2025 JD Power: Is Car Quality Getting Worse?

Vehicle quality has improved significantly over the past few decades. However, the 2025 JD Power U.S. Vehicle Reliability Study, released on February 13, suggests that manufacturers are heading in the wrong direction when it comes to long-term quality. This decline is a growing concern for automakers, drivers, and suppliers alike.

Unlike similar reports, the JD Power U.S. Vehicle Reliability Study focuses on problems reported by original owners after three years of ownership. While initial quality assessments within the first three months are important, extending the study to three years provides more meaningful long-term data.

To measure reliability, JD Power uses a metric called "problems per 100 vehicles" (PP100). A lower PP100 score indicates better reliability, as it means fewer reported issues.

The study evaluates nine vehicle categories and 184 specific problem areas, including climate control systems, vehicle controls, seats, powertrains, interiors, and driver-assist technologies. Now in its 36th year, the study gathered feedback from 34,175 original owners of 2022 models.

So, how have automakers performed over the past three years? Not well. According to the study, automotive problems have reached their highest level since 2009, with an industry average of 202 PP100. This marks an increase of 12 problems per 100 vehicles—a 6% rise from the 2024 study.

JD Power attributes this decline primarily to mass-market brands, which saw an increase of 16 problems per 100 vehicles, partly due to software-related issues. The 2025 study’s findings are not surprising, as reliability has been on a downward trend for several years..

"Supply chain issues, record-high vehicle prices, and the impact of the pandemic have all contributed to the problem," said Jason Norton, director of automotive benchmarking at JD Power, in a press release.

Unsurprisingly, Lexus topped the 2025 JD Power U.S. Vehicle Reliability Study with a PP100 score of 140. However, Buick's second-place finish with 143 PP100 was unexpected, while Mazda ranked third with 161 PP100. Toyota, a longtime leader in quality, secured fourth place with an impressive 162 PP100.

Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Porsche, BMW, Mini, Kia, and Honda all performed above the industry average of 202 PP100. Meanwhile, Ford and Infiniti ranked slightly below average, each scoring 208 PP100.

At the bottom of the list, Volkswagen recorded the highest number of reported issues, with 285 problems per 100 vehicles. Chrysler, Jeep, Audi, Land Rover, and Mitsubishi also performed poorly, each exceeding 256 PP100.

Connectivity issues with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain a major headache for automakers, contributing to 8.4 problems per 100 vehicles—up from 6.3 last year. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi systems continue to be particularly troublesome as well.

Looking deeper into powertrains, electric vehicles showed significant improvement in reliability, with their PP100 score increasing by 33 compared to 2024. However, plug-in hybrids saw a sharp decline, dropping by 26 points, making them the least reliable drivetrain category. Interestingly, conventional hybrids proved to be the most dependable, outperforming gasoline, electric, and diesel vehicles.

Overall, JD Power ranked the Toyota Avalon as the most reliable vehicle, with the Corolla and Camry also leading their respective segments. Surprisingly, the Nissan Murano and Kicks SUVs topped their categories, despite Nissan as a brand scoring below average (215 PP100).