J.D. Power 2020 Initial Quality Study did not favor the quality of Tesla vehicles.
As part of its 2020 Initial Quality Study, Tesla owners reported more problems in their first 90 days of ownership than the other 31 U.S. auto brands included in the study.
The average for 2020 model-year vehicles was 166 problems per 100 vehicles. Tesla had 250 problems per 100 vehicles. Dodge and Kia both rated best at 136 problems per 100 vehicles.
The Initial Quality Study is one of the most respected indicators of quality in the industry. Now in its 34th year, the study examines problems experienced by owners of new 2020 model-year vehicles during the first 90 days of ownership. Initial quality is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.
“Tesla receives an initial quality score of 250 PP100,” the report said. “The automaker is not officially ranked among other brands in the study as it doesn’t meet ranking criteria. “Unlike other manufacturers, Tesla doesn’t grant us permission to survey its owners in 15 states where it is required,” said Doug Betts, president of the automotive division at J.D. Power. “However, we were able to collect a large enough sample of surveys from owners in the other 35 states and, from that base, we calculated Tesla’s score.”
Tesla’s issues included paint imperfections; body panel alignment; trunks and hood closure; wind noise; and squeaks and rattles.