J.D. Power has released the results of its 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), ranking brands on perceived initial vehicle quality based on customer survey data. While the broader auto industry registered a small improvement in early ownership issues, Cadillac as a brand fell below the industry average for initial quality with an average of 208 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), compared to the industry average of 192 PP100. A lower PP100 score indicates higher perceived quality.
Despite the below-average brand score, Cadillac did have one bright spot in the results, with the Cadillac XT5 earning top honors in the Midsize Premium SUV segment. The Lexus RX and Land Rover Defender tied for second place in the segment. The XT5’s results contributed to a strong overall performance for General Motors, which captured more segment-level awards than any other OEM, including top-ranking entries such as the ICE-based Chevy Blazer, Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Silverado, and Buick Encore GX.
According to the study, infotainment systems continued to be the most common pain point across the industry.
“While customers do find the larger touchscreens visually appealing, their functionality within the vehicle is an increasing source of frustration,” said senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power, Frank Hanley.
Many owners voiced frustration with large touchscreen interfaces that replace traditional buttons, even for basic functions like adjusting the climate control or opening the glove box. J.D. Power suggests that a reintroduction of physical controls may provide easier user interaction and reduce driver distractions.
The study also shed light on plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) as the most problematic vehicle propulsion category, surpassing both battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and traditional internal combustion engine models.
Now in its 39th year, the latest 2025 Initial Quality Study evaluated survey responses from roughly 93,000 vehicle owners, weighing problems experienced during the first 90 days of ownership, as well as incorporating data from service visits.
Comments
JD Power’s Initial Quality Study: Just a Snapshot, Not the Full Picture
Let’s be real — the JD Power Initial Quality Study only looks at the first 90 days of ownership. That’s barely enough time to figure out how half the features work, let alone judge the long-term quality of a car.
Modern vehicles, especially those packed with the latest tech, naturally face more reported issues — not because they’re unreliable, but because users often misunderstand new features. A touchscreen that lags, a driver-assist system that requires a learning curve — those aren’t signs of bad engineering. They’re part of the growing pains of innovation.
Also, serious mechanical failures — things like the engine or transmission — almost never happen in the first 90 days. These systems are the heart of a car, and they’re built to last.
If you want to know whether a car is truly reliable, ask this:
Will it leave you stranded on the side of the road?
What’s the repair cost after the warranty expires?
How well does it hold up after 10 years?
Until then, JD Power’s rankings? Fun to read, but take them with a grain of salt. Real reliability reveals itself over time — not in the first three months.
That’s why they call it “initial quality”. It’s an initial look at customer satisfaction related to product design and manufacturing quality. OEM’s are particularly interested in this study. It was and still is fielded mostly for them.
JDP’s VDS (Vehicle Dependability Study) measured after three years of ownership gets to the heart of what you’re looking for (me too).
Nearly all OEM’s buy both. We did at GM.
You are totally right. If JD Power went past the 90 days, I would have reported that my Rav4 had a failed transmission after only 90k miles. And as for my XT5, I never received a survey. Which I did for my Rav. Once after 90 days for the IQS, and once after 3 years for the dependability survey.
They didn’t ask my about my dad’s ‘70 Fleetwood Brougham. It had back seat foot rests. It was quite a comfortable ride.
This is what happens when one makes Kia knock off mommy SUVs.
Our XT5 ‘s are great
Same here. Love mine and she has been an excellent road trip companion heading out to Lancaster PA from Northern NJ. 3 years in and I am nodding my head as to why GM would cancel such a phenomenal vehicle and not sell the redesigned version here.
I want my brand new car to be near perfect for the first 90 days. That’s why I bought it. This is the most important car study done.
Very Very sad what happened they have been in the toilet for years! My Italian uncle’s only drove caddys one of my first cars was a 81 Biarritz, had it for years no problems until it got stolen in NYC. 1990
Correction first car fat fingers
I was surprised to see that the Initial Quality Survey includes whether the buyer likes the touch screen controls. I would have expected it to mainly include the fit and finish and any from the factory defects. Seems like you would sort out the user interface as part of the buying process.
In many cars these days, no thanks to Tesla, you start with a screen and the rest of the car is an afterthought now. Gone are the days where you had beautifully crafted controls and buttons.
You sit in my XT5 and the toggles for the temperature controls are cool to the touch because they are made of metal. Compared to my Rav where its a rubber lined plastic knob. You felt the difference in what you paid for in just changing the temperature in your car. Now its a push for more screens and MOAR SCREENS. Put all the controls on the one damn screen! So now, that experience of having a beautifully crafted interior has been robbed by the stupid screen trend. Touching a screen in a $300K Rolls-Royce feels no different than touching a screen on a $20k Corolla.
A number of issues don’t show up in the first 90 days. Especially the android auto going on holiday when one needs it the most. And then one finds out that you cannot reboot the silly thing with the vehicle in motion. Neither can the passenger. You have to pull over, put the vehicle into park and or shut it down. Good luck in heavy traffic.
Still better on the list than Toyota though.
I’ll never buy a foreign car. I only buy GM.