Ford's Q1 program is one of the automotive industry's most established supplier certification programs. It layers customer-specific requirements on top of IATF 16949 baseline, and Q1 status directly affects which Tier 1 suppliers get shortlisted for new program awards at Ford Motor Company and Lincoln.
This guide covers what Q1 actually requires in 2026, the six scorecard dimensions Ford tracks, how the Global 8D format and GIR response cycles work, and how suppliers prepare for Q1 audits. For scoping calls, contact IDS at 905-260-2388.
What Q1 Status Actually Means
Q1 is Ford's supplier quality certification program. Suppliers achieve Q1 status by demonstrating consistent performance across six scorecard dimensions, compliance with Ford customer-specific requirements, and successful completion of Q1 audits. Suppliers without Q1 status face limited program access, elevated scrutiny during PPAP submissions, and often exclusion from new program sourcing.
The Six Q1 Scorecard Dimensions
1. PPM (Parts Per Million)
Customer-confirmed defects divided by parts shipped. Rolled to a 12-month trend. Ford maintains PPM targets by commodity, and suppliers below the target consistently earn Q1 credit. Chronic PPM issues are the fastest path to Q1 status loss.
2. Warranty Performance
Field claims per thousand vehicles attributed to the supplier's components. Includes 3/36 claims and long-term durability claims. Warranty performance drives long-term Q1 standing more than short-term PPM.
3. GIR Response and Closure
Number and severity of Global Issue Reports issued, time to closure, and effectiveness of corrective actions. This metric punishes suppliers twice: once for the event, again for slow recovery. See our 24/7 emergency response guide.
4. Launch Performance
PPAP timing, launch-window PPM, and delivery reliability during pre-SOP through the first 90 days of production. See launch readiness checklist.
5. Delivery Performance
On-time delivery percentage against Ford scheduling requirements. Weighted moderately but persistent delivery misses compound with quality issues.
6. Cost Management
Cost reduction commitments met over the program lifetime. Not a quality metric per se but Q1 status considers total supplier value delivery.
Ford Global 8D Format
Ford mandates Global 8D format for all corrective action reports. Q1 audits verify meaningful D5 (permanent corrective action) and D6 (verification) discipline. Poorly prepared 8Ds trigger repeat audits and Q1 status impact. See 8D reports customers actually accept.
GIR Response Cycle Standards
- Same-day acknowledgment of the initial GIR notification
- 24 to 48 hour on-site presence for material events at the customer plant
- Formal closure within Ford SQA target windows (varies by concern severity)
- Verification data included in D6 closure with statistically meaningful sample sizes
How Suppliers Lose Q1 Status
Q1 status loss usually follows one of three patterns: chronic PPM performance below target, repeated slow GIR response cycles, or a major launch performance miss. Once Q1 status is lost, recovery typically takes 12 to 18 months of demonstrated performance improvement across scorecard dimensions.
Preparing for a Q1 Audit
- Document current PPM performance against Ford targets by commodity
- Prepare recent 8D reports in Ford Global 8D format for audit review
- Verify GIR response cycle metrics are within Ford SQA target windows
- Compile launch performance data from the last 12 months
- Have IATF 16949 certification current and available for auditor review
- Prepare customer-specific requirements documentation for Ford CSRs