Dig Deeper: How ‘Reliable’ is Your Fleet Vehicle?
Who Makes the Most Dependable Vehicles in 2025?
Ford Bronco Sport and Toyota Tacoma stand out in J.D. Power’s 2024 study, with Ford rising 10 spots in dependability rankings and Toyota earning top model honors.
February 14, 2025
Ford Bronco Sport leads the small SUV segment for initial quality in J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Initial Quality Study.
Photo: Ford
2 min to read
The J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) reports vehicle issues at their highest level since 2009, with a 6% rise to 202 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). Mass market brands contributed to this increase with a 16 PP100 spike, largely due to software issues.
Truck Trends and Insights
Infotainment and Connectivity Issues: Problems with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay increased to 8.4 PP100 from 6.3 PP100. Built-in Bluetooth (4.6 PP100) and Wi-Fi (2.4 PP100) also caused trouble. Despite over-the-air (OTA) updates, only 30% of truck owners reported improvements.
Dependability by Fuel Type: Diesel trucks (233 PP100) experienced more issues than gas-powered (200 PP100) and hybrid trucks (199 PP100). BEVs improved their reliability by 33 PP100, closing the gap with gas models, while PHEVs worsened, hitting 242 PP100.
New Model Concerns: Only four of 27 new truck models from 2022 outperformed their segment averages, with new models averaging 241 PP100 compared to 196 PP100 for carryover models.
Ford and Industry Highlights
Ford’s Progress:Ford climbed 10 spots to 13th place, and Lincoln rose six spots to 19th. Josh Halliburton, Ford's executive director of quality, attributed this improvement to tougher testing and better vehicle monitoring. Additionally, the Bronco Sport earned top honors for initial quality among small SUVs in J.D. Power’s 2024 Initial Quality Study.
Top Truck Models:Toyota’s Tacoma earned a model-level award, while General Motors models, including the Chevrolet Silverado and Silverado HD, were recognized for segment-leading dependability.
Fleet Takeaways
J.D. Power links the rise in issues to pandemic-era disruptions, including supply chain challenges. Fleet managers should prioritize proven models and maintain software updates to address recurring tech issues. Despite new model struggles, established trucks continue to deliver more consistent dependability.
The 2025 VDS collected responses from 34,175 owners of 2022 model-year vehicles between August and November 2024.
Want to make sure you never miss an update from Work Truck on the top trucks for your fleet? Sign up for our eNewsletters today!
More Vehicle Research
Rivian Layoffs Will Not Impact Production Workers, R2 Has Launched
Rivian announces layoffs, but production is not expected to be impacted as the electric vehicle manufacturer starts R2 SUV deliveries to customers. The company’s 2026 first-quarter net profit was down $87 million from the same quarter in 2025.
Read More →
Chevrolet Reveals Fleet-Focused 2027 Silverado 1500 With New V8 Engines and Updated Technology
The 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 adds new V8 engines, updated technology, and a redesigned Work Truck model aimed at commercial and fleet customers.
Read More →
Clinton Aluminum Finds Success with Mack MD7, Plans All-Mack Fleet
After finding success with 17 Mack MD7 medium-duty leased trucks, Clinton Aluminum has now decided to convert its 34-vehicle fleet to an all-Mack fleet. Here is why.
Read More →
Toyota Alabama Celebrates 25 Years of Producing Tundra and Tacoma Powertrains
Toyota Alabama celebrates 25 years of producing Tundra and Tacoma powertrain components, surpassing 11 million engines built in Huntsville.
Read More →
Heavy-Duty Performance: Ram 2500 Walkthrough
The Ram Heavy Duty lineup is designed to support a wide range of fleet, utility, construction, and vocational applications while providing the technology operators expect from a modern truck. This walkaround video will explain the Ram 2500’s features and capabilities.
Read More →
All-New Mack Granite Cab Designed from Driver Input
Mack Trucks’ all-new Mack Granite will be available later in 2026 and features a driver-centric interior that was developed with input from more than 30 professional drivers through an unbiased clinic at Virginia Tech.
Read More →
Nissan Frontier Sport Edition: Off-Road Ready with Upgrades Available
Nissan’s 2027 Frontier Sport Edition gives customers off-road features, including all-terrain tires, an aluminum skid plate, fog lamps, and front accent lighting. Like every Frontier, it comes standard with Nissan's 3.8-liter V6.
Read More →
Hand-Painted Mack LR Models Unveiled During Trucks of Art Program in New York City
The New York City Department of Sanitation, in collaboration with its nonprofit partner the Sanitation Foundation, unveiled five new hand-painted Mack LR refuse vehicles during New York City’s Trucks of Art program.
Read More →
Ford Pro Extends 5-Year/100,000-Mile Limited Powertrain Warranty to Ranger, Maverick and E-Transit
Ford Pro expands its 5-year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty to the 2027 Ranger and E-Transit for eligible fleet buyers.
Read More →
Sponsored•May 29, 2026
Are You Tracking Your Fleet's True Total Cost of Ownership?
Bobit Business Media surveyed 190 fleet professionals and found that while most fleets are tracking costs, fragmented systems and data gaps are keeping true TCO visibility out of reach. With rising pressure to control spend in an increasingly volatile environment, the gap between what fleets think they know and what the data actually shows is wider than you might expect. See how your peers are managing costs today and where the industry still has room to improve.
Read More →