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?
  • Probert They already have hybrids, but these won't ever be them as they are built on the modular E-GMP skateboard.
  • Justin You guys still looking for that sportbak? I just saw one on the Facebook marketplace in Arizona
  • 28-Cars-Later I cannot remember what happens now, but there are whiteblocks in this period which develop a "tick" like sound which indicates they are toast (maybe head gasket?). Ten or so years ago I looked at an '03 or '04 S60 (I forget why) and I brought my Volvo indy along to tell me if it was worth my time - it ticked and that's when I learned this. This XC90 is probably worth about $300 as it sits, not kidding, and it will cost you conservatively $2500 for an engine swap (all the ones I see on car-part.com have north of 130K miles starting at $1,100 and that's not including freight to a shop, shop labor, other internals to do such as timing belt while engine out etc).
  • 28-Cars-Later Ford reported it lost $132,000 for each of its 10,000 electric vehicles sold in the first quarter of 2024, according to CNN. The sales were down 20 percent from the first quarter of 2023 and would “drag down earnings for the company overall.”The losses include “hundreds of millions being spent on research and development of the next generation of EVs for Ford. Those investments are years away from paying off.” [if they ever are recouped] Ford is the only major carmaker breaking out EV numbers by themselves. But other marques likely suffer similar losses. https://www.zerohedge.com/political/fords-120000-loss-vehicle-shows-california-ev-goals-are-impossible Given these facts, how did Tesla ever produce anything in volume let alone profit?
  • AZFelix Let's forego all of this dilly-dallying with autonomous cars and cut right to the chase and the only real solution.
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