J.D. Power is revamping its Initial Quality Survey (IQS) that tracks new car and truck
quality.
The changes may raise the number of problems reported by owners by as much as 40
percent on some models. The study collects nearly 60,000 surveys from new car and truck
buyers after 90 days of ownership.
Based on a pilot program last year, J.D. Power said the
latest study will produce significant swings in quality scores for some brands and models.
The changes will provide automakers with more specific information about defects found in
2006 model vehicles.
Last year, Lexus topped all brands while Kia placed last. The
shrinking gap in IQS scores among automotive brands and models led the California-based
firm to overhaul the study.
