New Cars Are Smarter Than Ever, Yet Owners Say They’re More Annoying Than Ever

  • New vehicle problems rose to 204 PP100 this year.
  • Plug in hybrids average 281 problems per 100 vehicles.
  • Gas models improved slightly to 198 PP100 overall.

The modern car promises more than simple transportation. It is a rolling network of screens, sensors, processors, and wireless connections, all designed to make driving easier and ownership smarter. Yet as technology deepens its grip, reliability appears to be slipping.

Fresh data from JD Power suggests new vehicle dependability has taken a step backward, with infotainment glitches and over the air software updates playing a big role.

The latest study surveyed 33,268 owners of 2023 model year vehicles, asking about 184 specific problem areas across nine major categories. These covered climate, driving assistance, driving experience, exterior, features, controls and displays, infotainment, interior, powertrain, and seats.

Read: The Surprising Brand That Keeps Drivers Hooked More Than Porsche Or Lexus

After three years of ownership, reported issues rose by 2 problems per 100 vehicles compared with 2025 results, pushing the industry average to 204 PP100. That marks the highest recorded problem level since JD Power redesigned the study in 2022, extending a three year decline in long term dependability.

Are Screens Undermining Reliability?

New Cars Are Smarter Than Ever, Yet Owners Say They’re More Annoying Than Ever

Infotainment systems generate the most complaints, accounting for 56.7 PP100. Four of the top five industry wide issues involve mobile phone integration. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity problems lead at 8.9 PP100, followed by built in Bluetooth systems at 5.5 PP100, wireless phone charging at 5.1 PP100, and OEM app connectivity at 4.7 PP100.

Exterior-related complaints rank second among all categories at 27.5 PP100, with abnormal noises and fit issues also contributing to the overall increase.

The Limits Of Remote Improvements

New Cars Are Smarter Than Ever, Yet Owners Say They’re More Annoying Than Ever

Over-the-air software updates are also a concern. Of the survey’s respondents, 40 percent said their vehicle had received an update in the past 12 months, but just 27 percent said they noticed an improvement afterwards, with 58 percent saying they perceived no noticeable difference.

More than half of those updates were delivered remotely, and vehicles that received them showed a measurable increase in reported problems. The promise of seamless improvement does not always translate into a smoother ownership experience.

“As owners hold onto their vehicles longer, the long-term ownership experience matters more than ever,” said Jason Norton, director of auto benchmarking at JD Power, noting that many drivers report ongoing mobile phone integration frustrations and limited visible benefits from software updates.

Which Powertrains Prove Most Reliable?

JD Power’s study also found that plug-in hybrid vehicles present the most issues of any powertrain type, with 281 PP100, a big 39 PP100 increase from last year. Problems related to EVs and hybrids also each rose by 14 PP100 to 237 PP100 and 213 PP100 each.

Gas powered vehicles, by contrast, improved slightly by 2 PP100 to 198 PP100, making them the least problematic powertrain category in the study.

New Cars Are Smarter Than Ever, Yet Owners Say They’re More Annoying Than Ever

The Most Dependable Cars

Among the brands analyzed, Lexus ranked highest in dependability, with a reported 151 PP100, well below the industry average. The Lexus IS was also declared the single most dependable vehicle after three years of ownership, while other strong performers included the Honda Civic, Kia Forte, and Toyota Camry. Toyota won top honors in eight vehicle categories.

In addition to Lexus, which performed well above the industry average, other brands that delivered solid dependability included Buick, Mini, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Subaru, Porsche, Kia, Nissan, BMW, and Hyundai.

Notably, premium brands as a group underperformed mass market counterparts this year, widening the gap between the two segments after a period of relative stability.

At the other end of the rankings were VW, Volvo, Land Rover, Jeep, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Infiniti, Tesla, and Acura, all of which recorded higher rates of reported issues.

New Cars Are Smarter Than Ever, Yet Owners Say They’re More Annoying Than Ever
New Cars Are Smarter Than Ever, Yet Owners Say They’re More Annoying Than Ever
New Cars Are Smarter Than Ever, Yet Owners Say They’re More Annoying Than Ever
JD Power

The Auto World

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

This German 911 Looks Straight Out Of 1973 But It’s Hiding A Big Secret

Image
Ruehle’s F97 puts a modern 997 twist on the backdated 911 formula. The 2005-based F97 looks like a ’73 RSR but runs a water-cooled heart. All-steel US-legal builds start at $400K, undercutting Singer’s prices. Sometimes it feels like you’ve seen so many G-series 911 and 964 restomods that there must only be about three standard cars left in the world, which is why the backdated 911 you see here really caught our attention. Because this one isn’t based on a 1980s or ’90s Porsche at all. It starts with a newer model that’s quietly slipped from the spotlight, despite being one of the most balanced 911s ever made. More: Reverse Restomod Takes 2008 Ford Mustang Back To 1969 And The Shelby GT The reverse restomod is called the F97, built by German outfit called Reuhle , which now also operates an American branch in Montclair, California. 997 Bones Underneath Like many other companies making backdated 911s , Reuhle’s car takes major inspiration from the classic 1973 Ca...
Read more

Only 69 Of These 10.4-Liter V8 Camaros Exist And They’re Just As Naughty As That Sounds

Image
The 2023 COPO Camaro delivers 1,004 hp from a 10.4-liter V8. This beast can sprint down the quarter-mile in under 8 seconds. When it was new, these cars set back owners around $130,000. When you think of modern performance cars with truly colossal engines, your mind probably drifts toward the Dodge Viper with its 8.4-liter V10 or the Bugatti Chiron and its 8.0-liter W16. Yet not long ago, Chevrolet quietly built a limited run of Camaros whose engines made even those giants look restrained. More: This Forgotten 1,000-Mile Oldsmobile V8 Sedan Took On Lexus And Lost The car in question is the 2023 COPO Camaro , of which just 69 examples were produced. These models were available with a choice of three V8s: a 427 cubic-inch (6.9-liter) V8, a supercharged 350 cubic-inch (5.7-liter), and a monstrous 632 cubic-inch V8, which translates to 10.4 liters. In January, Mecum Auctions will be selling one of the COPO models equipped with this flagship engine. How Big Is Too Big...
Read more

Stellantis Wants To Rebrand Chinese EVs For Europe

Image
Opel may rebadge the Leapmotor B10 for Europe by 2026. Production could begin at Stellantis’ Zaragoza plant in Spain. Local output could help avoid steep EU tariffs on Chinese EVs. Stellantis could soon find itself stepping into unfamiliar territory, as it is reportedly exploring the idea of adding Chinese-built models to its European lineup under familiar badges. According to insider sources, Opel is eyeing the electric Leapmotor B10 as its first possible contender. German outlet Automobilwoche reports that the Chinese SUV might wear Opel badges as early as next year. Leapmotor, a Chinese EV manufacturer partly owned by Stellantis, has been steadily expanding its footprint both at home and abroad. More: Stellantis Just Sent Europe A Warning With This Chinese-Built Electric Hatch The unnamed source notes that while a final decision remains pending, the proposal represents “an interesting opportunity to offer a well-equipped and affordable EV in the compact SUV segmen...
Read more