Detroit • Expect fewer breakdowns, squeaks, rattles or other problems with your car.
A nationwide survey of owners by consulting firm J.D. Power and Associates shows that cars and trucks are more dependable than ever.
 |
Join the Discussion |
 |
Post a Comment |
Lexus was the top performer in the survey released Wednesday, but most other brands also showed improvement.
J.D. Power polled 31,000 owners of 2009 model-year vehicles and rated brands by the number of problems owners have experienced in the past 12 months. Problems can range from stalling engines and transmission issues to peeling paint and electronics glitches.
The top complaint in this year’s survey was excessive wind noise, followed by noisy brakes.
Lexus owners reported 86 problems per 100 vehicles. Porsche, Cadillac, Toyota and Scion rounded out the top five. The worst performers were Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Jaguar. Chrysler owners reported 192 problems per 100 vehicles.
The industry average was 132 problems per 100 vehicles, a 13 percent improvement from last year and the lowest rate since the survey began in 1990.
"Despite facing immense challenges in 2009, automakers placed a keen focus on delivering outstanding levels of quality, which they understood would be essential to their long-term success," J.D. Power automotive vice president David Sargent said in a statement.
Copyright 2012 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
