Top 10 Most Dependable Automakers of 2016: J.D. Power

Jason Siu
by Jason Siu

The J.D. Power 2016 Vehicle Dependability Study results have been released, and there aren’t too many surprises.

Each year, the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study analyzes the responses of vehicle owners after three years of ownership to determine how many problems they experienced during the past 12 months. This year’s study is based on responses from 33,560 original owners of 2013 model year vehicles and the study was fielded from October through December 2015.

SEE ALSO: Top 10 Best Automakers of 2016: Consumer Reports

Overall dependability is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles, with a lower score reflecting higher quality. This year’s industry average came in at 152, slightly worse than last year’s industry average of 147.

See the top 10 most dependable automakers of 2016 according to the study below.

10. Lincoln

Last year, Lincoln ranked seventh, so the American automaker experienced a slight drop for 2016. More problems per 100 vehicles are being reported as well, with the company turning in 118 problems per 100 vehicles last year, while it notched 132 problems this year.


9. Ram

For 2016, Ram is one of the most improved automakers, jumping from 14th place to 9th. This year, the American automaker had 129 reported problems per 100 vehicles, while last year it had 134.


8. Acura

Acura is another brand that improved its ranking year-over-year, finishing 12th in 2015. That is despite having more problems per 100 vehicles this year at 129 than last year’s 124 figure.


7. Honda

Honda remains mostly consistent in the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, having finished 5th last year. It did experience more issues this year, however, with 126 reported problems per 100 vehicles compared to last year’s 116.


6. Chevrolet

Chevrolet improves in ranking this year after finishing in 10th in 2015. When it comes to problems per 100 vehicles, however, it stayed nearly the same with 125 this year compared to 123 in 2015.


5. GMC

GMC breaks into the top 10 in 2016, a great improvement over its 11th-place finish last year. The American automaker had 120 reported problems per 100 vehicles, which is actually less than last year when it had 120.


4. Toyota

Toyota drops a spot to fourth place but is still performing better than the industry average with 113 problems per 100 vehicles. Last year, the Japanese automaker finished third with 111 problems.


3. Buick

Buick also drops a place to third, even though it had fewer problems this year at 106 than last year’s 110. With both Buick and Toyota dropping a spot, which automaker leaped up?


2. Porsche

That honor goes to Porsche, which is giving the most dependable automaker of 2016 some serious competition. This year, the German automaker had 97 problems per 100 vehicles, a nice improvement from last year’s 116 reported figure that earned it a sixth-place finish.


1. Lexus

Topping the list of most dependable automakers of 2016 is Lexus, for the fifth straight year. Change could be on the horizon, however, as Toyota’s luxury arm had 95 problems per 100 vehicles, just slightly fewer than Porsche. Last year, Lexus turned in a score of 89 problems per 100 vehicles.

Jason Siu
Jason Siu

Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.

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 3 comments
  • Smartacus Smartacus on Feb 24, 2016

    How is Honda on the list with their massive Civic recall, while Mazda is not? i don't hear about any Miata engines being recalled.

    • Wcjeep Wcjeep on Feb 24, 2016

      Honda also had CRV vibration issue. The 2016 upscale Pilot has the terrible 9spd transmission.

  • NotMe NotMe on Mar 01, 2016

    Well' they sort posts here and my last one is surely to be knocked down I'll try this. Visit car complaints website to learn the real truth. Paid advertisement here is all this is...

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