Four European car brands named most reliable in global study

When it comes to automotive reliability, Japanese manufacturers have long been seen as the gold standard. But a new report from J.D. Power is reshuffling the deck: four European automakers now lead the list for overall quality and satisfaction.

Photo: wikimedia by Alexander Migl, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

КРОССОВЕР AUDI Q2

The study analyzed owner-reported issues across a range of models, taking into account performance, durability, technology, and comfort during the early years of ownership.

According to recent results from the survey, Porsche, BMW, Mini, and Volkswagen ranked among the top performers, surpassing many well-known Asian and American brands in key categories.

The top European brands of 2024

Myths and facts about European reliability

• Myth: European cars are unreliable and expensive
  Fact: Many scored higher than their Japanese and American rivals.
• Myth: Small brands like Mini break more
  Fact: Mini had one of the lowest problem rates reported.

Frequently asked questions

• Was the study limited to the U.S. market? No — many global versions of models were included.
• Are these brands best across all categories? Mostly in premium and compact segments, but reputation is growing overall.
• How often are results updated? Every year, based on feedback from real vehicle owners.

Fun fact: Despite higher service costs, European brands maintain top rankings thanks to high satisfaction among long-term owners — especially those who stick to scheduled maintenance.