CA Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS)
The Benchmark for Long-Term Vehicle Dependability
The Canada Vehicle Dependability (VDS) Study measures the problems experienced by original owners of 1-3-year-old vehicles. In the Canadian market, VDS also includes APEAL data, which evaluates which features, functionality and design owners of these vehicles enjoy. As one of the most trusted indicators of long-term quality, VDS helps manufacturers design more durable products that retain value and strengthen brand loyalty.
A Complete View of Long-Term Dependability
Evaluates owner-reported problems across nine vehicle systems:
• Component failures and replacements
Includes:
• Diagnostics by make and model including APEAL ratings
• Industry and segment benchmarking
How the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) Works
• Surveys original owners of 3-year-old vehicles
• Captures problem frequency, component failures, and long-term satisfaction
• Complements IQS by showing how early-life quality evolves over time
• Feeds Component Dependability Reports, while APEAL rating can influence design and content choices
Stronger Reliability, Higher Confidence
• Pinpoints chronic issues that emerge during warranty years
• Identifies components that most impact satisfaction and resale value
• Provides trusted rankings used by consumers and media
• Supports supplier quality improvement and component redesign
• Creates annual rankings and awards-licensing opportunities for top-performing brands
Improve Durability, Protect Resale Value
• Leads to more reliable products with fewer long-term failures
• Strengthens brand perception for dependability
• Drives higher residual values and customer retention
• Improves supplier accountability and component performance
Designed for Quality and Value Leaders
• OEM quality and engineering organizations
• Residual value and remarketing analysts
• Marketing teams (awards and messaging)
• Tier 1 suppliers monitoring component performance
Insights Available at a Touch of a Button
Subscribers to this study have full access to benchmark reporting, competitor analysis, and more with PowerSource.
