Car Brands With the Most (and Fewest) Problems in 2025

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Owning a car might look glamorous in commercials filled with sunshine, music, and road trips. But in reality, car ownership often comes with a not-so-fun side: maintenance and repair costs.

On average, U.S. drivers spend about $1,452 per year on upkeep for a 15,000-mile driving schedule. For some brands, those costs can climb even higher.

That’s where the 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study comes in handy. By surveying tens of thousands of drivers, it reveals which car brands are more likely to give you headaches — and which ones are easier on your wallet long after leaving the dealership.

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What the Study Looked At

J.D. Power surveyed 92,000+ new car owners and lessees who had their vehicles for at least 90 days. Drivers answered nearly 230 questions covering:

• Infotainment systems

• Features, controls, and displays

• Exterior design and quality

• Driver assistance technology

• Interior fit and finish

• Powertrain performance

• Seat comfort

• Driving experience

• Climate system

• Repair-specific issues

Based on responses, each brand was scored by problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) — the lower the score, the higher the quality.

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Brands With More Problems Than Average

The industry average was 192 problems per 100 vehicles. These brands scored worse:

• Ford — 193

• BMW — 196

• Acura — 198

• GMC — 199

• Cadillac — 200

• Toyota — 200

• Tesla — 200

• Lincoln — 206

• Land Rover — 208

• Mercedes-Benz — 210

• Chrysler — 213

• MINI — 218

• Ram — 218

• Mitsubishi — 222

• Mazda — 225

• Volkswagen — 225

• Infiniti — 242

• Volvo — 258

• Audi — 269

• Rivian — 274

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The Best-Rated Car Brands in 2025

These brands performed better than average, giving owners fewer problems in the first 90 days:

• Lexus — 166

• Nissan — 169

• Hyundai — 173

• Jaguar — 175

• Chevrolet — 178

• Honda — 179

• Dodge — 180

• Kia — 181

• Buick — 183

• Genesis — 183

• Jeep — 186

• Subaru — 187

• Porsche — 188

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Hidden Savings: Don’t Forget Insurance

Even if you choose a reliable brand, car costs don’t stop at the repair shop. Insurance is one of the biggest annual expenses for drivers — and many people unknowingly overpay.

A recent comparison showed that the average driver can save around $600 a year just by switching providers, all for the same coverage. The good news? New tools make rate-shopping quick and easy, giving you real quotes in just a few clicks.

Even if your current policy is competitive, double-checking can give you peace of mind (and possibly more money in your pocket).

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Final Thoughts

Buying a car isn’t just about style and performance — it’s about long-term costs. Studies like J.D. Power’s reveal which brands tend to be more reliable, while tools like insurance comparison checkers ensure you’re not overspending on premiums.

Tip: If you want fewer headaches, stick with brands like Lexus, Hyundai, Honda, or Porsche. And no matter what you drive, don’t forget to shop around for the best insurance rate.