Vehicle software updates are more common than ever, but the benefits are falling well short of consumer expectations, dragging down perceived dependability, according to J.D. Power’s 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS).
First things first: As technology becomes more central to cars, owner perceptions of vehicle dependability are slipping and many complaints are tech-related, J.D. Power found.
Vehicle problems after three years of ownership rose by 2 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) vs. 2025, lifting the industry average to 204 PP100.
It’s the highest recorded problem count since J.D. Power redesigned the VDS in 2022, underscoring how dependability has degraded over the past three years.
Of the nine problem categories, infotainment remains the most problematic (56.7 PP100), followed by exterior (27.5 PP100).
What they’re saying: “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.”
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Zooming in: Some of the biggest increases in owner-reported problems were in the premium segment, with over-the-air updates delivering mixed results and mobile phone integration driving up industry issues.
After two years of stability, problems among premium vehicles jumped 8 PP100 year over year to 217 PP100, the highest since the study’s 2022 redesign.
Of the 40% of owners who received a software update, only 27% said it improved their vehicle, while 58% reported no noticeable difference.
Four of the top five industry problems are tied to mobile phone integration, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity (8.9 PP100), the top issue for the third straight year.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) remain the most problematic powertrain type, rising 39 PP100 year over year to 281 PP100.
Also worth noting: Lexus ranks highest among premium brands at 151 PP100, followed by Cadillac (175 PP100) and Porsche (182 PP100). Buick ranks highest in the mass market segment for a second consecutive year at 160 PP100, followed by Mini (168 PP100) and Chevrolet (178 PP100).
Bottom line: Expect “software satisfaction” to matter as much as mechanical reliability in how customers judge the vehicle and the store. Dealers that set expectations at delivery, steer buyers toward trims/tech that match their comfort level, and proactively coach customers on phone pairing and update outcomes can reduce repeat complaints and protect loyalty when updates don’t deliver a visible payoff.
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