China Vehicle Dependability Remains Stable, J.D. Power Finds
Porsche, FAW Toyota and WEY Rank Highest in Respective Segments
SHANGHAI: 26Oct. 2023 –The number of overall industry problems in China is 180 problems per 100 (PP100) vehicles, the same number of problems as the 2022 study, according to the J.D. Power 2023 China Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS), released today.
The study, now in its 14th year, measures the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles during the past six months by owners of 13- to 48-month-old vehicles. A lower score reflects higher vehicle quality. The study covers 177 specific problems grouped into nine major vehicle categories: exterior; interior; driving experience; features/controls/displays (FCD); infotainment; climate; seats; powertrain; and driving assistance.
According to the study, malfunction problems have increased to 106 PP100 in 2023 from 102 PP100 in 2022. There is a significant increase in malfunction problems in three categories: seats (+4.4 PP100); interior (+2.5 PP100); and climate (+1.6). Conversely, design problems are 74 PP100, a decline of 4 PP100 from 2022.
“Although manufacturers regard quality above everything else, some do not pay enough attention to quality after the warranty period,” said Elvis Yang, general manager of auto product practice at J.D. Power China. “However, such problems directly affect owners’ concerns about the long-term dependability and durable quality of their vehicle. Manufacturers need to pay more attention to long-term quality and improve quality management standards.”
Following are additional findings of the 2023 study:
- Four assisted driving problems need to be addressed: The top four assisted driving problems cited by vehicle owners are blind spot monitoring; the parking cameras’ lens gets dirty easily; the accuracy of the front collision warning; and the stability of the cruise. Some of these problems can be improved through software upgrades.
- Chinese domestic brands have highest number of problems by low and medium mileage: Chinese domestic brands with mileage below 20,000 kilometers and between 40,000 - 80,000 kilometers experience more problems than other international brands,192 PP100 and 215 PP100, respectively.
- Dealers can provide system update services to improve the owner experience: Vehicle owners can upgrade functions such as navigation/maps; audio/entertainment systems; Bluetooth; and in-car smart voice assistance through multiple channels. Nearly 90% of owners say they have a better experience after updating the system in the dealer store, and 74% of owners say they have better experience after an over-the-air (OTA) technology online upgrade.
Highest-Ranked Brands and Models
Porsche ranks highest in vehicle dependability among premium brands with 137 PP100, while BMW (140 PP100) and Land Rover (140 PP100) each rank second in a tie.
FAW Toyota is the highest-ranked mass market brand with 142 PP100.Changan Ford (157 PP100) ranks second and GAC Toyota (166 PP100) ranks third.
WEY is the highest-ranked Chinese domestic brand with 180 PP100. Lynk & Co (181 PP100) ranks second, while Chery (182 PP100) and FAW Hongqi (182 PP100) each rank third in a tie.
In the 2023 study, 22 models from 14 brands are eligible for awards across 19 segments.
- BMW models ranking highest in their respective segments are BMW 5 Series; BMW 7 Series; and BMW X1.
- Changan Ford models ranking highest in their respective segments are Ford Mondeo and Ford Edge.
- FAW Toyota models ranking highest in their respective segments are Toyota Vios/Vios FS; Toyota Corolla; Toyota IZOA; and Toyota RAV4.
- Mercedes-Benz models ranking highest in their respective segments are Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.
- SAIC Volkswagen models that rank highest in their respective segments are Volkswagen Polo and T-CROSS.
Other models that rank highest in their respective segments are Baojun 730; Cadillac XTS; GAC Trumpchi GS4; Geely Binyue; Honda Odyssey; Hyundai ix35; Land Rover Range Rover; Skoda Kamiq; and Toyota Camry.
The 2023 study is based on responses from 37,973 vehicle owners who purchased their vehicle between December 2018 and May 2022. The study includes 247 models from 46 different brands and was fielded from January through June 2023 in 81 major cities across China.
J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services and data and analytics. Those capabilities enable J.D. Power to help its clients drive customer satisfaction, growth and profitability. Established in 1968, J.D. Power has offices serving North America, Asia Pacific and Europe. For more information, please visit china.jdpower.com or stay connected with us on J.D. Power WeChat and Weibo.
Media Relations Contacts
Mengmeng Wang, J.D. Power; China; +86 21 8026 5719; mengmeng.wang@jdpa.com
Geno Effler, J.D. Power; USA; 001-714-621-6224; media.relations@jdpa.com
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