Into its tenth year, the J.D. Power India Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) results show that longer-term dependability in India has declined marginally year over year. About 56 per cent of new-vehicle owners indicate experiencing at least one problem with their vehicle, according to the 2017 VDS results released recently. Last year, 53 per cent of new-vehicle owners experienced at least one problem.

The measure is a simple calculation with a lower number of problems reflecting a higher longer-term vehicle quality. The study results show that overall vehicle dependability in India averaged 189 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) in 2017, deteriorating from 185 PP100 last year. Owners who used the vehicles extensively also reported more problems. Owners of vehicles that have been driven for more than 40,000 kms indicate an average of 73 more problems per 100 vehicles than those owners whose vehicles have been driven fewer than 40,000 kms. An official statement said that most of the problems with the vehicles revolved around their exterior and the drive experience than other categories and, within these two categories, problems relating to uneven tyre wear, noise from doors, bumper and exterior corrosion are more prevalent in vehicles that have been driven more than 40,000 kms.

“In addition to usage, varying road and weather conditions affect the longer-term dependability of vehicles in India,” said Shantanu Nandi Majumdar, director at J.D. Power. “After about three years of ownership, problems related to squeaks and rattles are typically reported, which is likely to impact overall build quality perceptions.”

Diesel problems One of the common perceptions that the study sort of re-establishes is ‘diesel-fueled vehicles deteriorate more after 40,000 kms Vs petrol-fueled vehicles’. During the past four years, the gap in reported problems between vehicles driven more than 40,000 kms and those driven fewer than 40,000 kms is greater for diesel vehicles than for petrol vehicles. Plus, a larger proportion of owners of diesel vehicles driven more than 40,000 kms indicate the need to replace parts/ components in their vehicle (67 per cent) Vs petrol vehicle owners (58 per cent).

The 2017 J.D Power VDS included 74 models in 12 vehicle segments: multi-utility/ multi-purpose vehicle (MUV/ MPV); sport-utility vehicle (SUV); premium SUV; van; entry compact; compact; upper compact; premium compact; entry midsize; midsize; premium midsize; and luxury.

The study measures problems experienced by original owners of 30- to 42-month-old vehicles for 169 different problem symptoms across nine vehicle categories: vehicle exterior; driving experience; features, controls and displays (FCD); audio and entertainment; seats; heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC); vehicle interior; engine; and transmission. The study is based on evaluations from 8,741 original owners who purchased a new vehicle between July 2013 and September 2014. The study covers 17 car brands, and was fielded from January through April 2017 in 40 cities.

Some of the additional findings of this year’s study:

Unexpected repairs influence dependability: The incidence of repairs for unexpected problems in 2017 is 22 per cent, the lowest level since 2013. Owners who say they had to take their vehicle in for unexpected repairs report more problems (366 PP100) compared to owners who say they haven’t had any unexpected repairs (138 PP100).

More owners opt for extended warranty: More vehicle owners are purchasing an extended warranty. In 2017, 38 per cent of all owners say they have an extended warranty, up from 27 per cent last year. More first-time vehicle buyers (44 per cent) purchase an extended warranty than do repeat owners (31 per cent).

Study Rankings Hyundai receives two model-level awards. Hyundai i10 (132 PP100) ranks highest in the compact segment while Hyundai i20 (162 PP100) ranks highest in the premium compact segment.

Honda receives two model-level awards. Honda Brio (131 PP100) and Honda City (132 PP100) rank highest in the upper compact and midsize segments, respectively.

Toyota receives two model-level awards. Toyota Etios (125 PP100) and Toyota Innova (128 PP100) rank highest in the entry midsize and MUV/ MPV segments, respectively.

The Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 (197 PP100) ranks highest in the entry compact segment and the Ford Ecosport (169 PP100) ranks highest in the SUV segment.

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