10 Best and Worst Brands for Quality in 2024 According to J.D. Power
J.D. Power’s 2024 Initial Quality Study (IQS) released this week shows that things have gotten slightly worse versus last year. In fact, the average number of problems reported after 90 days of ownership is 195 per 100 vehicles (+3), which is an all-time high.
The study is based on responses from nearly 100,000 buyers and lessees of new 2024 model-year vehicles. It covers nine vehicle categories: infotainment; features, controls and displays; exterior; driving assistance; interior; powertrain; seats; driving experience; and climate. For the first time, the study additionally incorporates repair visit data based on hundreds of thousands of real-world events reported to franchised new-vehicle dealers.
- Also: Ford Delays Launch of Three Refreshed Models for Quality Assurance
- Also: Software Issue Causing More Problems With Volkswagen ID.4’s Displays
Once again, new in-car technologies are a main source of owner-reported problems, notably Android Auto/Apple CarPlay integration. However, as J.D. Power notes, some problem areas such as voice recognition and parking cameras are seen as less problematic now than they were a year ago. On the other hand, every brand except Kia and Nissan has seen an increase in unpleasant interior smell problems. That stinks—literally.
It’s also worth mentioning that gas- and diesel-powered vehicles average fewer problems per 100 vehicles (180) than battery-electric vehicles (266).
Now, what are the best and worst brands for initial quality in 2024? Check out our photo gallery to see the results. Some will surprise you, probably none more than Dodge’s spectacular fall from first to last (officially) due to numerous problems with the all-new Hornet.