These Technologies Are Driving the Auto Industry’s Top Problems, According to JD Power

Every year, cars continue to get smarter as automakers introduce new technologies and improve existing systems. In theory, this is a good thing, but in practice, more technology can mean a lot of wrong things. The 2026 Vehicle Dependability Study conducted by JD Power reports that software and technology issues are now the leading cause of owner-reported problems with new vehicles, with infotainment systems being the most problematic.

In its study, infotainment faults were the most frequently reported type of problem, resulting in 56.7 problems out of 100 vehicles. The next most common type of problem was the exterior of the vehicle, with 27.5 problems per 100 vehicles. Infotainment problems have become so common, that JD Power plans to change its research approach for its 2027 program, collecting data throughout the year and passing it on to manufacturers, just so they have a chance to identify and fix problematic car systems early.

While there are many of the latest infotainment systems that we feel miss the point, JD Power’s research shows that not all new cars have this problem. It ranked Lexus as the car with the least problems, followed closely by Buick and Mini. Although Lexus’ infotainment touchpad is included on our list of most disappointing systems, the company thankfully ditched the touchpad a few years ago in favor of a regular touchscreen.

Faulty infotainment systems can be a headache for drivers, but many manufacturers now use over-the-air (OTA) updates to fix those systems after the cars leave the factory. In theory, these OTA updates can remove any bugs or problems in the software quickly and easily, but JD Power says few customers see the benefits. While 40% of survey respondents said they knew their vehicle had received an OTA software update in the past year, less than 30% of those respondents reported it made a positive difference to their vehicle.

Another area criticized by respondents was smartphone integration, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity being the most notable issue. A significant number of drivers also reported issues with wireless charging pads and Bluetooth connectivity.

Many drivers prefer to use Google or Apple systems rather than their cars’ native UI, and even many of the cheapest cars now include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity as standard. However, providing that connection isn’t very effective if the connection isn’t reliable, and a JD Power survey suggests that most automakers still have a long way to go in that regard.