Skoda Auto takes the top prize in the J.D. Power UK Vehicle Dependability Study 2016.

• Back-to-back wins as ŠKODA is named top for dependability by J.D Power
• ŠKODA improved score over 2015 and extends lead over other manufacturers
• More than 13,000 owners surveyed
• Fabia and Yeti both named most dependable models in their sectors

It’s official: ŠKODA ranks as the top automotive brand in the UK for vehicle dependability. The Czech manufacturer has recorded back-to-back victories in the J.D. Power UK Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) released today – with two models topping their sector for quality and reliability.

The study, now in its second year, measured problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of vehicles in the UK after 12-36 months of ownership. The findings were based on responses from more than 13,000 owners of 2013-2015 models.

J.D. Power examined 177 problem symptoms across eight categories: engine and transmission; vehicle exterior; driving experience; features/controls/displays (FCD); audio/communication/entertainment/navigation (ACEN); seats; heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC); and vehicle interior. Overall dependability was determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.

ŠKODA ranked the highest for vehicle dependability with a score of 66 PP100 – an even better result than the brand recorded in 2015, and 13 points clear of the next manufacturer. The overall industry average was 113 PP100.

The 2016 survey also studied vehicle dependability in key sectors and, once again, ŠKODA models were at the top of two categories. The Fabia was ranked at the most dependable car in the Small Car category, while the Yeti finished top of the Compact SUV sector. The Octavia also performed well, finishing second in the Compact Car category.