J.D. Power 2024 Vehicle Dependability Survey Results Announced

 

The J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS) has revealed that vehicle owners are experiencing lower levels of vehicle dependability after three years of ownership. The study found that the industry average has increased 4 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) year over year to 190 PP100 from 2023. The rate at which problems have increased between 90 days and three years of ownership has increased to 17%, up 5 percentage points from 12% in 2023. This decline in vehicle dependability is unusual, as the VDS model results mirror the results of the respective model year in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study. The study covers 184 specific problem areas across nine major vehicle categories, including climate, driving assistance, driving experience, exterior, features/controls/displays, infotainment, interior, powertrain, and seats.

The 2024 study reveals that the most problematic vehicle category is infotainment, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity being the top problem. Annoyance with driver assistance alerts has increased over time, with problems experienced across multiple features such as lane departure warnings and forward collision warnings. Electrified vehicles, such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), are more problematic than gas-powered and hybrid vehicles. BEVs are most troublesome, with 256 PP100 of problems, followed by PHEVs at 216 PP100. Hybrids and gasoline vehicles fare better, with 19% of owners replacing tires in the past 12 months. Toyota Motor Corporation wins the most segment awards, with nine awards since 2017. The top three brands showing the greatest improvement in the number of problems are Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota. These findings highlight the ongoing issues with vehicle technology and the need for improved safety features.

Lexus has ranked highest overall in vehicle dependability for a second consecutive year, with a score of 135 PP100. Among premium brands, Porsche and BMW are second and third. Toyota ranks highest in the mass market segment with a score of 147 PP100, followed by Buick, Chevrolet, and MINI. Toyota Motor Corporation receives the most model-level awards, with nine models. General Motors Company receives four segment awards for Buick Encore, Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse, and Chevrolet Tahoe, while BMW AG receives two segment awards for BMW X1 and BMW X6. The 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study was conducted from August to November 2023.