Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

These are the most reliable cars, according to J.D. Power

Find out who topped J.D. Power's list of most reliable car brands

J.D. Power is back with its annual Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) for 2023 and there’s some good news. The average number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) went down to 186, which marks an improvement of 6 PP100 from 2022. The order for the most reliable automakers has changed since last year, and the list of the most reliable cars per segment is, surprisingly, diverse. Unfortunately, luxury brands and American automakers continue to rank as the least reliable brands.

If you’re unfamiliar with JD Power’s annual study, the organization rates new vehicles based on the average number of problems that owners experience per 100 vehicles. J.D. Power assigns scores based on their performance in nine categories: climate; driving assistance; driving experience; exterior; features/controls/displays; infotainment; interior; powertrain; and seats. A higher PP100 score correlates to a vehicle with more issues.

2022 BMW X5 Black Vermilion Edition front end angle from passenger's side parked in a warehouse.
BMW

Here are the top 10 most reliable automakers from J.D. Power’s 2023 VDS with their PP100 scores:

  • Lexus (133)
  • Genesis (144)
  • Kia (152)
  • Buick (159)
  • Chevrolet (162)
  • Mitsubishi (167)
  • Toyota (168)
  • Hyundai (170)
  • MINI (170)
  • Nissan (170)
Recommended Videos

Compared to last year, Lexus took the top spot from Kia, which still did well enough to earn the top spot for mass-market automakers. Ram (189), Volvo (215), and Nissan (170) had the largest improvements compared to last year. We’re especially taken aback by Mitsubishi’s climb up the chart, as the Japanese brand isn’t known for its reliability, but finished in sixth place in 2023 compared to 14th place last year.

J.D. Power names individual winners for the most dependable vehicles based on specific segments. Toyota, which includes Lexus, had the most winners with six vehicles, including the Lexus RX and Toyota C-HR, which were named the most dependable models in the study. BMW finished in second place in a tie with General Motors with four award-winning vehicles. BMW’s most dependable models include the X2, X5, and 4-Series, while the Chevrolet Blazer, Tahoe, and Silverado HD were GM’s most reliable vehicles. Hyundai Motor Group, which includes Kia, also had multiple award winners with the Kia Optima, Sportage, and Forte.

While the industry average of 186 PP100 is better than last year, J.D. found that infotainment systems continued to be one of the most problematic areas for vehicles. Voice recognition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, and difficulty with the touchscreen were some of the more prevalent issues.

Shoppers that want to avoid an automaker that landed on J.D. Power’s wrong end of the list and are the least reliable cars will want to stay away from Land Rover, Lincoln, Audi, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Volvo, and Subaru. Land Rover had the worst score of 273 PP100, while Subaru was slightly better, but was still well below average with a score of 214 PP100.

Joel Patel
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Joel Patel is a former contributor for The Manual. His work has also been featured on Autoweek, Digital Trends, Autoblog…
One of the most iconic Porsche 911s could fetch almost $1 million
This air-cooled 911 Turbo S is up for sale right now
one of the most iconic porsche 911s could fetch almost 1 million 911

When it comes to collectible Porsches, the 911, and more specifically, the 993 Turbo S, is on many enthusiasts' Mount Rushmore in the Porsche lineup. Sure, the incredible hypercars like the Carrera GT and blisteringly fast 918 Spyder have carried the torch that the classic, and unbelievably powerful 959 put into motion back in the 1980s, will always garner plenty of the spotlight, but this 1997 911 Turbo S is quietly one of the lusted lusted-after cars on the planet.

Marking the end of the air-cooled 911 Turbo era, only 183 of these bad boys were made for North America, and each one was custom-built by Porsche’s Exclusive department, packed with plenty of cool upgrades. The only downside is that this auction held by RM Sotheby's will be closed by the end of the month.

Read more
US News unveils the 2025 best cars for families
Best Cars for Families award winners excel in seating, cargo volume, and family friendliness.
2025 Jeep Wagoneer L

U.S. News & World Report has announced its 2025 Best Cars for Families awards. This annual program honors cars, SUVs, and minivans in nine automotive categories, from sedans and compact SUVS to large SUVS and SUV EVs.

The U.S. News & World Reports' yearly automotive ratings are based on safety, reliability, space, comfort, convenience, and connectivity. This year's winners are from seven manufacturers, ranging from standard models to premium cars, including the Kia Telluride midsize SUV, the Jeep Wagoneer large SUV, and the Kia EV9 electric SUV.
Winning features of the Best Cars for Families

Read more
2025 F1 season starts with fierce competition and major team changes
All 10 F1 teams have different plotlines for this racing season
The first Gordon Ramsay F1 Garage in 2025 with be at the Miami Grand Prix

The 2025 Formula 1 season begins in mid-March, and the teams are focused. They compete for points that determine the FIA Formula 1 World Driver's and Constructor's Championships. While winning is a shared goal, each team has unique challenges. Understanding those differences can clarify why the teams make certain decisions throughout the year.

Events are speeding up before the 2025 FIA Formula 1 World Championship starts. The Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 14 to 16 is the first race of the 2025 F1 Season, but before the 10 F1 teams head to Australia, other events have filled their calendars.

Read more