Increased problems with engines and transmissions in 2011 model-year vehicles triggered the first decline in vehicle dependability in more than 15 years, according to J.D. Powers.

The 2014 Vehicle Dependability Study rated Lexus at the top of a list of 31 vehicle nameplates with the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles. Lexus scored a 68 on J.D. Powers' PP100 scale, which reported an industry average of 133 on the scale.

Mercedes-Benz (104), Cadillac (107), Acura (109), and Buick (112) rounded out the top five. Other Detroit brands on the list included Lincoln (114), Chevrolet (132), GMC (133), Ford (140), Chrysler (155), Ram (165), Jeep (178), and Dodge (181). BMW's MINI brand was named the least dependable 2011-MY vehicle with 185 problems per 100 vehicles.

The survey also listed top vehicles by segment, including several commercial vehicles used by commercial fleets. The Toyota Sienna was the highest ranked minivan.

For mid-size pickups, J.D. Power ranked the Honda Ridgeline, Ford Ranger and GMC Canyon as the top three. The GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra and Chevrolet Avalanche were tops among large light-duty pickups. The GMC Sierra HD and Chevrolet Silverado HD were tops among large heavy duty pickups.

J.D. Powers noted a decline in quality for vehicles with four-cylinder and diesel engines. View the J.D. Powers press release here.