Disruptions caused by the pandemic led vehicle quality to hit a 36-year low, reported J.D. Power.
According to J.D. Power's 2022 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), that was released this week, the industry experienced an 11 percent increase in problems since last year per 100 vehicles (PP100), which is 18 PP100 worse, resulting in an industry average of 180 PP100. A lower score reflects higher vehicle quality.
The annual study serves as the industry benchmark for new vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership. It examines 223 problems, which are organized into nine categories ranging from climate and driving assistance to powertrain and features/controls/displays (FCD).
This year, 84,165 purchasers and lessees of new 2022 model-year vehicles were surveyed.
“Given the many challenges automakers and their dealers had to face in the past year, it’s somewhat surprising that initial quality didn’t fall even more dramatically,” said David Amodeo, director of global automotive at J.D. Power, in a press release from J.D. Power.
Key findings of the 2022 study:
- Both all-new and continuing models increase in problems this year, though all-new models worsen the most.
- Owners of BEVs and PHEVs cite more problems with their vehicles than do owners of vehicles with internal combustion engines.
- Problems with ADAS declined in 2021 but have increased in 2022.
- Tesla Motors is included in the industry calculation for the first time, with a score of 226 PP100.
- Buick is the highest-ranking brand in overall initial quality. Dodge ranks second and Chevrolet ranks third.
- Among premium brands, Genesis ranks highest, and ranks fourth overall. Lexus ranks second and Cadillac ranks third.
