In the latest J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, Lexus and Toyota emerge as top performers, despite an overall decrease in vehicle dependability across the board. The survey, which garnered responses from over 30,000 owners of 2021 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership, highlights infotainment technologies as a significant source of driver dissatisfaction. Systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are particularly problematic, reflecting a broader trend in the industry.
For the second consecutive year, Lexus claims the highest overall ranking in the premium brand category, followed by Porsche and BMW. In the mass market segment, Toyota secures the top position, with Buick coming in second and Chevrolet and Mini tying for third. Interestingly, the report notes a decline in long-term vehicle dependability, with an increase in reported problems for nearly two-thirds of the brands included in the study.
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Even electric vehicles (EVs) are not exempt from dependability issues, with full EVs proving to be the most troublesome, followed by plug-in hybrids. Surprisingly, hybrids and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles fare better in this regard. Notably, battery-powered electric vehicle owners express dissatisfaction with tire issues, with a significant percentage reporting tire replacements within the past 12 months.
In terms of brand rankings, Toyota garners the most model-level awards, with nine recognitions for various models, including Lexus and Toyota vehicles. General Motors also receives accolades, with four segment awards for Buick and Chevrolet models, while BMW earns two segment awards.
Conversely, brands such as Volkswagen, Land Rover, Audi, and Chrysler find themselves at the bottom of the survey. Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power, attributes the unusual deterioration in vehicle dependability to the challenging circumstances under which these vehicles were built. With owners holding onto their vehicles for longer periods, the average age of vehicles on American roads underscores the importance of durability and longevity.
The survey, now in its 35th year, meticulously covers 184 specific problem areas across nine major vehicle categories. However, it’s important to note that the methodology employed by J.D. Power does not weigh the severity of the problems, leading to a lack of distinction between minor infotainment issues and more critical mechanical failures. Nevertheless, it’s clear that infotainment problems constitute a significant portion of the reported issues, reflecting the growing complexity of in-car technology.
