This may seem like a dumb question but, in regard to warranty replacement of original factory defective parts such as the steering column problem mentioned, is the new replacement part designed/manufactured in such a way as to eliminate the original problem?

 

It depends. In some cases, they have made changes to the parts (steering column, electric PS motor and some others). In other cases, the part has not been redesigned. It depends on how often they've seen the failure, how easily it can be redesigned to prevent the failure, and probably just as importantly what it would cost to redesign the part vs. the rate of failures.

 

Essentially, agree with above. But to add an additional element....don't forget the "occasional" poorly manufactured or assembled part.....which is NOT redesigned.

 

not exactly the level of reassurance I was hoping for but thanks for the information.