Toyota and Lexus stay on top of US reliability rankings
The United States car market thrives on ruthless competition, yet the latest studies from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports confirm a truth many owners have known for decades. If you want a car that simply starts and gets on with the job, look to Japan.
Once again, Toyota and its luxury arm Lexus claimed the highest positions in the tables, leaving domestic heavyweights and Europe’s intricate engineering well behind.
Lexus leads, Toyota follows closely
In the 2025 Vehicle Dependability Study conducted by J.D. Power, Lexus secured the top overall ranking for the third consecutive year. The result carries weight because the study focuses on three year old vehicles, in this case 2022 model year cars. It measures long term durability rather than showroom polish.
Lexus recorded 140 problems per 100 vehicles, known as PP100, a figure that borders on untouchable in the premium segment.
Toyota was never far behind. The brand collected the highest number of model level awards, with honours going to staples such as the Toyota Corolla, the ever popular Toyota Camry and the practical Toyota Sienna. These are not niche products but pillars of the American market.
Reliability falls, hybrids rise
The broader picture is less reassuring. Overall vehicle dependability in the US has declined in recent years, reaching its lowest point since 2009. Analysts point to pandemic era supply chain disruption and the industry’s infatuation with ever larger touchscreens. Modern cabins increasingly resemble experimental smart devices rather than durable machines built to last.
Amid this technological turbulence, Toyota and Lexus benefited from a certain conservatism. While rivals rushed half baked software solutions to market, the Japanese brands refined their hybrid systems. According to the data, hybrids emerged as the least problematic powertrains overall.
Critics often accuse Toyota of caution, particularly in its slower move towards fully electric vehicles. Yet the numbers suggest that peace of mind outweighs fashionable design flourishes for many buyers. One telling detail stands out. The discontinued Toyota Avalon topped the study as the most dependable individual model. Sound engineering, once achieved, does not expire as quickly as marketing slogans.
A pattern that looks permanent
The rankings also featured a surprise performer. Buick led among mass market brands, proving that consistency still counts. Even so, Japanese dominance now feels close to a law of nature. Early forecasts for 2026 indicate that Asian manufacturers will continue to occupy the majority of the seven most reliable brands in the US.
While several European luxury marques wrestle with complex air suspension systems and software updates, Toyota and Lexus continue their steady progress. They offer a simple proposition. The best car is often the one that visits the workshop only for an oil change.
