Eight passenger vehicle models ranked highest in J D Power Survey for vehicle dependability.

The models include Hyundai i10 and i20, Maruti Suzuki Alto 800, Toyota Etios and Innova, Honda’s Brio and City and Ford Ecosport. These vehicles have been ranked highest in their respective segments.

The survey, JD Power 2017 India Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), has highlighted that longer--term vehicle dependability in India has declined marginally year over year, as 56 per cent of new-vehicle owners indicated experiencing a problem in the new vehicle.

Last year, 53 per cent of new-vehicle owners experienced at least one problem. The study also finds that diesel-powered vehicles deteriorate more after 40,000 km vs petrol-fueled vehicles.

Overall vehicle dependability in India averages 189 problems per 100 vehicles in 2017, deteriorating from 185 problems in 2016.

A lower number of problems reflects higher longer-term vehicle quality. Owner-reported problems increase sharply after vehicles are driven more than 40,000 kms.

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.

Vehicle exterior and driving experience account for more problems than other categories and, within these two categories, problems relating to uneven tire 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.

“Automakers that are able to identify such problems related to extended use—and resolve them at the manufacturing stage—are likely to be able to provide a more positive ownership experience for their customers, said Majumdar.

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.

Also, a larger proportion of owners of diesel vehicles driven more than 40,000 km indicate the need to replace parts in their vehicle (67 per cent) vs. petrol vehicle owners (58 per cent).

The study also found that more vehicle owners were purchasing an extended warranty.

Among owners who indicate they have not experienced a problem, 74 per cent say they “definitely would” recommend their current model to others and 53 per cent say they “definitely would” repurchase their current make.

In contrast, advocacy declines to 56 per cent among owners who experience at least one problem with their vehicle while loyalty drops to 39 per cent.

The study included 74 models in 12 vehicle segments.

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