Severity - The degree in which the Potential Effects of failure may impact the customer.
The degree is based on a scale of 1 – 10.
The higher the number, the worse the severity.
i.e. A defective casting that causes a warranty return is more severe than a cracked core.
Note: There can be various degrees of severity within a defect category. A casting leaker can be a warranty return or detected “in house”. The severity rating should be based on the worst possible case. (warranty)
The team developing the PFMEA should develop the severity ranking based on the Powertrain suggested values. The key is to be consistent once the rating scale is established and have the scale documented. The information then becomes a “library” for future use.