As the U.S. auto industry continues its post-pandemic recovery, it's still experiencing some side effects, mainly related to new-vehicle dependability. Among the major pain points are glitchy infotainment technology, annoying driver-assistance system alerts, and a disproportionate number of problems experienced by owners of electric vehicles (EVs).
According to the J.D. Power 2024 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which measures problems experienced by original owners during the third year of ownership, vehicle owners are experiencing lower levels of vehicle dependability. Indeed, owners experienced 190 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) in the 2024 study—an increase of 4 PP100 from 2023. Further, nearly two-thirds of brands measured in the study experienced a dip in long-term quality compared to last year.
Initial Quality is a Strong Prognosticator of Long-Term Dependability
J.D. Power's research shows a strong correlation between initial quality and long-term dependability. Typically, the models that perform well in the company's Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at problems experienced during the first 90 days of ownership, carry over that success in the VDS.
However, according to the 2024 VDS, the rate at which problems have increased between 90 days and three years of ownership has risen to 17 percent—up 5 percentage points from 12 percent in 2023.
"Historically, VDS model results mirror the results of the respective model year in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, so a deterioration of vehicle dependability is unusual," said Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power. "This can likely be attributed to the tumultuous time during which these vehicles were built, and owners are keeping their vehicles for much longer…which underscores the importance of building a vehicle designed to stand the test of time."
Problems with Infotainment Systems Most Prevalent
Among the nine major vehicle categories measured in the 2024 VDS, owners experience the most problems with their infotainment systems. At 49.1 PP100, owners experience nearly twice as many problems with their infotainment systems as the next-highest category, Exterior.
According to consumers, the major pain points with infotainment systems are Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity (6.3 PP100) and problems with the built-in voice-recognition system (6.1 PP100).
Irritating Driver-Assistance System Alerts
As automakers continue rolling out new advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), presumably to make drivers' lives easier, many owners are having difficulty adjusting to the technology. One primary source of their discontent is the associated warnings accompanying these various technologies. Indeed, the number of problems related to ADAS alerts has increased between the IQS ownership period (90 days) and the 2024 VDS (third year).
"Many would think that after three years, owners would become used to the alerts on their vehicle," Hanley said. "However, that is not the case. Increased problem levels are experienced across multiple driver-assistance features including, but not limited to, lane-departure warning/lane-keeping assistance and forward-collision warning/automatic emergency braking."
EV Owners Experience More Problems
Undoubtedly, the global auto industry is shifting toward electrification. But as the Vehicle Dependability Study has shown over the years, cutting-edge technology brings new challenges related to long-term vehicle quality. Perhaps not surprisingly, the results of the 2024 VDS bear this out.
According to the study, owners of gas-powered and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) experience fewer problems than battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). While BEV and PHEV owners experience 256 PP100 and 216 PP100, respectively, HEV (191 PP100) and gasoline vehicle (187 PP100) owners fare significantly better.
Interestingly, BEV owners had to replace their tires during the third year of ownership at nearly twice the rate of gas-powered vehicles—39 percent to 20 percent. That may be attributable to EVs being heavier than their gas-powered counterparts.
Top-rated Makes and Models for Vehicle Dependability
According to the 2024 VDS, the following mass-market brands provide the best dependability after three years of ownership:
- Toyota (147 PP100)
- Buick (149 PP100)
- Chevrolet (174 PP100)
- Mini (174 PP100)
Top-ranked premium brands include:
- Lexus (135 PP100)
- Porsche (175 PP100)
- BMW (190 PP100)
The most dependable cars include:
These are the best mass-market SUV, minivan, and truck models in each category for dependability:
These are the best premium SUV, minivan, and truck models in each category for dependability:
- Small Premium SUV—BMW X1
- Compact Premium SUV—Lexus NX
- Midsize Premium SUV—Lexus RX
- Upper Midsize Premium SUV—BMW X6
Summary
As consumers demand more technology in their new vehicles and EVs continue to proliferate, the march toward high-tech electrified cars, trucks, and SUVs is proving to be a double-edged sword, significantly impacting long-term vehicle quality.
To learn more about the most dependable models from the 2024 VDS, you can also read expert reviews and view ratings for each.
Jeff Youngs has over 25 years of experience in the auto industry, including 19 years with J.D. Power in marketing and editorial management roles. He also spent nearly six years as a media relations pro with General Motors. As a freelance automotive journalist, his work has appeared on JDPower.com, CarGurus, Kelley Blue Book, Autotrader, Autolist, and iSeeCars.
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