Industry Perspective | Technological Challenges Shake the Definition of Vehicle Reliability

For decades, vehicle reliability has been almost synonymous with "not breaking down." A car that starts every morning, gets you to your destination, and doesn't leave you stranded on the roadside in a downpour—this was the traditional definition of reliability.

However, as modern vehicles are increasingly defined by technology, the meaning of reliability is changing. The J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study shows that modern vehicles are suffering from a growing number of software and technology-related issues, raising the question: is the technology meant to enhance the driving experience actually making vehicles less reliable?

The study examines vehicle performance over a three-year ownership period, and this year's results are concerning. Overall vehicle dependability has declined, with the increase in problems per 100 vehicles reaching a record high in the study's history. But it's not engine or transmission failures driving this trend—it's technology, especially software defects and connectivity issues, that are causing the most trouble for owners.

What is a "problem"?

To be clear, not all vehicle issues are mechanical failures. Many of the problems reported in the study are classified as "difficult to use" rather than complete malfunctions. For example, many drivers struggle with the complexity of digital interfaces, multi-level menu options, and the inconsistent or sometimes annoying interventions of driver assistance features like lane-keeping assist.

The J.D. Power study reveals that consumers often don't know how to operate some of their vehicle's advanced systems. The features may work exactly as designed, but if the driver finds them unintuitive or frustrating, they are still classified as a problem. This raises another question: are automakers neglecting user experience and simplicity in their pursuit of cutting-edge technology?

Just look at one of the biggest "culprits" in the problem categories: infotainment systems. Modern vehicles are packed with digital interfaces, wireless connectivity, and smartphone integration features, but these advancements also bring a host of new issues. According to the study, software defects increased by 20% this year, becoming the category with the most problems. Among them, issues with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto saw the largest increase, with J.D. Power finding them to be the top problem reported by owners. Whether it's connection failures, pairing issues, or random disconnections, these technologies meant to make life easier are instead frustrating drivers.

To be fair, the technology issues detailed in the latest study may have been exacerbated by supply chain problems. The study examines owner experiences with 2022 model-year vehicles, a time when automakers were dealing with severe supply chain disruptions. The chip shortage forced manufacturers to make difficult choices, sometimes launching vehicles with incomplete software or insufficiently tested digital features. These subpar implementations likely contributed to the surge in software-related complaints.

Electric Vehicles: A Mixed Bag

With the rise of electric vehicles, many believe that fewer moving parts means fewer reliability issues. While EVs do, on average, have fewer mechanical failures, they are clearly not immune to technological challenges. Battery electric vehicles improved in reliability this year, but their problem rates are still higher compared to traditional gasoline vehicles.

Interestingly, one of the biggest complaints from EV owners isn't software—it's excessive tire wear. Many first-time EV buyers don't realize that the added weight and instant torque of electric vehicles can cause tires to wear out significantly faster than on traditional vehicles. This leads to disappointment and a lower perception of reliability when owners need to replace tires after just 20,000 miles.

The Future of Vehicle Reliability

One of the key takeaways from the study is that building quality into vehicles from the start leads to better long-term reliability. Automakers that focus on simplifying technology, reducing unnecessary complexity, and ensuring software updates enhance rather than disrupt the user experience tend to perform better in dependability rankings.

As the automotive industry becomes more reliant on software-driven experiences, the definition of reliability is evolving. A car may never leave you stranded on the roadside, but if its infotainment system is buggy, its driver assistance features are inconsistent, or its smartphone connectivity is unreliable, can it still be considered reliable?

Manufacturers need to strike a balance between innovation and ease of use. Technology-leading vehicles are the way of the future, but automakers must focus on making these systems more intuitive, reducing software glitches, and ensuring seamless connectivity. Consumers don't want to feel like testers every time they get behind the wheel.

Ultimately, reliability is no longer just about mechanical longevity—it's about delivering a smooth, frustration-free driving experience. The question isn't whether technology belongs in vehicles, but whether automakers can implement it in a way that enhances rather than hinders the driving experience. Until then, vehicle dependability may continue to decline—not because of engine failures, but because software doesn't work as expected.

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