[June 23, 2011] U.S. auto quality slumps in 2011: study Tweet LOS ANGELES, Jun 23, 2011 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- Auto models that are new or redesigned for 2011 have 10 percent more problems than 2010 vehicles, a new study in the United States shows. The increase stemmed from manufacturers introducing more high- tech features and transmission systems designed to meet dueling consumer demand for better performance and fuel economy, according to the J.D. Power and Associates annual U.S. Initial Quality Study published on Thursday by The Los Angeles Times. Manufacturers have been introducing more multimedia technology, such as rearview cameras and hands-free, voice-activated systems, but some owners have reported those systems did not function properly or were not intuitive, the study found. "Every time you put in new technology you're adding one more thing that could possibly go wrong," said Dave Sargent, vice president of vehicle research at J.D. Power. Hesitating engines and transmissions were another highly reported issue this year as a result of new software programming, which makes vehicles constantly look for the most efficient gear to be in, Sargent said. "Consumers are getting frustrated because it seems like their vehicles are always changing gears when they don't need them to," he said. "The software reacts very quickly, and sometimes it's almost too clever for its own good." The study also found that imports in general retook the lead in quality after being surpassed by domestic cars in 2010 for the first time in the study's history. "Particularly, the Japanese brands have really moved ahead this year," Sargent said. "We expect the American manufacturers to fight back, but right now, what we had last year is currently a one-year phenomenon." Led by its Lexus luxury brand, which on average had the best quality line of cars, Toyota's 2011 vehicles received good grades after facing a rough period highlighted by massive recalls in 2010, according to the study. The top 10 based on the least number of problems reported in the first three months of operation were: Lexus, Honda, Acura, Mercedes-Benz, Mazda, Porsche, Toyota, Infiniti, Cadillac and GMC. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]