The Detroit Bureau - June 23, 2011
Lexus dominated IQS survey from JD Power; Honda was 2nd Big-3 declined significantly primarily due to new technologies, engine/transmission problems Overall industry declined from 109 problems per 100 vehicles to 107 Defects for new 2011 vehicles rose to 122 per 100 up from 111 last survey Carryover models dropped to record 103 compared to 108 in 2010 IQS survey Land Rover most improved of all vehicles in survey w/ 47 fewer problems compared to last year Lexus recorded 73 problems per 100 vehicles, LS 400 received only 54 defects per 100 Honda improved from 6th place to 2nd in quality; Acura ranked 3rd and Mercedes-Benz 4th Mazda jumped from 18th to 5th in the survey Highest ranking Detroit brand was Cadillac at 9th, followed by GMC Ford which had risen to 5th last year dropped to 23rd Honda received 7 awards, Lexus 4, Chevrolet 2, Ford 2 "Clearly, consumers are interested in having new technology in their vehicles, but automakers must ensure that the technology is ready for prime time. Successful companies will be those that can take this incredibly complex technology and make it reliable, seamless and easy for owners to operate while they are driving. There is an understandable desire to bring these technologies to market quickly, but automakers must be careful to walk before they run." -- David Sargent, Vice President, J.D.Powers IQS - Initial Quality Survey by J.D. Power