Korean Brands Top JD Power Initial Quality Ratings

South Korea’s Genesis, Kia and Hyundai brands captured the top three positions, respectively, in this year’s Initial Quality Study by market researcher JD Power.

Porsche and Mazda rank fourth and fifth. The survey rates companies, brands and models according to the number of initial complaints per 100 vehicles reported by owners during the first 90 days of ownership. Lower scores indicate higher quality.

This year’s industry average is 93 problems per 100 vehicles, a 4-point improvement compared with the 2017 study. Brands ranged from a chart-topping 68 for Hyundai’s Genesis luxury marque to a low of 160 for Land Rover.

Mazda, which lowered its score by 25 points to 100, is this year’s most-improved brand. At the model level, the Porsche 911 sports car beat all others with only 48 problems per 100 cars.

Ford captured five model-specific awards this year, more than any other manufacturer. The company swept categories for midsize premium car (Lincoln Continental), compact premium SUV (Lincoln MKC), midsize sporty car (Ford Mustang), large heavy-duty pickup (F-Series Super Duty) and large SUV (Ford Expedition).