Automakers can push out all the cars they want, but a reputation for poor quality can stick with them. Stellantis is responding to recent quality concerns by hiring 2,000 new engineers, a move CEO Antonio Filosa calls a “deep reset” as the company prepares to roll out new models. This isn’t just about adding staff; it’s about shifting the entire corporate focus.
Addressing Past Operational Issues
During a February earnings call, Filosa stated that Stellantis is actively restructuring its processes to correct problems stemming from previous decisions. The company’s leadership is making quality a priority, evidenced by the inclusion of Chief Quality Officer Sebastien Jacquet on the strategic leadership team. This signals a fundamental change: quality is no longer an afterthought, but a core business objective.
A Mixed Record Signals the Need for Change
Stellantis’ quality performance has been volatile. Dodge topped the J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study in both 2020 and 2023, but fell to last place in 2021 before rebounding to seventh in 2025. Meanwhile, Chrysler and Ram consistently scored below average in recent studies measuring problems reported within the first 90 days of ownership.
This inconsistency is unusual. Older models like the Chrysler Pacifica and Dodge Durango, despite their history, are experiencing issues, while newer models like the redesigned Ram 1500 are facing typical “growing pains.” This suggests that recent cost-cutting measures may have undermined engineering resources, as some dealers claim.
The Trade-Off Between Innovation and Reliability
New vehicle launches, redesigns, and the integration of new technologies are known to introduce problems. Jake Fisher, director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center, points out that highly reliable automakers tend to rely on stable platforms and carryover powertrains. This is a trade-off: innovation can bring issues, while sticking to proven designs minimizes risk.
Some dealers believe the quality problems trace back to cost-cutting under former CEO Carlos Tavares. Sean Hogan, chairman of the Stellantis National Dealer Council, believes that reducing engineering resources while maintaining quality expectations was unsustainable. “When you make those cuts that Tavares did, and you still want the same quality, it’s just not going to happen,” Hogan stated.
Simplicity as a Path to Stability
Stellantis is now leaning towards simpler, proven hardware in some cases. The recent reintroduction of the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 in the Ram 1500 is an example of this strategy. Despite being less powerful and fuel-efficient, this engine has a long track record of reliability, and buyers are responding positively. This suggests that many customers prioritize dependability over raw performance.
Ultimately, Stellantis is streamlining production to improve quality and customer satisfaction. The addition of 2,000 engineers is a concrete step towards that goal. The company recognizes that fixing past mistakes requires significant investment, and it appears willing to make it.
