OREANDA-NEWS. Nissan brand moved up five positions and achieved an above industry average ranking for vehicle dependability according to the 2015 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study.  In this year’s J.D. Power study of model year 2012 vehicles, Nissan jumped to 13th among brands with 128 problems per hundred vehicles (PPH). Nissan recorded 19 fewer PPH than the industry average of 147.

Overall, four Nissan vehicles ranked among the top-three most dependable within their respective segments, with the 2012 Murano taking the top honor in the Midsize SUV category – up two spots from the previous year. Nissan Altima, Frontier and LEAF each ranked second most dependable within their respective segments.

“Quality and dependability are two core attributes of Nissan vehicles designed to ensure our customers feel confident in their purchase decisions,” said Pierre Loing, Pierre Loing, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America. “Long-term brand quality is one of the leading factors in a customer’s purchasing decision and we believe the results of this year’s J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study demonstrate Nissan’s dedication to fulfilling that requirement.”

The 2015 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study measures the number of owner-reported problems during the third year of vehicle ownership.  Dependability is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PPH)– with a lower number indicating a higher level of dependability.

This year’s J.D. Power study was enhanced to better measure the quality of today’s vehicles, particularly related to new technologies and features now being offered. The study covers 177 specific problem symptoms grouped into eight major vehicle categories. The 2015 study reports an industry average of 147 reported problems per vehicle.

According to J.D. Power, “At the three-year point, many owners are thinking about replacing their vehicles, and we find that how they feel about their current vehicle’s quality and dependability impacts their intent to consider purchasing the same brand again.”