Most Reliable Midsize Sedans? J.D. Power Rankings

According to J.D. Power’s most recent U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), the Toyota Camry and the Buick LaCrosse have consistently ranked among the most reliable midsize sedans, with the Camry often taking the top spot in the segment. This article explains how J.D. Power measures reliability, which models have performed best in recent years, and what you should consider beyond the rankings.

Formula

The reliability score is a simple transformation of the J.D. Power PP100 (problems per 100 vehicles) metric. The formula is:

Score = 1000 – PP100

Where PP100 is the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles after three years of ownership. A lower PP100 means fewer problems, so subtracting it from 1000 gives a higher score for better reliability. The predicted rank is a rough guide: each additional 100 problems per 100 vehicles drops you about one position in a typical segment of 10 models.

Worked Example

Using the default values: 3 years of ownership and 150 PP100.

1. Start with the base score: 1000
2. Subtract the PP100: 1000 – 150 = 850
3. The reliability score is 850 out of 1000.
4. Predicted rank: 1 + (150 / 100) = 2.5, so roughly 2nd or 3rd place in a segment.

This matches the calculator output: a score of 850 and a rank of 2.5.

How J.D. Power Defines Reliability

J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) is the most widely cited reliability ranking in the U.S. It surveys original owners of three-year-old vehicles (e.g., the 2025 study covers the 2022 model year). The survey asks about 184 potential problems across nine categories: climate, driving experience, features/controls/displays, exterior, infotainment, interior, powertrain, seats, and voice recognition. The key metric is PP100 – problems per 100 vehicles. A lower PP100 means higher quality.

Note that VDS measures long-term dependability, not initial quality. It reflects how well the car holds up after three years, which is what most people mean by “reliability.� J.D. Power also publishes an Initial Quality Study (IQS) that measures problems in the first 90 days, but that is a different metric.

Recent Top Performers

Based on the 2024 and 2025 VDS reports, the following midsize sedans have consistently ranked at or near the top:

• Toyota Camry – Often the segment leader, with PP100 scores in the low 100s (e.g., 2024: 112 PP100). The Camry is known for its hybrid powertrain and conservative tech, which reduces failure points.
• Buick LaCrosse – Discontinued after 2019, but the 2025 VDS still included it because owners kept them for three years. It scored 98 PP100 in the 2024 study, beating the Camry.
• Kia K5 – The K5 has improved significantly, with PP100 around 130 in 2024, placing it above the segment average.
• Honda Accord – Usually above average, but not always top-tier. The 2024 study gave it 145 PP100, which is still better than the segment average of 150.

It’s important to note that J.D. Power does not rank every model every year. Some models are discontinued or have low sales volumes, so they may not be included. Also, the “midsize sedan� category includes both conventional and hybrid versions, but J.D. Power treats them as one model line.

How to Choose a Reliable Midsize Sedan

While J.D. Power rankings are a useful starting point, they are not the only factor. Consider the following:

• Check the specific trim and powertrain – A hybrid Camry may have different reliability than a V6 Camry. Look for PP100 data broken down by powertrain if available.
• Look at repair costs – A car with few problems but expensive parts (e.g., German luxury sedans) may cost more to maintain. The Camry and Accord have relatively low repair costs.
• Consider the warranty – Toyota and Honda offer 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranties and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties. Kia offers 5-year/60,000-mile basic and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage.
• Read owner forums – J.D. Power aggregates problems, but forums can reveal specific issues like infotainment lag or transmission quirks.
• Don’t ignore the driving experience – A reliable car that you don’t enjoy driving is still a bad choice. Test drive the top contenders.

Common Problems in Midsize Sedans

According to J.D. Power’s problem categories, the most common issues in midsize sedans are:

• Infotainment – Slow touchscreens, Bluetooth pairing failures, and voice recognition errors. This is the #1 complaint area across all vehicles.
• Exterior – Paint defects, wind noise, and water leaks.
• Climate – Air conditioning not cooling enough, or heater issues.
• Powertrain – Engine or transmission hesitations, but these are less common than infotainment issues in modern sedans.

Interestingly, the Camry and Accord often have fewer powertrain problems but can still suffer from infotainment glitches. The Buick LaCrosse, despite being older, had a simpler infotainment system that was less problematic.

Comparing J.D. Power to Other Reliability Ratings

J.D. Power is not the only source. Consumer Reports uses its own survey data and gives scores for predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, and road-test performance. The Camry and Accord also top Consumer Reports’ midsize sedan rankings. RepairPal and CarMD provide cost-based reliability data, but they focus on repair frequency and cost, not owner-reported problems.

One key difference: J.D. Power’s VDS is based on three-year-old vehicles, so it reflects the model year’s build quality. Consumer Reports uses a 12-month period and can include newer models. Both are useful, but they measure slightly different things.

Cost of Ownership

Reliability directly affects ownership costs. A car with 100 PP100 versus 200 PP100 could mean hundreds of dollars in annual repair costs. For example, a 2022 Toyota Camry has an average annual repair cost of around $400, while a 2022 Nissan Altima (which scores below average) is around $500. Over five years, that difference is $500 – not huge, but significant if you also factor in depreciation. The Camry also holds its value better, so the total cost of ownership is lower.

Safety and Reliability

Reliability is not the same as safety, but they are related. A car that breaks down on the highway is unsafe. All modern midsize sedans come with standard advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. The Camry and Accord both earn top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA. However, J.D. Power’s VDS does not directly measure safety; it measures problems. A car can have zero problems but still be less safe in a crash. Always check crash-test ratings separately.

Alternatives to Midsize Sedans

If you are open to other body styles, consider the following reliable options:

• Compact SUVs – The Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V have similar reliability and more cargo space. They cost a bit more but are popular for a reason.
• Full-size sedans – The Toyota Avalon (discontinued) and Kia Cadenza (discontinued) were reliable, but now you would buy them used.
• Electric sedans – The Tesla Model 3 has average reliability per J.D. Power, but its electric powertrain has fewer moving parts. However, battery degradation and software issues can offset that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Toyota Camry the most reliable midsize sedan?

In most recent J.D. Power VDS studies, the Camry has been the top-ranked midsize sedan, but the Buick LaCrosse beat it in 2024. The Camry is consistently above average, but “most reliable� can vary by year and by specific trim.

What does PP100 mean in J.D. Power ratings?

PP100 stands for “problems per 100 vehicles.� It is the number of problems reported by owners per 100 vehicles over a three-year period. A lower number is better. For example, 120 PP100 means 1.2 problems per vehicle on average.

Should I buy a used midsize sedan based on J.D. Power rankings?

Yes, but also check the specific model year. J.D. Power’s VDS for a given year covers three-year-old cars, so the 2025 study covers 2022 models. If you are buying a 2019 model, look at the 2022 VDS to see how that year performed.

How reliable is the Honda Accord compared to the Toyota Camry?

The Accord is usually above average but slightly behind the Camry in J.D. Power’s VDS. In 2024, the Camry had 112 PP100 and the Accord had 145 PP100. Both are good choices, but the Camry has a slight edge in long-term dependability.

Are hybrid midsize sedans more reliable than gas-only versions?

Hybrids often have fewer brake and engine problems because regenerative braking reduces wear, but they add complexity with the battery and electric motor. J.D. Power does not separate hybrid and gas versions in the VDS, but the Camry Hybrid has a strong reputation for reliability, often matching or exceeding the gas version.

What is the most reliable used midsize sedan under $20,000?

A used Toyota Camry or Honda Accord from 2018-2020 is typically the best bet. Both have strong reliability records and low repair costs. Look for a certified pre-owned (CPO) model to get an extended warranty.

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in t | Years of ownership | years | 3 | 0 | 10
in p | Problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) | - | 150 | 0 | 1000
out score | Reliability score (higher is better) | - | 1000 - p | 0
out rank | Predicted rank (1 = best) | - | 1 + (p / 100) | 0