February reliability insights from JD Power for 2023
Each February, JD Power releases a reliability study based on the maintenance data of 30,062 vehicles that are under three years old. The takeaway is clear: overall reliability is slowly improving, with most issues traced to advanced technologies and infotainment systems that continue to challenge newer models.
The reliability score is calculated as the number of problems per 100 vehicles. A lower number means better reliability. This year’s average stood at 186, which is 6 points higher than the 2022 figure, indicating a steady but modest rise in reported problems across the dataset.
In 2023, Lexus led the pack with a score of 133, placing it at the top of the premium-brand segment and securing the overall best rank in the study.
Among mass-market brands, Kia claimed first place and ranked third overall with a score of 152. Genesis took second among premium brands and second in the general ranking with a score of 144.
General Motors also performed well within the top tier, featuring Buick at 159 and Chevrolet at 162 points.
|
Place |
brand |
Result 2023 |
Result 2022 |
Difference |
|
1 |
Lexus |
133 |
159 |
26 |
|
2 |
Genesis |
144 |
155 |
eleven |
|
3 |
kia |
152 |
145 |
-7 |
|
4 |
Belly |
159 |
147 |
-12 |
|
5 |
Chevy |
162 |
171 |
9 |
When it comes to individual models, Lexus RX and Toyota C-HR were highlighted as the most reliable. For compact and mid-size cars, the Kia Forte and Optima led the way, while in the crossover segment, the Kia Sportage stood out for reliability. Other notable mentions included the Chevrolet Tahoe and Blazer, the GMC Sierra, and the Toyota Tacoma pickup for their solid reliability profiles.
Photo: Connor Lunsford / Unsplash