The J.D. Power 2016 Vehicle Dependability Study results have been released, and there aren’t too many surprises.
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Issues with audio, communication, entertainment, and navigation technology – which Power shortens to “ACEN” – accounted for 20 percent of all problems reported by participants on the 2016 Dependability Study.
Power tabulates scores for its Dependability Study base on the number of problems recorded per 100 vehicles (PP100). This year’s industry average came in at 152, slightly worse than last year’s industry average of 147.
The latest J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study has been released with Lexus retaining its top position for the fifth year followed by Porsche, Buick and Toyota. There are 177 specific problem symptoms covered by the study that are grouped into eight vehicle categories.
It’ll also be important to note the impact on the survey statistics the addition of autonomous features in cars has, and whether this increases problems still further. “If consumers can’t rely on their vehicle to connect to their smartphone, or have faith that their navigation system will route them to their destination, they’re certainly not yet ready to trust that autonomous technology will keep their vehicle out of the ditch”. The first year of a model¹s new generation may suffer from production glitches, while later model years may present fewer mechanical problems. Only one-third of owners who had to replace a component outside of normal wear items said they would definitely purchase the same brand again. Toyota’s Lexus luxury division captured the No. 1 spot for the fifth year in a row, the company’s namesake brand ranked fourth and six of its models led their categories.
This trend will be an interesting one to watch as owners of cars with better infotainment systems report on their experiences, particularly as the development of smartphones races ahead, and continues to raise expectations of what will be found in the vehicle. Other segment leaders were the Honda Fit, best small vehicle with 114 problems per 100, Buick Encore (small SUV, 110), Buick Verano (compact auto, 77), Toyota Prius V (compact MPV, 130), Mini Cooper and Mini Coupe/Roadster (tied for best compact sporty auto with a score of 161 for both), Chevrolet Equinox (compact SUV, 85) and Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class (compact premium SUV, 115).
The number of engine/transmission problems decreases to 24 PP100 in 2016 from 26 PP100 in 2015. Responses were fielded between October and December of 2015.
Although vehicle technology is progressing at a rapid rate – even self-driving cars are no longer just an idea – it seems some of this very same tech evolution is continuing to cause vehicle owners problems.
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On the durability front, automotive research firm iSeeCars.com analyzed of a sample of 12 million cars on the road in 2015 from model years 1981 and newer to determine the models with the higher percentage of vehicles over 200,000 miles.
