The industry overall saw a modest improvement, with reported problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) falling to 192, compared to 194 a year earlier. But the data tells a more nuanced story beneath that slim margin of progress.
Premium automotive brands, long challenged by integrating advanced technology without sacrificing reliability, posted significant improvements. The segment improved by 27 PP100, down to 203 from last year’s 230—a shift largely driven by significant quality gains from Tesla. Meanwhile, mass market brands saw their PP100 tick upward to 187 from 181, suggesting that consumer-grade cars, despite generally simpler equipment, are grappling with their own set of issues.
A lower PP100 score indicates higher quality.
Infotainment systems continue to plague vehicle owners more than any other category. Though slightly improved—dropping by 1.9 PP100—the segment still generates the most complaints overall, with 42.6 PP100. Half of the industry’s top 10 reported problems stem from infotainment, including system freezes, connectivity hiccups, and unintuitive controls.
Touchscreen integration remains a particular source of user frustration. Automakers increasingly fold core functions—such as climate control, garage door operation, and even glovebox access—into touchscreens. “Customers like the sleek look of these larger screens, but navigating them often requires multiple taps and swipes, turning simple tasks into distracting challenges,” said Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power. “Manufacturers can reduce this friction by preserving some physical buttons for key features.”
Premium vs. Mass Market: More Tech, More Trouble
Interestingly, premium vehicles suffer more from mechanical and electronic defects than their mass-market counterparts, even though both segments report similar levels of design-related complaints. The largest disparity occurs in exterior components, where luxury models average 4.2 more problems per 100 vehicles. Much of that gap is attributable to upstarts and non-traditional automakers, who often prioritize innovation over durability in early models.
Plug-in Hybrids Lead in Reported Issues
For the first time in the study’s 39-year history, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) registered more problems than fully battery-powered EVs. PHEVs scored 237 PP100, compared to 212 PP100 for EVs. Conventional gas vehicles fared better at 184 PP100, while standard hybrids landed at 196.
EV reliability, however, benefited substantially from a 62 PP100 improvement in Tesla vehicles, marking a turnaround for the category often criticized for build quality.
Rocky Launches and Model Transitions
New model launches proved to be a minefield for automakers. Freshly introduced models posted an average of 203 PP100, compared to 190 PP100 for carryover models. Of 18 new models assessed, only two performed better than their segment average. While new vehicles often require refinement, Hanley noted that “this year’s launches were especially rocky.” The silver lining? These new models needed fewer dealer visits for repairs.
Cupholders and Consumer Culture
Even the humble cupholder—once perfected, it seemed—has become a point of contention. The increasing use of reusable bottles in all shapes and sizes has caught manufacturers off-guard, resulting in awkward fits and complaints. The expectation that vehicles should accommodate today’s wide variety of containers is reshaping interior design priorities, the study found.
Study Scope and Methodology
Now in its 39th year, the U.S. Initial Quality Study is based on responses from 92,694 new car buyers and lessees, who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership between June 2024 and May 2025. The study combines survey feedback with real-world service and repair data from thousands of dealer visits to capture a comprehensive view of early vehicle quality. Issues are categorized into 10 key areas, including powertrain, interior, seats, and climate systems.
Top-Performing Brands and Models
Among luxury brands, Lexus leads with the best overall quality score at 166 PP100. Jaguar (175 PP100) and Genesis (183 PP100) follow.
In the mass-market category, Nissan claims the top spot with 169 PP100, trailed by Hyundai (173 PP100) and Chevrolet (178 PP100).
General Motors led all automakers with five segment awards, followed by Ford Motor Company (four awards) and Honda Motor Company (three awards). Notably, the Porsche 911, manufactured by Volkswagen AG, earned the study’s best individual model ranking with a class-leading 116 PP100.
Plant-Level Awards: A Global Picture
The Platinum Plant Quality Award went to BMW AG’s Graz plant in Austria, home to the BMW Z4. North American Gold awards were shared by Toyota’s Cambridge South plant in Ontario (maker of the Lexus RX) and Georgetown 3 plant in Kentucky (Lexus ES). In Asia, the Tahara Lexus plant in Japan took top honors for its production of the Lexus IS, LS, and NX.