(WJBK)--Good news for drivers coming from J.D. Power and Associates, chances are the vehicle you are driving is more dependable than ever.
A new study measuring problems experienced by the owners of 3-year-old vehicles found the number of reports fell 5 percent last year. According to J.D. Power, Lexus, Porsche, Lincoln and Toyota owners reported the fewest problems, while Jeep, Mitsubishi, Dodge and Land Rover owners had the most.
For the third straight year, excessive wind noise was the top problem, said Raffi Festekjian, director of global automotive research operations. Noisy brakes came in second, and problems with chipping or fading paint were number three. Trouble with dashboard electronics is also on the rise, especially in the premium segment.
People reported wrong or missing directions in navigation systems, and voice recognition software that doesn't recognize commands. The voice problem made the top 10 for the first time in the history of the survey, Festekjian said.
This year's study found that the Toyota Prius was the most reliable small car and the Hyundai Sonata was the most reliable midsize car. The Toyota RAV4 was the highest-ranked small SUV and the Chevrolet Tahoe was the most reliable big SUV. The Lexus RX midsize SUV had the fewest problems of any vehicle, at 57 per 100.
Dependability rankings are important to car companies, since buyers who are happy with a purchase are more likely to stick with that brand in the future. J.D. Power said 54 percent of owners who do not experience any problems with their vehicle stay with the same brand for their next new vehicle. That slips to 41 percent when owners experience three or more problems.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:13 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:13:21 GMT
A car crashed into a building on 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village on Wednesday morning. At least eight people were injured, three in serious condition, according to FDNY officials.
A car jumped the curb on 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village on Wednesday morning injuring eight people. Witnesses say the Nissan was traveling at a high speed before it took out the store front, trees, bicycles, a light post and a fire hydrant.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:30 AM EDT2013-06-19 12:30:41 GMT
Natura Pet Products is voluntarily recalling all Innova, California Natural, EVO, Healthwise, Mother Nature and Karma branded dry pet food and biscuit, bar, and treat products with expiration dates prior to June 10, 2014, because of a positive Salmonella test.
Natura Pet Products is voluntarily recalling all Innova, California Natural, EVO, Healthwise, Mother Nature and Karma branded dry pet food and biscuit, bar, and treat products with expiration dates prior to June 10, 2014, because of a positive Salmonella test.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:07:13 GMT
Photo courtesy of @N42_21_W71_04)
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush.
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush. Crews have been working to repair tracks and switches after Monday's derailment.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:12 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:12:52 GMT
A senior administration official says Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders have struck a deal to authorize four upstate casinos and to allow votes on 10 separate women's rights bills including an abortion...
A senior administration official says Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders have struck a deal to authorize four upstate casinos and to allow votes on 10 separate women's rights bills including an abortion proposal...
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:07:22 GMT
NYC
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, officials said last month, the number of zones would double and encompass about 600,000 more residents.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:50 PM EDT2013-06-19 01:50:52 GMT
FDNY photo via Twitter
Emergency responders rescued a worker who was trapped when a trench collapsed Tuesday evening at a Queens construction site that was supposed to be closed.
Emergency responders rescued a worker who was trapped when a trench collapsed Tuesday evening at a Queens construction site that was supposed to be closed.
(Credit: jdpower.com) 2010 Toyota Prius
