Infotainment technologies, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, are causing significant headaches for drivers according to the latest J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Survey. The survey, which is based on responses from 30,595 owners of 2021 model-year vehicles, reveals a decline in long-term vehicle dependability, with two-thirds of brands reporting increased problems.
Lexus has secured the top spot in the premium brand category for a second consecutive year, with Porsche and BMW coming in second and third, respectively. In the mass market segment, Toyota is ranked highest, followed by Buick, Chevrolet, and Mini.
The study also highlights the dependability of electric vehicles, with full EVs being the most troublesome, followed by plug-in hybrids. Hybrid and ICE vehicles, on the other hand, fare better in terms of dependability.
Battery-powered electric vehicle owners are facing issues with tires, with 39% reporting that they had to replace tires in the past 12 months – 19 percentage points higher than gas-powered vehicle owners.
In terms of specific models, Toyota as a parent manufacturer received the most model-level awards, with nine, while General Motors received four segment awards and BMW earned two segment awards.
Some of the brands that ranked at the bottom of the survey include Volkswagen, Land Rover, Audi, and Chrysler.
The 35th edition of the dependability study takes into account 184 specific problem areas across nine major vehicle categories. However, it’s worth noting that the severity of the problems is not weighted in Power’s methodology, so it doesn’t distinguish between minor infotainment issues and major powertrain problems. As mentioned earlier, infotainment problems are the leading cause of issues.
For more information and detailed survey results, visit J.D. Power’s website.
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