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Comment by jterrys | Hacker News Reader

But that's not at all the reason why. Even the article explains it. They sold well but Chevrolet's quality control is bad. They lost money because of recalls and lack of good control processes to make these cars. They ran a cost benefit analysis and said, "fuck it, we'll continue making shittier cars".

It also doesn't help that many U.S manufacturers opt into building Trucks and SUVs to avoid emission regulations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jN7mSXMruEo

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I own a Chevy Volt and frequent forums and a very popular FB group for volt owners. The gen1 volt basically had zero common problems other than an axle nut, and CV axles that wear out fast (because the axle handles forward motion but also reverse stress during Regen braking). The gen2 volt has an EGR valve/cooler problem, and a transmission shift linkage module that gives false readings. Both issues plague a high percentage of gen2 volts, and parts are nowhere to be found. Volts are sitting under warranty at dealerships for months sometimes waiting for parts.

It honestly sounds like GM has more supplier problems than they do engineering or fundamental cost problems.

If they quality controlled their suppliers better, and demanded reimbursememt for failed components from suppliers (basically a warranty from their supplier) they would be much better of.

Also, some of this is a programming fault. GM is often good at this. Don't make the failure mode of something result in the car bricking itself.

The shifter issue stems from the fact the gear position sensor fails and tells people to "shift to park" before you can start the car.

Was that REALLY required? Can I honestly not start my car if I'm in D? I'm already forced to press the brake pedal anyway. So Jesus let me start it in whatever gear you think I'm in. Maybe there's a governmemt rule I suppose. I just wish things defaulted to not bricking themselves over a technicality. Car technically functions, mechanical selector is moving correcrly. Safety switch fails.

Can you describe the "bricking" a bit more closely? The only problem you've described is having to shift to park before you can start the car, with the brake engaged, which is fairly common, and hardly sounds like your car is bricked.

I'm hoping to pick up a Volt or other hybrid, because I don't have a garage I can charge an EV in, but not if they're prone to actual bricking.

Youve described the working condition yes. But when the sensor fails, an owner can not start their car even when it is in park because the sensor thinks it's not no matter what you do. The wait for this part seems to be 2 weeks for the lucky ones, and 6 months for the ultra unlucky ones. Typical seems 2 months. Similar for the EGR system parts which is even sadder because cleaning it doesnt take long and would get the people another year or two until more parts are available.

> If they quality controlled their suppliers better, and demanded reimbursememt for failed components from suppliers (basically a warranty from their supplier) they would be much better of.

No, GM would be much better off if they made their own damn components and quit outsourcing everything in the universe.

The small companies have figured out that nobody can replace them because there is no competitor who can absorb their orders. Consequently, they can threaten to declare bankruptcy if they get hit with too high a penalty.

I don't know if any other company but Tesla is basically making everything. Very impressive. I watched a breakdown of their heat pump HVAC unit vs a competitor. Less than half the parts, less than 1/3 of the hoses and connections (aka failure points)

Yes it is very "impressive" when Tesla uses random wooden parts from Home Depot to cobble together their cars. Truly some outside the box engineering talent there.

https://jalopnik.com/tesla-model-y-owners-have-found-home-de...

God forbid, synthetic material from a synthetic and organic materials supply store. Would you feel better if they sourced some synthetic material from 'synthetic bulk shapes unlimited inc'?

But seriously, yes they probably went a bit "just get it done" to shim and strap down that component.

That does not take away from them also doing some crazy engineering on major components that will surely improve the lifetime ownership also.

Don't forget BECM on Gen2

Ah yes, that too. I like the mpg on the gen2, but gen1 seems like a much less troubled car. Beyond that, the gen1 seems like a very solid well built car punching well above it's "economy car" persona. Solid body structure, great suspension, and even at 170k miles the only rattle I have is from a plastic panel on the rear hatch which gets slammed down thousands of times in its life so I can give it some leeway.

Yes, Federal motor vehicle safety rules require the ignition system to be locked out when the transmission is in Drive.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2005/07/01/05-1306...

The solution would be to make a system that senses when it is in drive, and provides a do not start signal.

Thus if this sensor fails someday, it is a failure like any other than now technically breaks a law.. just like a failed windshield washer motor would no longer be compliant... But the vehicle can still technically start.

The owner can then decide if they want to fix the issue and have a fully federally compliant car, but it isn't bricked until they fix it.

How would you feel if your windshield wiper motor failed, no rain in sight, and you could no longer use your car?

That's how users feel who can't use their car because a park position sensor failed.

Sounds good. You should submit a petition for rulemaking to the NHTSA to update the FMVSS accordingly.

https://www.transportation.gov/regulations/petitions

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