The most reliable car brands of 2016
Problems with in-car technology remain the top problem for vehicle dependability, according to market research firm J.D. Power and Associates.
J.D. Power’s most recent U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) found consumer problems with infotainment and navigation systems, as well as in-vehicle communications, now account for 20 percent of all customer-reported issues.
The annual study ranks overall brands and individual vehicles based on how frequently their owners run into problems. The 2016 report is based on 33,560 responses of original owners of 2013 model year vehicles after three years of ownership. The survey, which was conducted from October to December 2015 looked at problems experienced within the past 12 months by the original owners.
The survey found the industry average for dependability was 152 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), up slightly from 147 PP100 last year. Lexus had the best vehicle dependability score with only 95 PP100. Porsche moved up from No. 5 last year to No. 2 with 97 PP100.
J.D. Power also awarded several vehicles individual segment awards. General Motors brands received eight segment awards, which went to the Buick Encore and Verano, the Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox, Malibu and Silverado HD, and the GMC Yukon.
Toyota vehicles collected six segment awards. Winners included the Toyota Prius V, Sienna, Tundra and the Lexus ES, GS and GX.
See the most reliable brands for 2016:
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Technology problems
“The increase in technology-related problems has two sources,’’ said Renee Stephens, vice president of U.S. automotive at J.D. Power, in a statement. “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.’’
Common problems with the vehicles involve Bluetooth connectivity issues. More than half of owners (53 percent) complained their vehicle had trouble finding or pairing with their mobile device.
Voice-recognition systems are also problematic the study found. The study found two-thirds of owners reported the systems did not recognize or misinterpreted their verbal commands.
Stephens points out that problems consumers are facing with current in-car technology could present an obstacle for self-driving cars.
“The industry clearly has more work to do to secure the trust of consumers,’’ said Stephens. “Right now, 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 a ditch.’’
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