the article:

The study places Honda, Acura and Toyota vehicles at the head of the electrical/electronics reliability list, while Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen models bring up the rear.

"If you look at the Japanese manufacturers, you see that their attention to detail and their willingness to examine failed parts pays off," said Champion. "The European carmakers, on the other hand, don't seem to be doing very well right now. Audi and Volkswagen are having a lot of problems with their electrical systems."

You don't say!

 

[BigSmooth]

Audi/VW need to curtail any and all electrical problems ASAP... they are starting to get more and more bad press, and it's definitely hurting their reputation as far as quality.

 

[vi edit]

I still think that the reason why VAG is doing horrible is because they over-electric their cars. Too many sensors, relays, or various other electronically controlled parts. More complicated = more stuff to go wrong.

Most japanese makers tend to adhere to the KISS method of engineering.

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
I still think that the reason why VAG is doing horrible is because they over-electric their cars. Too many sensors, relays, or various other electronically controlled parts. More complicated = more stuff to go wrong.

Most japanese makers tend to adhere to the KISS method of engineering.

This is true but every modern car has TONS of wires and other various sh!t in it. I look at my friend's 65 Mustang. The engine wiring harness was like 8 wires.

 

[LordUnum]

I just got through tracking a voltage leak on my mom's '93 Jaguar XJ-6 that would kill a strong, brand-new 5-year battery in less than 5 months. It also had the most irritating, hard-to-solve electrical problem: car would run fine but once every 2 or 3 weeks, the car would just not start. The car would take anywhere from less than 5 minutes to several hours before it would start again. Car is absolutely beautiful inside & out, and just plain heaven to ride in--when it works! When it doesn't, it's just a pretty 4000-lb. driveway decoration. Until only yesterday, that's been the case for the most part. :|

So, this blurb is not news to me, unfortunately. :frown:

 

[ElFenix]

We saw that Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW seem to be struggling with power equipment and electrical systems. It may be that overcomplication of those vehicles is detracting from their reliability.

 

[vi edit]

This is true but every modern car has TONS of wires and other various sh!t in it. I look at my friend's 65 Mustang. The engine wiring harness was like 8 wires.

Yeh, but just thinking about my passat.....

I've got a sensor telling me when my brakepads are worn, a sensor telling me if my engine oil is too low, a sensor telling me if the wiper fluid is low, a sensor telling me engine coolant is low, a sensor judging if the windshield is wet and if so, how wet so it knows whether or not to turn on the wipers, and the list just goes on and on.

Most japanese cars just use a standard guage, or nothing at all to judge these things. It's cool stuff, but just over complicates things.

 

[BatmanNate]

Those Euro cars were below even Chrysler? :Q

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: LordUnum
I just got through tracking a voltage leak on my mom's '93 Jaguar XJ-6 that would kill a strong, brand-new 5-year battery in less than 5 months. It also had the most irritating, hard-to-solve electrical problem: car would run fine but once every 2 or 3 weeks, the car would just not start. The car would take anywhere from less than 5 minutes to several hours before it would start again. Car is absolutely beautiful inside & out, and just plain heaven to ride in--when it works! When it doesn't, it's just a pretty 4000-lb. driveway decoration. Until only yesterday, that's been the case for the most part. :|

So, this blurb is not news to me, unfortunately. :frown:

Jaguar is not Audi, VW, or Mercedes. Besides, everyone knows that British cars are far and away the worst when it comes to electronics.

ZV

EDIT: vi_edit, those brake pad wear sensors have been in use by German cars since the early 1980's. Porsche was using them on the 944 in 1982.

 

[Ornery]

LordUnum, ever see The Gumball Rally? The drivers of the XKE spend the entire movie trying to get the thing to start!

 

[LordUnum]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
I still think that the reason why VAG is doing horrible is because they over-electric their cars. Too many sensors, relays, or various other electronically controlled parts. More complicated = more stuff to go wrong.

No kidding.

When I took the kick & crash panels off a ('93) Jaguar, I was just floored by the amount of wires, modules, relays and such behind the dash. The inside of the trunk and engine areas were also scenes of similar electronic mayhem. Fortunately, Haynes, a good multi-meter and a helluva lot of patience helped in making sense of it all.

By comparison, the family's '86 Subaru GL-10, which is loaded with a lot of the same things found in the Jag (trip computer, cruise, power everything, A/C, sunroof, etc.), is much more streamlined and 'clean' in this respect. We've had it since new and never had an issue with its electronics, or anything else for that matter. I don't think it's just pure coincidence. It's such a trooper!

Haven't had a prob yet with my '98 BMW in this respect. Knowing (European) modern cars, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[LordUnum]

Ornery: LOL, I'll have to check that out sometime! There definitely is a lot of truth to that and I now do not just have to imagine being in such a situation. While working in the car, I kept myself chuckling by picturing myself in some sort of comedy, running from the engine to the driver's seat to have a look inside the console, then back outside to the trunk (battery) to look at the multimeter or hook up/detach battery, then back to the engine, etc. in an endless loop. "Why won't the damn thing just start?" Hehe, kept from going mad that way.

Zenmervolt: I wish my mom was told this before she purchased her 'dream car.' Fortunately, it's working just fine... for now. We'll see what develops. :frown:

 

[NFS4]

Similarly, Consumers Union testers struggled with BMW's highly publicized iDrive dashboard "infotainment" system. "On the iDrive, you have to go through multiple screens to get where you want to go," Champion said. "Once you get the hang of it, it's not bad. But it's nowhere near as good as a simple button on the dashboard."

HEHE, I-Drive SUCKS!

 

[Doggiedog]

If I'm not mistaken doesn't MB use Mitsubishi as their electrical system supplier?

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: Doggiedog
If I'm not mistaken doesn't MB use Mitsubishi as their electrical system supplier?

Nobody every said Mitsu has stellar electrical systems. They're the worst Japanese company out there.

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

NutBucket, out of curiosity, is your comment about Mitsu based on (1) anecdotal evidence, (2) magazine/web site articles, or (3) the fact that they provide MB with electrical systems?

 

[GTaudiophile]

No surprise here!

My parent's BMWs often had electrical issues. No such problems with their Toyotas.

 

[toant103]

Originally posted by: BatmanNate
Those Euro cars were below even Chrysler? :Q

hahaha. That's why i only buy Japanese cars.

 

[mithrandir2001]

It must be true. I've owned three Hondas and I don't think I've ever had an electrical problem. Then there's the POS Ford Contour I once mistakenly bought...

 

[Marshallj]