J.D. Power Says Vehicles Are Getting More Dependable, Despite Growing Infotainment Issues
Cars are better than ever, according to J.D. Power.
J.D. Power said that this year, the industry average of 186 problems per 100 vehicles has improved by six points. Premium brands have improved the most, with the point score dropping 23 points on average. Lexus (133 problems per 100 vehicles) and Genesis (144 problems per 100 vehicles) take top honors for premium brands. Kia sits at the top of the list for mainstreamers, with a score of 152 problems per 100 vehicles. By comparison, Tesla sits at 242 problems per vehicle on average.
Although vehicles have got more dependable, the biggest hindrance is infotainment screens. On average, infotainment systems cause nearly 50 problems per 100 vehicles, regardless of make and model. The study cites Android Auto/Apple CarPlay integration, and voice recognition as the biggest trouble spots in the category.
Somewhat predictably, the most dependable models overall are the Lexus RX, and Toyota C-HR, which tied for first place. Kia takes a couple of wins in the compact and midsized sedan, with the Forte and Optima, respectively. This means, that at least for the first three years, these models should hold up fairly well.
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Kevin has been obsessed with cars ever since he could talk. He even learned to read partially by learning and reading the makes and models on the back of cars, only fueling his obsession. Today, he is an automotive journalist and member of the Automotive Press Association. He is well-versed in electrification, hybrid cars, and vehicle maintenance.
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This sounds so erroneous - Kia/Hyundai are CRAP - warranty repairs are done very poorly, and if your bad engine is repaired poorly, and blows again not too many miles AFTER their warranty rebuild, then it is NOT covered! To me, my 99 Mustang six, though not perfect, is so far superior to many of these vehicles. Simple engine that is very long lived if cared for, mine was rebuilt at 200,000 because I tried to limp home with a bandaged hose, and temp gauge is not accurate enough IF the system loses enough coolant. Engine was still running great but getting globs of oil in the coolant reserve. Engine rebuilt went pretty well, trans still going strong at 223,000 miles. No start/stop feature to wear the engine faster, no cylinder deactivation to wear the engine faster, no push-button start/stop to make it easier to steal, and expensive to repair, no electronic parking brake to pose a HUGE safety hazard, no electronic trunk release to not work when battery is dead (as electronic parking brake does) - I do have the remote keyfob for entry, and to pop trunk, and panic alarm. Affordable, not to bad to replace fobs, etc.
Someone sounds very bitter