Jd Power Reliability 2024
The 2024 JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study, released February 8, 2024, offers a revealing snapshot of longterm vehicle reliability and highlights important trends for consumers and manufacturers. Based on feedback from threeyearold vehicles, this study often referred to as JD Power Reliability 2024 uncovers which brands and models are most dependable on the road. With reliability becoming an increasing concern, especially in complex modern vehicles, the 2024 findings shed light on how technology, electrification, and production turbulence are affecting ownership experiences.
About the 2024 Study
The JD Power Dependability Study surveys 30,595 original owners of 2021 model-year vehicles, tracking 184 potential problem areas across nine categories such as infotainment, powertrain, and driver assistance. Results are expressed as PP100 problems per 100 vehicles where lower scores indicate higher reliability.
Overall Trends
- Industry average rose to 190 PP100, up 4 points from 2023.
- Dependability issues increased by 17% between 90 days and three years of ownership.
- Complex technologies, especially infotainment and driver assistance systems, emerged as frequent trouble spots.
Top Brands: Lexus and Toyota
Lexus took the top spot overall, achieving a score of 135 PP100 for the second year in a row. Toyota led the mass-market category with 147 PP100.
- Premium: Lexus (135 PP100), followed by Porsche (175) and BMW (190).
- Mass-market: Toyota (147), Buick (149), and Chevrolet & MINI tied (174).
Model-Level Standouts
Several individual models earned segment-level dependability awards in the 2024 study:
- Compact SUV: 2021 Buick Encore
- Compact Premium SUV: 2021 BMW X1
- Compact Car: 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
- Compact SUV: 2021 Chevrolet Equinox
- Midsize Premium Car: 2021 Lexus ES
- Midsize SUV: 2021 Toyota 4Runner
- Midsize Pickup: 2021 Toyota Tacoma (2WD)
- Upper Midsize SUV: 2021 Chevrolet Traverse
- Large SUV: 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
- Minivan: 2021 Kia Sedona
- Large Light Duty Pickup: 2021 Toyota Tundra (2WD)
- Large Heavy Duty Pickup: 2021 Ford Super Duty F-250 SRW.
Technology Issues: A Growing Concern
Infotainment systems topped the list of problem categories with 49.1 PP100 nearly double the next issue type (exterior). Common complaints included Bluetooth, voice commands, and smartphone integration via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay (~6 PP100 each).
Driver assistance systems caused mounting frustration over time, with false lane departure alerts or emergency braking incidents becoming more frequent after three years.
Electric vs. Gas Vehicles
Electrification presents reliability challenges:
- BEVs: 256 PP100
- PHEVs: 216 PP100
- Hybrids: 191 PP100
- Gasoline vehicles: 187 PP100.
Owners of BEVs report more frequent tire replacements 39% had replaced tires in the prior year, 19% higher than gas-powered vehicles.
Brands on the Rise
Porsche showed the most improvement, reducing problems by 33 PP100 from the previous study. Mercedes-Benz and Toyota also made notable improvements (down 22 and 21 PP100 respectively).
Industry and Consumer Takeaways
What Buyers Should Know
- Luxury brands like Lexus offer long-term peace of mind, especially for infotainment and comfort features.
- Mass-market staples like Toyota and Buick deliver reliability with fewer headaches.
- Tech-heavy and electrified vehicles can pose long-term challenges particularly for software and consumables like tires.
Implications for Automakers
The decline in dependability especially in infotainment and ADAS suggests manufacturers must invest more in software durability and drivercentric design. As vehicles become more complex, the need for over-the-air updates and seamless smartphone connectivity grows.
Comparing to 2025 Outlook
While the 2025 study is based on newer model years, the 2024 findings set a critical benchmark. Continued improvement in software resilience and BEV performance will be essential to reversing dependability declines seen in this and subsequent reports.
The 2024 JD Power Reliability Survey underscores the shifting landscape of vehicle dependability. Lexus and Toyota continue to lead, while issues with infotainment, driver assistance, and electrified drivetrains highlight evolving consumer expectations. For prospective buyers, prioritizing proven brands and understanding tech trade-offs will influence long-term satisfaction. For automakers, enhancing software stability and addressing BEV-specific issues can improve reliability scores and consumer trust. As the industry adapts to smarter, more connected vehicles, reliability remains a vital metric and JD Power Reliability 2024 offers valuable ammunition for brands, consumers, and analysts alike.