Power Study Claims Technology Glitches Hurting Vehicle Dependability

“(P)ersistent  problems with infotainment systems, spotty performance of over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and issues with vehicle exteriors have driven long-term dependability problems to new highs,” Power officials noted in a statement.

Going back more than a decade, regardless of the overall results, the biggest problem for automakers when it comes to dependability has been infotainment technology, and that was the case again in the current study. Power noted that of the nine categories measured, infotainment systems accounted for 56.7 of the problem per 100 cars (56.7 PP100). Exterior issues were next on the list at 27.5 PP100.

As owners hold onto their vehicles longer, the long-term ownership experience matters more than ever," said Jason Norton, director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power. "Software updates and new technologies should enhance the ownership experience over time, yet many vehicle owners cite ongoing mobile phone integration problems and little to no benefit after an update is performed.”

Of the top five industry problems, four are directly related to owner integration of mobile phones to their vehicles, including the top issue in the industry for a third consecutive year — Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity (8.9 PP100). 

Coupled with built-in Bluetooth systems (5.5 PP100), wireless charging pads (5.1 PP100), and OEM app connectivity (4.7 PP100), these issues account for 24.2 PP100, nearly half of the infotainment category problems in total. Issues with the vehicle exterior, such as abnormal noises, also contribute to the overall increase in reported problems.

Overall, vehicles finished with an average of 204 PP100, which is an increase of 2 PP100 compared to 2025. The lower the number, the higher the dependability, Power notes. Mainstream brands have a better average than luxury models, in large measure due to the amount of infotainment technology in those vehicles. Mainstream models (200 PP100) outperformed luxury vehicles (217 PP100) in seven of the nine categories measured. 

Despite that, the brand with the best score was Lexus, a luxury brand, at 151 PP100. It marked the fourth straight year Toyota’s luxury unit has topped the study. For the second consecutive year, Buick topped the mainstream brands at 160 PP100, and it was second overall behind Lexus. The top three luxury brands were Lexus, Cadillac (175 PP100), and Porsche (182 PP100). Mini (168 PP100) and Chevrolet (178 PP100) were second and third respectively behind Buick on the mainstream rankings.

However, if you’re looking for a specific model and you want dependability, go for a Toyota or a Lexus as combined they were tops in eight model segments (Lexus IS, Lexus UX, Lexus GX, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Sienna, and Toyota 4Runner). General Motors was next best with four winners: Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet Equinox, and Chevy Tahoe.

The study also revealed that the push by some automakers to eliminate plug-in hybrids also might eliminate some headaches for owners. PHEVs were the most problematic vehicles in the study at 281 PP100, a 39-point increase year-over-year. Conversely, gas-powered vehicles improved by two points to 198 PP100.

[Images: Lexus, Buick, Mini, Chevrolet]

Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by   subscribing to our newsletter.