These Are the 10 Least Reliable Car Brands, Says J.D. Power

TTAC Staff
by TTAC Staff
Photo credit: silverkblackstock / Shutterstock.com

The J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study has provided insights into vehicle reliability, indicating a general decline in dependability across the automotive industry. With the industry average

for problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) increasing to 190, the study highlights a growing concern for vehicle owners, particularly with brands that rank lowest in dependability. Here's a focus on the ten brands that are facing the most challenges according to the study.


The Bottom Ten

  1. Chrysler (310 PP100)
  2. Audi (275 PP100)
  3. Land Rover (268 PP100)
  4. Volkswagen (267 PP100)
  5. Lincoln (251 PP100)
  6. Volvo (245 PP100)
  7. Ford (239 PP100)
  8. Infiniti (219 PP100)
  9. Mercedes-Benz (218 PP100)
  10. Acura (216 PP100)


Core Findings and Brand Implications

While the study shows increased issues with infotainment systems and driver assistance technologies, it also brings to light the specific challenges faced by the bottom-ranked brands. Owners have noted problems ranging from the technological complexities of electric vehicles to the traditional mechanical issues.


Toyota and its luxury division, Lexus, have maintained top positions in the study. In contrast, the brands listed above have identified areas needing immediate attention to enhance their vehicles' dependability.


Understanding Vehicle Dependability

The 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study is based on comprehensive feedback from thousands of vehicle owners. It serves as a vital tool for consumers who value reliability in their vehicle purchasing decisions and for automakers striving to improve their products' performance.


J.D. Power's Role in Automotive Insights

J.D. Power, with its extensive use of big data, AI, and analytical models, continues to provide valuable insights into consumer behavior and industry trends. These insights aid businesses in shaping strategies that align with customer expectations and experiences.


This article was co-written using AI and was then heavily edited and optimized by our editorial team.

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  • Fred Fred on Feb 12, 2024
    The JD Power article doesn't mention what year the cars were. Is this just 2024 cars or what?
  • MRF 95 T-Bird Whenever I travel and I’m in my rental car I first peruse the FM radio to look for interesting programming. It used to be before the past few decades of media consolidation that if you traveled to an area the local radio stations had a distinct sound and flavor. Now it’s the homogenized stuff from the corporate behemoths. Classic rock, modern “bro dude” country, pop hits of today, oldies etc. Much of it tolerable but pedestrian. The college radio stations and NPR affiliates are comfortable standbys. But what struck me recently is how much more religious programming there was on the FM stations, stuff that used to be relegated to the AM band. You have the fire and brimstone preachers, obviously with a far right political bend. Others geared towards the Latin community. Then there is the happy talk “family radio” “Jesus loves you” as well as the ones featuring the insipid contemporary Christian music. Artists such as Michael W. Smith who is one of the most influential artists in the genre. I find myself yelling at the dashboard “Where’s the freakin Staple singers? The Edwin Hawkins singers? Gospel Aretha? Gospel Elvis? Early Sam Cooke? Jesus era Dylan?” When I’m in my own vehicle I stick with the local college radio station that plays a diverse mix of music from Americana to rock and folk. I’ll also listen to Sirius/XM: Deep tracks, Little Steven’s underground as well as Willie’s Roadhouse and Outlaw country.
  • The Comedian I owned an assembled-in-Brazil ‘03 Golf GTI from new until ‘09 (traded in on a C30 R-Design).First few years were relatively trouble free, but the last few years are what drove me to buy a scan tool (back when they were expensive) and carry tools and spare parts at all times.Constant electrical problems (sensors & coil packs), ugly shedding “soft” plastic trim, glovebox door fell off, fuel filters oddly lasted only about a year at a time, one-then-the-other window detached from the lift mechanism and crashed inside the door, and the final reason I traded it was the transmission went south.20 years on? This thing should only be owned by someone with good shoes, lots of tools, a lift and a masochistic streak.
  • Terry I like the bigger size and hefty weight of the CX90 and I almost never use even the backseat. The average family is less than 4 people.The vehicle crash safety couldn't be better. The only complaints are the clumsy clutch transmission and the turbocharger.
  • MaintenanceCosts Plug in iPhone with 200 GB of music, choose the desired genre playlist, and hit shuffle.
  • MaintenanceCosts Golf with a good body and a dying engine. Somewhere out there there is a dubber who desperately wants to swap a junkyard VR6 into this and STANCE BRO it.
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