Skoda lead the way for dependability according to JD Power survey

Figures have revealed that Skoda rank the highest in dependable vehicles among all nameplates in the UK, according to a J.D. Power 2015 UK Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS).

The result comes following problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of vehicles after 12-36 months of ownership were measured.

177 problem symptoms were examined across eight categories: engine and transmission; vehicle exterior; driving experience; features/controls/displays;audio/communication/entertainment/navigation (ACEN); seats; heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) and vehicle interior.

Dependability was determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.

Skoda's score of 77 PP100 put them at the top of the charts, well above the industry average of 114 PP100.

Kia ranked second with 83 PP100 and Suzuki came third with 86 PP100. Chevrolet ranked lowest in the study with 288 PP100, behind Alfa Romeo (235 PP100) and BMW (196 PP100).

Technology in ACEN proved to be an issue throughout the study as five out of the top 11 problems stemmed from this category.

Dr. Axel Sprenger, Senior Director of European automotive operations at J.D. Power, said: "As we've seen in studies in the United States and other markets, owners want in-vehicle technology, and their expectations of advanced technology capabilities are growing.

"When they have a problem with the technology - and the definition of dependability is increasingly influenced by usability - vehicle owners are disappointed."

Owner satisfaction with their vehicles was also measured in the 2015 UK VDS and it revealed that satisfaction is highest with the exterior (794) for owners of premium vehicles, with fuel economy (719) the lowest.

JD Power also named the most reliable cars in six categories with the Suzuki Alto named best city car, the Nissan Juke named best small car and the Kia Cee'd named best compact car.

Best small MPV car was given to Honda's Jazz, the Mercedes-Benz's C-class named best mid-sized car and its E-Class has been rewarded with best large car.

13,451 respondents took part in the study, all had purchased their vehicle between April 2012 and March 2014 with the study taking place between March and May 2015.

A full list of models and their rankings will be released by JD Power on August 12. The 2015 JD Power UK Vehicle Dependability Study full standings can be found below.

Published by J.D. Power, 2015 UK Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS) source.