certainly has no shortage of loyal fans. It's cool, futuristic, and exclusive. And between its reputation as an innovator and the quirky reputation of its founder, Tesla generates plenty of buzz.
But as a car company, J.D. Power recently gave Tesla a dismal rating in its first dependability study. Will the snub hurt Tesla's brand?
, Tesla's ranking is considered unofficial because the company blocked access to customers in several states, including its home state of California.
Still, J.D. Power surveyed over 700 Tesla owners in 35 states. Including Tesla in the study is an indication that the carmaker is becoming a bit more established.
, exterior and interior issues, and glitches with features like navigation and infotainment systems. J.D. Power then ranks carmakers based on how many issues were reported per 100 vehicles.
Dependability is important to drivers who put a lot of miles on their cars, who are looking to keep maintenance costs down, and who don't want to be bogged down with too many trips to the shop.
A lower dependability rating doesn't necessarily mean a less safe car: remember that many of the issues reported are related to exterior and interior features and infotainment systems.
How Tesla fared
In the 2021 study, Tesla was ranked 30th out of 33. The only brands that received a lower ranking were Jaguar, Alfa Romeo, and Land Rover, and the top three carmakers this year were Lexus, Porsche, and
more. And drivers who love their car despite its maintenance issues are likely to buy another car from the same manufacturer and recommend the brand to their friends. Tesla has an undeniable appeal to drivers who want a car brand that's cutting-edge and sleek.
Whether you're a loyal Tesla fan, or you're looking for a car that's higher in the dependability rankings, Jerry can help you get the best