"Strong initial quality of 2009 model-year vehicles has translated into historically high levels of vehicle dependability in 2012, according to the J.D.Power and Associates 2012 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study.
The study measures problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of three-year-old (2009 model-year) vehicles. Overall dependability is determined by the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.
In 2012, overall vehicle dependability averages 132 PP100 an improvement from the 2011 average of 151 which is the lowest problem rate since the inception of the study in 1990.
The strong dependability of these models reflects their high levels of initial quality when measured three years ago.
According to the J.D.Power and Associates 2009 Initial Quality Study, overall initial quality of 2009 model-year vehicles was the highest level of initial quality ever reached at that point. It has since been passed, including a new record in 2011.
Fully 25 of 32 brands have improved in dependability from 2011, while only six have declined and one has remained stable. Domestic nameplates have improved in 2012 at a slightly faster rate than imports, narrowing the dependability gap to 13 PP100 from 18 PP100 in 2011.
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, said David Sargent, J.D. Powers vice president of global automotive. Three years later, owners of these models are enjoying unprecedented levels of vehicle dependability and manufacturers are experiencing market recovery." [Read more]
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