Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - Feb. 27, 2015
J.D. Power released its annual Vehicle Dependability Survey with similar results as prior years. According to their release, Bluetooth connectivity and voice recognition issues are the most frequently reported problems after three years of ownership. Study findings show that technology is playing an increasingly critical role in owners’ perceptions of overall vehicle reliability, which, in turn, is impacting their likelihood to repurchase the same brand next time around.
The study considers problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of 2012 model-year vehicles. Overall dependability is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality. The study has been enhanced in 2015 to better measure the quality of today’s vehicles, particularly related to new technologies and features now being offered. The study covers 177 specific problem symptoms grouped into eight major vehicle categories.
The top two problems reported by owners are Bluetooth pairing/connectivity and built-in voice recognition systems misinterpreting commands. These are also the most frequent problems reported by owners at 90 days, according to the J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Initial Quality Study.
While J.D. Power may have weighted the study towards connectivity issues, I have more advanced problems with Toyota vehicles than any other when it comes to smartphone connectivity and integration from a short one week review standpoint.
Technology now impacts overall dependability and impacts repurchase intent. The study finds that 56 percent of owners who report no problems with their vehicle say they “definitely will” purchase the same brand next time, compared with 43 percent of those who report three or more problems. Together with the fact that 15 percent of new-vehicle buyers indicate they avoided a model because it lacked the latest technological features — up from 4 percent in 2014 — plays a key role in affecting future purchase decisions.
J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study Findings
Smartphone Connectivity - Among owners who experienced a Bluetooth pairing/connectivity problem, 55 percent say that their vehicle would not recognize their phone, and 31 percent say the phone would not automatically connect when entering their vehicle.
Personal inclusion: With the latest smartphones in hand including LG G2 and G3s, Samsung S4s and S5s, and iPhone 5s, pairing for phone use has not been a problem with Chrysler, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Kia, Honda, Nissan and Toyota products. When it comes to phone book uploads and solid internet interaction – iHeart radio and Pandora - connectivity, I have more problems with Japanese makes than the Korean’s, Europeans and Domestics. This is a personal experience with 29014 and 2015 vehicles.
The number of engine/transmission problems remains unusually high in this day and age with nearly 30 percent of the respondents reporting powertrain problems are a result of automatic transmission hesitation and rough shifting.
Six of the top 10 problems are design-related as opposed to defects or malfunctions.
By vehicle category, the most frequently reported problems are related to exterior, followed by engine/transmission and audio/communication/entertainment/navigation.
Overall vehicle dependability industry-wide averages 147 PP100, or approximately 1.5 problems per vehicle.
vs.
J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study Highest-Ranked Makes and Models
Lexus ranks highest in vehicle dependability among all nameplates for a fourth consecutive year, with a score of 89 PP100.
Buick (110 PP100) follows Lexus in the rankings, moving up three rank positions from 2014.
Following Buick in the rankings are Toyota (111 PP100), Cadillac (114 PP100), and Honda and Porsche in a tie (116 PP100 each).
Notable rank improvements from 2014 include Scion (121 PP100), improving by 13 rank positions from 2014; Ram (134 PP100), improving 11 rank positions; and Mitsubishi (140 PP100), improving 10 rank positions.
GM models receiving an award include the Buick LaCrosse; Chevrolet Camaro; Chevrolet Malibu; Chevrolet Silverado HD; GMC Sierra LD; GMC Terrain; and GMC Yukon.
Toyota awardees include the Lexus ES; Lexus GX; Scion tC; Scion xB; Scion xD; Toyota Corolla; and Toyota Sienna.
The 2015 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study is based on responses from more than 34,000 original owners of 2012 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership. The study was fielded in November and December 2014.
Top Three Model Scores in Each Segment according to J.D. Power.
Subcompact
- Scion xD
- Toyota Yaris
- Honda Fit
Compact
- Toyota Corolla
- Nissan LEAF
- Honda Civic
Compact Premium
- Lexus ES
- Lincoln MKZ
- Lexus CT 200h
Compact Sport
- Scion tC
- VW Eos
- Mini Cooper
Midsize
- Chevrolet Malibu
- Nissan Altima
- Toyota Camry
Midsize Sport
- Chevrolet Camaro
- Ford Mustang
Midsize Premium
- MB E-Class
- Lincoln MKS
- Infiniti M
Large
- Buick LaCrosse
- Toyota Avalon
- Ford Taurus
Subcompact CUV
- Kia Sportage
- Hyundai Tucson
- Jeep Patriot
Compact CUV
- GMC Terrain
- Toyota FJ Cruiser
- Toyota RAV4
Compact Premium
- MB GLK
- Acura RDX
- BMW X3
Compact MPV
- Scion xB
- Mazda5
- Toyota Prius v
Midsize CUV
- Nissan Murano
- Buick Enclave
- Toyota Highlander
- Toyota Venza
Midsize Premium CUV
- Lexus GX
- Lexus RX
- Cadillac SRX
Midsize Pickup
- Honda Ridgeline
- Nissan Frontier
- Toyota Tacoma
Minivan
- Toyota Sienna
- Honda Odyssey
Large SUV
- GMC Yukon
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Chevroelt Suburban
Large Light Duty Pickup
- GMC Sierra
- Chevroelt Silverado
- RAM 1500
Large Heavy Duty Pickup
- Chevrolet Silverado
- GMC Sierra
2015 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study
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