Quality continues to drop among new car models, particularly electric vehicles.
The J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS) reveals an increasing trend in the number of problems in new vehicles, marking a significant increase of 30 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) over the past two years. The latest industry average is 192 PP100, a lower score indicating superior vehicle quality. The increase in problems is attributed to various factors such as increased technology use, poor sounding horns, and ineffective cup holders, amongst others.
Frank Hanley, Senior Director of Auto Benchmarking at J.D. Power, remarks, “The automotive industry is facing a wide range of quality problems, a phenomenon not seen in the 37-year history of the IQS. The industry is at a major crossroad and the path each manufacturer chooses is paramount for its future. From persistent problems carrying over from years past to an increase in new types of problems, today’s new vehicles are more complex—offering new and exciting technology—but not always satisfying owners.”
Study Methodology
In its 37th year, the U.S. Initial Quality Study gathered data from 93,380 new vehicle owners of 2023 model-year vehicles, surveying them in the early ownership period. The study, conducted between February and May 2023, is based on a 223-question survey covering nine vehicle categories, with the aim of helping manufacturers identify problem areas and improve their products.
Category-Specific Findings
The study highlights that the driving experience category remained unchanged, but the quality in all other categories declined. The most significant increase in problems was in the features, controls, and displays category (+3.2 PP100), followed by the infotainment category (+2.3 PP100).
Key Findings
The report reveals specific problem areas such as:
- Increasing issues with basic door handles, particularly in battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
- Driver assistance features causing problems with lane departure warnings/lane keeping assistance and forward collision warnings being the most problematic.
- Smartphone app-related issues despite increased usage.
- Issues with the Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS).
- Wireless charging pad issues, leading to inconvenience for users.
Brand Performance
Maserati, Alfa Romeo, and Ram showed the most significant improvement year over year. Tesla Motors, Polestar, Lucid Motors, and Rivian Motors, though included in the industry calculations, were not officially ranked due to lack of sufficient sample size and other criteria.
Highest Ranking Brands and Models
Dodge achieved the highest-ranking brand in initial quality, followed by Ram and Buick in the mass market brands category. Among premium brands, Alfa Romeo topped the list followed by Porsche and Cadillac.
The General Motors Company, Hyundai Motor Group, and Toyota Motor Corporation were the corporations with the most model-level awards. Chevrolet and Kia received the most segment awards.
Plant Quality Awards
Toyota Motor Corporation’s Tahara Lexus, Japan, plant received the Platinum Plant Quality Award. The Gold Plant Quality Award for North/South America went to General Motors Company’s plant in San Luis, Potosi, Mexico. The Gold Plant Quality Award for Europe and Africa was bestowed upon BMW AG’s plant in Born, Netherlands.
See Also — Making Sense of Dashboard Warning Lights
Chart and news release supplied by J.D. Power.
