Customer service is at an all-time low and customer satisfaction in dealing with a product or service issue is just as low, about 40 percent with two of three consumers likely to experience rage during an interaction with a customer service rep. About 54 percent of gift recipients this past holiday season will be dealing with at least one problem regarding a gift or service received from a friend or family member.

The Volkswagen emissions cheating scandal has tanked the company's stock price, ousted its top executive and could ultimately cost the world's top automaker tens of billions of dollars. It may also destroy the credibility of diesel technology from all automakers.