Survey: VW Leads in Total Quality, Toyota Owners Report Fewest Problems

In the 2012 Total Quality Index, owners reported the fewest problems with Toyota cars. However, Volkswagen led the industry in terms of total quality due to its ability to anticipate the desires of car owners.

The survey confirms Toyota’s reputation for reliability, leading the way with only 17 percent of owners reporting problems. Honda also performed particularly well in the Problem Impact Measure, which tracks the report of problems and their severity. While these are good signs for the automakers, evidence suggests that consumers are now taking more factors into consideration when determining the ultimate quality of a vehicle.

“Full-line corporations like Toyota and American Honda Motor are as strong as ever in terms of percentages of people reporting problems. It’s just that others are doing such a great job also, and they have excelled in providing the kind of innovation that influences perceptions of quality,” said vice president Christopher Chaney of Strategic Vision, the consulting firm that conducted the survey.

Volkswagen came in first, followed by Ford and Chrysler, in terms of total quality. In the small car segment, the Fiat 500 was recognized for its exterior styling and workmanship while the VW Golf was noted for its functionality. While not a sales leader, the Chevrolet Volt won out in the midsize car segment. In the large car segment, the Dodge Charger came out on top. The Ford Flex and F-150, F-250, and F-350 trucks won in their segments. Luxury cars recognized include the Range Rover Evoque, Audi A4 and A8, and the BMW X6, 1-Series Coupe, and the Z4 Roadster alongside the Volkswagen Eos.

The survey was conducted among 45,390 people who purchased cars during the last three months of 2011.

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