GMC was ranked below the industry average in the latest 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS).
For those who may be unaware, the J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study ranks initial vehicle quality by measuring the number of problems reported by new vehicle owners within the first 90 days of ownership. Brands are ranked based on the average number of problems reported per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower PP100 score indicating higher perceived quality.
This year’s study recorded a modest improvement in overall quality, with the industry average dropping to 192 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) from 194 PP100 in 2024. Despite the improvement, GMC posted a score of 199 PP100, placing it mid-pack and trailing behind General Motors brands such as Chevrolet at 178 PP100 and Buick at 183 PP100. Cadillac, meanwhile, registered a similar score of 200 PP100. The study average was set at 192 PP100.
While GMC did not rank among the top-performing brands, the study still reflects an overall strong showing for General Motors. GM earned more model-level awards than any other automaker, with accolades going to standout vehicles like the Buick Encore GX, Cadillac XT5, Chevy Blazer, Chevy Silverado, and Chevy Tahoe.
One of the most common areas of consumer dissatisfaction across all brands remains the infotainment system. Drivers increasingly report frustration with a growing reliance on touchscreens to operate essential features such as climate control and even glove box access. Many consumers prefer tactile controls for these tasks, finding touchscreen interfaces less intuitive and more distracting.
The study also pointed to a rise in issues with plug-in hybrid vehicles, which surpassed fully electric vehicles with regard to the average number of reported problems. Gasoline-powered models remained the least problem-prone. Additionally, new model introductions showed more early quality concerns than carryover models, although they required fewer service visits overall.
Data for the latest 2025 IQS was collected from over 92,000 survey responses from owners of new 2025-model-year vehicles, as well as verified repair data from dealerships.
Comments
Acadia and Terrain probably the culprits. GM needs 2-3 years, still, to crank out bug-free models.
The Acadia has been out since 2006 and the Terrain since 2009
Worse than a Jeep?
No way.
Great to see Toyota at mid-pack below all of the GM brands. Never did believe the Toyota superior quality hype over GM. Here’s the proof. I’ve owned many GM’s and Fords in my 50 years of driving, all GM’s since I’ve been able to purchase new vehicles and can honestly say I’ve never had a lemon or early failure. I keep 3 vehicles and purchase new about every 5 years so I keep them for 10-15 years. Currently I have an 09 Pontiac G-6, a 2012 Silverado, and a 2019 Equinox. All have been great vehicles. I’m due for a new one anytime and my 16 year granddaughter has her eyes on the Pontiac so that will probably help me along next year into a new Silverado.
And nice to see Chevy in the top 5.
I have owned brand new GM ‘s since 1983 and just like political surveys I have no idea where these numbers come from ? Never more than a small problem and I have never been called by a polling company ? Maybe because they know I own an American Truck ?
Let’s talk. Let’s discuss my long gone 1997 Grand Am. Even the power windows crapped out. Got into a 2000 Corolla. Night and day.
I thought they were “professional grade?”
The Joke ? They are built on exactly the same assembly lines with their Chevy brothers. 95% of the components are identical
Mark Twain, “There are three kinds of lies: Whites lies, Big lies, and Statistics .”
Years ago GM and Toyota built Chevy Prizms and Toyota Corollas on the same assembly line in California. Consumer Reports responders claimed noticeably more problems with the Prizm than the Corolla owners. Under the sheet metal the cars were IDENTICAL !
CU’s conclusion : Toyota owners were lying .
That’s “professional grade” for you. I’d hate to see if it was for “the everyday consumer”.
No wonder Toyota is below average. We rented a brand new Rav 4 and it kept dying out at stop lights. It was hot too, so the AC shut off. It was like driving my dad’s sixties car with AC. One had to keep your foot on the gas and brake simultaneously or the car died at the lights.
Cool made up story.
22 GMC SLT and 94 Silverado.
Miss dials, miss being able to play discs, miss a MANUAL trans. BUT, really like key fob to luck/unlock and start truck. In order to start my Audi and have to pull out my phone, key in code to open, find Audi App, log into the app, the select start!!! And hope I’ve got a signal! Try this when it’s 0 degrees outside! Who ever came up with this doesn’t appreciate the simple convenience of a fob. AND it only works on one phone, I mean really?
Truck is great, both of them although the 94 needs a little paint (350 5speed, ext cab, long bed – so I can haul my motorcycle).