The Results Are In - But Is Lexus Really Twice As Good As A BMW?

In its 25th annual Vehicle Dependability Study J.D. Power and Associates reaffirms Lexus dominance in the auto industry with regards to reliability. Scoring a 68 on the scale of problems per 100 vehicles, Lexus is alone at the top with number two Mercedes scoring a 104. A lower score is better. Lexus beats other luxury brands like BMW by almost a 1 to 2 margin. BMW, with a score of 130, has about twice the rate of reported problems as do Lexus vehicles. The industry average this year is 133. Toyota brand vehicles with a score of 114 finished 6th overall (or fifth behind Lexus).

The J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study is a comprehensive poll of owners. It asks owners what problems they have had and how many. Since the vehicles need time in owner’s hands, the study looks back. This year’s study looked at a full twelve months of ownership of model year 2011 vehicles. - See more at: http://www.torquenews.com/1083/study-finds-lexus-about-twice-dependable-bmw#sthash.txGphECI.dpuf
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cidflekken - 2/13/2014 2:50:31 PM

+4 Boost

009, isn't this the SAME EXACT information you posted (granted, from a different source) just yesterday?

GermanNut - 2/13/2014 3:27:27 PM

+1 Boost

JD Power's 2014 Vehicle Dependability Study contradicts its own findings from its 2013 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study.

In the 2013 Initial Quality Study, Audi had 108 Problems Per 100 Vehicles (PP100) with an Industry Average of 113 PP100.

In the 2014 Vehicle Dependability Study, Audi had 151 Problems Per 100 Vehicles (PP100) with an Industry Average of 131 PP100.

This discrepancy does not make sense.

Maulvader - 2/13/2014 3:46:01 PM

+2 Boost

If you pay close attention you will notice that the letters and one of the numbers in "2013 Initial Quality Study" and "2014 Vehicle Dependability Study" are a bit different. There is a reason for that.

cidflekken - 2/13/2014 5:14:17 PM

+4 Boost

Well, Nuttie, if you bothered reading the actual press releases you'd understand that each study is based on different survey targets.

2013 Initial Quality: The 2013 U.S. Initial Quality Study is based on responses from more than 83,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2013 model-year cars, trucks and multi-activity vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership.

2014 Vehicle Dependability: The 2014 Vehicle Dependability Study is based on responses from more than 41,000 original owners of 2011 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership.

Maulvader - 2/13/2014 3:36:44 PM

+7 Boost

I used to think this 009 chap was just a massive troll for clicks. All he does is post links to others' work, but alters the wording in such a way that changes the meaning of the post.

I'm now seriously thinking he either flunked English, or is 'touched in the head'. You know.., 'special'

Yonder7 - 2/13/2014 3:54:46 PM

+2 Boost

Audi? The discrepancy is possible cause the complexity of ALL cars is rising also AUDI is selling a lot more than the last year (which is good)...Next year MB will be in a lower position cause that cars that they are building are too complex, S class sedan and coupe, BMW with Gran Coupe 6, X6, and all big complex cars with radars and tilt suspensions, video cameras , sensors....Still we will buying all those complex cars , even if JD say that reliability is just a nightmare.

richard112360 - 2/13/2014 4:10:39 PM

-2 Boost

Proven fact: An 8 year old Lexus is more reliable than EITHER a BRAND NEW Mercedes or BMW.

GermanNut - 2/13/2014 4:21:54 PM

+4 Boost

Proevn fact: Buyers don't equate increased reliability to increased sales because if they did then Lexus would outsell BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi globally by almost 2 to 1. In fact, it's almost the complete opposite. Lexus sells a small fraction of BMW and Audi's annual global total.

TheSteve - 2/13/2014 5:34:45 PM

+4 Boost

I love relioability in a car. But I just can't get past Lexus' exterior styling. It's downright ugly to me. So I'd sacrifice Lexus's legendary reliability to get a better-looking vehicle. One that's likely to have just a few more defects, but a lot more pretty.

MicrosoftUser - 2/14/2014 11:55:10 AM

-1 Boost

True. In fact driving around or being seen in a ugly car is like wearing an ugly outfit and people's impression of you will not good.

TheSteve - 2/18/2014 12:14:20 AM

+1 Boost

MicrosoftUser: I don't care what others think, or if others like it. I speak only for myself, in that I don't like Lexus's external styling, and that's enought to keep me from considering one.

MattDarringer - 2/13/2014 9:08:18 PM

0 Boost

Step one: look at the parameters of their survey. It's beyond skewed. Step two: learn something about statistical analysis.

leej - 2/14/2014 8:47:52 AM

+2 Boost

I prefer reliability to sitting along side the road in an expensive automobile. Looking at these numbers now is making me rethink my next purchase.

Can someone with statistical analysis knowledge please explain how these numbers are skewed? I would greatly appreciate it.

leej - 2/14/2014 8:58:33 AM

+3 Boost

There must be a contest among 'Agents' to come up with the most provocative headline.

2ndbimmer - 2/15/2014 10:24:12 AM

+2 Boost

You know whats funny? BMW had reported problems as:
-not having 2 USB ports in the vehicle.
-2 cell phone pairing at once (as in a business and personal)
-Doesnt come with all weather mats, only carpeted mats.

These are ridiculouos complaints from BMW drivers as a "problem" with the vehicle.

joecamel - 2/15/2014 2:25:56 PM

+2 Boost

lol 2ndbimmer thank you for that info. Now I know JD Power data is not to be taken seriously. Clearly car buyers need to actually open their eyes and be aware of what they're buying... they bought the car with 1 USB port. So is it a problem that a second port didn't magically appear when they took delivery of their car? Of course not.