Vehicle owners in Japan with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay are experiencing significantly more infotainment-related issues compared to those without these features, according to the latest J.D. Power 2024 Japan Initial Quality Study (IQS). The study revealed that vehicles equipped with these systems report an average of 44.7 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), nearly double the 21.7 PP100 for vehicles without them.

Overall vehicle quality in Japan remains relatively stable, with 2024 recording an average of 152 PP100, a slight increase from last year’s 151 PP100. While defects and malfunctions remain low at 31.8 PP100, design-related issues, such as confusing or hard-to-use features, continue to challenge manufacturers, accounting for 117.8 PP100.

Infotainment Woes

“The infotainment category remains the most problematic,” said Taku Kimoto, senior managing officer at J.D. Power. “Vehicles equipped with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay face more issues related to connectivity between smartphones and built-in systems. Despite these features becoming more prevalent, nearly 40% of vehicle owners don’t use them. These owners tend to face challenges with built-in voice recognition and navigation systems, highlighting the need for manufacturers to improve both connectivity and built-in system usability.”

Infotainment problems saw a year-on-year increase of 2.0 PP100, making it the most troublesome category in the study. The gap in infotainment quality between the best and worst-performing brands is a staggering 80 PP100.

Top Brands in 2024

For the first time, Suzuki emerged as the highest-ranked brand in the study, with 132 PP100, while Lexus took the top spot among luxury brands with 149 PP100.

Segment-Leading Models:

• Mini-car – Sedan: Suzuki Alto
• Mini-car – Height Wagon: Daihatsu Taft, Suzuki Hustler (Tie)
• Mini-car – Super Height Wagon: Suzuki Spacia
• Compact Car: Honda Fit
• Compact SUV: Nissan Kicks
• Midsize Car: Subaru Impreza
• Midsize SUV: Honda Vezel, Subaru Crosstrek (Tie)
• Compact Minivan: Honda Freed
• Minivan: Honda Stepwgn

Fuel Consumption Concerns

Another issue highlighted in the study is the rising complaints about fuel consumption in gasoline and hybrid vehicles. Despite no actual decline in fuel economy, more owners are perceiving issues, likely due to rising fuel prices.

Improvements in Lane Departure Alerts

While lane departure warning and lane-keeping assistance systems have been a top concern for the past four years, there has been improvement in 2024, with a reduction of 1.0 PP100 from last year.

The 2024 Japan Initial Quality Study surveyed over 21,000 new vehicle owners across nine categories, including driving experience, exterior, powertrain, and climate, among others.