They can be simplified algebraically, especially when expressed in terms of the visually more instructive coincidence matrix representation of the reliability data.
Let the canonical form of reliability data be a 3-coder-by-15 unit matrix with 45 cells:
It adjusts to varying sample sizes and affords comparisons across a great variety of reliability data, mostly ignored by the familiar measures.
A 2013 survey of 4,424 readers of the US Consumer Reports magazine collected reliability data on 4,680 motorcycles purchased new from 2009 to 2012.
The Sorento is too new to offer long-term reliability data.
Consumer Reports magazine has said "the problem rate as reflected in our reliability data is very low."
Of course, it is not the only way to encode reliability data.
For example, a lognormal and Weibull may both fit a given set of reliability data quite well.
This "reliability data" is updated annually.
The combination of reliability data and performance tests helps to inform consumers about the best vehicle for them.