The latest J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study has revealed some surprising shifts in vehicle quality during the first 90 days of ownership. Based on feedback from over 92,000 owners and lessees of 2025 model-year vehicles, the study ranks automakers based on problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), with lower scores reflecting higher quality.
Lexus secured the top position with just 166 PP100, reaffirming its reputation for reliability. Nissan followed closely with 169 PP100, not only leading among mass-market brands but even outperforming many luxury automakers. In contrast, Audi landed at the bottom with 269 PP100, with Volvo and Infiniti not far ahead. Tesla, Cadillac, and Toyota all reported 200 PP100 but were excluded from formal rankings due to methodology constraints.
Overall, the industry average improved slightly to 192 PP100 from 194 last year. Premium brands saw a notable improvement—dropping to 203 PP100 from 230 PP100—primarily due to Tesla’s advancements. However, mass-market brands saw a slight increase in issues to 187 PP100.
Despite these marginal improvements, recurring frustrations continue to dominate. Infotainment remains the most problematic category, particularly as automakers shift more functions—such as climate controls and garage door openers—onto touchscreens. While customers find the sleek designs visually appealing, many express dissatisfaction with the user experience. Owners report that having to swipe through multiple menus to access basic features is overly complicated and distracting while driving.
In another unexpected twist, cupholders have resurfaced as a notable source of complaints. As more consumers carry reusable containers of various sizes, current vehicle designs are failing to accommodate this diversity, reigniting frustrations manufacturers once seemed to have solved.
Electrified powertrains continue to present challenges. For the first time, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) averaged more issues than battery electric vehicles (BEVs), with 237 PP100 versus 212 PP100. Traditional gasoline vehicles performed best at 184 PP100, followed by hybrids at 196 PP100. Tesla’s 62-point improvement helped raise BEV scores.
New vehicle launches struggled this year. Among 18 new models introduced, only two performed better than their segment average, contributing to a higher 203 PP100 score versus 190 PP100 for carryover models. That said, new models required fewer repair visits than existing ones, offering a minor upside.
On the awards front, General Motors led with five segment-level wins, followed by Ford and Honda. Porsche’s 911 was the highest-ranked individual model, with just 116 PP100. Plant quality awards were also handed out, with BMW’s Graz, Austria plant earning top honors for the BMW Z4. Toyota’s Lexus plants in Canada, Kentucky, and Japan received regional gold awards.
As the industry continues to push advanced technology, the study suggests a growing disconnect between innovation and ease of use. Consumers are clearly asking not just for more features, but smarter, simpler ones that don’t get in the way of the driving experience.
