2013 study by J.D. Power Asia Pacific shows declining vehicle dependability

J.D. Power Asia Pacific's Overall 2013 India Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) has shown that dependability of vehicles in India is declining for the second consecutive year.

The study, now in its sixth year, measured problems experienced by original owners of 30- to 42-month-old vehicles in 169 different problem symptoms across nine vehicle categories: vehicle exterior; driving experience; features, controls and displays; audio and entertainment; seats; heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC); vehicle interior; engine and transmission.

In 2013, overall vehicle dependability averaged 280 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), compared with 225 PP100 in 2012. Overall dependability is based on the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles, with a lower score reflecting higher long-term vehicle quality.

In 2013, overall vehicle dependability averaged 280 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), compared with 225 PP100 in 2012

The 24 percent increase in problems in 2013 was across problem categories and models, and it could not be attributed to a significant increase in one or more areas, or to all-new models included in the study. However, an increased number of vehicles in India did not have extended warranties or service contracts, and the frequency whereby owners took their vehicle for scheduled or routine maintenance had decreased. Longer periods between maintenance led to an increase in problems with the vehicle.

Among vehicle owners surveyed, 43 percent indicated having experienced unexpected repairs on their vehicle, up 4 percentage points from 2012. In addition, the proportion of owners who had taken their vehicle in for repairs at an authorized service centre three or more times had doubled from 2012.

"Undergoing unexpected repairs has a very strong bearing on the perception of vehicle reliability, durability and overall vehicle quality. Given that the average ownership cycle in India is approximately five years, the owners surveyed in this study are close to replacing their current vehicles. Higher incidences of repairs are likely to dissuade them from purchasing the same make in the future," said Mohit Arora, executive director, J.D. Power Asia Pacific.

Vehicles studied included 61 models in 11 vehicle segments - entry compact; compact; premium compact; entry midsize; midsize; premium midsize; entry luxury; luxury; multi-utility/multi-purpose vehicle (MUV/ MPV); sport-utility vehicle (SUV); and van.