Engine problems reported in 2010 trucks: JD Power

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. – More than half of owners of one-year old truck engines report experiencing some type of problem.

According to the J.D. Power and Associates’ 2010 U.S. Heavy-Duty Truck Engine and Transmission study, the most common engine problems reported are related to electronic control module calibration (14 %), and the exhaust gas recirculation valve, (13 percent).

Only 26 percent of owners of two-year-old truck engines experienced problems after
emissions standards took effect in 2007.

Engines from Detroit Diesel and Navistar perform particularly well, the study found.

"Clearly, the emissions requirements have put a burden on engine manufacturers, and the result is that today’s engines-although environmentally improved are more problematic," said Todd Markusic, senior director of the commercial vehicle practice at J.D. Power and Associates.

"Given the quality issues that arose from the last emission standards redesign in 2007, the new emissions standards in 2010 will no doubt create another challenge for engine manufacturers, but those that best handle the integration of these new standards will have a competitive advantage."

The study also finds that the number of engine problems increases by 55 percent, on average, after 50,000 miles of usage, up to 80.5 problems per 100 vehicles from 51.9 per 100 vehicles.

As a result, satisfaction with engines decreases by nearly 40 points on a 1,000-point scale after 50,000 miles.

The J.D. Power study measures customer satisfaction with engines and transmissions in one-year-old heavy-duty trucks.

The study, based on responses of 1,682 primary maintainers of one year-old engines, was fielded in February and March 2010.