Lexus ranked first in the 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, recording 140 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). Buick ranked second at 143 PP100, followed by Mazda, Toyota, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Porsche, BMW and MINI.
There is an important catch: the 2025 study did not evaluate 2025-model-year cars. It surveyed 34,175 original owners of 2022-model-year vehicles about their experiences after three years of ownership. The results are useful for comparing brands and for shopping for a used 2022 vehicle, but they are not a guarantee about every current 2025 or 2026 model.
The official 2025 J.D. Power top 10
J.D. Power measures the number of owner-reported problems per 100 vehicles. Lower is better. The 2025 industry average was 202 PP100. The table includes the 30 rank-eligible brands; Tesla was shown separately with an unofficial score because it did not meet the study’s award criteria.
| Position | Brand | PP100 | Compared with 202 PP100 average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lexus | 140 | 62 fewer problems |
| 2 | Buick | 143 | 59 fewer |
| 3 | Mazda | 161 | 41 fewer |
| 4 | Toyota | 162 | 40 fewer |
| 5=tie | Cadillac | 169 | 33 fewer |
| 5=tie | Chevrolet | 169 | 33 fewer |
| 7 | GMC | 181 | 21 fewer |
| 8 | Porsche | 186 | 16 fewer |
| 9 | BMW | 189 | 13 fewer |
| 10 | MINI | 190 | 12 fewer |
Source: J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study report. Cadillac and Chevrolet share fifth place, so the list has 10 brands but only nine distinct numerical positions.
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The differences are useful as broad indicators, not as precise head-to-head proof. J.D. Power cautions that the rankings are based on numerical scores and are not necessarily statistically significant. In practical terms, a one- or two-point difference should not determine a purchase by itself.
What the 2025 study actually measured
The 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study was released on February 13, 2025. J.D. Power surveyed 34,175 original owners of 2022-model-year vehicles from August through November 2024. The survey measured problems experienced during the first three years of ownership.
It examined 184 specific problem areas in nine categories:
- Climate
- Driving assistance
- Driving experience
- Exterior
- Features, controls and displays
- Infotainment
- Interior
- Powertrain
- Seats
This makes the VDS an owner-reported dependability survey. It is not a laboratory durability test, a database of warranty claims, a count of roadside breakdowns, or a prediction of how many miles a vehicle will last. The survey also counts problems that may be irritating rather than disabling, such as difficulty pairing a phone or using an infotainment feature.
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A score of 140 PP100 means owners reported an average of 140 problem instances for every 100 vehicles in the study. It does not mean that 140% of vehicles failed, and it does not mean that 40% of the vehicles broke down. One vehicle can generate more than one reported problem.
Many of those problems involve technology usability or connectivity. A high PP100 score therefore does not automatically mean that a brand’s vehicles are mechanically undriveable, just as a low score does not guarantee that every individual vehicle will be trouble-free.
The 10 highest-ranking brands, explained
1. Lexus — 140 PP100
Lexus was the highest-ranked brand overall and the highest-ranked premium brand. It also ranked highest overall for the third consecutive year. The Lexus GX won its segment, Midsize Premium SUV.
That is strong evidence for Lexus as a brand in this particular three-year owner survey. It is not evidence that every Lexus model, trim or powertrain has identical dependability, or that a new Lexus will necessarily reproduce the 2022-model-year result.
2. Buick — 143 PP100
Buick was the highest-ranked mass-market brand and finished second overall, just three PP100 behind Lexus. Its score was 59 PP100 better than the industry average.
Buick’s position may surprise shoppers accustomed to seeing Toyota or Lexus at the top of reliability lists. The useful conclusion is not to invent a reason for the result, but to recognize that the VDS is reporting the experiences of owners of the specific vehicles and model years in the sample.
Rank #2
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3. Mazda — 161 PP100
Mazda ranked third overall and second among mass-market brands. Its 161 PP100 score was a substantial improvement over its 185 PP100 score in the 2024 VDS.
The year-over-year improvement is notable, but it should not be applied automatically to every Mazda. Check the individual model, model year, engine, transmission and technology package before treating the brand result as a buying recommendation.
4. Toyota — 162 PP100
Toyota ranked fourth overall and third among mass-market brands. Toyota Motor Corporation also shared the distinction of receiving the most model-level awards with General Motors.
Toyota’s 2025 VDS model winners included the Camry, Corolla, RAV4, Sienna and Tacoma. The 2022-model-year Avalon was the study’s top overall model. That Avalon result is relevant to someone evaluating a used 2022 Avalon, not a recommendation for a current new vehicle—the Avalon is no longer in Toyota’s new-car lineup.
5=tie. Cadillac — 169 PP100
Cadillac tied Chevrolet for fifth overall and ranked second among premium brands. The Cadillac XT6 won the Upper Midsize Premium SUV segment, while the XT5 placed third in the Midsize Premium SUV segment.
A strong brand average and a segment award are useful starting points, but they do not erase model-to-model differences. A shopper should still investigate the exact Cadillac model and its equipment.
5=tie. Chevrolet — 169 PP100
Chevrolet also scored 169 PP100, tying Cadillac for fifth overall. Chevrolet model-level winners included the Corvette, Silverado, Silverado HD and Tahoe. The Blazer placed second in the Midsize SUV segment.
Chevrolet’s broad lineup includes cars, sports cars, trucks and SUVs with very different powertrains and electronics. The brand ranking should therefore be used as a shortlist signal rather than a blanket endorsement of every Chevrolet vehicle.
7. GMC — 181 PP100
GMC ranked seventh overall at 181 PP100. The Acadia won the Upper Midsize SUV segment. The Terrain placed second in Compact SUV, while the Sierra and Sierra HD placed second in their respective pickup segments.
As with Chevrolet, GMC’s brand score covers multiple vehicle types. A prospective buyer should compare the exact truck or SUV, engine, transmission and production year.
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Rank #3
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8. Porsche — 186 PP100
Porsche ranked eighth overall and third among premium brands. Its 186 PP100 score was better than the 202 PP100 industry average.
Dependability is not the same as low ownership cost. This VDS result does not measure maintenance prices, repair bills, insurance, depreciation or the cost of replacing performance-oriented components. A Porsche can perform well in a dependability survey and still cost more to own than a mass-market vehicle.
9. BMW — 189 PP100
BMW ranked ninth overall. The BMW 3 Series won the Compact Premium Car segment. The X5, X4 and X3 each placed in the top three of their respective SUV segments.
Those model results show why the individual vehicle matters. BMW’s brand score does not predict the repair cost, warranty coverage, insurance rate or long-term ownership expense of every BMW model.
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MINI rounded out the top 10 at 190 PP100, which was 12 problems per 100 vehicles better than the industry average. Its inclusion may surprise readers who associate MINI with older reliability concerns.
The result describes this study’s 2022-model-year vehicles after three years of ownership. It should not be treated as a universal judgment on every MINI generation, body style or future model.
Brand rankings are not model rankings
A brand score is an aggregate. It can hide large differences between models, powertrains and technology packages. J.D. Power’s 2025 model-level winners provide a more useful starting point for a buyer who already knows what type of vehicle they want.
| Model | Winning or recognized segment |
|---|---|
| Toyota Avalon | Top overall model |
| Lexus GX | Midsize Premium SUV |
| Toyota Camry | Midsize Car |
| Toyota Corolla | Compact Car |
| Toyota RAV4 | Compact SUV |
| Toyota Sienna | Minivan |
| Toyota Tacoma | Midsize Pickup |
| Cadillac XT6 | Upper Midsize Premium SUV |
| Chevrolet Corvette | Premium Sporty Car |
| Chevrolet Silverado | Large Light-Duty Pickup |
| Chevrolet Silverado HD | Large Heavy-Duty Pickup |
| Chevrolet Tahoe | Large SUV |
| GMC Acadia | Upper Midsize SUV |
| Nissan Kicks | Small SUV |
| Nissan Murano | Midsize SUV |
These are results for the vehicles included in the 2025 study, primarily 2022-model-year vehicles. They are not a claim that every model in a winning brand is equally dependable.
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J.D. Power does not issue an award in every segment every year. An award requires sufficient market coverage—at least three models representing 80% of segment sales or four models representing 67% of sales. The absence of an award does not mean that no vehicle in that segment is dependable. See the 2025 model-level results and the full study report for the complete charts.
What stood out in the results?
Buick finished ahead of Toyota
Buick’s second-place overall result and first-place mass-market result were among the study’s biggest surprises. Toyota still performed well at 162 PP100 and had numerous model-level winners, but the brand ranking is based on the aggregate owner-reported problem count for the vehicles in this study—not on reputation or historical expectations.
Rank #4
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Mazda moved into third overall
Mazda’s 161 PP100 score placed it just one point ahead of Toyota and represented a major improvement from the prior year’s 185 PP100. That narrow numerical difference should not be interpreted as proof that Mazda vehicles are meaningfully more dependable than Toyota vehicles across the board.
BMW and MINI made the top 10
BMW and MINI ranked ninth and 10th, respectively. Both were better than the industry average, although MINI’s 190 PP100 was only 12 points better. Premium-brand dependability does not automatically equal inexpensive ownership, and a brand ranking cannot substitute for repair-cost research.
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Subaru and Tesla were not in the official top 10
Subaru recorded 212 PP100, slightly worse than the 202 PP100 industry average. Tesla was listed separately at an unofficial 209 PP100 score because it did not meet the study’s award criteria. Tesla should not be presented as an ordinary official rank in the 2025 list.
Technology drove many reported problems
Technology-related issues were a major part of the 2025 results. J.D. Power reported the following average problem counts:
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity: 8.4 PP100
- Built-in Bluetooth systems: 4.6 PP100
- Wi-Fi: 2.4 PP100
Half of the industry’s 10 most common reported problems involved smartphone integration, use or connectivity. Among owners who performed an over-the-air update, 30% said the vehicle improved, while 56% noticed no improvement.
For a buyer, this means a low overall score does not guarantee a flawless infotainment system. During a test drive, pair the phone you actually use, test wired and wireless smartphone integration, check the navigation and driver-assistance interfaces, and confirm that the vehicle accepts software updates as expected.
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The 2025 VDS reported these industry-wide averages by powertrain:
| Powertrain | Average PP100 |
|---|---|
| Conventional hybrid | 199 |
| Gasoline | 200 |
| Battery electric | 223 |
| Diesel | 233 |
| Plug-in hybrid | 242 |
Battery-electric vehicles improved by 33 PP100 year over year, while plug-in hybrids worsened by 26 PP100. These are averages across the industry, not brand rankings. They do not prove that every conventional hybrid is more dependable than every gasoline vehicle, or that every plug-in hybrid is less dependable than every battery-electric vehicle.
Powertrain choice should be evaluated at the model level. Check the specific battery system, engine, transmission, charging hardware, software version and warranty terms for the vehicle you are considering.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.New model launches were riskier than carryover models
The study found a meaningful practical distinction between established designs and new launches. Of the 27 models launched for the 2022 model year, only four performed better than their segment average. Those new-model launches averaged 241 PP100, compared with 196 PP100 for carryover models. Carryover models performed better in all nine problem categories.
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This does not mean every redesigned vehicle is unreliable. It does suggest that buyers who prioritize dependability should identify whether a vehicle is an all-new design, a major redesign or a carryover model. Waiting until the first production issues are resolved—or choosing a proven version—can reduce launch-related risk.
How relevant is this list to a 2025 or 2026 vehicle?
The 2025 VDS is more directly relevant to someone shopping for a used 2022-model-year vehicle than to someone buying a new 2025 or 2026 vehicle. Model generations, suppliers, software, powertrains and factory processes can change between the vehicles in the survey and the vehicle on a dealer’s lot.
As of August 9, 2026, the newer 2026 J.D. Power VDS is available. It was released February 12, 2026, and evaluates 2023-model-year vehicles. A current shopper should use the 2025 ranking as historical context, then check the latest study and current model-specific information.
Also do not confuse the VDS with J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study. The VDS measures problems after approximately three years of ownership; the Initial Quality Study measures problems during the first 90 days. IQS results are more useful for early launch quality, while VDS results show how problems develop over the first three years.
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How to use the ranking when shopping
- Use the table to create a shortlist. Treat a high-ranked brand as a starting point, not a final purchase decision.
- Check the exact model and model year. A brand average can conceal substantial differences between vehicles.
- Identify the vehicle’s development status. Carryover models performed better than new launches in this study, so note whether the vehicle is all-new or recently redesigned.
- Research the complete powertrain. Look at the engine, transmission, hybrid system, battery, charging equipment and software—not just the badge on the hood.
- Check recalls by VIN. Use the NHTSA recall lookup for unrepaired safety recalls on a specific vehicle. A recall check is essential, but it is not a replacement for a dependability survey; recalls address safety risks or failures to meet standards, while the VDS measures owner-reported problems.
- Review service records for a used vehicle. Confirm scheduled maintenance, previous repairs, tire condition, fluid services and whether recall work was completed.
- Test the technology. Pair your phone, test Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, operate the driver-assistance systems, inspect displays and verify charging or connectivity features.
- Compare ownership costs separately. Research warranty coverage, dealer service quality, maintenance, repairs, insurance and depreciation. A good PP100 score does not establish that a vehicle is inexpensive to own.
- Use more than one reliability source. Consumer Reports uses a different methodology, including owner survey data and weighted problem severity to produce predicted reliability. Its numbers should not be combined mathematically with J.D. Power’s PP100 scores.
Can J.D. Power awards be bought?
J.D. Power says it independently collects its benchmarking survey information and does not rely on automakers to provide the respondents. Separately, its awards program allows qualifying recipients to license awards for marketing. Those are different activities: the existence of an award-licensing program is not evidence that a brand purchased or changed its survey score. Claims that the rankings themselves were bought require evidence that is not provided by this study.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2025 J.D. Power dependability study evaluate 2025 cars?
No. The study was released in 2025 but surveyed original owners of 2022-model-year vehicles after three years of ownership. It does not directly measure the reliability of every 2025-model-year vehicle.
Is a lower PP100 score better?
Yes. PP100 means problems per 100 vehicles, so a lower score indicates fewer owner-reported problem instances on average. It is not a percentage of vehicles that broke down, and one vehicle can contribute more than one problem.
Is Lexus guaranteed to be the most reliable brand for every vehicle?
No. Lexus ranked highest in this particular study, but the result is a brand-level average for the vehicles and owners included in the survey. The exact model, model year, powertrain, technology and service history still matter.
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Was Tesla officially ranked in the 2025 top 10?
No. Tesla was listed separately with an unofficial 209 PP100 score because it did not meet the study’s award criteria. It should not be treated as an ordinary official position in the top-10 ranking.
What is the best way to check a used vehicle before buying it?
Research the exact model and powertrain, check its VIN for unrepaired recalls through NHTSA, review the service history, arrange an independent inspection and test the infotainment, driver-assistance and charging systems.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Lexus led the 2025 J.D. Power dependability study at 140 PP100, with Buick, Mazda and Toyota close behind. The ranking is a useful shortlist of brands with fewer owner-reported problems, but it is not a breakdown rate or lifetime-durability guarantee. Because the study covers 2022-model-year vehicles, current shoppers should verify the exact model, powertrain, production year, recall history and service record—and consult the newer 2026 VDS before buying a new vehicle.
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