Dependability is one of the key factors that are used to describe a vehicle’s quality in the long term. The annual J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study is arguably the most reliable source that ranks vehicles based on how dependable they are, and it is very influential among consumers, often affecting their car-buying decision-making process. It has a long-standing tradition of rating vehicle dependability and it helps consumers make an informed decision when buying a car, with results that are based on the number and type of problems reported by vehicle owners, themselves.
The study rates cars by taking into account 177 specific problems in a total of eight categories, including:
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engine/transmission;
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interior;
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driving experience;
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audio/communication/entertainment/navigation (ACEN);
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heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC);
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features/controls/displays (FCD);
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exterior;
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seats.
Lexus at the Top for the Fifth Year Running
Just like in the previous four studies, Lexus is the most dependable brand in the latest J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability rankings. Toyota’s luxury brand tops the 2016 rankings in a study that focuses on cars and trucks from the 2013 model year, surveying a total of 33,560 original owners, who have reported all problems in the above-mentioned categories that they have experienced over the past 12 months.
Researchers rate each model’s dependability based on the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100). Lexus earned the top spot with a score of 95 problems per 100 vehicles, followed by Porsche, with 97 problems per 100 vehicles, with Buick (106 PP100), Toyota (113 PP100) and GMC (120 PP100) rounding out the top five.
The fact that Lexus was voted most dependable brand is not surprising at all, given that luxury brands are almost always considered to be highly dependable, and much more so than mainstream marques.
In-Vehicle Technologies Affecting Dependability
In addition to rating different models on how dependable they are, the study also reveals the most common problems that make a vehicle less dependable. The 2016 study underscores how some of the latest technology features that are designed to improve the riding experience affect vehicle dependability.
The most common issues that were reported by respondents in the J.D. Power survey are related to in-car connectivity, navigation technology, and infotainment systems. The report states that 20% of respondents had problems that fall into the audio/communication/entertainment/navigation (ACEN) category.
“The increase in technology-related problems has two sources,” Renee Stephens, vice president of U.S. automotive at J.D. Power, noted. “Usability problems that customers reported during their first 90 days of ownership are still bothering them three years later in ever-higher numbers. At the same time, the penetration of these features has increased year over year.”
Specifically, 53% of owners said that they have experienced problems when trying to connect or pair a mobile device to their cars via Bluetooth, whereas voice recognition software issues were the second most common problem reported by respondents.
Consumer Confidence in Technology Bound to Affect Sales
“The decline in reliability coupled with a record number of vehicle recalls and safety-related complaints affect consumer confidence,” said Stephens. “Dependability has a direct impact on purchase decisions and brand loyalty.”
On the other hand, the findings from the study suggest that the number of problems related to a car’s engine or transmission has decreased, which is good news for consumers.
The most important takeaway from this study is the fact that consumer satisfaction with in-car technologies is dropping, which may affect future sales figures for many automakers. Features that have to do with infotainment, navigation, and connectivity are some of the most significant aspects that car buyers take into account, so this study might serve as a warning to manufacturers to work on improving their in-vehicle technology solutions.