Those who buy a truck know that having a reliable vehicle is essential. If anyone knows about finding the most reliable used trucks, it is J.D. Power. The Vehicle Dependability Study and Initial Quality Study get direct reports from owners about any problems the vehicle might have. These problems are recorded over a period of years and give insight into the actual ownership of the tested truck, SUV, or car.
J.D. Power’s most reliable used truck, the midsize Nissan Frontier
The J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) always offers valuable insight into the reliability of new and used cars. In this instance, J.D. Power chose the 2019 Nissan Frontier as one of the most reliable used trucks. The Nissan Frontier was the highest-ranked pickup truck in the study. The J.D. Power study looks at how owners report many problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). Nissan, as a brand, reported 205 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100).
The J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study studies how well a vehicle has aged over the last three years. This includes how the owners felt about the car three years down the line, whether any software updates have been made, and how the truck has aged. “Automakers are increasingly looking at owners’ relationships with their vehicles as having similarities to other consumer technology,” David Amodeo, the director of global automotive at J.D. Power, said.
Other options: 2019 Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tundra is another winner for the most reliable used trucks
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Not all potential buyers need a midsize pickup truck, though. The light-duty pickup truck is having a moment in the spotlight right now. J.D. Power picked the 2019 Toyota Tundra as the most reliable used truck for the light-duty category. Back in 2019, the trucks listed here were also part of the J.D. Power 2019 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Toyota Tundra reported fewer problems than other trucks in its class.
Toyota was one of the most awarded brands, along with GM. Both earned five segment awards for “models with the fewest reported problems in their respective segments.” Along with the 2019 Toyota Tundra, the Lexus NX, Lexus RX, Lexus UX, and Toyota Corolla also received awards. Toyota reported 158 PP100, and Lexus was 159 PP100. The lowest score, which is the best score, went to Kia with a score of 145 PP100.
Other options: 2019 Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150
J.D. Power awarded the Chevrolet Silverado HD
The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado HD happened to be the most reliable used truck in the large, heavy-duty pickup segment. The Chevy Silverado HD was also the only model that performed at or above the segment average. There are not as many heavy-duty trucks on the market as it is, and many owners might not participate in the J.D. Power study.
As a brand, Chevrolet reported a score of 171 PP100, which was still far above the industry average of 192 PP100. In addition, the brand received segment awards with the Chevrolet Impala and Chevrolet Suburban. The Silverado is a reliable pickup truck option if you need a heavy-duty alternative.
Other options: None
Keep an eye out for the 2020 vehicles in the J.D. Power IQS and the VDS as the results roll in from owners. These reliable used trucks might be able to secure a spot on the list again next year.
RELATED: Consumer Reports Scored 3 New 2022 Full-Size Pickup Trucks in the Red for Reliability
