[Jason]

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BMW 2 Series, 7 Series, X1, X3 rank highest in respective segments in J.D. Power Initial Quality Study

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J.D. Power Press Release:

June 28, 2022

The World Experienced a Pandemic—and Initial Vehicle Quality Got Sick

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, initial vehicle quality notably declined, according to the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM (IQS), released today. The disruptions caused by the pandemic—supply chain issues, record-high vehicle prices and personnel dislocations—contributed to vehicle problems reaching a record high in the 36-year history of this benchmark study. Compared with 2021 results, the industry experienced an 11% increase in problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), which is 18 PP100 worse than last year, resulting in an industry average of 180 PP100. A lower score reflects higher vehicle quality.

General Motors bucks the trend with an improvement in initial quality that lands it in the highest rank position among automotive corporations. Among brands, Buick's quality improves 17 PP100 year over year, vaulting it to ranking highest overall in 2022 from 12th place in 2021, while Genesis ranks highest among premium brands. Just nine of 33 ranked brands improved in vehicle quality year over year.

“Given the many challenges automakers and their dealers had to face in the past year, it’s somewhat surprising that initial quality didn’t fall even more dramatically,” said David Amodeo, director of global automotive at J.D. Power. "In general, initial quality has shown steady improvement throughout the history of this study, so the decline this year is disappointing—yet understandable. Automakers continue to launch vehicles that are more and more technologically complex in an era in which there have been many shortages of critical components to support them."

The U.S. Initial Quality Study, now in its 36th year, is based this year on responses from 84,165 purchasers and lessees of new 2022 model-year vehicles who were surveyed early in the ownership period. The study is based on a 223-question battery organized into nine vehicle categories: infotainment; features, controls and displays; exterior; driving assistance; interior; powertrain; seats; driving experience; and climate. The study is designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate the identification of problems and to drive product improvement. The study was fielded from February through May 2022.

“Supply chain disruption, especially the shortage of microchips, has caused automakers to seek alternative solutions to get new vehicles into purchasers’ and lessees’ hands,” Amodeo said. “In some cases, new vehicles are being shipped without some features installed. Communication with them about the changes in feature availability, as well as when such features will be reinstated, is critical to their satisfaction.”

Following are key findings of the 2022 study:

Deterioration goes beyond launch vehicles: Both all-new and continuing models increase in problems this year, though all-new models worsen the most (23 PP100). The initial quality gap between all-new and continuing models widens this year to 25 PP100 from 20 PP100 in 2021. The 2022 study finds four times as many new models performing worse than their segment averages compared with those that perform better than their segment averages.

Mass market vehicles experience fewer problems than premium vehicles: Mass market brands average 175 PP100, which is 21 PP100 fewer than for premium brands (196 PP100). Premium brand buyers typically purchase more technology in their vehicles, and the added complexity of that tech increases the likelihood of problems. Given the challenging task of launching new vehicles in the current environment, mass market carryover vehicles are most likely to achieve high-ranking initial quality. “Owners of premium-brand vehicles experience more problems than mass market vehicle owners, continuing a trend that started in 2016,” Amodeo said. “But some brands, notably Genesis and Lexus, have largely been able to avoid that issue.”

Infotainment systems remain the most problematic area: The infotainment category continues to be the most problematic, with an average of 45.0 PP100—which is 19.5 PP100 more problems than the next-highest category. Six of the top 10 problem areas in the study are infotainment-related, including: Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity (5.8 PP100); built-in voice recognition (4.0 PP100); difficulties with touchscreens/display screens (3.5 PP100); built-in Bluetooth systems (3.4 PP100); not enough power plugs/USB ports (2.9 PP100); and inconsistent audio volume (2.7 PP100).

Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) more problematic: Owners of BEVs and PHEVs cite more problems with their vehicles than do owners of vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE). ICE vehicles average 175 PP100, PHEVs average 239 PP100 and BEVs—excluding Tesla models—average 240 PP100. (Tesla models average 226 PP100 and are shown separate from the BEV average because the predominance of Tesla vehicles could obscure the performance of the legacy automakers that have recently introduced BEVs.)

Driving assistance issues grow: Problems with advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) declined in 2021 but have increased in 2022. The most problematic ADAS system is lane departure warning/lane-keeping assistance with 4.1 PP100.

Tesla Motors officially included for the first time: Tesla Motors is included in the industry calculation for the first time, with a score of 226 PP100. However, because Tesla Motors does not allow J.D. Power access to owner information in the states where that permission is required by law, Tesla vehicles remain ineligible for awards.


Highest-Ranking Brands and Models

Buick is the highest-ranking brand in overall initial quality with a score of 139 PP100. Dodge (143 PP100) ranks second and Chevrolet (147 PP100) ranks third.

Among premium brands, Genesis (156 PP100) ranks highest, and ranks fourth overall. Lexus (157 PP100) ranks second and Cadillac (163 PP100) ranks third.

The parent corporation receiving the most model-level awards is General Motors Company (nine awards), followed by BMW AG (five); Hyundai Motor Group (three); Ford Motor Company (two); and Toyota Motor Corporation (two). Among brands, Chevrolet receives the most segment awards (six), followed by BMW (four).

General Motors Company models that rank highest in their respective segments are Buick Encore GX, Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet Corvette, Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Silverado HD and Chevrolet Tahoe. The Chevrolet Corvette is the highest-ranking model overall with 101 PP100.

BMW AG models that rank highest in their respective segments are BMW 2 Series, BMW 7 Series, BMW X1 and BMW X3.

Hyundai Motor Group models that rank highest in their respective segments are Genesis G80, Hyundai Accent and Kia Forte.

Toyota Motor Corporation models that rank highest in their respective segments are Lexus IS and Toyota 4Runner.

Ford Motor Company models that rank highest in their respective segments are Ford Ranger and Lincoln Nautilus.

Plant Quality Awards

General Motors Company’s plant in San Luis-Potosi, Mexico, which produces the Chevrolet Equinox and the GMC Terrain, receives the Platinum Plant Quality Award. Plant quality awards are based solely on defects and malfunctions and exclude design-related problems.

Toyota Motor Corporation’s Takaoka 1 (Japan) plant, which produces the Toyota Corolla, and Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.’s Tochigi 1 (Japan) plant, which produces the Infiniti Q50 and Q60, receive the Gold Plant Quality Award for Asia/Pacific, in a tie. BMW AG’s Regensburg (Germany) plant, which produces the BMW X1 and X2, receives the Gold Plant Quality Award for Europe and Africa.

[swampfox94]

Neat but JD power is trash

[cfm56d7b]

The JD Power IQS is interesting to read but it is written from the manufacturer point of view by tacitly targeting the consumer with a message which suggests that the vehicle with higher initial quality rating is the one to buy.

More interesting (if they existed) surveys from JD Power;

- "Glad I leased my car and have it back"
- "Glad I kept my car for 5 years and reasons why"
- "No longer glad I kept my car because these problems surfaced 2 months after the warranty expired"

[kozzi]

"Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) more problematic: Owners of BEVs and PHEVs cite more problems with their vehicles than do owners of vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE)."

Had to read this part twice just to make sure.

[FrozenGT]

I own 3 BMWs and 1 Lexus-

2022 X3 M40i 7200miles
2020 F82 M4 competition DCT 12600 miles
2020 M2 Competition DCT 5500 miles
2018 Lexus NX300 F-sport 83000 miles

Our 2022 X3 We had ordered has had glitchy software issues. The Lexus has had zero issues over the course of its life.

The M4 no issues
The M2 no issues

However I do feel that Bmw still has a ways to go to improve quality of their software components and computerization electronics.

Lexus might be more reliable but then it's less fun to drive so it's always going to be that balance.

If you can afford it I say go with Porsche they have the ability to somehow to magically make their cars best of both worlds.

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by swampfox94

Neat but JD power is trash

If GM is coming out on top, you know something is wrong!

[pikcachu]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

If GM is coming out on top, you know something is wrong!

[GTF]

It would be interesting to see results according to demographics.
I would assume buyers of some brands are inherently more demanding, more apt to notice problems / defects.
Buick scores number one???
Have you noticed typical Buick drivers? I think many would be hard pressed to notice if their rear door fell off.
Just my casual opinion

[supershaft]

my 2021 x3m had horrid build quality. seals around the sunroof were not aligned and looked jammed in. tons of creaks as well.

ended up getting rid of it thank god

[apw2607]

Buick No. 1. Oh please. Utterly bonkers.

They must have interviewed people that had landlines.

[Prissy]

2 series quality? Wtf are they smoking?

[Game]

Originally Posted by Prissy

2 series quality? Wtf are they smoking?

Coupe.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by apw2607

Buick No. 1. Oh please. Utterly bonkers.

They must have interviewed people that had landlines.

I don't even know one person who owns a Buick.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by GTF

It would be interesting to see results according to demographics.
I would assume buyers of some brands are inherently more demanding, more apt to notice problems / defects.

That has certainly been the case in the UK, over many years of reading surveys.

We had a period when Skoda came out at the top. Sure, they were better vehicles under the VAG umbrella, but better than VW and well above Audi in surveys?

My observation, expectations and value for money, play a big part in user satisfaction.

[Montaver]

Originally Posted by FrozenGT

I own 3 BMWs and 1 Lexus-

2022 X3 M40i 7200miles
2020 F82 M4 competition DCT 12600 miles
2020 M2 Competition DCT 5500 miles
2018 Lexus NX300 F-sport 83000 miles

Our 2022 X3 We had ordered has had glitchy software issues. The Lexus has had zero issues over the course of its life.

The M4 no issues
The M2 no issues

However I do feel that Bmw still has a ways to go to improve quality of their software components and computerization electronics.

Lexus might be more reliable but then it's less fun to drive so it's always going to be that balance.

If you can afford it I say go with Porsche they have the ability to somehow to magically make their cars best of both worlds.

Porsche tech is not as good as BMW in my experience. Very few cars have HUD for example, and wireless car play in the loaners I had was flaky. One of the last areas where BMW are leaders is integrating tech and physical buttons, shame most of the LCI cars are moving away from this as it really was their edge. I drive 7 will probably be peak BMW tech for features / usability.

[khearon23]

I would love to see a JD Power study detailing how many surveys were completed vs how many were sent out.

I completed it, but it is too long. I almost stopped and moved on to something else.

I think the reports are pushed out too soon. The 12-18 month ownership mark would be best to allow a bit more time to experience the vehicles and collect a good data set.

[TheBingoBalls]

Having worked at all 3 German brands, BMW's quality is severely underrated and is often over looked because of their design. Mercedes and Audi tend to wow you with that shine factor but when you actual sit and actually experience the interior, BMW just does it better especially when it comes to the smaller details. I can confidently say, apples/apples, spec/spec, BMW's quality is better than Mercedes and Audi and I can say that with a straight face.

[supershaft]

Originally Posted by Montaver

Porsche tech is not as good as BMW in my experience. Very few cars have HUD for example, and wireless car play in the loaners I had was flaky. One of the last areas where BMW are leaders is integrating tech and physical buttons, shame most of the LCI cars are moving away from this as it really was their edge. I drive 7 will probably be peak BMW tech for features / usability.

i agree. i have a 2022 cayenne turbo coupe and the hud is useless and low res. the infotainment system regularly forgets my account. really a joke. fortunately the car sounds and drives amazing so I can look past it.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by khearon23

I would love to see a JD Power study detailing how many surveys were completed vs how many were sent out.

I completed it, but it is too long. I almost stopped and moved on to something else.

I think the reports are pushed out too soon. The 12-18 month ownership mark would be best to allow a bit more time to experience the vehicles and collect a good data set.

I would love to know that as well. I've only received one or two J.D. surveys in my entire life, so I always wonder who receives them.

Originally Posted by TheBingoBalls

Having worked at all 3 German brands, BMW's quality is severely underrated and is often over looked because of their design. Mercedes and Audi tend to wow you with that shine factor but when you actual sit and actually experience the interior, BMW just does it better especially when it comes to the smaller details. I can confidently say, apples/apples, spec/spec, BMW's quality is better than Mercedes and Audi and I can say that with a straight face.

I agree with you. BMW's infotainment is a significant step above their competition for sure.

Originally Posted by supershaft

i agree. i have a 2022 cayenne turbo coupe and the hud is useless and low res. the infotainment system regularly forgets my account. really a joke. fortunately the car sounds and drives amazing so I can look past it.

I know that's an issue with the 992 as well. Mine forgot my account for about 30 minutes on one occasion and then logged in while driving. Other than that, I haven't had any issues with Porsches PCM and the GUI of the newer PCM looks really nice. It took a bit to get used to coming from iDrive, but I've acclimated.

With PCM 6.X, Porsche is getting better though. The car will play USB music videos and movies……and it looks good, but the video shuts off once the car is in motion. I miss the coding ability of the BMW's. I know it's possible to code the Porsches, but it's not a huge part of the community like it is with BMW.

[medialook]

Originally Posted by Montaver

Porsche tech is not as good as BMW in my experience. Very few cars have HUD for example, and wireless car play in the loaners I had was flaky. One of the last areas where BMW are leaders is integrating tech and physical buttons, shame most of the LCI cars are moving away from this as it really was their edge. I drive 7 will probably be peak BMW tech for features / usability.

Completely agree. I regret swapping my X5 G05 for 911 (crazy move but childhood dream) so I swapped it for 2023 Macan S. Nice fast car but tech wise is not even close to X5. Illogical design decisions in their PCM system which were brilliant in X5. Exactly as you mentioned no Head up display, terrible smartphone app with 20% functions vs BMW app, shocking fuel efficiency. Although best looking SUV in the market especially in Miami Blue colour. I'm selling Macan S back to the dealer and already ordered X5 which arrives in September.

[TheBingoBalls]

Originally Posted by medialook

Completely agree. I regret swapping my X5 G05 for 911 (crazy move but childhood dream) so I swapped it for 2023 Macan S. Nice fast car but tech wise is not even close to X5. Illogical design decisions in their PCM system which were brilliant in X5. Exactly as you mentioned no Head up display, terrible smartphone app with 20% functions vs BMW app, shocking fuel efficiency. Although best looking SUV in the market especially in Miami Blue colour. I'm selling Macan S back to the dealer and already ordered X5 which arrives in September.

Everyone has their preference but I think a lot of people overrate Porsche as a product overall. The driving experience is second to none but the rest, there isn't anything to write home about. In fact, I would say Porsche is very similar to BMW with regards to interior - both are not as flashy as Mercedes or Audi but the quality is still there with the nod going to BMW for ergonomics.

We have a Cayenne in the family and while it's as fun as a SUV can be, the rest of it isn't anything special - definitely not worth the premium you pay over BMW, Audi or Mercedes.

[p0tat0stix]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

I don't even know one person who owns a Buick.

I owned a smaller car, the Buick Verano, a few years ago and it was actually quite fantastic. The engine sounded like it was going to explode when I had the AC on high, but otherwise absolutely zero issues over the course of our 4 year relationship. Switched to a Lexus RX in 2018 and obviously didn't have any issues with that either. Regardless, my recently acquired X5 tops everything from a quality and drivability perspective.