(J.D. Power: Westlake Village, CA) -- Heavy-duty truck engine quality has improved from 2010, after technology changes related to emissions standards revisions caused a spike in engine-related problems during recent years, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 U.S. Heavy-Duty Truck Engine and Transmission Study.

Now in its 14th year, the study measures satisfaction among primary maintainers with engines and transmissions in heavy-duty (Class 8) trucks that are one model-year old. Satisfaction is measured based on eight key factors: engine reliability and dependability; engine warranty; acceleration when fully loaded; electronic control module; accessibility to components for service or maintenance; vibration at idle; maintaining speeds on grades; and average fuel economy.

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