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Recurring Service Issues Root Cause Analysis

Root Cause Analysis of Recurring Service Issues

Recurring service issues are a major challenge in the automotive industry, leading to costly repairs, warranty claims, and customer dissatisfaction. These problems often stem from labor shortages, high employee turnover, and rushed repairs, which increase the likelihood of human errors such as misdiagnosis of vehicle issues, poor adherence to service manuals, and incorrect installation of parts. Additionally, as vehicles become more technologically advanced, a lack of up-to-date knowledge on new automotive systems further contributes to recurring failures. Without a structured approach to identifying and preventing these root causes, manufacturers and service centers struggle to maintain consistent quality and efficiency.

Equipment-related failures also play a critical role in recurring service issues. Inconsistent torque application on fasteners, sensor malfunctions in production lines, and variability in welding, painting, or assembly processes all contribute to defects that resurface in multiple vehicles. Furthermore, inefficient service tools, calibration issues, and outdated diagnostic equipment lead to incorrect repairs, compounding the problem. On the material side, rapid wear and tear of electrical components, corrosion of metal parts, and software-hardware integration issues create ongoing service challenges that require repeated interventions, increasing costs and downtime.

To prevent these recurring failures, automotive manufacturers and service providers need a structured visual Root Cause Analysis (RCA) application powered by Gen AI. Traditional troubleshooting methods often focus on short-term fixes rather than addressing underlying problems. ProSolvr enables teams to systematically analyze failures using Fishbone Diagrams, breaking them down into key factors like people, machines, materials, processes, and quality control. This approach helps identify inefficiencies, such as non-standardized diagnostic workflows, unstructured service protocols, and poor supplier quality control, allowing organizations to develop targeted Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) to eliminate recurring issues at their source.

By adopting ProSolvr’s structured problem-solving approach, manufacturers can reduce quality inconsistencies, warranty claims, and operational inefficiencies, while improving service reliability. With CAPA-driven solutions, organizations can prevent repeated failures, ensuring higher vehicle quality, lower maintenance costs, and improved customer trust. In an industry where precision and consistency are critical, leveraging Gen AI-powered RCA ensures that service issues don’t just get fixed—they get permanently resolved.

Recurring Service Issues

    • Man (People)
      • Labor Shortages
        • Work overload causing rushed repairs
        • Lack of skilled mechanics
        • High employee turnover
      • Human Error
        • Poor adherence to service manuals
        • Misdiagnosis of vehicle issues
        • Incorrect installation of parts
      • Lack of Training
        • Lack of up-to-date knowledge on new technology
        • Poor troubleshooting skills
        • Inadequate technical skills
    • Machine (Equipment)
      • Inconsistent Equipment Performance
        • Inconsistent torque application on fasteners
        • Sensor malfunctions in production lines
        • Variability in welding, painting, or assembly processes
      • Inefficient Service Tools
        • Lack of automation in service centers
        • Calibration issues leading to incorrect repairs
        • Inadequate diagnostic tools
      • Faulty Manufacturing Equipment
        • Outdated technology in the assembly line
        • Frequent breakdowns causing quality inconsistencies
        • Poorly maintained production machines
    • Material (Parts & Components)
      • Material Degradation
        • Rapid wear and tear of electrical components
        • Deterioration of rubber seals and gaskets
        • Corrosion or rusting of metal components
      • Incompatible Parts
        • Software-hardware integration issues in modern vehicles
        • Design mismatches leading to service failures
        • Incorrect component fitment
      • Defective Parts from Suppliers
        • Late supplier deliveries causing rushed production
        • Use of substandard raw materials
        • Poor supplier quality control
    • Method (Processes & Procedures)
      • Inefficient Service Procedures
        • Non-standardized diagnostic workflows
        • Unstructured service protocols causing delays
        • Lack of clear repair guidelines
      • Inconsistent Manufacturing Processes
        • Unstable process controls leading to defective units
        • Lack of standardized work procedures
        • Variability in assembly line operations
    • Measurement (Quality Control & Testing)
      • Delayed Feedback from Field Issues
        • Lack of systematic root cause analysis for repeated failures
        • Slow response to recall issues
        • Poor communication between service centers and manufacturers
      • Inconsistent Data Collection
        • Incomplete vehicle history logs
        • Lack of predictive maintenance analytics
        • Errors in service records and diagnostics
      • Inaccurate Inspection Methods
        • Incorrect measurement tolerances
        • Poor calibration of testing equipment
        • Faulty quality control tools
    • Environmental & External Factors
      • Regulatory & Compliance Challenges
        • Increased warranty claims due to legal factors
        • Country-specific compliance requirements
        • Changing emissions and safety regulations
      • Harsh Environmental Conditions
        • Road salt leading to corrosion
        • High humidity causing electrical failures
        • Extreme temperatures affecting vehicle performance

Suggested Actions Checklist

Here are some corrective actions, preventive actions and investigative actions that organizations may find useful:

    • Man (People)
      • Labor Shortages
        • Corrective Actions:
          • Redistribute workload to prevent rushed repairs.
          • Hire contract or temporary skilled mechanics to cover shortages.
          • Improve employee retention with better incentives and working conditions.
        • Preventive Actions:
          • Implement workforce planning to anticipate future labor demands.
          • Partner with technical schools to create a pipeline for skilled workers.
          • Develop competitive salary and benefits packages to reduce turnover.
        • Investigative Actions:
          • Conduct exit interviews to determine key reasons for employee turnover.
          • Analyze workload distribution to identify excessive strain on staff.
          • Investigate skill gaps and training deficiencies in new hires.
      • Human Error
        • Corrective Actions:
          • Reinforce adherence to service manuals through mandatory checklists.
          • Introduce double-check mechanisms to prevent misdiagnoses.
          • Provide refresher training for technicians on correct installation practices.
        • Preventive Actions:
          • Implement a quality control system to verify work accuracy before finalizing repairs.
          • Establish a peer review system where experienced staff verify complex repairs.
          • Use digital service guides and AI-powered diagnostics to reduce human errors.
        • Investigative Actions:
          • Review common errors in service records to identify recurring issues.
          • Investigate whether time pressures contribute to mistakes.
          • Conduct random audits on service procedures to assess adherence to guidelines.
      • Lack of Training
        • Corrective Actions:
          • Provide hands-on training on the latest vehicle technologies.
          • Establish troubleshooting workshops for common vehicle faults.
          • Enroll mechanics in certification programs to enhance technical skills.
        • Preventive Actions:
          • Develop an ongoing training program with periodic skill assessments.
          • Provide access to digital training platforms with the latest industry updates.
          • Assign mentors to junior technicians for on-the-job training.
        • Investigative Actions:
          • Assess training effectiveness by tracking the number of repeat repairs.
          • Identify skill gaps by analyzing technician performance data.
          • Investigate if outdated training materials are contributing to poor service quality.
    • Machine (Equipment)
      • Inconsistent Equipment Performance
        • Corrective Actions:
          • Standardize torque settings for fasteners and enforce calibration checks.
          • Replace or upgrade malfunctioning sensors in production lines.
          • Implement stricter process controls for welding, painting, and assembly.
        • Preventive Actions:
          • Conduct regular equipment maintenance to ensure consistent performance.
          • Install automated monitoring systems to detect process variations early.
          • Train operators to recognize early signs of equipment inconsistencies.
        • Investigative Actions:
          • Analyze trends in sensor failures and identify design flaws.
          • Investigate whether improper usage contributes to inconsistent performance.
          • Review historical performance data to detect patterns of equipment failure.
      • Inefficient Service Tools
        • Corrective Actions:
          • Introduce automated tools to improve service efficiency.
          • Recalibrate diagnostic equipment to enhance accuracy.
          • Upgrade inadequate tools to meet modern service requirements.
        • Preventive Actions:
          • Implement scheduled calibration and maintenance for service tools.
          • Regularly assess tool effectiveness and update as necessary.
          • Provide training for mechanics on best practices for using new tools.
        • Investigative Actions:
          • Evaluate tool usage logs to determine if inefficiencies stem from user error.
          • Investigate if current tools meet the evolving needs of modern vehicles.
          • Analyze past service failures linked to improper tool performance.
      • Faulty Manufacturing Equipment
        • Corrective Actions:
          • Upgrade outdated technology in the assembly line.
          • Replace or repair frequently malfunctioning machines.
          • Improve preventive maintenance practices for production equipment.
        • Preventive Actions:
          • Implement a predictive maintenance system to detect failures before they occur.
          • Perform routine inspections and servicing to prevent unexpected breakdowns.
          • Invest in modern, more reliable manufacturing equipment.
        • Investigative Actions:
          • Analyze breakdown frequency and identify root causes.
          • Investigate whether poor maintenance practices contribute to failures.
          • Review the impact of faulty equipment on product quality.
    • Material (Parts & Components)
      • Material Degradation
        • Corrective Actions:
          • Replace degraded materials with higher-quality alternatives.
          • Improve protective coatings to reduce wear and tear.
          • Use corrosion-resistant metals and reinforced rubber seals.
        • Preventive Actions:
          • Test materials under real-world conditions to ensure longevity.
          • Establish stricter material quality standards.
          • Store sensitive components in climate-controlled environments.
        • Investigative Actions:
          • Analyze material failure rates and contributing factors.
          • Investigate whether supplier-provided materials meet durability standards.
          • Examine environmental factors causing accelerated degradation.
      • Incompatible Parts
        • Corrective Actions:
          • Improve compatibility testing for new software and hardware integrations.
          • Adjust component design to fit correctly in vehicle assemblies.
          • Develop standardization guidelines for component sizing and connections.
        • Preventive Actions:
          • Conduct pre-assembly compatibility testing for all new parts.
          • Work closely with suppliers to ensure adherence to design specifications.
          • Implement stricter quality control in the procurement process.
        • Investigative Actions:
          • Investigate whether software updates cause compatibility issues.
          • Analyze warranty claims to identify common part incompatibility issues.
          • Review historical component failures linked to design mismatches.
    • Method (Processes & Procedures)
      • Inefficient Service Procedures
        • Corrective Actions:
          • Standardize diagnostic workflows for consistency.
          • Streamline service protocols to minimize delays.
          • Develop clear and structured repair guidelines.
        • Preventive Actions:
          • Regularly update service procedures based on industry best practices.
          • Use automation tools to speed up diagnostics and repairs.
          • Train mechanics to follow standardized processes.
        • Investigative Actions:
          • Review service logs to identify frequent inefficiencies.
          • Conduct time-and-motion studies to optimize workflows.
          • Investigate how unstructured processes contribute to delays.
    • Measurement (Quality Control & Testing)
      • Delayed Feedback from Field Issues
        • Corrective Actions:
          • Establish faster reporting channels for service centers to manufacturers.
          • Create a real-time data-sharing platform for recall issues.
          • Implement a dedicated team for root cause analysis of recurring failures.
        • Preventive Actions:
          • Develop a systematic issue-tracking system for recurring problems.
          • Enhance collaboration between field service teams and quality control engineers.
          • Introduce automated alerts for field-reported issues.
        • Investigative Actions:
          • Analyze feedback loops to identify delays in issue resolution.
          • Investigate the effectiveness of current recall response strategies.
          • Review how miscommunication contributes to prolonged issue resolution.
    • Environmental & External Factors
      • Regulatory & Compliance Challenges
        • Corrective Actions:
          • Revise warranty policies to comply with legal changes.
          • Adapt vehicle designs to meet new safety and emissions standards.
          • Work with regulatory bodies to streamline compliance approvals.
        • Preventive Actions:
          • Stay updated on global regulatory trends to anticipate changes.
          • Incorporate compliance checks early in the design process.
          • Develop a regulatory task force to ensure ongoing compliance.
        • Investigative Actions:
          • Analyze recent regulatory changes and their impact on production.
          • Investigate how compliance failures contribute to warranty claims.
          • Review historical non-compliance cases to identify recurring gaps.
      • Harsh Environmental Conditions
        • Corrective Actions:
          • Apply advanced anti-corrosion coatings for road salt resistance.
          • Improve insulation on electrical systems to withstand humidity.
          • Optimize vehicle cooling and heating systems for extreme climates.
        • Preventive Actions:
          • Conduct weather simulation tests to ensure durability in different climates.
          • Use climate-resistant materials for vehicle components.
          • Develop region-specific maintenance guidelines for extreme environments.
        • Investigative Actions:
          • Analyze failure patterns in extreme weather conditions.
          • Investigate material weaknesses contributing to weather-related failures.
          • Assess how environmental conditions affect long-term vehicle performance.
 

Who can use the Recurring Service Issues template?

  • Automobile Manufacturers: Engineers and production managers can use RCA to improve vehicle designs, manufacturing processes, and quality control, reducing recurring failures and enhancing product reliability.
  • Automobile Service Technicians and Mechanics: Technicians can apply RCA to improve diagnostic skills, avoid common mistakes, and follow standardized repair procedures to reduce service issues.
  • Quality Assurance and Control Teams: QA and QC teams can refine testing procedures, identify production weak points, and implement proactive measures to prevent defects and recurring issues.
  • Supply Chain Managers: Supply chain managers can analyze RCA to improve supplier quality control, streamline procurement, and prevent material-related problems from affecting product quality.
  • Training and Development Managers: HR and training managers can identify gaps in skills or knowledge and create better training programs to reduce errors and improve employee performance.
  • Regulatory and Compliance Officers: Compliance officers can use RCA to understand the impact of regulatory changes and ensure the company stays compliant, minimizing service failures linked to non-compliance.

Why use this template?

An application like ProSolvr, which use fishbone diagrams powered by GEN-AI, provide a structured yet dynamic approach to problem-solving. It can analyze complex problems by categorizing potential causes and guiding users through a logical progression of inquiries based on Six Sigma principles. Using such AI-powered root cause analysis applications helps automate the analysis of complex issues and ensures consistency across problem-solving processes. By systematically addressing underlying causes and continuously updating corrective, preventive, and investigative actions (CAPA), organizations can implement lasting solutions for their automobile plants.

Use ProSolvr by smartQED for efficient problem-solving in your organization.

Curated from community experience and public sources:

  • https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/aftersales-automotive-challenges-opportunities-ahead-adrien-dooremont/
  • https://webengage.com/blog/retaining-customers-in-the-automotive-industry/