A dog looks out the window from a charging Tesla electric vehicle at the Tesla Supercharger site in Santa Monica, California on May 15, 2024.
Patrick T. Fallon | AFP | Getty Images
Tesla are losing their lead over traditional automakers in the quality of new electric vehicles, according to an influential annual study conducted by J.D. Power.
2024 US Initial Quality Study found that the quality of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from Tesla and traditional automakers was similar, with 266 reported problems per 100 new vehicles sold or leased.
Previously, Tesla models outperformed electric vehicles from traditional automakers in the annual survey. Last yearTesla received a rating of 257 problems per 100 vehicles, compared to an average of 265 problems per 100 vehicles for electric vehicles from traditional automakers.
The study attributed Tesla’s growing problems to negative reaction from customers after the company removed traditional control features like turn signals and windshield wipers.
Across the industry, not just BEVs, Tesla has consistently ranked bottom in initial quality since JD Power began including Tesla in its research in 2022.
Overall, the study, which included data on first-time repair trips to franchised dealerships, found that electric vehicles such as BEVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have more problems than traditional gasoline and diesel vehicles with internal combustion engines.
“Owners of advanced, fully-equipped BEVs and PHEVs are experiencing problems of such severity that they are taking their new vehicles to dealerships at a rate three times higher than owners of gasoline-powered vehicles,” Frank Hanley, senior director of automotive benchmarking at J.D. Power, said in a press release.
Research shows that plug-in cars need more repairs than gasoline-powered cars in every repair category.
According to the study, BEVs had an average of 266 problems per 100 vehicles, 86 points higher than gasoline and diesel vehicles, which had an average of 180 problems per 100 vehicles. Lower scores indicate higher vehicle quality.
Top concerns included features, controls and display, as well as wireless smartphone integration, as customers reported frequent difficulties with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The study also found frustration with false alerts, unnecessary traffic alerts, and automatic braking features. Specifically, the rear seat reminder feature contributed to 1.7 problems per 100 vehicles across the industry, as owners reported receiving the signal even when no one was sitting in the back seat.
“Not surprisingly, the introduction of new technology has challenged manufacturers to maintain vehicle quality,” Hanley said.
— CNBC’s Michael Wayland contributed to this report.
