JD Power ‘Dependability’: Kia/Volvo Top, BMW Bottom

[ChefDJ]

:thumbdo:

JD POWER ‘DEPENDABILITY’: KIA/VOLVO TOP, BMW BOTTOM



The results of the JD Power 2017 UK Vehicle Dependability Study has been released, and they make for rather interesting reading.

The study, which is in its third year, measures problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of vehicles in the United Kingdom after 12-36 months of ownership.

The study examines 177 problem symptoms across eight categories: vehicle exterior; driving experience; features/controls/displays; audio/communication/entertainment/navigation; seats; heating, ventilation and air conditioning; vehicle interior; and engine and transmission.

Overall dependability is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.

The 2017 UK Vehicle Dependability Study is based on responses from more than 12 000 owners of new vehicles registered from February 2014 to April 2016. The study was fielded from February to April 2017.

So, which brands impressed? Well, Kia Motors and Volvo Cars tied for top spot, each returning 83 PP100. Skoda, Suzuki and Hyundai rounded out the top five, while Toyota managed sixth place with 105 PP100.

Volkswagen (121 PP100) and Mercedes-Benz (129 PP100) stayed above the industry average of 131 PP100, but BMW ranked dead last with 198 PP100. Audi didn’t fare much better, one place ahead of its Bavarian rival on 187 PP100.

Check out the full rankings below…

Source

 

[GoCart]

Unfortunately, no surprise there.

At least we get to lean new skills while owning BMWs.

 

[///Avi]

Lol the rating of Bimmer does not surprise me. As Gocart mentioned, at least we are learning new skills now :roflol:

 

[KrS24]

So Skoda, VW and Audi are at very different points in the list. They use the same platform, engine and for the most part technology. I wonder what the reasons they are so far apart.


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[Iceman12596]

These list's are the most BS lists ever.

 

[davelo]

I may be wrong, but I have always suspected that what sways the results of these surveys is the whole issue of expectations. The buyer of a new M4 is far more likely to make a big deal about a little rattle from the centre console when above 5000 rpm than the little old lady in her Etios with a noisy CV joint when turning full lock into her driveway. The whole Skoda/VW/Audi comparison sort of illustrates that, no?

The more exclusive brands probably are actually better, but perhaps just not by a sufficient margin to satisfy the purchasers' expectations, given what they paid.

 

[tinovittee]

I may be wrong, but I have always suspected that what sways the results of these surveys is the whole issue of expectations. The buyer of a new M4 is far more likely to make a big deal about a little rattle from the centre console when above 5000 rpm than the little old lady in her Etios with a noisy CV joint when turning full lock into her driveway. The whole Skoda/VW/Audi comparison sort of illustrates that, no?

The more exclusive brands probably are actually better, but perhaps just not by a sufficient margin to satisfy the purchasers' expectations, given what they paid.

I was thinking along the same lines. BMW is right at the bottom because BMW owners want it to be perfect... I know I want everything to work properly... as designed. The slightest little issue will irritate me. But probably less so for someone in a Kia.

If it were solely linked to the value of the car, Merc would also be lower down... This list shows an increasing level of attention to detail and fanaticism... (with a few exceptions.... like Dacia )

 

[ChefDJ]

Your perceptions above have method to their madness.

BMW's are bought mostly by enthusiasts or perfectionists, I would imagine, while Kia's and Volvo's are bought more by A-to-B drivers who just buy a car based on a salesman's pitch and just want something to get them to work and back.

 

[msm]

Some valid points on this thread, but you can't ignore the facts.

As BMW petrol heads, you could buy a naturally aspirated motor in the past and comfortably run it to 300K KM with routine maintenance - major problems were typically far and few between. It was usually extreme abuse, neglect or just age that was the root cause of issues, minor or major.

Now, have a look at any single current generation BMW on sale today. As a BMW enthusiast, who would raise their hands and say that it would last to 300K KM with routine maintenance. It would now be the exception rather than the norm.

The results in the table reflect this.

 

[Nick]

Sandton Hyundai clients have about 100 complaints per car..

 

[SanM]

Your perceptions above have method to their madness.

BMW's are bought mostly by enthusiasts or perfectionists, I would imagine, while Kia's and Volvo's are bought more by A-to-B drivers who just buy a car based on a salesman's pitch and just want something to get them to work and back.

Don't think Volvo XC90 drivers just want to go from A to B.

 

[ChefDJ]

Your perceptions above have method to their madness.

BMW's are bought mostly by enthusiasts or perfectionists, I would imagine, while Kia's and Volvo's are bought more by A-to-B drivers who just buy a car based on a salesman's pitch and just want something to get them to work and back.

Don't think Volvo XC90 drivers just want to go from A to B.

That's also not as common as any Kia on the road.

 

[davelo]

From my experience Volvo drivers ARE far more likely to be A to B type drivers than not. Perhaps not all, but certainly most. Historically, Volvo's have largely been purchased for their passive safety features and comfort, not handling and performance.

 

[that_guy_Ettiene]

^^ And utter reliability..

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[davelo]

My fridge at home is 100% reliable.
Also extremely uninspiring and unexciting in daily use.

 

[SanM]

Then tavelling in comfort and luxury can't be described as wanting to go from A to B; drivers of the latter wouldn't care about comfort and luxury if their aim as to get from A to B. I think you'd find that Volvo drivers seeking comfort and luxury are just as discerning as your typical speed enthusiast.

 

[davelo]

I'm not saying they are not discerning, just that the types of problems likely to be reported by them are of a different (and more limited) nature in comparison to those reported by performance car enthusiasts (call them fanatics if you like).

There are those who scan for error codes regularly, and someone could discover that the coolant thermostat heater element is faulty, or that there is a swirl flap actuator error, neither of which may even to be noticed in normal driving (ask me why I happen to use these examples!). Much of this type of complexity is designed in for enhanced efficiency and performance, but does come at the cost of there being simply more items that can go wrong. They are usually not problems that will leave you next to the road, but they will be added to that little tally of problems per 100 vehicles. The non-enthusiast's vehicle with the same problems would be deemed to be completely trouble-free since he would be blissfully unaware of them.

 

[GoCart]

One can expect fair defense as this is BMW Fanatics after all.

However, let us not fool ourselves in the notion that those who drive anything other then BMW is in search of a lesser vehicle.

To me an issue is an issue, how ever big or small.

What motivates you to scan your own vehicle for errors, the fear that something is wrong?

I drive BMW because they are rear wheel drive, the option of grabbing a spectacular inline 6, and a well established parts and service support network.

Do I think BMW is the best manufacturer in the word, not by a long shot.

 

[davelo]

I drive BMW's because I find them by far the most pleasurable to drive, from a pure driving enjoyment perspective. 100% with you in terms of RWD and N/A 6 cylinders - I own two. Both over 10 years old.

I am fanatical about everything on my cars working as it should, that's why I check for codes, also because the agents appear worryingly capable of gross misdiagnosis. That said, I have had very little trouble with my BM's, even at quite high mileages.

Having owned many different marques over the years, ironically the most unreliable were also the most unpleasant to drive - the two Toyotas I owned.

BMW's certainly aren't the most reliable vehicles one can buy, and they certainly require a higher level of preventative work than many other vehicles. They also aren't the horrendously unreliable overpriced cars that some of these surveys would suggest. Sure if reliable transportation is your #1 priority, and you're prepared to tolerate a mundane driving experience, look elsewhere, but BMW isn't bottom of the reliability pile, I'm sorry.

 

[TurboLlew]

I don't support use of these surveys normally for the reasons described above and also because you can't differentiate between a squeaky door or a failed motor. It doesn't take cost or complexity into account either! Model mix within manufacturers makes a difference too... Then again I don't get these 'initial quality surveys' either. I've unfortunately seen enough to know that some people are perfectly happy with junk and others are unhappy even with the very best. Locally anyone with motorplan 'complains' alot since they aren't picking up the repair cost as well.

That being said, I don't think anyone will argue that new BMW should be close to the top from a quality perspective (Entertainment, engagement, feel etc is of course another story). Paint is terrible (there was a thread about removing orange peel with wet sanding on a brand new M3 a few days back).

Drivetrains have had what some would certainly consider to be major issues (eg: early N63s, bearing issues on S motors, leaks on B58s, N55 leaks, fuel pumps, water pumps....) if you are comparing it to a Honda or Kia, then some of the comments you hear here regularly (oh just have 25K/50K ready and have preventative maintenance done may be akin to having pre-emptive heart surgery prior to diagnosis for a non-fanatic/non mechanically minded person). Not limited to BMW of course. Plenty of horror stories about Audi gearboxes and diffs, Merc camshafts and gearboxes etc. as well on top end models.

Types of materials used in brakes result in squeals, squeaks and rattles on perfectly working systems

Interior quality issues with peeling trim and fading plastic, rattles, issues with the fine leather on individual cars etc)...

Non-runflat tyres and no full or biscuit spare wheel on M cars is still nonsensical to me in our country or even the US (Europe I would understand). Nobody has listened at BMW or even offered a paid-for mobility solution for long trips that you can put in the boot (and use roof racks for extra luggage if needed). Haven't had to use BMW on call yet or had a major issue with my tyres yet but those who have used it are less than impressed with the time involved.

Last point: we've had a Kia and have a Hyundai. That warranty, while good, isn't all its cracked up to be.