Vehicle dependability in the United States has deteriorated over the past year as software-related problems and technology performance issues continue to frustrate owners, according to the 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study released by JD Power.
The study found that vehicles experienced an average of 204 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) after three years of ownership, up by two points from 2025 and the highest level recorded since the survey methodology was redesigned in 2022. A lower PP100 score indicates better quality and reliability.
Infotainment systems remain the most problematic area, accounting for 56.7 PP100, followed by exterior-related issues such as abnormal noises at 27.5 PP100. Increasing vehicle complexity—modern cars can contain millions of lines of code—has made long-term reliability more dependent on software performance than traditional mechanical durability.
“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. “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.”
Over-the-air (OTA) updates, now common in connected vehicles, delivered mixed results. About 40% of owners reported receiving a software update in the past year, but only 27% said it improved their vehicle, while 58% noticed no difference. OTA updates accounted for nearly two-thirds of updates performed and were associated with a roughly 14% increase in reported problems.
Mobile phone connectivity emerged as the most frequent complaint. Issues with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay ranked as the single largest problem category for a third consecutive year, alongside difficulties with Bluetooth pairing, wireless charging pads and manufacturer mobile apps. Together, these accounted for nearly half of all infotainment-related issues.
Dependability declined across electrified powertrains, with plug-in hybrid vehicles reporting the highest problem rate at 281 PP100, followed by battery electric vehicles at 237 PP100 and hybrids at 213 PP100. Gasoline-powered vehicles showed a slight improvement to 198 PP100, the lowest among powertrain types.
Premium brands also saw worsening reliability, with problem rates rising sharply to 217 PP100, widening the gap with mass-market vehicles. Premium models underperformed in most categories except powertrain and seating.
Among individual brands, Lexus ranked highest in dependability among premium manufacturers for the fourth consecutive year with a score of 151 PP100, followed by Cadillac and Porsche. In the mass-market segment, Buick led for the second year in a row, ahead of MINI and Chevrolet.
The study, now in its 37th year, surveyed more than 33,000 original owners of 2023 model-year vehicles between December 2024 and November 2025, evaluating 184 specific issues across nine vehicle categories.
JD Power said methodological enhancements planned for the 2027 study—including year-round data collection and integration of verified repair data—are intended to help automakers identify problems earlier and improve communication with customers, potentially strengthening long-term satisfaction and brand loyalty.