Best and Worst Brands for Quality in 2023 According to J.D. Power

Once again this year, the quality of new vehicles keeps declining. In fact, the number of problems reported by owners is the highest in 37 years according to J.D. Power’s 2023 Initial Quality Study (IQS) released this week.

The industry average is 192 problems per 100 vehicles, up from 180 in 2022.

The J.D. Power Initial Quality Study is based this year on responses from 93,380 purchasers and lessees of new 2023 model-year vehicles who were surveyed early in the ownership period. It covers nine vehicle categories: infotainment; features, controls and displays; exterior; driving assistance; interior; powertrain; seats; driving experience; and climate. 

New in-car technologies remain the biggest source of owner-reported problems, such as Android Auto/Apple CarPlay integration, wireless smartphone charging and touchscreens/displays. The numerous driver-assist features also frustrate a lot of people, with lane keeping assist at the top of the list. That being said, owners are increasingly satisfied with mobile apps offered by automakers, especially when it comes to EVs.

Seemingly trivial stuff can cause problems, too. J.D. Power gave a few examples, such as glitchy door handles (those on EV models in particular), poor sounding horns, and cupholders that don’t serve their purpose.

Now, what are the best and worst brands for initial quality in 2023? Check out our photo gallery to see the results. Some will quite surprise you.

(Best brands) 10. Lexus - 171 problems per 100 vehicles

(Best brands) 9. Kia - 170 problems per 100 vehicles

(Best brands) 8. Cadillac - 170 problems per 100 vehicles

(Best brands) 7. GMC - 167 problems per 100 vehicles

(Best brands) 6. Porsche - 167 problems per 100 vehicles

(Best brands) 5. Chevrolet - 166 problems per 100 vehicles

(Best brands) 4. Buick - 162 problems per 100 vehicles

(Best brands) 3. Alfa Romeo - 143 problems per 100 vehicles

(Best brands) 2. Ram - 141 problems per 100 vehicles

(Best brands) 1. Dodge - 140 problems per 100 vehicles

(Worst brands) 10. Land Rover - 203 problems per 100 vehicles

(Worst brands) 9. Acura - 207 problems per 100 vehicles

(Worst brands) 8. Lincoln - 208 problems per 100 vehicles

(Worst brands) 7. Infiniti - 212 problems per 100 vehicles

(Worst brands) 6. Audi - 221 problems per 100 vehicles

(Worst brands) 5. Volkswagen - 249 problems per 100 vehicles

(Worst brands) 4. Chrysler - 250 problems per 100 vehicles

(Worst brands) 3. Volvo - 250 problems per 100 vehicles

(Worst brands) 2. Tesla - 257 problems per 100 vehicles

Note: Tesla is included in the industry average, but because the brand does not meet study award critera, it can’t be officially ranked.

(Worst brands) 1. Polestar - 313 problems per 100 vehicles

Note: Polestar is included in the industry average, but because the brand does not meet study award critera, it can’t be officially ranked.