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The 2024 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS) reveals a significant industry-wide decline in new vehicle quality, with problem rates reaching a record high. The key driver isn't mechanical failure but increasing owner frustration with complex technology, particularly in infotainment and driver-assistance systems. For the first time, the study incorporates dealership repair data, which highlights a stark reliability gap between electric vehicles (EVs) and gasoline-powered models.
The J.D. Power Initial Quality Study is a benchmark annual survey that measures the number of problems owners experience with their new vehicles during the first 90 days of ownership. The 2024 study is based on responses from 99,144 buyers and lessees of new 2024 model-year vehicles. The survey is thorough, asking 227 questions across 10 categories, including infotainment, features, controls, driving assistance, and powertrain. The results are expressed as problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), where a lower score indicates higher quality.
The industry average soared to 195 PP100, a noticeable increase from previous years. This decline is not primarily due to traditional mechanical issues but to what might be better categorized as "annoyances per 100 vehicles." Based on our assessment experience, the root cause is the rapid integration of complex technology. For example, features like confusing touchscreen controls, false alerts from safety systems, and connectivity issues with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are the top complaints. A key illustration is Tesla, whose move to eliminate traditional stalks for turn signals and wipers contributed to its score worsening from 257 PP100 to 266 PP100—an ease-of-use issue, not a mechanical defect.
The incorporation of real-world repair data paints a challenging picture for electrified vehicles. Owners of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles return to the dealership for repairs three times more often than owners of gas-powered vehicles. The data shows a significant PP100 gap:
Notably, legacy automakers have closed the EV quality gap, with their EVs averaging the same 266 PP100 as Tesla. This suggests the challenges are inherent to EV technology and new feature integration rather than being specific to a single brand.
The study ranks brands based on their PP100 score, with the industry average at 195 PP100. The following table outlines the official rankings for 2024.
| Rank | Brand | PP100 Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ram | 149 |
| 2 | Chevrolet | 160 |
| 3 | Hyundai | 162 |
| 4 | Kia | 163 |
| 5 | Buick | 164 |
| - | Industry Average | 195 |
| - | Notable Brands | - |
| - | Lexus | 174 |
| - | Toyota | 192 |
| - | Honda | 181 |
| - | Ford | 179 |
| - | Volkswagen | 241 |
| - | Audi | 242 |
Brands considered unofficial due to incomplete data:
Beyond brand rankings, J.D. Power highlights the top-performing models in each segment. General Motors (GM) earned the most model-level awards with six, while Lexus and Chevrolet led their respective brand categories. The Lexus LC earned the single highest quality ranking of any model.
Top Models by Category:
For consumers, the 2024 IQS underscores a critical shift in how to evaluate a new car. The most common problems are now related to technology usability, not mechanical breakdowns. Therefore, during your test drive, prioritize assessing the infotainment system and various controls. Ask yourself: Is the screen intuitive? Are common functions easy to access while driving? Spend significant time in the driver's seat familiarizing yourself with the controls before making a purchase decision. This hands-on evaluation is the best defense against the top frustrations reported by new owners.
