© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Car initial quality slips due to increased complexity: JD Power

Hyundai

The increased complexity of cars is causing an uptick in problems reported in the first 90 days of ownership, according to an annual survey by J.D. Power.

Problems reported by owners in the first 90 days rose 3% for 2014 model year cars over last year. 

The group says that's because of the increased complexity and features in new cars, especially when it comes to voice recognition and Bluetooth syncing. 

The harsh winter also caused some extra problems with paint, engine performance, and heating systems. 

The group says it's important for car companies to pay attention to initial quality, because fewer problems translates into higher loyalty. 

Hyundai was ranked number one for best initial quality among non-luxury brands.

Hyundai cars experienced slightly fewer than one problem per car in the first 90 days of ownership. 

Porche was best among all the brands.

Down at the bottom of the list - Mitsubishi and Jeep, with about one and a half problems per vehicle.  

Fiat came in dead last, with more than two problems reported per car in the first 90 days.  

 

Tracy Samilton covers energy and transportation, including the auto industry and the business response to climate change for Michigan Public. She began her career at Michigan Public as an intern, where she was promptly “bitten by the radio bug,” and never recovered.