The days of holding their collective breaths when quality surveys are released seem to be fading for those at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
The automaker announced Wednesday all its brands posted year-over-year initial quality score improvements in the latest J.D. Power rankings, with four models – including Jeep’s Grand Cherokee – placing in the top three of their respective segments. Ram-branded trucks showed the biggest increase over last year with nearly a 25 percent jump.
Overall, J.D. Power listed FCA as increasing its initial quality 50 percent faster than the industry average, marking the second straight year the company has improved its initial quality rating against the field.
"We're pleased to see that all FCA US brands have made improvements in initial quality, especially Ram Truck with its big step up this year," said Scott Garberding, FCA’s Global Head of Quality in a company statement. "My colleagues and I are focused on continuing to deliver quality new vehicles, like the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, as we continue to bring important new technologies into the market with an increasing number of exciting new vehicles launches in the coming years."
Ram’s jump was significant as it went from a below average 2016 ranking of 114 problems per 100 vehicles, to 86 per 100 this year, which moved it into the study’s top-5.
J.D. Power ranked the industry average for 2017 as 97 problems per 100 vehicles.
Despite the score improvements over last year, Chrysler (102), Dodge (106) and Jeep (107) all were still slightly under the industry average, but did find themselves nearly even, or ahead, of such bellwether brands as Honda (105), Cadillac (105), Subaru (113), Audi (115) and Mazda (125).
Fiat was FCA’s only brand to fall flat, and anchored the survey at 163 problems per 100 vehicles, nearly 20 more than its nearest competitor.
J.D. Power’s IQS is based on responses from nearly 80,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2017 model-year vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The detailed study asks customers to identify issues with their vehicles’ design, as well as defects.
The IQS study, now in its 31st year, is based on a 233-question survey conducted between February and May 2017.
South Korean automaker Kia topped the 2017 study at 72 problems per 100 vehicles.
For more information on the JD Power IQS, you can check here.
