Entertainment technologies involving connectivity — from systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — are among the most challenging issues for drivers, according to a recent J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Survey.
The research places Lexus in the top spot in the luxury brand category for the second year in a row in terms of overall vehicle reliability. Porsche and BMW follow closely behind in second and third place respectively.
Based on feedback from 30,595 owners of 2021 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership, the study reveals a decline in long-term vehicle dependability, with an increase in reported problems for almost two-thirds of the brands included.
Even electric vehicles are not exempt from reliability issues, as per Power. Fully electric vehicles pose the most challenges, followed by plug-in hybrids; Hybrids and traditional internal combustion engine vehicles fare better. After three years of ownership, electric vehicle owners express frustration with tire issues, with 39 percent indicating they had to replace tires in the last year — a 19 percentage point increase compared to gas-powered vehicle owners.
Regarding brand ratings, Toyota leads the way in the mainstream market segment, with Buick in second place, while Chevrolet and Mini are tied for third. The top three brands that show the most progress in reducing problems are Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota.
Toyota as the parent company receives the most awards at the model level, with nine: Lexus ES, Lexus IS, Lexus NX, Lexus RX, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Tacoma, and Toyota Tundra. General Motors secures four segment awards for Buick Encore, Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse, and Chevrolet Tahoe. BMW takes home two segment awards for BMW X1 and BMW X6.
At the bottom of the survey rankings are (in order) Volkswagen, Land Rover, Audi, and Chrysler.
“Normally, VDS model results reflect the respective model year’s results in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, so a decrease in vehicle dependability is uncommon,” noted Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power. “This may be attributed to the turbulent period during which these vehicles were manufactured, with owners holding onto their vehicles for much longer. In fact, the average age of vehicles on American roads today is approximately 12 years, emphasizing the importance of creating vehicles designed to last.”
The dependability study, now in its 35th year, covers 184 specific problem areas across nine main vehicle categories: climate; driving assistance; driving experience; exterior; features/controls/displays; infotainment; interior; powertrain; and seats. It’s important to note that Power’s approach does not differentiate between the severity of issues, so it doesn’t distinguish between a finicky infotainment system and a major engine or transmission problem. As mentioned earlier, infotainment challenges make up the majority of the reported issues.
Explore the complete survey at J.D. Power for further insights.
FAQ
Q: Which brands have shown the most improvement in reducing problems according to the survey?
A: Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota have shown the most progress in reducing problems according to the survey results.
Q: What are the top issues faced by electric vehicle owners?
A: Electric vehicle owners commonly face challenges with tire issues after three years of ownership.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Survey highlights the evolving landscape of vehicle reliability, with a particular focus on the impact of infotainment technologies. The study emphasizes the importance of designing vehicles that are built to last and stand the test of time, especially considering the increasing average age of vehicles on American roads. Brands continue to strive for improvement in reducing problems and enhancing overall dependability, with notable achievements and challenges identified across various segments. For a comprehensive overview of the survey results and insights into specific brand performances, we recommend exploring the complete report on J.D. Power’s website.
