Toyota OKs Use of Imperfect Parts to Keep Production Going
- Thread starter 2021nightshade4x4
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Whippersnapper02
Senior Member
Lol! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Kind of a misnomer, there is no such thing as a perfect part. For the sake of conversation, let's consider a perfect part, "a part that meets print and all other design specs"
I've personally written or approved hundreds of part deviations for everything from out of dimension, alternative material, aesthetic defect, alternative part, and so many more.
My understanding of the article is they are accepting parts (likely plastic injection molded) that do not meet their surface finish/aesthetic specs if the areas that are out of spec are not visible.
From experience, I can guarantee you American automakers have been doing this for decades and more so had (they've dramatically improved in the last few years) less stringent specifications on the print and use cheap suppliers with shitty mold tools and processes.
I've personally written or approved hundreds of part deviations for everything from out of dimension, alternative material, aesthetic defect, alternative part, and so many more.
My understanding of the article is they are accepting parts (likely plastic injection molded) that do not meet their surface finish/aesthetic specs if the areas that are out of spec are not visible.
From experience, I can guarantee you American automakers have been doing this for decades and more so had (they've dramatically improved in the last few years) less stringent specifications on the print and use cheap suppliers with shitty mold tools and processes.
2021nightshade4x4
New member
Maybe these vehicles will become collector items like defective coins.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
trapshot68
New member
I see what you did there......:bravo:
2021nightshade4x4
New member
Humble Leader
Senior Member
RichInRidgewood approves of this thread
manofsteele2003
New member
Another reason to not buy the first year Tundra.
2021nightshade4x4
New member
Saw a final-year LC200 (heritage edition) listed by a dealer at $114k
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
That would be something.
Most people not in the industry don't realize that the level of quality control outside of safety related components is relatively low. Unfortunately, in some cases, Takata Airbigs, GM ignition, even safety related items have low quality control in automotive industry.
The reality is the risk is relatively low and the cost of warranty in most cases is fairly small. Essentially, the customer takes a lot of the pain and the corporate giant just pays it off like nothing. This is why a corporation that shows just a little more initiative to control quality is so loved. Hence, why people continue to buy Toyota even though they are "behind" technologically from a production standpoint (they are equal or ahead in the research department but choose not to release to production as early as competitors).
In general, most vehicle parts aren't controlled anywhere near 6 sigma (3.4 defects per million). Very well established, "off the shelf" automotive parts (think OTS bearings, seals, o-rings, fasteners, etc..) are controlled to 5-6 sigma (3.4 to 233 defects per million). Most of the other parts that are not "off the shelf" and are somewhat unique to a specific model/product/application are 3-4 sigma (6,210 to 66,807 defects per million!) or worse...
Aviation and currency are controlled to a much tighter distribution. Last i checked ~100,000 flights occur per day across the globe. If flights were at 6 sigma, the best of automotive quality, there would be 3.4 crashed flights every 10 days, 10.2 every month, 120 every year - imagine that!
Last edited:
scanny
Senior Member
I don't think it's a fair comparison : ) If cars have 2 engines, duplication of all important systems and maintenance schedule as aircafts have - we probably would never heard of cars breaking on the road : )
2021nightshade4x4
New member
Salvo Jimmy
Member
Your problem is, unlike a lot of folks, reading the article, not just the headline.LOL
97BlackAckCL
Elite Member
Let the recalls commence! :caked:
RichinRidgewood
New member
You can get yourself in an awful lot of expensive trouble using parts that have flunked QC.
Haha, I'll try to stop doing that. CLICKBAIT!
Fair point, was exaggerating to make a point
Too Stroked
Member
They're not talking about accepting hoods from stamping with a huge dent in them or brakes that "sort of work." What they are talking about is accepting a muffler with a cosmetic defect out of site of the customer that does not affect proper operation or longevity. Or maybe a speck of dirt in the paint - on the underside of the hood. Some mold flash on the back side of an interior part would also fall under the new definition. 99.9999% of Toyota customers will notice absolutely not difference at all. I highly doubt that Toyota's legendary high quality will waver even a little.
