Quick overview
- Two-wheeler owners in India report an increase in quality issues as mileage increases, with electric scooters facing the most problems.
- Brakes, lights, electricals, and fit-finish are major areas of concern, especially in high-mileage electric scooters.
- TVS, Honda, Hero, Bajaj, and Royal Enfield emerge as top-ranking brands in initial quality ratings.
As Indian two-wheeler riders rack up the miles, they’re also encountering more issues with their vehicles. The latest J.D. Power 2025 India Two-Wheeler Initial Quality Study (2WIQS) reveals that owners riding more than 2,500 km in the first six months report an increase of nine additional problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) compared to those who have ridden less. The electric scooter segment, in particular, sees a sharp rise in issues, nearly doubling the industry average.
Electric scooters face the heat
Electric scooters show the highest increase in reported problems, with 98 PP100 compared to 53 PP100 across other segments. Owners of high-mileage e-scooters experience issues with braking efficiency, electrical components, and overall build quality. This trend raises concerns over long-term reliability, potentially impacting future buying decisions.
Pronab Gorai, engagement director at Differential in Singapore, explains, “While initial satisfaction is high, quicker wear and tear raises concerns about durability. If these issues persist, customers may look for brands with better long-term reliability.”
Quality Snapshot: The problem areas
Industry-wide, the study finds an overall initial quality rating of 86 PP100 for 2025. Engine-related issues top the charts with 18 PP100, followed by electrical problems (15 PP100) and braking concerns (15 PP100). Despite the rising problem count, 58% of customers feel their vehicles perform better than expected, marking an improvement from last year’s 44%.
The best in class
Despite the quality concerns, several models and brands stand out in reliability rankings. Here are the top-performing two-wheelers across segments:
- Scooter Economy: TVS Jupiter (75 PP100)
- Scooter Executive: Honda Dio 125 (50 PP100)
- Motorcycle Economy: TVS Radeon (54 PP100)
- Motorcycle Executive: Hero Super Splendor XTEC & Honda Shine 125 (72 PP100)
- Motorcycle Upper Executive: TVS Apache RTR 160 2V (53 PP100)
- Scooter EV: Bajaj Chetak (45 PP100)
In overall brand rankings, Royal Enfield leads with 68 PP100, showcasing its focus on build quality and reliability.
What this means for buyers?
The study’s findings highlight the importance of sustained quality beyond the showroom floor. Automakers must address long-term durability to maintain customer trust. Atsushi Kawahashi, senior director of J.D. Power Japan, emphasizes that improving quality not only boosts customer satisfaction but also enhances resale value and reduces warranty costs.
Final thoughts
The honeymoon phase for new two-wheelers is getting shorter. While manufacturers roll out feature-packed models, early wear and tear could dent brand loyalty. Electric scooters, in particular, need to step up their game to match customer expectations. For now, TVS, Honda, Bajaj, and Royal Enfield seem to have cracked the quality code better than others. If your ride is racking up miles fast, keep an eye (and ear) out for those creaks and squeaks!