Lexus tops J.D. Power 2024 Vehicle Dependability Survey, but overall dependability slips

Infotainment technologies involving connectivity — from systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — are among the most problematic issues for drivers, according to a new J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Survey.

The study ranks Lexus in the premium brand category as highest overall in vehicle dependability for a second consecutive year. Porsche and BMW come in second and third respectively.

Overall, the report is based on responses from 30,595 owners of 2021 model-year vehicles who were questioned after three years of ownership. The results suggest “a decline in long-term vehicle dependability, with increased levels of problems reported for nearly two-thirds of brands” included in the study.

Electric vehicles are not immune from dependability problems, Power says. Full EVs are the most troublesome, followed by plug-in hybrids; Hybrids and ICE vehicles do better. At three years of ownership, tires are a sore spot for battery-powered electric owners, with 39 percent saying that they replaced tires in the past 12 months — 19 percentage points higher than owners of gas-powered vehicles.

Returning to brand rankings, Toyota ranks highest in the mass market segment, with Buick second, while Chevrolet and Mini are tied for third. The top three brands showing the greatest improvement in the number of problems are Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota.