Vehicle dependability is on the decline, as recent data reveals an uptick in issues after three years of ownership. This year, nearly two-thirds of the brands studied show increased problem levels, pushing the industry average up by 4 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) to 190 PP100.
The gap between initial quality and long-term reliability is widening, with problems rising 17% after 90 days to three years of ownership—a significant jump from last year’s 12%.
The Top-Ranked Most Reliable Cars of 2024 (PDF)
Key Insights from the 2024 Study
Infotainment Systems: The Biggest Headache
As vehicles become more technologically advanced, it’s no surprise that infotainment systems are the biggest culprits when it comes to issues. Problems with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity (6.3 PP100) and built-in voice recognition (6.1 PP100) are at the forefront, making infotainment systems nearly twice as troublesome as any other category.
Driver Assistance Alerts: Growing Annoyance
Surprisingly, driver assistance features haven’t gotten any less annoying over time. Problems related to alerts such as lane departure warnings and automatic emergency braking are increasing, showing that these systems may not be aging well or that drivers aren’t getting used to them as expected.
Electrified Vehicles: High Maintenance
Electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) show more reliability issues compared to their gas-powered counterparts. EVs report the highest problems at 256 PP100, followed by PHEVs at 216 PP100. In comparison, hybrids and gasoline vehicles are relatively more dependable with scores of 191 PP100 and 187 PP100, respectively. Notably, tire replacement is a frequent issue for EV owners, with 39% having replaced their tires in the past year.
Top-Ranked Brands for 2024
1. Lexus: Leading the Pack
For the second year in a row, Lexus claims the top spot in vehicle dependability with a score of 135 PP100. Among premium brands, Porsche (175 PP100) and BMW (190 PP100) follow in second and third place.
2. Toyota: The Mass Market Champion
In the mass market segment, Toyota ranks highest with 147 PP100, followed closely by Buick (149 PP100). Chevrolet and MINI tie for third place, each scoring 174 PP100.
Brand Standouts and Improvements
1. Toyota Motor Corporation’s Dominance
Toyota Motor Corporation garners the most accolades with nine segment awards. Winning models include Lexus ES, Lexus IS, Lexus NX, Lexus RX, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Tacoma, and Toyota Tundra.
2. General Motors and BMW
General Motors takes home four segment awards with the Buick Encore, Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse, and Chevrolet Tahoe. BMW wins two awards for its X1 and X6 models.
3. Most Improved Brands
Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota show the most improvement in reliability scores. Porsche leads with a 33 PP100 improvement, followed by Mercedes-Benz at 22 PP100 and Toyota at 21 PP100.
Conclusion
The 2024 vehicle reliability study reveals crucial insights into the evolving landscape of automotive dependability. While technology continues to advance, it also brings new challenges that impact long-term vehicle reliability. As car owners keep their vehicles longer, the importance of robust, dependable design becomes even more critical.
What are your thoughts on the most reliable car brands of 2024? How do you think automakers will tackle these dependability challenges moving forward?
