Skoda has been ranked as the most dependable car company for a second year running by the JD Power UK Vehicle Dependability Survey.
The study measures issues experienced in the last year by owners, with the research company examining 177 problem sources across eight categories:
- Engine and transmission
- Vehicle exterior
- Driving experience
- Features/controls/displays
- Audio/communication/entertainment/navigation
- Seats
- Heating/ventilation/cooling
- Vehicle interior.
Overall dependability is then determined by the number of faults experienced per 100 vehicles, with a low score reflecting fewer faults.
Skoda ranked highest with 66 problems per 100 vehicles on average (66PP100), followed by Suzuki (79PP100), Kia (80PP100), Vauxhall (90PP100) and VW and Peugeot each with a score of 92PP100.
The overall industry average was 113PP100, a slight improvement on last year’s rating of 114PP100.
According to JD Power, just under half of those who don’t experience any problems with their vehicles “definitely will” buy or lease the make again, while 66% said they would recommend the make and model to others.
However, 62% of those who said they’ve experienced one or more problems with their vehicle said they would not recommend the make and model to others.
“Customers in the UK expect their vehicle to be problem-free, not only in the first 90 days, but also during the first three years of ownership,” said Axel Sprenger, senior director of European automotive operations at JD Power. “When owners experience even a single problem with their vehicle, this can be the initiation of losing confidence in the vehicle and the brand.”
