People can look at the design, the technology or even the power of a vehicle. But one of the recurring questions is undoubtedly whether a car is going to cause problems. Reliability can sell and deduct bad fame. Thus, while the way a vehicle is used and maintained is critical to its reliability, rankings of the most reliable makes and cars are often in demand.
What are the most reliable cars?
They are very varied and JD Power carries out several, which are interesting because of the large number of drivers interviewed (almost 30,000 this year). In this case it is the Vehicle reliability survey (VDS) reaching its 33rd edition. They contact thousands of owners and thoroughly investigate the issues their vehicles have encountered in the first three years†
Based on the answers, a PP100 index is established, the number of problems detected per 100 vehicles. That is, a lower score reflects a higher quality of performance.
More than 230 questions are asked to locate up to 184 problems, grouped into nine areas (climate control; seats; driving experience; exterior; features/controls/displays; information and entertainment; interior; powertrain and driver assistance systems – new in this edition).
The studio evolves over the years. Not only because of the demand for technology that previously didn’t exist (now also for software updates), but also because of whether owners still find their car as attractive as when they bought it. Something essential, for example to retain customers.
This year analyzes models purchased since 2019. And there are not many changes. Seven of the top 10 ranked brands in 2022 have already highlighted the repeat of 2019 IQS (the initial quality report).
First place goes to KIA† With a score of 145 PP100, it occupies first place after third in 2021. But be aware, it is not the only generalist since Buick (147 PP100), Hyundai (148 PP100), Toyota (158 PP100) and Dodge (166 PP100).
General makes have 190 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). That is 14 PP100 less than the premium brands (204 PP100). Premium brands tend to use more technology, which increases the chance of problems. Here’s the full list:
| ranking | marking | trouble every 100 cars |
| a | KIA | 145 |
| two | Buick | 147 |
| 3 | hyundai | 148 |
| 4 | Genesis | 155 |
| 5 | Toyota | 158 |
| 6 | lexus | 159 |
| 7 | porsche | 162 |
| 8 | cleverness | 166 |
| 9 | Cadillac | 168 |
| 10 | Chevy | 171 |
| elf | mini | 173 |
| 12 | Mazda | 179 |
| 13 | Lincoln | 180 |
| 14 | Mitsubishi | 183 |
| fifteen | BMW | 187 |
| 16 | Ford | 188 |
| 17 | GMC | 192 |
| 18 | Average points | 192 |
| 19 | Mercedes-Benz | 195 |
| twenty | Jeep | 201 |
| twenty one | nissan | 205 |
| 22 | volkswagen | 217 |
| 23 | Subaru | 226 |
| 24 | infinity | 228 |
| 25 | Garland | 230 |
| 26 | Audi | 232 |
| 27 | Jaguar | 233 |
| 28 | chrysler | 240 |
| 29 | Acura | 244 |
| 30 | Alfa Romeo | 245 |
| 31 | Volvo | 256 |
| 32 | RAM | 266 |
| 33 | land rover | 284 |
Also note that three Korean brands (Kia, Genesis and Hyundai) occupy three of the top four positions. Build quality has improved significantly from both mainstream and premium brands.
What’s wrong with new cars?
Infotainment systems remain the most problematic area (51.9 PP100), more than twice as many problems as the next category. In fact, 7 of the top 10 problem areas in the survey are related to infotainment. From speech recognition, mobile connectivity, Bluetooth, absence of USB ports, navigation, touchscreen…
The most reliable model is the Porsche 911. For the second year in a row… and for the third time in the past four years.
Other models for sale in Spain that have emerged in this study (in the United States) are the KIA Sorento and the Hyundai Santa Fe. These are two SUVs with hybrid engines… just like the Lexus NX, Lexus RX, Lexus UX, which also won the award. The Porsche Cayenne outperformed the BMW X5 in its category.
In addition to the fashionable SUVs, highlight the Toyota Corolla, the BMW 4 Series and the Mazda MX-5.
