By Dave Bean, Content Editor, FMW
February 26, 2025
Technology issues continue to dog vehicle ratings, as reported in the recently released J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS). The venerable survey quizzes buyers of luxury and mass market vehicles after three years of ownership. A 6% uptick overall in vehicle problems was reported from last year’s edition of the study. According to J.D. Power, the spike is largely a result of owners of mass market vehicles expressing dissatisfaction with various software components.
The findings of this year’s VDS is consistent with the results of the J.D. Power 2022 Initial Quality Study, which recorded early vehicle problems on what was then new 2022 model-year vehicles.
“While the increase in problems this year may be a thorn in the side of automakers and owners, it’s important to remember that today’s three-year-old vehicles were built during a time when the industry was grappling with major disruptions,” said Jason Norton, director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power. “Supply chain issues, record-high vehicle prices, and personnel disruption in the wake of the pandemic were problematic.”
The 36th annual incarnation of the VDS revealed the following top line results:
- Software Challenges: Connectivity to both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto continue to be the main culprits frustrating vehicle owners. Built-in Bluetooth systems and Wi-Fi are also reported to be sources of dissatisfaction.
- Mobile Device Problems: Using or connecting smartphones to their vehicles are also responsible for owners expressing disillusionment. As an adjunct, the speed with which smartphone technology is evolving is contributing to the problem. Further, connecting or reconnecting a new phone and then needing to update the necessary vehicle software over-the-air may not be easing these challenges.
- BEVs vs. PHEVs: Battery electric vehicle owners are reporting fewer problems while owners of plug-in hybrid vehicles are citing more problems.
Per usual, J.D. Power utilizes the results of the 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study to determine which makes and models are recipients of their coveted awards. In this case, those vehicles reporting the fewest problems take home the trophies. Here are the leading category winners:
Highest Ranked Premium Brands
- Lexus (which was highest overall brand in vehicle dependability)
- Cadillac
- Porsche
Highest Ranked Mass Market Brands
- Buick
- Mazda
- Toyota
Most Dependable Model Overall: Toyota Avalon
(chart: J.D. Power)
To read the full J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study press release, click here.
To learn more about the U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, visit https://www.jdpower.com/business/automotive/us-vehicle-dependability-study.
