Toyota Avalon Leads JD Power's Dependability Rankings, VW and Chrysler Rank Lowest | Carscoops

      Several prominent companies, including Jeep, Chrysler, and VW, performed below the industry average.

      Toyota Avalon leads J.D. Power’s dependability study as the most reliable vehicle of 2022.

      Drivers continue to experience major issues with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

      The highest-performing brands included Lexus, Buick, Mazda, Toyota, Cadillac, and Chevrolet.

      Although the world has mostly moved past the Covid-19 pandemic, the automotive sector is still dealing with its ongoing impacts, especially regarding reliability. Automakers are still affected by supply chain interruptions, semiconductor shortages, and workforce disruptions from that time, and a new study indicates that vehicle dependability has significantly declined.

      According to J.D. Power, the number of problems reported in three-year-old vehicles has reached its peak since 2009.

      The latest study examined 2022 model-year vehicles in the United States, evaluating reliability based on problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). The industry averaged 202 PP100, marking a 6% decrease in reliability compared to last year’s findings for 2021 model-year vehicles.

      Infotainment systems continue to pose significant challenges.

      For the second consecutive year, connectivity problems with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay ranked as the top complaints. Issues with these systems rose from 6.3 PP100 in 2023 to 8.4 PP100 this year. Overall, smartphone-related problems represented half of the study’s top 10 common issues, highlighting that many automakers still struggle to integrate modern technology effectively.

      J.D. Power noted that many of the 2022 model-year vehicles were produced during a time of serious supply chain difficulties and workforce shortages, which likely contributed to the increase in reported issues. This aligns with findings from the company’s Initial Quality Study, which tracks problems early in a vehicle's lifespan and has also indicated a decline in reliability.

      As always, some manufacturers outperformed others, and certain powertrain types demonstrated greater reliability. Battery-electric vehicles showed a 33 PP100 improvement in issues, making them the third-most reliable powertrain type, coming in behind hybrid vehicles (199 PP100) and gas-powered vehicles (200 PP100) for the 2022 model year. Conversely, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) proved to be the most problematic, exhibiting the worst qualities from both powertrains.

      Which Cars Performed Best and Worst?

      The top-ranked brands were Lexus and Buick, with average problems per 100 vehicles of 140 and 143, respectively. Other manufacturers that exceeded the industry average of 202 PP100 included Mazda, Toyota, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Porsche, BMW, Mini, Kia, and Honda. The single most reliable model in the study was the Toyota Avalon.

      On the flip side, several major brands faced higher-than-average problem rates. The lowest performer was Volkswagen, with 285 PP100, followed by Chrysler (282 PP100), Jeep (275 PP100), Audi (273 PP100), and Land Rover (270 PP100), which continues to struggle with its reputation.

      Despite the decline in dependability, J.D. Power’s director of auto benchmarking, Jason Norton, urged consumers to consider these results in context: “While this year’s rise in issues may be frustrating for automakers and owners alike, it’s crucial to remember that today’s three-year-old vehicles were manufactured during a time of significant disruptions in the industry.”

      In other words, one should not anticipate a flawless experience from vehicles produced amid logistical challenges.