Most Reliable Used Car Brands & Models - 2023 Vehicle Dependability Rankings

Understanding Vehicle Dependability in 2023

As the prices of used cars continue to fluctuate, reliability remains a crucial factor for buyers looking to get the best value for their money. The 2023 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) provides valuable insights into which brands and models perform best after three years of ownership. This year’s study evaluates 2020 model-year vehicles based on owner feedback regarding quality, component longevity, and overall appeal.

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While dependability scores have improved overall, infotainment systems continue to be a pain point for many owners. Additionally, premium brands, which often incorporate cutting-edge technology, generally fare worse than mass-market vehicles in dependability rankings.

How the Study Works

The VDS assesses over 30,000 original owners of 2020 vehicles, analyzing 184 specific vehicle problems across nine major categories:

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• Climate
• Driving Assistance
• Driving Experience
• Exterior
• Features, Controls, and Displays
• Infotainment
• Interior
• Powertrain
• Seats

Each brand and model receives a Problems Per 100 Vehicles (PP100) score. A lower score indicates higher reliability and fewer issues reported by owners.

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Key Takeaways from the 2023 Study

The industry average PP100 score for 2023 is 186, an improvement from 192 in 2022. However, there’s a growing gap between mass-market and premium brands:

• Mass-market brands: 182 PP100 (improved from 200 in 2022)
• Premium brands: 205 PP100, marking the widest disparity in VDS history

The reason? Advanced technology in luxury vehicles tends to introduce more complications, leading to higher problem rates.

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Most Reliable Car Brands of 2023

The following brands ranked highest for dependability based on the lowest PP100 scores:

1. Lexus (133)
2. Genesis (144)
3. Kia (152)
4. Buick (159)
5. Chevrolet (162)
6. Mitsubishi (167)
7. Toyota (168)
8. Hyundai (170)
9. Mini (170)
10. Nissan (170)

Lexus reclaimed the top spot, solidifying its reputation for long-term reliability. Notably, Kia continued to dominate among mass-market brands, securing its position as the most dependable non-premium manufacturer for the third consecutive year.

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Most Reliable Used Cars by Segment

Beyond brand rankings, the study identifies the most reliable vehicles by category:

• Compact Car: Kia Forte
• Compact Premium Car: BMW 4 Series
• Compact Sporty Car: Mini Cooper
• Mid-Size Car: Kia Optima
• Small SUV: Toyota C-HR
• Compact SUV: Kia Sportage
• Mid-Size SUV: Chevrolet Blazer
• Large SUV: Chevrolet Tahoe
• Minivan: Toyota Sienna

Toyota and Lexus dominate the segment rankings, demonstrating their continued focus on dependability and longevity.

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Biggest Issues Reported by Owners

Infotainment remains the most problematic category in vehicle dependability, with common issues including:

• Poor built-in voice recognition
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity issues
• Bluetooth connection failures
• Touchscreen malfunctions
• Lack of sufficient power outlets and USB ports
• Inaccurate or outdated navigation maps

Vehicles with over-the-air (OTA) software updates tend to fare better in this category, as updates help resolve software-related issues more efficiently.

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Final Thoughts

With used car prices still elevated, dependability is a critical factor for buyers. The 2023 J.D. Power VDS offers a data-driven approach to identifying the most reliable brands and models. By considering PP100 scores and common problem areas, shoppers can make informed decisions and avoid costly repairs down the road.

For those seeking the most dependable used vehicles, Lexus, Toyota, Kia, and Chevrolet stand out as top choices. Additionally, choosing models with OTA update capabilities can help mitigate common technology-related frustrations.

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