Kia and Volvo top brand dependability league

The 2017 JD Power UK Vehicle Dependability Study has revealed that Kia and Volvo are the most dependable brands in the UK, with the fewest problems experienced by owners.

Each brand was given a PP100 (Problems Per 100 vehicles) score, with Kia and Volvo on 83, Skoda 89 and Suzuki 92 (industry average 131).

Based on responses from more than 12,000 owners of new vehicles registered from February 2014 – April 2016, JD Power also named the top models in each segment.

The highest ranked City Car was the Peugeot 108, Small Car (Skoda Fabia), Compact Car (Volvo V40), Small MPV (Vauxhall Meriva) Midsize Car (Vauxhall Insignia) and Large and Luxury Car (Jaguar XF).

JD Power’s most dependable brands – 2017

Kia – 83
Volvo – 83
Skoda – 89
Suzuki – 92
Hyundai 97
Toyota – 105
Vauxhall – 108
Peugeot – 110
Seat – 113
Mazda – 117
Nissan – 118
Volkswagen – 121
MINI – 124
Jaguar – 127
Mercedes-Benz – 129
Ford – 136
Honda – 136
Renault – 138
Mitsubishi – 139
Citroën – 148
Dacia – 151
Fiat – 165
Land Rover – 175
Audi – 187
BMW – 198

The JD power study examines 177 problem symptoms across eight categories – vehicle exterior; driving experience; features/controls/displays (FCD); audio/communication/entertainment/navigation (ACEN); seats; heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC); vehicle interior; and engine and transmission.

“Minor issues like foggy windows, noisy brakes or navigation systems that are difficult to use can be very
frustrating for owners and can negatively affect brand loyalty,” said Mark Lendrich, head of research at
J.D. Power Europe.

“These design problems aren’t easy to fix at a service appointment and, if the owner
has to live with these problems for the duration of time they have the vehicle, they’re less likely to purchase
the same brand in the future.”