Ford Tweaks Troubled Touch-Screen System Again

Ford Motor Co. plans to upgrade the software of its touch-screen infotainment system for the second time this year. It also is extending warranty coverage on the two-year-old technology.

Consumers like the concept of MyFord Touch, which enables them to control a plethora of navigation, music and HVAC operations with a touch screen or voice commands.

But owners have complained since the technology's introduction in 2010 that the touch screen is slow, complicated and error-prone. Problems with the system have caused Ford's quality scores to plummet. And a software update in March was dismissed as ineffective by Consumer Reports magazine.

Earlier upgrades simplified screen graphics, enlarged the font size for text and sped up response time. Mark Fields, president of Ford Americas, tells reporters at the Los Angeles auto show that the latest update will improve the system's voice recognition and navigation features and make it easier to connect wireless devices via Bluetooth.

Ford plans to begin rolling out the software fixes next month to more than 1 million owners.

The company also is extending warranties on the technology. In Ford brand vehicles, coverage is now five years and unlimited mileage instead of three years and 36,000 miles. Lincoln brand vehicles are now covered for six years and unlimited mileage from five years and 50,000 miles.