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

by TTAC Staff

Published: February 12th, 2024

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

Chrysler (310 PP100)
Audi (275 PP100)
Land Rover (268 PP100)
Volkswagen (267 PP100)
Lincoln (251 PP100)
Volvo (245 PP100)
Ford (239 PP100)
Infiniti (219 PP100)
Mercedes-Benz (218 PP100)
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.

TTAC Staff

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1 comment

Fred on Feb 12, 2024
The JD Power article doesn't mention what year the cars were. Is this just 2024 cars or what?

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Redapple2 jeffbut they dont want to ... their pick up is 4th behind ford/ram, Toyota. GM has the Best engineers in the world. More truck profit than the other 3. Silverado + Sierra+ Tahoe + Yukon sales = 2x ford total @ $15,000 profit per. Tons o $ to invest in the BEST truck. No. They make crap. Garbage. Evil gm Vampire
Rishabh Ive actually seen the one unit you mentioned, driving around in gurugram once. And thats why i got curious to know more about how many they sold. Seems like i saw the only one!
Amy I owned this exact car from 16 until 19 (1990 to 1993) I miss this car immensely and am on the search to own it again, although it looks like my search may be in vane. It was affectionatly dubbed, " The Dragon Wagon," and hauled many a teenager around the city of Charlotte, NC. For me, it was dependable and trustworthy. I was able to do much of the maintenance myself until I was struck by lightning and a month later the battery exploded. My parents did have the entire electrical system redone and he was back to new. I hope to find one in the near future and make it my every day driver. I'm a dreamer.
Jeff Overall I prefer the 59 GM cars to the 58s because of less chrome but I have a new appreciation of the 58 Cadillac Eldorados after reading this series. I use to not like the 58 Eldorados but I now don't mind them. Overall I prefer the 55-57s GMs over most of the 58-60s GMs. For the most part I like the 61 GMs. Chryslers I like the 57 and 58s. Fords I liked the 55 thru 57s but the 58s and 59s not as much with the exception of Mercury which I for the most part like all those. As the 60s progressed the tail fins started to go away and the amount of chrome was reduced. More understated.
Theflyersfan Nissan could have the best auto lineup of any carmaker (they don't), but until they improve one major issue, the best cars out there won't matter. That is the dealership experience. Year after year in multiple customer service surveys from groups like JD Power and CR, Nissan frequency scrapes the bottom. Personally, I really like the never seen new Z, but after having several truly awful Nissan dealer experiences, my shadow will never darken a Nissan showroom. I'm painting with broad strokes here, but maybe it is so ingrained in their culture to try to take advantage of people who might not be savvy enough in the buying experience that they by default treat everyone like idiots and saps. All of this has to be frustrating to Nissan HQ as they are improving their lineup but their dealers drag them down.