Despite rising tech integration and ever more complex vehicle interfaces, the overall quality of new vehicles in the U.S. has taken a slight turn for the better in 2025. According to the latest J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), the industry average improved to 192 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), down from 194 last year. But before you celebrate, the details paint a more nuanced picture — one where premium brands are cleaning up their act, touchscreens are the new troublemakers, and plug-in hybrids are the surprise villains.
At the top of the pack, Lexus reclaims its familiar role as quality champion, registering just 166 PP100. Nissan takes the mass-market crown with a score of 169. Chevrolet, despite a slight slip from last year, still holds strong in the fourth spot overall with 178. And while Tesla remains excluded from rankings due to survey requirements, its internal score improved dramatically, helping lift the premium segment’s average.
One of the biggest storylines is the continued headache that is infotainment. The category remains the most problematic across the board with 42.6 PP100, and while automakers have made minor improvements, owners are increasingly irritated by the overreliance on touchscreen controls. Climate systems, garage door openers, even glove box releases are now buried in digital menus, forcing drivers to tap and swipe through multiple screens just to manage simple tasks. It’s no surprise that many are calling for a return to physical buttons for essential functions. As Frank Hanley of J.D. Power puts it, the modern infotainment screen is turning into a “catch-all drawer” of frustration.
Beyond screens, the study reveals a surprising reversal in drivetrain quality trends. For the first time, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) recorded more problems (237 PP100) than fully electric vehicles (212 PP100). Gasoline-powered cars, at 184, and standard hybrids at 196, continue to offer better initial reliability. Tesla is largely credited with narrowing the EV quality gap, cutting its own issues by 62 PP100.
Interestingly, new model launches have struggled the most this year, averaging 203 PP100 versus 190 for carryover models. Only two of the 18 newly introduced models outperformed their respective segment averages. That said, owners of new models required fewer trips to the dealership for repairs, hinting that while bugs exist, they may not be catastrophic.
Another unexpected point of frustration? Cupholders. As more drivers bring reusable bottles of all shapes and sizes, automakers are scrambling to keep up. It seems the once-solved cupholder dilemma is back in the spotlight, with a rise in complaints about inadequate sizing or poor placement.
On the manufacturer side, General Motors led the way with five segment-leading models, including the Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado, Tahoe, Buick Encore GX and Cadillac XT5. Ford followed closely with four winners, among them the Mustang and F-150. Honda landed three segment-toppers with models like the Acura Integra and Honda Odyssey. Meanwhile, Porsche’s legendary 911 outshined all vehicles with just 116 problems per 100 vehicles, claiming the best individual model score overall.
Plant performance also drew praise. BMW’s Graz, Austria facility, where the Z4 is built, earned the Platinum Plant Quality Award. Toyota dominated the Gold-level honors across its plants in Kentucky, Ontario and Japan — all manufacturing Lexus vehicles.
Still, not all automakers had reason to celebrate. Audi fared the worst among qualifying brands with 269 PP100. Domestically, Ram, Chrysler, Lincoln and Cadillac all finished below the industry average. Ford, despite some struggles with warranty-related costs, touted its four segment wins as signs of progress. “While we have to remain laser focused on earning the trust of our customers, we’re headed in the right direction,” said Josh Halliburton, Ford’s executive director of quality.
The 2025 IQS surveyed nearly 93,000 new vehicle owners and lessees over a 12-month period. The methodology blended traditional consumer feedback with real-world repair visit data, offering automakers a more dynamic snapshot of where quality stands — and where it falters.
With buyers expecting more tech, more comfort and fewer headaches from their vehicles, the IQS results serve as a reality check. It’s a reminder that innovation doesn’t always mean improvement, and sometimes, a simple physical knob can go a long way in keeping customers happy.
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Mike Floyd is a finance executive by trade and a car enthusiast at heart. As a CFO with a keen eye for detail and strategy, Mike brings his analytical mindset to the automotive world, uncovering fresh insights and unique perspectives that go beyond the surface. His passion for cars—especially his favorite, the Porsche 911, fuels his contributions to Automotive Addicts, where he blends a love for performance and design with his professional precision. Whether he’s breaking down industry trends or spotlighting emerging innovations, Mike helps keep the site both sharp and forward-thinking.
