The J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) looks at vehicles from 2020 regarding quality, component replacement and overall appeal. This also includes measures for new vehicle technology. The better a car or truck performs in the study, the more likely it is to last longer and even secure a higher resale value when the time comes to sell or trade-in.
“The used-vehicle market has helped sustain dealers’ profitability in the past couple of years, but they need to know which vehicles to have on their lots,” said Jonathan Banks, vice president and general manager of vehicle valuations at J.D. Power. “Having vehicles with strong dependability scores will nurture a positive brand perception and drive foot traffic.”
This year’s study report reveals that vehicle owners were more satisfied with their mass market vehicles than owners in the premium segment. But that result is largely driven by frustration with new technology, which is more often present in premium vehicles than in more mainstream cars. With new technology comes a new learning curve which can be complex and frustrating. That frustration was apparently evident in the scores given to higher-end cars and trucks.
Many of the features contributing to lower scores include those found in infotainment systems. Of particular note are connectivity issues with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth systems. In addition, outdated maps and voice recognition systems also caused negative owner reactions. These issues magnify how crucial it is for OEMs to keep these features up-to-date via over-the-air updates.
But satisfaction with newer technology wasn’t the only key factor in determining a vehicle’s dependability. Vehicles requiring fewer component replacements scored higher than those that needed component replacements more often. This is especially noteworthy where key fobs, brake rotors and light bulbs of all kinds were concerned. The longer these parts lasted, the more satisfied owners were with the vehicle overall.
Among the key findings in The J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) are:
- The Toyota C-HR and Lexus RX tied for the most dependable models in the study.
- Ram, Volvo and Nissan showed the greatest improvement in terms of number of problems.
- Highest Ranked Premium Brands: Lexus, Genesis, Cadillac, BMW
- Highest Ranked Mass Market Brands: Kia, Buick, Chevrolet, Mitsubishi, Toyota
To download The J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) press release, click here
