Top 10 Most Dependable Automakers: 2018 J.D. Power
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This year was the first year overall vehicle dependability has improved since 2013.
The J.D. Power 2018 Vehicle Dependability Study has been released, with overall vehicle dependability improving nine percent from 2017, from an industry average of 156 problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) to 142 PP100. The annual study measures the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles during the past 12 months by original owners of 2015 model year vehicles, with a lower score reflecting higher quality.
SEE ALSO: Top 10 Most Dependable Automakers: 2017
This year, mass-market brands continue to close the gap with luxury brands, with the mass market average scoring 143 PP100, which is just seven points behind the luxury average of 136 PP100. The overall industry average for 2018 is 142.
Here are the top 10 best performers in this year’s study, making them the most dependable automakers of 2018.
10. Lincoln
With a score of 133 PP100, Lincoln improves from last year’s score of 150 PP100. This helped the American automaker break into the top 10 on 2018’s list, while it finished 12th last year.
ALSO SEE: Top 10 Least Dependable Automakers: 2018 J.D. Power
8. Toyota (tie)
Toyota continues to be a strong contender when it comes to dependability, but it did slip a few spots this year. Last year, the Japanese automaker finished third with a score of 123 PP100, but this year the brand scored 127 PP100.
8. BMW (tie)
BMW slips a spot after finishing seventh place last year with a score of 139 PP100. This year, the German automaker did improve on its score, however, with 127 PP100 just like Toyota.
6. Hyundai (tie)
Hyundai stays steady in sixth place, but this year it is tied with another automaker. With a score of 124 PP100, Hyundai improves over last year’s 133 PP100 total.
6. Chevrolet (tie)
Last year, Chevrolet finished in eighth place with a score of 142 PP100. This year, the American automaker improves to 124 PP100 helping it climb a couple of ranks.
5. Kia
Kia bests Hyundai in this year’s Vehicle Dependability Study, after finishing in 11th place last year with a score of 148 PP100. This year, Kia scored 122 PP100, a noticeable improvement for the brand that continues to surprise many.
4. Infiniti
Infiniti flipped the script this year. In 2017, Nissan’s luxury arm was the third least dependable automaker. putting it near the bottom of all automakers. But this year, it’s the fourth most dependable brand after scoring 120 PP100. That’s a shocking change compared to last year’s score of 203 PP100.
3. Buick
Buick is the highest automaker among mass market brands, finishing in third overall with a score of 116 PP100. The American automaker improved from its fourth-place finish last year when it scored 126 PP100.
2. Porsche
Porsche still can’t manage to best Lexus in the annual study, after tying the Japanese automaker last year when both brands scored 110 PP100. This year, however, Porsche finishes in second with 100 PP100.
1. Lexus
Lexus owners are reporting the least amount of issues with their cars, for the seventh consecutive year. Toyota’s luxury brand scored 99 PP100, making it the most dependable automaker of 2018.
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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