Power rankings: Which car brands had the most and least problems?

The results are in, and Kia can give itself a pat on the back after the Korean manufacturer came out as the most reliable car brand in the latest J.D Power study.

The annual study puts cars through a 184 problem check. The survey looks at different areas, including driving assists, technology features, exterior and overall handling.

Results are calculated on how many problems were identified per 100 vehicles.

Cars used in the study were their 2019 model as J.D Power wanted to understand how much or how little consumer satisfaction had changed after owning the same car for three years.

Per 100 Kia vehicles studied, 145 problems were identified. It’s the first time Kia has been ranked number one in the 33 years this study has been done.

However, it wasn’t a runaway win as Buick followed closely behind with 147 problems recorded. 

Buick’s lineup isn’t massive compared to others on the list, but given they are: A) American, and B) not mainstream but not a premium manufacturer, being ranked second will come as a pleasant surprise.

Hyundai rounded out the podium placings with 148 problems per 100 cars. Their own luxury brand, Genesis, was behind in fourth, edging out Toyota.

The ever-so reliable Japanese brands perhaps fared worse than most were anticipating. Honda was well down the rankings, with 230 problems. Subaru and Nissan did slightly better, though both were also nearer the bottom of the list.

Making up the tail-enders were Volvo (256 problems), Ram (266 problems) and Land Rover (284 problems).

One notable absentee from the study was Tesla. J.D Power says they were not included in the results due to the small sample size.

J.D Power also revealed their pick for the most dependable model, which, for the third time in four years, went to the Porsche 911.