The J.D. Power and Associates 2012 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study shows historically high levels of dependability for 2009 model year vehicles after 3 years on the road. The study measures problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of three-year-old (2009 model-year) vehicles. Overall dependability is determined by the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.
In 2012, overall vehicle dependability averages 132 PP100, an improvement of 13 percent from the 2011 average of 151, the lowest problem rate since the inception of the study in 1990. 25 of 32 brands have improved in dependability from 2011, while only six declined and one remained flat. Domestic nameplates have improved in 2012 at a slightly faster rate than imports, narrowing the dependability gap to 13 PP100 from 18 PP100 in 2011. MINI and Scion post the greatest year-over-year improvements from 2011, by 60 PP100 and 55 PP100, respectively.
Toyota gets eight segment awards more than any other automaker in 2012 and Ford receives three. The Hyundai Genesis also receives an award. Although there are no awards in their respective segments due to an insufficient number of award-eligible models, or insufficient market share of award-eligible models in the segment, these models also perform particularly well: Ford Mustang, GMC Yukon and Porsche 911.
Dependability Segment Rating Winners:
Compact Car: Toyota Prius
Compact Crossover SUV: Chevrolet Equinox
Compact Multi Purpose Vehicle: Scion xB
Compact Sporty Car: Scion tC
Entry Premium Car: Lexus ES 350 (tie)Lincoln MKZ (tie)
Large Car: Buick Lucerne
Large Pickup: Toyota Tundra
Midsize Car: Ford Fusion
Midsize Crossover SUV: Ford Explorer (tie)Nissan Murano (tie)
Midsize Pickup: Nissan Frontier
Midsize Premium Car: Hyundai Genesis
Midsize Premium Crossover SUV: Lexus RX 350
Midsize Van: Toyota Sienna
Sub Compact Car: Toyota Yaris
The 2012 Vehicle Dependability Study is based on responses from more than 31,000 original owners of 2009 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership. The study was fielded between October and December 2011.
Courtesy of J.D. Power and Associates
Toyota gets eight segment awards more than any other automaker in 2012 and Ford receives three. The Hyundai Genesis also receives an award. Although there are no awards in their respective segments due to an insufficient number of award-eligible models, or insufficient market share of award-eligible models in the segment, these models also perform particularly well: Ford Mustang, GMC Yukon and Porsche 911.
Dependability Segment Rating Winners:
Compact Car: Toyota Prius
Compact Crossover SUV: Chevrolet Equinox
Compact Multi Purpose Vehicle: Scion xB
Compact Sporty Car: Scion tC
Entry Premium Car: Lexus ES 350 (tie)Lincoln MKZ (tie)
Large Car: Buick Lucerne
Large Pickup: Toyota Tundra
Midsize Car: Ford Fusion
Midsize Crossover SUV: Ford Explorer (tie)Nissan Murano (tie)
Midsize Pickup: Nissan Frontier
Midsize Premium Car: Hyundai Genesis
Midsize Premium Crossover SUV: Lexus RX 350
Midsize Van: Toyota Sienna
Sub Compact Car: Toyota Yaris
The 2012 Vehicle Dependability Study is based on responses from more than 31,000 original owners of 2009 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership. The study was fielded between October and December 2011.
Courtesy of J.D. Power and Associates
