Lexus and Buick are the highest ranking premium and mass market brands, respectively, in the new J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). It's Lexus' third straight win as the highest ranking overall brand. The study looks at reported vehicle problems after three years of ownership of 2022 model-year vehicles. And wouldn't you know it - the top model in the study isn't even produced anymore - and that's the Toyota Avalon.
Overall, J.D. Power says vehicle problems after three years of ownership have reached the highest level since 2009. Researchers attribute this to the disruptions the industry endured during the pandemic. Compared to 2024, reported problems with three year old vehicles are up 6% per 100 vehicles (PP100). That's 12 PP100 worse than a year ago, resulting in an industry average of 202 PP100. J.D. Power says the rise in problems is attributable to mass market brands experiencing a 16 PP100 increase related in part to software defects. A lower score indicates higher vehicle quality.
J.D. Power researchers say they're not surprised at the study results, given that its J.D. Power 2022 Initial Quality Study, which tracked problems early in the ownership period of 2022 model-year vehicles, found that initial vehicle quality notably declined from 2021, and problems also reached a record high. Now, three years later, the issues continue to be problematic for owners, according to findings of the 2025 VDS.
“While the increase in problems this year may be a thorn in the side of automakers and owners, it’s important to remember that today’s three-year-old vehicles were built during a time when the industry was grappling with major disruptions,” said Jason Norton, director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power. “Supply chain issues, record-high vehicle prices, and personnel disruption in the wake of the pandemic were problematic.”
The comprehensive study, now in its 36th year, covers 184 specific problem areas across nine major vehicle categories: climate; driving assistance; driving experience; exterior; features/controls/displays; infotainment; interior; powertrain; and seats.
J.D. Power highlights some key findings of the 2025 study in its press release:
Premium
Mass Market
Toyota and General Motors receive the most model-level awards with six each.
Toyota: Lexus GX, Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Sienna, and Toyota Tacoma.
General Motors Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet Corvette, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Silverado HD, Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Acadia.
Nissan Motor Co, Ltd.,- Nissan Kicks and Nissan Murano.
The 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study is based on responses from 34,175 original owners of 2022 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership. The study was fielded from August through November 2024.