daihatsu tops j.d. power japan's 'quality' survey, honda next, toyota below average

Market research agency J.D. Power has released the findings of its 2022 Japan Initial Quality Study (IQS).

A total of 20,797 respondents who had owned their new car for at least 2 to 13 months were asked to answer 221 questions about their ownership experience.

Vehicle quality is evaluated in 9 categories: infotainment; features, controls and displays; exterior; driving assistance; interior; powertrain; seats; driving experience; and climate. The study was fielded in May-June 2022.

daihatsu tops j.d. power japan's 'quality' survey, honda next, toyota below average

Daihatsu Tanto

Daihatsu is ranked first in the 2022 edition of J.D. Power’s annual IQS study, while Lexus leads in the luxury segment.

Four out of the 8 vehicle segments ranked were led by Daihatsu models, followed by Subaru. However, Subaru’s narrower product line-up also means that it didn’t have the benefit of having more models to pull its scores up.

As such, Honda took second place, followed by Suzuki.

daihatsu tops j.d. power japan's 'quality' survey, honda next, toyota below average

Daihatsu had the fewest reported problems, (116 problems per 100 vehicles). Honda scored 126 PP 100 while quality leader Toyota scored a lowly 145 PP 100, below the 2022 IQS average of 137 PP 100.

Volkswagen ranked at the bottom, with 232 PP 100.

In the luxury segment, Lexus leads with 169 PP 100 while Audi trails last with 202 PP 100.

Of greater relevance to us is that the is the highest ranked SUV model, ranking ahead of the Honda Vezel ( to us), while the Daihatsu Rocky ( to us) leads the compact SUV segment. The Rocky’s sister-car the Toyota Raize isn’t too far behind, at third place.

The Honda StepWGN is also ranked ahead of the .

daihatsu tops j.d. power japan's 'quality' survey, honda next, toyota below average

What does all this mean? Why is quality stalwart Toyota ranked so low?

This is where it becomes counter-intuitive. What J.D. Power considers as ‘quality’ issues, isn’t even related to quality at all, but merely subjective preference of users’ usage habits.

For example, infotainment-related issues are one of the biggest ‘quality’ issues reported by J.D. Power, but upon closer inspection, the complaints are related to menus and touch screen being difficult to use, or controls for automatic headlamps (now compulsory in Japan) being difficult to locate / turn off.

daihatsu tops j.d. power japan's 'quality' survey, honda next, toyota below average

As explained in , Japanese drivers actively dim their headlamps when they are stopped at a traffic light, and is facing pedestrians. The now-compulsory automatic headlamp means that on some models, it is no longer possible to dim the headlights when the transmission is in D.

Some headlights can only be dimmed if the transmission is in P or N, because this is how UNECE regulations governing operation of LED automatic headlamps above certain brightness threshold are worded. It is not a quality issue at all, but is regarded by J.D. Power as one.

J.D. Power also said users complain that they can’t fully turn off their headlamps, which is of course not possible on cars with daytime running lights!

daihatsu tops j.d. power japan's 'quality' survey, honda next, toyota below average

Nevermind Japan, even our 2022 Perodua Myvi no longer have an ‘Off’ position on its headlamp control

Ignore the difference between quality and intentional design, J.D. Power commented, “The responses to automatic headlights-on by manufacturers result in more problems in initial quality. Exterior light controls—difficult to understand/use or are poorly located has been more frequently cited in 2022 (1.6 PP100 vs. 1.3 PP100 in 2021). Related to this, timings of lighting-up and lighting-off are not right and lighting is not completely off are mentioned by owners. This suggests that the current automatic headlights-on features do not meet what users expect. Manufacturers need to not only improve the feature itself but also to give customers a thorough explanation about the specification of this feature during the sales negotiations.”

Over-bearing lane keeping assistance functions is also a major complaint in IQS 2022.

“Among the 221 problem areas, the most problematic area continues to be lane departure warning/lane keeping assistance—alerts are annoying or bothersome from last year. The quality of this problem area has slightly improved in 2022 to 5.6 PP100 from 6.3 PP100 in 2021, however, many owners still indicate problems with these features.”

daihatsu tops j.d. power japan's 'quality' survey, honda next, toyota below average

On tight Japanese streets, lane keep assist functions are not appreciated

Again, this is not a quality issue. A quality issue is when a function or feature no longer works the way it is intended. If the menus operating the car’s infotainment is difficult to use or if the driver finds disabling the lane keep assist unnecessarily complicated, that’s a user interface design issue, not a quality issue, because the feature is still working exactly according to its design specifications.

Another problem with J.D. Power’s study is the duration of ownership – starting from as low as 2 months, that’s just too early for users to report any meaningful quality issues, and it’s also why many of the owners surveyed are reporting many design-related issues (instead of real quality-related issues), because they are still not familiar with the vehicle’s operations and behaviour.

daihatsu tops j.d. power japan's 'quality' survey, honda next, toyota below average

These are reasons why few manufacturers now pay attention to J.D. Power IQS studies anymore. To get a detailed report, manufacturers must pay huge sum to get the data and once they do, they find that there’s nothing useful inside for them to learn because the survey makes no distinction between genuine quality-related issues and mismatch between user behaviour vs vehicle design.

Also, cars these days are very well made. The difference in quality between a No.1 ranked Daihatsu ranking brand versus No.5 Mitsubishi is 0.12 per car – it’s too insignificant.

But the biggest problem with J.D. Power, and why many manufacturers are waving J.D. Power away saying “Whatever”, is this – the market research agency makes zero effort to rank problems by their severity. An annoying lane keep assist beep is treated the same manner as a total engine or transmission failure.

daihatsu tops j.d. power japan's 'quality' survey, honda next, toyota below average

Still, the takeaway is that Japanese buyers are most satisfied with their Daihatsu, semantics aside. The company is living up to its “Light you up” tagline in Japan.

Keyword: Daihatsu tops J.D. Power Japan's 'quality' survey, Honda next, Toyota below average

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Relaunched In Japan, Fender Mirror And All

1984 boxy styling with (some) modern goodies. What's not to love?

View more: Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Relaunched In Japan, Fender Mirror And All

New Ford Territory coming to South Africa – What it’s competing against

Breaking new territory Mid-size market Haval H6 2.0GDIT Luxury Proton X70 1.5T Standard Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Max 1.6TGDI 290T Executive Mazda CX-5 2.0 Dynamic Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Premium Opel Grandland 1.6T Peugeot 3008 1.6T Active Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 1.5T GLS Exceed Honda CR-V 2.0 Comfort VW Tiguan 1.4TSI ...

View more: New Ford Territory coming to South Africa – What it’s competing against

Would I recommend a Toyota Hyryder after driving it for a year?

Its hybrid powertrain is its biggest strength not only for its fuel efficiency but also for its super responsiveness. BHPian S2!!! recently shared this with other enthusiasts. 1 year, 12,000km update Most of my observations are similar to what I have shared in my previous posts. So this time, ...

View more: Would I recommend a Toyota Hyryder after driving it for a year?

Watch This Toyota GR Corolla Go Absolutely Wild On A Dirt Back Road

This is the only correct way to drive your rally-inspired all-wheel drive hot hatch.

View more: Watch This Toyota GR Corolla Go Absolutely Wild On A Dirt Back Road

The First All-New Toyota Tacoma In Over Eight Years Starts At $32,995

Image: Toyota Toyota seems to be very aware of just how anticipated and popular the 2024 Tacoma is going to be. It’s trickled out information about the truck for months now. Probably the most anticipated information – just how much this thing going to cost – is finally here. ...

View more: The First All-New Toyota Tacoma In Over Eight Years Starts At $32,995

Here’s Everything You Get In The Base 2024 Toyota Tacoma

The steel wheels say “work truck,” but adaptive cruise and push-button start were the stuff of luxury cars only a few years ago.

View more: Here’s Everything You Get In The Base 2024 Toyota Tacoma

Toyota to sell massive $4.7B stake in top supplier as it looks to catch up in EV race

Toyota is securing substantial funding as it looks to catch up in the EV race. Sources close to the matter say Toyota and its affiliates will sell a stake of around $4.7B in Denso, the second-largest global auto supplier. Toyota plans to sell around 10% (roughly $4.7 billion) of ...

View more: Toyota to sell massive $4.7B stake in top supplier as it looks to catch up in EV race

The Crown Signia Is A Wagon Regardless Of What Toyota Says

Image: Toyota American car buyers, for the most part, are not fans of wagons. The long roof body style has almost disappeared from the U.S. car market with only a few models remaining. There is the ever-popular Subaru Outback, and some more expensive options from Audi, Mercedes, and Volvo. ...

View more: The Crown Signia Is A Wagon Regardless Of What Toyota Says

Five most affordable automatic cars in South Africa

2024 Toyota Tacoma First Drive: A Sure Bet Remains So

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Starts At $32,995

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Adds Some Polish But Keeps The Fun

MotoGP announces new Concession system for 2024, boost for Yamaha and Honda

Toyota Selling Shorty Land Cruiser 70 For $46,000 But There’s A Catch

Exclusive: Toyota group companies plan $4.7 billion sale of Denso stake

Hybrid implementation could lure third OEM to IndyCar – Miles

2024 Toyota Camry NASCAR Cup Series Contender Gets The Road Car's New Looks

The Only New Toyota Camry That Won't Be A Hybrid Is Racing In NASCAR

New Toyota Hilux Champ – Engines and interior revealed

Valencia MotoGP Test: Joan Mir to work with ex-Marc Marquez Repsol Honda crew in 2024

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel