LONDON: Volume automotive brands in the United Kingdom collectively have fewer problems than premium brands, according to the J. D. Power 2016 UK Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), released this week.
The study, now in its second year, measures problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of vehicles in the UK after 12-36 months of ownership.
J. D. Power examined 177 problem symptoms across eight categories: engine and transmission; vehicle exterior; driving experience; features/controls/displays (FCD); audio/communication/entertainment/navigation (ACEN); seats; heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC); and vehicle interior.
Overall dependability is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.
Volume brands average 99 PP100, compared with the premium brand average of 161 PP100— a difference of 62 PP100.
Volume brands also outpaced premiums in 2015, but by a smaller margin (52 PP100). However, premium brands also have more tech features— one of the largest sources of quality issues.
Five of the top 10 problems in the industry are related to technology in the ACEN category.
The most often reported ACEN problem is built-in Bluetooth mobile phone/device frequent pairing/connectivity issues.
Skoda ranked highest in dependability followed by Kia and Suzuki.
JD Power: Volume cars are more dependable than premiums
JD Power: Volume cars are more dependable than premiums
