Electrified Vehicle Options in Mexico Less Problematic Than Gas Counterparts, J.D. Power Finds

MEXICO CITY: 8 Nov. 2024 — While the average amount of vehicle problems in Mexico remains nearly unchanged from a year ago, owners of compact vehicles experience the largest number of problems this year, according to the J.D. Power 2024 Mexico Vehicle Dependability Study^SM (VDS), released today. The study shows an overall industry average of 214 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), while the entry sub-compact segment sees a record-high 263 PP100. Compact (222 PP100) and upper sub-compact (218 PP100) vehicles also have an elevated number of problems.

“Despite more problems in some segments, the overall quality of vehicles manufactured in Mexico is now on par with North American levels of quality, as these vehicles require less frequent replacement of key components such as spark plugs and engine air filters,” said Gerardo Gomez, senior director and country manager at J.D. Power de Mexico. “Additionally, electrified vehicles are giving owners fewer problems this year, which should help ease consumer concerns about reliability.”

The study, now in its 10th year, measures problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of vehicles in Mexico after 12-36 months of ownership. The study examines 184 specific problem areas across nine major vehicle categories: exterior; driving experience; features/controls/displays (FCD); driving assistance; infotainment; seats; climate; interior; and powertrain. Overall dependability is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles, with a lower score reflecting higher quality.

Following are some key findings of the 2024 study: 

• Electrified vehicle options less problematic than gas/diesel counterparts: Owners of plug-in hybrid, hybrid and battery electric vehicles had 53 fewer problems (162 PP100) than owners of gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicles. The largest discrepancy exists within the powertrain category, with owners of gasoline/diesel vehicles experiencing twice as many problems (22 PP100) than owners of electrified vehicles (11 PP100). Furthermore, powertrain problems are considered the most severe by vehicle owners, despite occurring less often than infotainment problems, for example. 
• Problems among Gen Z¹ owners reach record high: Gen Z owners had a record-high 284 PP100, an increase of 71 PP100 from 2023. Meanwhile, Gen Y (201 PP100), Gen X (169 PP100) and Boomers (166 PP100) had fewer problems year over year. Infotainment is the most problematic vehicle category across all generational groups, with Gen Z owners having the most problems (48 PP100). Driving assistance is the least problematic category across all generations. “Because Gen Z owners represent the future of the auto industry, automakers would be wise to reassess whether their vehicles are meeting the unique desires and needs of this generation,” Gomez said.

Highest-Rankings Brands

Mercedes-Benz ranks highest in vehicle dependability among premium brands for a second consecutive year, with a score of 138 PP100.

Mitsubishi ranks highest in vehicle dependability among mass market brands with a score of 159 PP100. Fiat ranks second (176 PP100) and Ford (177 PP100) ranks third.

Segment Awards

Listed below are the highest-ranked models in each segment.

Compact: Toyota Prius

Entry Sub-Compact: Fiat Mobi 

Crossover: SEAT Arona

Compact SUV: Hyundai Tucson 

Entry SUV: Chevrolet Tracker 

Upper Sub-Compact: Nissan Versa 

The 2024 Mexico Vehicle Dependability Study is based on responses from 7,169 original owners of 2021 to 2023 model-year vehicles. The study was fielded from November 2023 through August 2024.

About J.D. Power
J.D. Power is a global leader in automotive data and analytics, and provides industry intelligence, consumer insights and advisory solutions to the automotive industry and selected non-automotive industries. J.D. Power leverages its extensive proprietary datasets and software capabilities combined with advanced analytics and artificial intelligence tools to help its clients optimize business performance.

J.D. Power was founded in 1968 and has offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. To learn more about the company’s business offerings, visit https://mexico.jdpower.com/.

Media Relations Contacts
Fabiana Duran; Mexico City; +52 55 1012 0885; fabiana@mediaroom.mx
Geno Effler, J.D. Power; U.S.A.; 714-621-6224; media.relations@jdpa.com

About J.D. Power and Advertising/Promotional Rules www.jdpower.com/business/about-us/press-release-info

¹J.D. Power defines generational groups as Pre-Boomers (born before 1946); Boomers (1946-1964); Gen X (1965-1976); Gen Y (1977-1994); and Gen Z (1995-2006). Millennials (1982-1994) are a subset of Gen Y.