Vehicles report higher problems in 2013: Report

Overall dependability of vehicles in India declined for the second consecutive year, according to the J D Power Asia Pacific 2013 India Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) released today.

This year overall vehicle dependability averages 280 problems per 100 vehicles, compared with 225 per 100 vehicles in 2012, the sturdy said. Overall dependability is based on the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles, with a lower score reflecting higher long-term vehicle quality.

The study measured problems experienced by original owners of 30-42 month-old vehicles in 169 different problem symptoms across nine vehicle categories: vehicle exterior, driving experience, features, controls and displays, audio and entertainment, seats, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, vehicle interior, engine and transmission.

The 24% increase in problems in 2013 is across problem categories and models. The study finds that an increased number of vehicles in India do not have extended warranties or service contracts and the frequency whereby owners take their vehicle for scheduled or routine maintenance has decreased. Longer periods between maintenance tend to lead to an increase in problems with the vehicle.

According to the study 43% of those surveyed have experienced unexpected repairs on their vehicle, up from 39 last year. In addition, the proportion of owners who have taken their vehicle in for repairs at an authorized service centre three or more times, has doubled from 2012.

Mohit Arora, executive director, J D Power Asia Pacific, said, “Undergoing unexpected repairs has a very strong bearing on the perception of vehicle reliability, durability and overall vehicle quality. Given that the average ownership cycle in India is approximately five years, the owners surveyed in this study are close to replacing their current vehicles. Higher incidences of repairs are likely to dissuade them from purchasing the same make in the future.”

The study also finds that the routine servicing and maintenance at authorized service centres has been declining during the past two years. Only 69% of owners have taken their vehicle to an authorized dealer/ service centre four or more times, down from 91% in 2011.

The study included 61 models in 11 vehicle segments, entry compact, compact, premium compact, entry midsize, midsize, premium midsize, entry luxury, luxury, multi-utility, multi-purpose vehicle, sport-utility vehicle, and van.
 
Maruti Suzuki and Toyota each have two models that rank highest in their respective segments. Maruti Suzuki’s A-star ranks highest in the compact segment and the Swift Dzire ranks highest in the entry mid-size segment.  

The 2013 India Vehicle Dependability Study is based on evaluations from 7,032 original owners who purchased a new vehicle between July 2009 and September 2010.