New cars have a record number of defects. In fact, it's so bad that it hasn't been worse in 16 years. This is what a study from consumer agency JD Power has now found.
New cars haven't been worse in 16 years. In fact, cars up to 3 years old currently have the highest failure rate since 2009, according to a new study from consumer agency JD Power.
This year, 34,175 car owners in the United States participated in a survey to find out how many defects there are in their cars up to three years old. And it doesn't look good.
The study shows an increase in the number of problems with the 2021 models compared to previous years. It is mainly problems with the cars' computers, electronics and software that are pulling down the average.
The cars with the fewest problems are Lexus and Buick. Mazda, Toyota and Cadillac are also at the better end of the scale.
At the other end of the scale are Volkswagen, Chrysler, Audi and Jeep. Volvo and Tesla have improved compared to last year, but are still below average. Tesla did not officially participate in the survey.
According to JD Power, there is a clear correlation between the many errors and the challenges that automakers faced during the Covid pandemic. These include supply chain problems, high car prices and staff shortages.
"While the increase in problems this year may be a thorn in the side of automakers and owners, it's important to remember that today's three-year-old vehicles were built at a time when the industry was struggling with major problems," said Jason Norton of J.D. Power.
The Toyota Avalon is the model that performs best in the study. Toyota and General Motors dominate the list of the best models in the various car segments.
No European cars achieved a top ranking. In fact, Porsche, BMW and Mini only barely make it into the top 10 of the 'least' defective cars.
The most common problem is still the infotainment system. This concerns in particular problems with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and the built-in Bluetooth systems.
Another trend in the study is that problems with electric cars are decreasing, while problems with plug-in hybrids are increasing.
| Mark | Problems per 100 cars |
|---|---|
| Lexus | 140 |
| Buick | 143 |
| Mazda | 161 |
| Toyota | 162 |
| Cadillac | 169 |
| Chevrolet | 169 |
| GMC | 181 |
| Porsche | 186 |
| BMW | 189 |
| Mini | 190 |
| Kia | 196 |
| Honda | 201 |
| Ford | 208 |
| Infiniti | 208 |
| Alfa Romeo | 211 |
| Subaru | 212 |
| Genesis | 213 |
| Nissan | 215 |
| Lincoln | 221 |
| Hyundai | 222 |
| Frame | 242 |
| Mercedes | 242 |
| Acura | 243 |
| Mitsubishi | 256 |
| Land Rover | 270 |
| Audi | 273 |
| Jeep | 275 |
| Chrysler | 282 |
| Volkswagen | 285 |
Source: JD. Power 2025 US Vehicle Dependability Study SM Brand Ranking
