Powertrain Complaints Hurt U.S. Dependability Scores

Complaints about balky transmissions and weak 4-cylinder engines dragged down the industry average in this year's J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study.

The survey polls owners of three-year-old cars and light trucks and averages the number of problems they report per 100 vehicles.

The overall industry average of 133 compares with 126 last year. Power attributes the seven-point decline to powertrain issues.

Problems involving engines and transmissions climbed by nearly 6 per 100 vehicles in this year's analysis. Problems with 4-cylinder engines in particular jumped by 10 per 100 vehicles. Power says most complaints relate to engine hesitation, insufficient power and rough transmission shifts.

Carmakers are moving to more complex transmissions and more tightly tuned small engines for the sake of fuel efficiency. But if drivability issues result, Power cautions, consumers may be deterred from buying smaller vehicles. Such a shift would make it more difficult for carmakers to meet future fuel economy averages.

This year's dependability scores are topped by Lexus (68 problems per 100 vehicles) and anchored by Mini (185 problems). Winners in specific market segments are:

CARS

• Subcompact - Honda Fit
• Compact - Chevrolet Volt
• Compact premium - Lexus ES
• Compact sporty - Mini Cooper
• Midsize - Toyota CamryMidsize sporty - Chevrolet Camaro
• Midsize premium - Lexus GSLarge - Buick LucerneLarge premium - Cadillac DTS/Lexus LS (tie)

TRUCKS

• Subcompact CUV - Honda Element
• Compact CUV - Honda CR-V
• Compact Premium CUV - Acura RDX
• Compact MPV - Scion xB
• Midsize CUV - Honda Crosstour
• Midsize Premium CUV - Lexus RX
• Midsize Pickup - Honda Ridgeline
• Minivan - Toyota Sienna
• Large CUV - GMC Yukon
• Large Premium CUV - Cadillac Escalade
• Large Light-Duty Pickup - GMC Sierra LD
• Large Heavy-Duty Pickup - GMC Sierra HD