Vehicle Dependability Continues to Decline Amid Pandemic Aftershocks, J.D. Power Reports
Vehicle reliability has reached its lowest point since 2009, according to the latest findings from the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS), released today. The report highlights a concerning trend, with vehicle problems increasing significantly over the past year. Compared to 2024, the automotive industry has seen a 6% rise in problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), equating to an increase of 12 PP100. This shift has resulted in an industry-wide average of 202 PP100, a notable decline in overall dependability.
A major factor contributing to this decline is a rise in software-related defects, particularly affecting mass-market brands, which have experienced a substantial increase of 16 PP100. The results were not unexpected, given the historical trends tracked by J.D. Power. The 2022 Initial Quality StudySM had already identified significant quality declines in 2022 model-year vehicles, marking an early warning for ongoing issues. As these vehicles reach three years of ownership, the problems persist, affecting long-term owner satisfaction and vehicle reliability.
Industry Challenges and Pandemic Aftershocks
“While the increase in problems this year may be frustrating for both automakers and consumers, it’s important to recognize that today’s three-year-old vehicles were manufactured during one of the most challenging periods in automotive history,” said Jason Norton, director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power. “Supply chain disruptions, record-high vehicle prices, and labor shortages resulting from the pandemic have all played a significant role in the ongoing reliability issues.”
This year’s VDS, now in its 36th iteration, evaluates vehicle dependability by examining 184 specific problem areas across nine major categories: climate, driving assistance, driving experience, exterior, features/controls/displays, infotainment, interior, powertrain, and seats. These categories collectively provide a comprehensive assessment of vehicle quality over time.
Key Findings from the 2025 Study
- Software-Related Problems on the Rise
One of the most significant trends in the 2025 study is the continued increase in software-related defects. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity issues remain the most frequently reported problems for the second consecutive year, with reported issues increasing from 6.3 PP100 in 2024 to 8.4 PP100 this year. Other common software-related concerns include built-in Bluetooth malfunctions (4.6 PP100) and unreliable in-vehicle Wi-Fi (2.4 PP100). Although software defects account for only 9% of all reported issues, their impact is becoming increasingly significant as vehicles become more reliant on digital and connected technologies. Automakers are under growing pressure to improve software integration and reliability, particularly as consumer expectations for seamless smartphone connectivity continue to rise. - Challenges with Personal Device Integration
Half of the top 10 most reported problems in this year’s study involve smartphone integration, usability, or connectivity issues. Automakers continue to struggle to keep pace with rapidly evolving smartphone technology, which poses a challenge for ensuring seamless compatibility over a vehicle’s lifespan. Over-the-air (OTA) software updates present an opportunity to address these issues, with 36% of vehicle owners reporting they have received at least one OTA update within the first three years of ownership. However, the effectiveness of these updates remains inconsistent. Only 30% of owners noted an improvement in their vehicle’s functionality after an update, while 56% reported no noticeable difference. - Mixed Results for Electrified Vehicles
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have shown significant year-over-year improvement, with dependability increasing by 33 PP100. However, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have moved in the opposite direction, declining by 26 PP100, making them the most problematic vehicle type in this year’s study. Among different fuel types, hybrid vehicles emerged as the most reliable, with an average of 199 PP100, followed closely by traditional gas-powered vehicles at 200 PP100. BEVs reported a higher average of 223 PP100, while diesel vehicles stood at 233 PP100. PHEVs recorded the highest level of problems at 242 PP100. Despite the improvements in BEV reliability, the gap between gas-powered vehicles and BEVs remains a point of concern, though it has narrowed considerably over the past year. - New Model Launches Face Dependability Challenges
Vehicles introduced as all-new models in the 2022 model year struggled in dependability rankings, with only four out of 27 newly launched models outperforming their segment averages. New models averaged 241 PP100 in the 2025 VDS, significantly higher than carryover models, which had a more favorable average of 196 PP100. Carryover models consistently outperformed new models in all nine major vehicle categories, highlighting the risks associated with first-year production runs.
Top-Ranked Brands in Dependability
Lexus continues to dominate in vehicle dependability, ranking highest overall for the third consecutive year with a score of 140 PP100. Among premium brands, Cadillac follows in second place with 169 PP100, while Porsche takes third place with 186 PP100.
In the mass-market segment, Buick secures the top position with a dependability score of 143 PP100. Mazda ranks second with 161 PP100, and Toyota follows closely in third place at 162 PP100.
Toyota Motor Corporation claims the top spot for the most reliable model, with the Toyota Avalon earning the best overall dependability rating. Toyota and General Motors each receive six model-level awards, the most among all automakers. Toyota’s top-performing models include the Lexus GX, Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Sienna, and Toyota Tacoma. General Motors’ award-winning models are the Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet Corvette, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Silverado HD, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Acadia. Additionally, Nissan receives two model-level awards for the Nissan Kicks and Nissan Murano.
The Road Ahead for Vehicle Dependability
The 2025 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study underscores the lingering impact of pandemic-era disruptions on the automotive industry. While some areas, such as BEV reliability, have seen improvements, other challenges—particularly those related to software integration and new model launches—continue to present hurdles for automakers.
As the industry moves forward, addressing these concerns will be critical in restoring consumer confidence in vehicle reliability. Automakers must continue refining their software capabilities, enhancing OTA updates, and ensuring that new vehicle launches are thoroughly tested before reaching consumers.
The 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study is based on survey responses from 34,175 original owners of 2022 model-year vehicles, collected between August and November 2024. To explore the full report and detailed rankings, visit J.D. Power’s website.
