J.D. Power, a specialist in consumer insights, advisory services and data and analytics, highlights the top 13 vehicle brands in the UK to have owner-reported problems.
Emerging and new technologies in premium vehicles are resulting in more owner-reported problems than in volume brand vehicles, according to the J.D. Power 2018 UK Vehicle Dependability Study.
Here are some key findings from the 2018 study:
?In-vehicle technology slightly more problematic – Technology problems continue to be common for owners after one to three years. Bluetooth phone/device frequent pairing/connectivity issues and voice recognition not recognising commands are both among the six most common problems in the UK VDS.
Despite advancements in automotive technology, engine and transmission problems remain – Although uncommon, owners still worry about engine and transmission problems, as they are the most dangerous or costly. Despite advances in technology, the most severe problem in the industry remains an engine failing to start.
Not all problem areas are created equal – Experiencing any of the 10 most severe problems strongly affects the satisfaction of vehicle owners. The APEAL (Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout) Index drops well below the industry average of 767 (on a 1,000-point scale). The most severe problems result in a 5 to 13% drop in APEAL scores when they occur.
Study rankings
Overall dependability is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality. The top 13 brands in the UK for vehicle dependability are volume brands. Hyundai ranks highest in overall vehicle dependability with a score of 78 PP100. Suzuki ranks second with 87 PP100, followed by Kia with 94 PP100. Mercedes-Benz (124 PP100) is the highest- ranking premium brand, and 14th overall.
The study, now in its fourth year, measures problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of vehicles in the UK after 12 to 36 months of ownership. The study examines 177 problem symptoms across eight categories: vehicle exterior; driving experience; features/controls/displays (FCD); audio/communication/entertainment/navigation (ACEN); seats; heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC); vehicle interior; and engine and transmission.
The 2018 UK Vehicle Dependability Study is based on responses from 13,536 owners of new vehicles registered from February 2015, through to February 2017. The study was fielded from February through April 2018.
