For the first time since 2009, vehicle dependability has taken a sharp downturn, according to the newly released J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS). The report reveals a concerning 6% increase in problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) compared to 2024, bringing the industry average to 202 PP100. This marks a 12 PP100 decline in dependability, with mass market brands being particularly affected by an increase in software-related issues.
Lingering Effects of the Pandemic on Vehicle Quality
The findings align with J.D. Power’s 2022 Initial Quality StudySM, which had already flagged a drop in vehicle quality for that model year. Now, three years later, those problems have persisted, highlighting the long-term impact of supply chain disruptions, workforce shortages, and production challenges brought on by the pandemic.
“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.
Software Defects on the Rise
A significant portion of the dependability decline can be attributed to software defects. For the second consecutive year, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity issues topped the list of consumer complaints, worsening from 6.3 PP100 in 2024 to 8.4 PP100 in 2025. Built-in Bluetooth (4.6 PP100) and vehicle Wi-Fi (2.4 PP100) also ranked among the most frequent problem areas.
As cars become increasingly software-reliant, automakers face growing pressure to refine their technology. Although over-the-air (OTA) software updates offer a solution, only 30% of users who performed updates in the past three years reported noticeable improvements, while 56% saw no change.
Electric Vehicles Show Mixed Performance
While battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have improved significantly, with a 33 PP100 reduction in reported problems, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have gone in the opposite direction, seeing a 26 PP100 increase in issues. PHEVs now rank as the most problematic vehicle type at 242 PP100, compared to 223 PP100 for BEVs, 233 PP100 for diesel vehicles, 200 PP100 for gasoline-powered cars, and 199 PP100 for traditional hybrids.
New Model Launches Struggle with Dependability
Of the 27 models introduced in the 2022 model year, only four have outperformed their segment averages. New models average 241 PP100 in the 2025 VDS, whereas carryover models fare significantly better with an average of 196 PP100. The data suggests that automakers may be struggling to perfect new designs and technology before bringing them to market.
Lexus and Buick Lead in Reliability Rankings
Lexus remains the top-ranked brand for overall dependability, with a leading score of 140 PP100, followed by Cadillac (169 PP100) and Porsche (186 PP100). In the mass market category, Buick takes the top spot with 143 PP100, while Mazda (161 PP100) and Toyota (162 PP100) follow closely behind.
The Toyota Avalon emerged as the highest-ranked model in the study, and Toyota Motor Corporation, along with General Motors, took home the most model-level awards. Toyota’s winning models include Lexus GX, Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Sienna, and Toyota Tacoma, while General Motors was recognized for Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet Corvette, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Silverado HD, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Acadia. Nissan also earned accolades for its Kicks and Murano models.
The Road Ahead for Automakers
The J.D. Power 2025 VDS underscores the challenges automakers face in delivering both quality and innovation. As vehicle software and electrification become more central to the driving experience, manufacturers must refine their approach to technology integration. Despite setbacks, the industry has opportunities to address software reliability, improve OTA updates, and ensure that new models are rigorously tested before hitting the market.
With dependability at its lowest point in 15 years, automakers will need to double down on quality control and consumer satisfaction if they hope to reverse the trend in future studies.
