Customer satisfaction with automobiles has dropped three points this year to an index of 79 on the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI)’s 100-point scale, marking its third consecutive year of declines and the lowest rating since 2004 (also 79).
In fact, just two of the 27 nameplates tracked (Honda Acura and BMW) improved their satisfaction rating from last year. The report traces the drop to higher recalls, with car owners reporting a 40% increase in recalls compared to Q2 2014.
The study finds higher satisfaction among car buyers with foreign-made cars over domestic ones, as 77% of the above-average nameplates are imports.
Toyota’s Lexus (84) scored highest among all vehicles, while Fiat Chrysler had the lowest score (73).