Overall dependability was determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.

The top rankers were:

• Škoda                                            77/PP100
• Kia                                                   83/PP100
• Suzuki                                            86/PP100
• Nissan                                             87/PP100
• Toyota and Mercedes-Benz    88/PP100
• Volvo                                                93/PP100

The overall industry average is 114 PP100. Mercedes-Benz and Volvo are the only premium brands to rank better than the industry average.

Five of the top 11 problems in the industry are related to technology in the ACEN category. The most often reported ACEN problem is with built-in Bluetooth mobile phone/device frequent pairing/connectivity issues.

“As we’ve seen in studies in the United States and other markets, owners want in-vehicle technology, and their expectations of advanced technology capabilities are growing,” said Dr. Axel Sprenger, senior director of European automotive operations at J.D. Power. “When they have a problem with the technology – and the definition of dependability is increasingly influenced by usability – vehicle owners are disappointed.”

That disappointment affects owner loyalty and advocacy with the study finding of those who reported three or more problems, only 33% say they “definitely will” purchase the same brand next time, compared with 48% of owners who report no problems.