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| Lexus has been at the top of the J.D. Power survey for six consecutive years. |
As vehicle quality improves, balky tech remains
a problem
Lexus and Porsche are the auto brands that
showed the fewest problems after three years of ownership, though technology
troubles continue to drag down dependability ratings overall, a new survey from
research firm J.D. Power finds.
On average, owners of 2014 models reported
156 issues per 100 cars in the past 12 months, up four from last year’s survey,
J.D. Power says in the 2017 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study.
Some 22% of the problems involved balky tech,
whether it was related to audio systems, communication, infotainment or
navigation. Last year, the figure was 20%.
Most problems involved smartphones and other
devices that refused to pair through Bluetooth and voice-recognition systems
that had trouble recognizing voices. Next came batteries that failed or wore
out prematurely.
Interestingly, the 10 bestselling models also
averaged fewer problems, some 134 per 100 cars. The best-selling truck, the
Ford F-150, and car, Toyota Camry, led their respective categories. “Buyers are
increasingly avoiding models with poor reputations for dependability, so manufacturers
can’t afford to let their quality slip,” Dave Sargent, vice president of global
automotive at J.D. Power, said in a statement.
As for best brands, Lexus and Porsche tied
for first place for fewest problems with 110 per 100 cars. Lexus has been at
the top for six consecutive years. The worst brand was Fiat, with 298 per 100
cars, followed by Jeep and Infiniti.
Toyota and Buick came in third and fourth,
respectively, marking strong showings for non-luxury brands.
“The good news is consumers don’t
have to spend a lot of money to get a very dependable vehicle,” Sargent said.
The most improved brand was Hyundai, which
shed 25 problems per 100 vehicles to come in at 133. It ranked sixth, up from
19th last year. Power says it was Hyundai’s best-ever showing. Dodge and Ford
improved by 21 problems per 100 vehicles, and Land Rover was up by 20.
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