The results of the annual reliability survey of JD Power are known again. The American research agency concludes that Genesis owners experience the least problems. Land Rover owners are the worst off.
Every year JD Power looks at the number of problems that arise with cars that are three years old and still with their first owner. People who have bought a new car keep track of how many problems have surfaced and report that. It could be anything. From releasing materials to broken lights, from increased oil consumption to a cracking steering wheel. Matters such as poorly functioning speech control or failing driver assistance systems are also included. A number rolls out: the number of problems found per 100 cars.
Hyundais luxury brand Genesis is the best of all brands. It is only the first year that Genesis was included in the study, since the first cars of that brand in the US are now only three years old. At Genesis, 89 problems are found per 100 cars. A part is even completely problem-free after three years. Lexus, which was at the top for years, has been thrown off the throne and is now in second place with 100 problems per 100 cars.
On the third spot we find Buick, the most reliable American brand. There were 103 problems per 100 cars. A great achievement of the brand, that Porsche now works outside the top three. The Germans are now in fourth place, followed by Toyota and Volkswagen.
Least reliable
As always, a number of brands are bothered by JD Power’s research. We hit Land Rover at the bottom with 220 problems per 100 cars. Chrysler is doing something ‘better’ with 214 problems. Jaguar and Volvo also hit a mud figure, with 186 and 185 problems respectively. It is also striking that Fiat has improved considerably compared to a few years ago. Then that brand was still stiff at the bottom with 298 (!) Problems per 100 cars. There are now still 160 problems per 100 cars. With that Fiat is still a lot below the average of 134, but the difference has shrunk considerably.
You can find the complete result, with all brands ranked by reliability, here.