The 2025 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) reveals Lexus leading in reliability for the third consecutive year. However, increasing vehicle complexity contributes to a rise in owner-reported problems across the industry.
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The J.D. Power VDS, a comprehensive assessment of vehicle reliability, analyzes 184 problem areas across various categories, including infotainment, driver assistance technology, powertrain, and interior/exterior features. This year’s study examines 2022 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership, providing valuable insights into long-term dependability. Lexus secured the top spot with a score of 140 PP100 (problems per 100 vehicles), showcasing its consistent commitment to quality. In the mass-market segment, Buick claimed first place with a score of 143 PP100, followed closely by Mazda (161 PP100) and Toyota (162 PP100).
Premium Brands Shine, While Others Struggle
Among premium brands, Cadillac (169 PP100) trailed Lexus, while Porsche (186 PP100) secured the third position. Conversely, Volkswagen (285 PP100), Chrysler (282 PP100), Jeep (275 PP100), Audi (273 PP100), and Land Rover (270 PP100) occupied the bottom rankings, indicating higher problem rates. Tesla achieved a mid-pack score of 209 PP100. The study, based on responses from 34,175 owners of 2022 model-year vehicles, highlights a growing trend: increased vehicle complexity correlates with a rise in reported problems.
Software and PHEV Issues Prominent
Software defects, smartphone integration problems, and issues with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) emerged as significant concerns among owners. J.D. Power reported a 6% increase in problems industry-wide (12 PP100) compared to the previous year. According to J.D. Power, these challenges are partly attributable to industry disruptions during the production of these vehicles. Supply chain bottlenecks, record-high vehicle prices, and pandemic-related personnel disruptions likely contributed to the observed increase in problems. “While the increase in problems this year may be concerning, it’s crucial to understand the context of their manufacturing,” explains Jason Norton, director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power. He emphasizes that these vehicles were built during a period of significant industry upheaval.
Toyota and GM Lead in Model-Level Awards
Toyota and GM collectively garnered the most model-level awards, each securing six accolades. The Toyota Avalon, a full-size sedan, earned the distinction of the most dependable model overall. Other notable performers included the Toyota Corolla (top-ranked compact car), Kia Forte, Subaru Impreza, BMW 3 Series (top-ranked premium compact car), BMW 4 Series, Toyota Camry (top-ranked midsize car), Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata, and Chevrolet Corvette (highest-ranked premium sporty car). The 2025 J.D. Power VDS provides critical insights for consumers and automakers alike, underscoring the importance of reliability in today’s increasingly complex automotive landscape. While Lexus continues to excel, the industry-wide increase in problems highlights ongoing challenges related to technology integration and manufacturing disruptions.
