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Stung by plummeting quality ratings, Ford to upgrade glitch-prone Microsoft-designed ‘MyFord Touch’ systems

Monday, November 7, 2011 · 10:20 am · 66 Comments

“Early next year, Ford is sending flash drives with a software upgrade to approximately 250,000 U.S. customers with MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch, the equivalent system in Ford’s luxury Lincoln brand. Owners can do the upgrade themselves in about 45 minutes, or dealers will do it for free. Ford is still deciding how it will offer the upgrade to 200,000 buyers outside of the U.S.,” Dee-Ann Durbin reports for The Associated Press.

“Ford knows of no other car company that has given owners the option of upgrading their own software on this scale. The unprecedented step underscores the urgency of the problem for Ford, which last month fell from 10th place to 20th place in Consumer Reports’ annual reliability rankings largely because of MyFord Touch. Ford also plummeted in a J.D. Power quality survey earlier this year,” Durbin reports. “Sync, a four-year-old voice command system that Ford designed with Microsoft Corp., serves as the platform for the more advanced MyFord Touch.”

Durbin reports, “Forrest Brown, a Ford dealer in Dyersville, Iowa, got a barrage of complaints last winter when customers were unable to defrost their windshields or turn up the heat because their screens were going blank.”

Read more in the full article here.

MacDailyNews Take: When crap collides.

Categories: News

Tags: Ford, J.D. Power, microsoft, MyFord Touch, MyLincoln Touch, Sync

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Comment Feed

66 Comments

1 2 Next »

eldernorm

Monday, November 7, 2011 - 10:26 am · Reply

OMG. I thought the interface was just for music and navigation stuff. Critical functions run thru Microsoft?????

What were they thinking.?????

en
- Arnold Ziffel
  
  Monday, November 7, 2011 - 10:56 am · Reply
  
  They were thinking just like Boeing, which is where Ford’s current CEO, Alan Mulally, came from. The close proximity of Redmond to Seattle has resulted in Boeing drinking the Kool-aid.
  - tekriter
    
    Monday, November 7, 2011 - 11:22 am · Reply
    
    Boeing’s headquarters haven’t been in the northwest for years.
  - dude mcfarland
    
    Monday, November 7, 2011 - 11:27 am · Reply
    
    Neat theory but Boeing dosen’t use MS software for any avionics functions.
    - qka
      
      Monday, November 7, 2011 - 1:50 pm · Reply
      
      They’ve seen what MS software has done to US Navy ships.
      - Dude McFarland
        
        Monday, November 7, 2011 - 4:14 pm · Reply
        
        lol. I remember that story. It was a warship wasn’t it? running NT4 if I remember right.
        
        I doubt MS ever came up in any manner during discussions about avionics control systems. That is not a function that can be taken lightly.
        
        I have no clue about the 787 but the 777 Avionics were designed by Honeywell.
        
        they have never had a crash in a 777 that has resulted in a lose of life. The last time I checked it ranked 2nd in air safety right behind the Airbus A340.
- qka
  
  Monday, November 7, 2011 - 1:49 pm · Reply
  
  A fatality or injury caused by a non-functioning equipment will land Ford and Microsoft in criminal, not civil court.
- Nerd Beautiful
  
  Tuesday, November 8, 2011 - 6:18 am · Reply
  
  I live in Detroit. The ford tech guy at my church says the system was built using flash. Yeah, adobe flash. So there you go.
Wild Bill

Monday, November 7, 2011 - 10:30 am · Reply

Interesting that my 2006 MDX has all the controls in the touch screen and it’s never frozen up, never rebooted, and all the other crap happening with the Ford/MS system. As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. Too bad that an Explorer costs about the same as an MDX and there is no comparison in the quality.
- djmactech
  
  Monday, November 7, 2011 - 10:33 am · Reply
  
  MDX rocks!!
  - Hotinplaya
    
    Monday, November 7, 2011 - 10:54 am · Reply
    
    What is MDX
    - ashoka8350
      
      Monday, November 7, 2011 - 11:07 am · Reply
      
      ACURA SUV!
    - Tranz4m
      
      Monday, November 7, 2011 - 11:08 am · Reply
      
      MDX is an Acura SUV. I have a 2011 TSX and the software is Microsoft proof errrr Bullet Proof!
      - themusicdoc
        
        Monday, November 7, 2011 - 11:36 pm · Reply
        
        Same with my 2012 RDX…..loving Acura!
- NCG598
  
  Monday, November 7, 2011 - 10:45 am · Reply
  
  Basic touch screen functions are easy to produce. Nothing exotic. It is the same as a switch with a screen as it primary source switch. Much as a cell phone blown up in oversize manner. Generally they function as well as any switch. Ford decided to use “Microsoft” and the underpinnings. Ford can easily build the electronics that drive the system as Honda would. But, they trusted the blue screw and. Virus probe Microsoft to drive the system. Hence the update. Not an electronic hardware recall. Thus indicating, at this time, that there system is as Honda’s, reliable. But the. Operating system and code, Microsoft, needing a fix. As any Mac user knows, by a PC with Windows and have a boatload of issues. Or, buy a Mac and far fewer. Ford would be better advised to put iPads as the interface and be done with Windowz. It is. Ot a Honda vs Ford. It is Microsoft.
  - CuJoYYC
    
    Monday, November 7, 2011 - 11:14 am · Reply
    
    I see that you’ve disabled spelling and grammar checking on your system. When you pontificate about the superiority of our chosen system, do us all a favour and proof your writing before posting.
- dude mcfarland
  
  Monday, November 7, 2011 - 11:42 am · Reply
  
  True your NAV may not go blank but thats a first gen MDX so hopefully yours is not among the ones with faulty torque converters that can cause a sudden loss of power or destroy the $4000 transmission with little warning.
  
  Nice rigs regardless and id still take one but anything can have issues.
  
  Too bad Ford and MS slacked on QC. The first release of sync got high marks.
Synth

Monday, November 7, 2011 - 10:31 am · Reply

Integrating lots of electronic screens and gizmos in a car has always seemed very dicey to me for multiple reasons, not the least of which are the extreme temperature changes when a vehicle sits out in the open in the winter and summer. Especially in the south.

Also the dealers charge out the wazoo to fix that stuff.
- Dude McFarland
  
  Monday, November 7, 2011 - 11:54 am · Reply
  
  Exactly.
  
  If they want true ‘reliability’ then they need to go back to a system that can never fail.. like the windshield wiper control system on the WWII era Willy’s Overland Jeeps…
  
  A HAND CRANK… Now that is RELIABILITY … well until the passenger gets shot or something…
- Galloway
  
  Monday, November 7, 2011 - 1:06 pm · Reply
  
  Totally agree, Synth. When I had my XLR a couple of years back, I came out to it one morning and nothing worked; wouldn’t turn over even, and every electric function was haywire. Called Cadillac, they sent out roadside assistance: the tech pops the hood, disconnects the battery, waits thirty seconds and reconnects it. Everything ran perfectly. Tech said it happened all the time, and I had to repeat the procedure myself half a dozen times. I had to reboot my car! Reminded me of the old joke about “if Microsoft built cars”. And now Ford is more or less letting them do that. At least it didn’t need a firmware upgrade!
Bunsen Honeydew

Monday, November 7, 2011 - 10:33 am · Reply

I liked the part of the story where it talked about Apple
- justified
  
  Monday, November 7, 2011 - 10:37 am · Reply
  
  1
- cfvxcv
  
  Monday, November 7, 2011 - 10:42 am · Reply
  
  ROFL. You’ll just have to make allowances for us old time Mac users who get perverse pleasure from reading about MS fouling up yet again.
  - PondScum
    
    Monday, November 7, 2011 - 11:08 am · Reply
    
    +1
full9

Monday, November 7, 2011 - 10:34 am · Reply

I loath Sync in my Ford Edge.

Love the Ford, hate the Sync.
Richie

Monday, November 7, 2011 - 10:36 am · Reply

OK, it has to be said:

If Ford had worked with Apple, not only would the controls work, they would have a simple GI so anyone could use it without reaching for the manuel.
No one wants to have a system that breaks down be it an engine, Transmission, or their “sync” system, but when you cut corners like Microsoft does, you have to expect it.
- derss
  
  Monday, November 7, 2011 - 10:47 am · Reply
  
  Ford is currently not classy enough to work with Apple. Mercedes could be more appropriate variant, but, anyway, none of the parties are very interested in each other since both do their own voice assistant service.
mikecaine

Monday, November 7, 2011 - 10:40 am · Reply

Have the tried opening and closing the doors? I believe that sometimes works for Windows.
- dude mcfarland
  
  Monday, November 7, 2011 - 11:48 am · Reply
  
  I was thinking maybe of treating like a dell laptop… disconnect the battery for a few minutes and it will probably boot back up and work for awhile.
  
  At least our service center at work tells me this is a good fix for dull’s that wont init the display during boot lol
  - althegeo
    
    Monday, November 7, 2011 - 12:13 pm · Reply
    
    Actually that is a Microsoft update. Every other month Microsoft adds a bit of software in the monthly update that prevents the “init the display during boot” for all computers using an early version of XP. Even if the early version of XP has been updated all the way to SP 3 you get this problem that indicates a bogus HD failure.
    
    Someone wants to sell more Windows 7 computers.
doggonetoo

Monday, November 7, 2011 - 10:41 am · Reply

If the system controls central functions then it should work perfectly all the time.
Ford are blaming the phone manufacturers for sync problems. Should have thought about that before releasing the system.
impetej

Monday, November 7, 2011 - 10:43 am · Reply

Friends don’t let Friends drive w/ Microsoft….
Ballmer's left nut

Monday, November 7, 2011 - 10:44 am · Reply

As you’re flying through the windscreen as a result of your Ford coming to a screeching halt due to the brakes being applied inadvertently due to failure in Microsoft designed software, the last thing on your mind will be, “Oh my God, it’s the blue screen of death.”
- MacAngus
  
  Monday, November 7, 2011 - 10:51 am · Reply
  
  Wouldn’t that be the “Windscreen” of death?
  
  My Canadian Fusion has the older Sync system with only the LED screen, so it has been straightforward to use. But it doesn’t do much. As per my dealers instructions, I’ve tried to use the online tool in the past to update it with a flash drive, but there is no indication that anything has actually happened when it is finished.
  - Ballmer's left nut
    
    Monday, November 7, 2011 - 11:08 am · Reply
    
    No, it’s the Microsoft BSOD when Windows shuts down on you without warning, just as your life is flashing by.
    - MacAngus
      
      Monday, November 7, 2011 - 12:27 pm · Reply
      
      I knew what the OP meant. I was just riding his coattails by combining the BSOD and windscreen aspects into one pun…
      - Ballmer's left nut
        
        Monday, November 7, 2011 - 12:33 pm · Reply
        
        Right gotcha. Went right over my head the first time I read it. I thought you meant “windows of death” rather than “windscreen of death.”
DanG

Monday, November 7, 2011 - 10:48 am · Reply

Gives new meaning to the phrase “car crash”
- hotinplaya
  
  Monday, November 7, 2011 - 11:28 am · Reply
  
  or system chrash
Jubei

Monday, November 7, 2011 - 10:49 am · Reply

I’ve driven many FORD vehicle for work and many other Japanese based cars. All within the same milage range. Every single FORD was a POS. Shakes, rattles, vibrates at high speed, creaks, squeaks and never drives smoothly… The idiot that decided to use MS for their FORD vehicles made the right decision. POS couple with POS = The Best POS money can buy.
- Ballmer's left nut
  
  Monday, November 7, 2011 - 11:13 am · Reply
  
  Ford = failed on road, dead.
  - Now, Now...
    
    Monday, November 7, 2011 - 2:31 pm · Reply
    
    FORD = Fix Or Repair Daily
- Dude McFarland
  
  Monday, November 7, 2011 - 12:18 pm · Reply
  
  Generally that has been my experience with American cars going up to the late 90s (the last time I bought a Chevy).
  
  I still have an 88′ Chevy truck that I keep around for hauling and while the truck is well made mechanically, the interior fit and finish is total crap.
  
  My friend’s 2003 Chevy Blazer feels exactly the same, panels rattle at random, the doors start to sag after a few years.
  
  My 96′ isuzu trooper (not a well liked vehicle due to rollover incidents) in contrast feels as tight as the day we got it. Doors close nice and tight, weather stripping is still sealing out cabin nose and the interior does not rattle and feel cheap.
  
  My wife seems to be happy with her 2008 VW Beetle so I’ll probably get another VW when its time to upgrade her.
  
  I’ve heard US manufacturers have improved but I’m hesitant to test that with my hard earned dollars.
Spork

Monday, November 7, 2011 - 10:59 am · Reply

Hey, MDN, take a from Jobs. It’s not about what you do, but what you don’t do…what you leave out…like Microsft stories!
Raymond in DC

Monday, November 7, 2011 - 10:59 am · Reply

How any auto manufacturer allowed a company with a “blue screen of death” history into their cars still amazes me. I recall the story of some rich European whose BMW 7 Series, whose electronics were controlled by Microsoft software, refused to unlock the door. (“Open the car door, HAL!” “I can’t do that, Dave.”) Fire and rescue services finally got him out.

Ford should consider replacing Sync with iOS and Siri.
- Nekogami13
  
  Monday, November 7, 2011 - 11:10 am · Reply
  
  So it will stop working for several days each week?
  So the car will just repeatedly state,”I can’t seem to connect to the network”?
mac user 47

Monday, November 7, 2011 - 10:59 am · Reply

“when crap collides”? that’s a lame comment. Love my Ford trucks. Of course it would be better with a differently designed “sync” system, but Ford makes the best trucks.
BoC

Monday, November 7, 2011 - 11:02 am · Reply

No one is surprised and I mean no one.

What I am surprised at is that car makers who have steadily seen & increasingly used electronic controls for 2 decades have not developed their own large internal programming group.

The need was & is obvious.
homer stimpstone

Monday, November 7, 2011 - 11:22 am · Reply

I have a 09 Flex with sync, and I rarely ever use it although I thought I would use it all the time. Its great that I can have it BT stream my music from my iPhone, but it can be terribly frustrating when trying to access or change functions or settings so it mostly stays turned off.
KenC

Monday, November 7, 2011 - 11:48 am · Reply

I’m impressed because I’ve always wondered why car companies never updated their software. I had an SUV a long while back that had about 5 shifting styles built into its chip, but the next year, it had about 200. I wanted to get the updated software but no go.

It’ll be even better when Apple offers software to car mfrs.
Roland Navarro

Monday, November 7, 2011 - 12:13 pm · Reply

Is Apple currrently working with any car manufacturer? Imagine a Siri type interface with iPad like features in the dash. If they slap an Apple logo on the car and make it exclusive to the brand (Audi, Ford, etc..) I bet many people will buy the vehicle. Another new frontier or industry for Apple to disrupt?
jimg

Monday, November 7, 2011 - 12:36 pm · Reply

FORD = Found On Road Dead; Fix Or Repair Daily – sounds like they continue to live up to their old by-line. I had deep respect for what Mulally and the still involved Fords have been doing with the company (particularly not looking to tax payers for any bail-out) but always thought that their going with Microsoft for their Sync system was totally idiotic. I think that is beginning to prove to be true. When I bought a new car last year, I never considered a Ford product primarily because of MS being involved. I speculate that used Fords ten years from now will sell for much less than other cars because of this MS issue. Btw, Apple should not get involved with doing the software for cars but merely providing license to manufacturers to use something like Airplay so that iDevices can be used to control the software internal to the car.
- Now, Now...
  
  Monday, November 7, 2011 - 2:40 pm · Reply
  
  Ford under Alan Mulally may be concentrating on the right areas, customer satisfaction, quality products, etc. However, they have lost me. I had a Ford that had five recalls within 10 years and when speaking with a person working for Ford in their Parts Department said, “5 recalls in 10 years, you’re doing good!” The MS mentality at Ford became apparent when they started to put out products that they would get right on the third or fourth try.
  
  GM, Chrysler I consider Obama Players since he saved the Unions at the expense of the Bondholders! NO THANK-YOU!
  
  Currently, I am giving Kia a try.