Hyundai, Kia Capture Top Two J.D. Power Quality Ratings

Kia Motors Corp. has topped J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study for the second consecutive year.

Rising to second place to displace Porsche in this year’s ratings is Hyundai Motor Co.’s Genesis luxury brand. Hyundai also owns Kia.

Two domestic brands, Ford and Ram, jumped sharply in the standings to capture fourth and fifth, respectively. The only other luxury brands to join Genesis (77 problem) above the record-high industry average of 97 problems are BMW (88) and Lincoln (92).

The Power ratings indicate the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles by owners of current-year models. This year’s ratings range from Kia’s 72 problems per 100 vehicles to Fiat’s 163 problems.

Power notes that a brand’s initial quality scores often are hurt by owner problems encountered with all-new products. But electronic features remain a major source of complaint, led by driver-aid features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warnings and collision-avoidance systems.

Power says most carmakers have improved the performance of their infotainment systems. But glitches with other controls, displays and features continue to grow.