TrueDelta Releases Vehicle Reliability Survey Results
By Michael Karesh
11.14.2008
At TrueDelta, once three months have passed, it’s time for a new set of Vehicle Reliability Survey results. The November set includes 179 car models, plus another 173 with marginal sample sizes.
The November results include a new quick indicator for reliability in the form of a traffic light. The actual repair rates continue to be posted, but numbers aren’t as easy to read at a glance as a clear graphical symbol. And what’s clearer than a red light?
Given the typical quality of today’s cars, there aren’t many red lights in the latest results. But there are a few. Compared to three months ago, the 2008 Cadillac CTS and 2009 Jaguar XF have improved, but not nearly enough to avoid a red light. The Cadillac requires about twice as many repairs as the average car, the Jaguar about three times as many.
The 2009 Dodge Journey isn’t faring as badly as Chrysler’s 2008 minivans, but it’s still over twice the average. Red lights for both.
Rely on other sources of information, and you’ll see good reliability scores for the smart fortwo and Infiniti EX35. Well, that’s because other sources use old data that doesn’t reflect owners’ experiences in the last six or more months. What have these owners been experiencing in recent months? In the case of smart owners, shifters that get stuck in park. For Infiniti EX35 owners, it’s failing fuel pumps. Not huge problems, but they can require a tow. Another pair of red lights.
Bright spots? Based on marginal sample sizes, the 2009 Honda Pilot and 2009 Subaru Forester appear to be off to good starts, not always a given with new designs even with these automakers. And the 2009 Nissan Murano, first reported on three months ago, continues to require few repairs. Among domestics, the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu and 2005+ Ford Fusion require few repairs.
Wondering whether any of these results will change as the cars age and more data roll in? Time will tell, and with TrueDelta’s system you only have three months to wait. Next update in February. For the full set of results, and to sign up to participate, click the following link: TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results.
Editor’s note: Michael Karesh is the founder and owner of TrueDelta, an automotive research company. While several members of the Full Metal Autos staff participate in TrueDelta’s free vehicle reliability research panels, neither Full Metal Autos nor its staff receive compensation of any kind from TrueDelta or Mr. Karesh.
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