From function failure to usability – dendability is redefined

Vehicles are safer and better made than ever before, but that doesn't mean customers find them more dependable. The latest J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) showed a five point increase in problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) among consumers compared to last year. The study looks at problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of three-year old vehicles, so this study was examining 2013 model-year vehicles. It is along the same lines as the agency's Initial Quality Study (IQS), which measures new-vehicle quality after 90 days of ownership.