New cars are facing serious problems. It is reported that the number of cars purchased in recent years is twice the number of cars purchased in 2010. Some brands have experienced more than five problems on average in a car, and experts predict that the situation will worsen before it gets better.
Automotive manufacturing is very complex, there are hundreds of parts from many locations, making simultaneous production difficult. “Just-in-time” manufacturing processes increase complexity, along with personnel-related pollution and supply chain disruptions.
Despite hope for a return to normality, the situation remains unstable. Factors such as the global pandemic and the introduction of new technologies have caused the number of problems per vehicle to double in the last five years, indicating a decline in efficiency.
J.D. Power’s annual Initial Quality Study (IQS) sheds light on these questions. This study, based on the number of problems in the first three months of 100 new cars (PP100), showed an effect. Since 2010, the industry’s average IQS score has increased steadily, indicating a decline in premium quality.
The depth of the survey, which includes detailed information about 93,380 purchases for the 2023 model year, is remarkable. All participants answered 223 questions covering all aspects of membership.
This trend worries buyers because buying a car is an important financial decision. Considering that new cars have twice as many problems as in 2010, it’s important to make an informed decision.
The future looks bleak with the IQS generally three years ahead of the Vehicle Expectations Survey (VDS). Since IQS shows decreased confidence, VDS results will show the same.
Lexus stands out as a symbol of reliability that has consistently surpassed other brands over the last decade. Its parent company, Toyota Motor, is also among the best in quality control.
As consumers become more informed, they will be able to make better decisions when purchasing a car. Avoiding several model year problems can help buyers choose more options.