General Motors‘ Chevrolet and GMC brands ranked below average in the 2020 J.D. Power Mexico Vehicle Dependability Study.
The J.D. Power Mexico Vehicle Dependability Study, now in its sixth year, is similar to the U.S. version of this annual index. The survey measures the number of problems experienced by original owners of new vehicles in Mexico after 12-36 months of ownership. Researchers take into account 177 different potential problems across eight categories including exterior, driving experience, features, audio/navigation, seats, HVAC, interior and engine/transmission, and give brands a score based on the problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100). The lower the score, the higher the vehicle’s quality.
Chevy vehicles in Mexico experienced an average of 204 problems per 100 vehicles, placing it just behind Toyota, which had an average of 203 problems per 100 vehicles. The segment average among non-luxury brands was 198 problems per 100 vehicles.
Fiat Chrysler’s truck brand, Ram, had the least amount of reported problems among mainstream brands with an average of 136 problems per 100 vehicles.
GMC, meanwhile, was the least reliable of all mainstream brands that were examined in the 2020 J.D. Power Mexico Vehicle Dependability Study. With an average of 223 problems per 100 vehicles, GMC products in Mexico leave some definite room for improvement with regard to dependability. The industry average among luxury brands in the country was 189 problems per 100 vehicles. Mercedes-Benz leads the way in the category with 151 problems reported per 100 vehicles.
Just as in previous years, buggy in-vehicle electronics were among the most commonly cited problems among new vehicle owners in Mexico. Bluetooth connectivity issues were the most frequent problem, followed by poor interior material durability. Engine and transmission-related troubles were the most commonly cited severe problems among study participants.
Chevy and GMC may have fared poorly in this index, but there is one saving grace for GM. J.D. Power finds vehicle owners in Mexico “will recommend and reacquire a brand even if they don’t have a completely problem-free experience,” with their car, truck, crossover or SUV, so these minor issues may not be dealbreakers for some customers. J.D. Power’s experts did say that automakers should still try to address quality issues and improve their dealership service centers, however, as investing in these areas of their business is cheaper and easier than trying to attract all-new buyers to their brand.
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