Cadillac ranked below average in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Initial Quality Study, a stark about-face from its performance in 2023, when it was one of the highest-ranking makes in the industry.
The J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Initial Quality Study surveyed 99,144 purchasers and lessees of 2024 model year vehicles early in their ownership period. Owners were asked to respond to a series of questions and provide relevant repair data, which is then organized into 10 vehicle categories: infotainment; features, controls and displays; exterior; driving assistance; interior; powertrain; seats; driving experience; climate; and unspecified (unique to repair).
The study collected responses between July 2023 through May 2024, finding that owners reported more problems with their vehicles this year. Overall, average problems per 100 (PP100) vehicles increased from 192 last year to 195 in 2024.
Cadillac’s result reflected this industrywide trend, as the study returned that owners of new Cadillac vehicles reported a PP100 score of 214, placing it below the industry average of 195. This signifies that the luxury marque’s initial quality has sharply declined over the past year, compared to its PP100 score of 174 in 2023.
Cadillac underperformed key rivals like Lexus (174), Genesis (184), and Acura (193), while being on par with Land Rover (214). However, Cadillac did outperform Lincoln (224) and Audi (242). Industrywide, Ram had the lowest overall PP100 score of 160.
However, despite its overall disappointing result this year, two Caddy models ranked as the best vehicles in their respective categories. The Cadillac XT5 topped the Midsize Premium SUV category, and the Cadillac XT6 was ranked best in the Upper Midsize Premium SUV category this year.
Overall, the study found that owners seem to be particularly dissatisfied with tech features in their vehicles, indicating that they are frustrated with false warnings from driver assist features and rear seat reminder technology. Smartphone connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also proved troublesome, and vehicle controls seem to be getting more convoluted, making it difficult to access simple functions like wiper blades and turn signals.
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