Issues with multimedia systems now account for a quarter of the problems drivers encounter with their vehicles, according to a new study from JD Power.
Driving the news: The JD Power 2026 U.S. Multimedia Quality and Satisfaction Study found that issues with the infotainment system increased compared to other systems.
The study polled 78,514 purchasers and lessees of new 2026 model-year vehicles within 90 days of purchase between June 2025 and May 2026.
The problems with the multimedia system accounted for 42.4 per 100 vehicles, almost the same as last year.
Infotainment issues are among the five most frequent vehicle problems.
“The industry continues to make progress improving overall vehicle quality, but multimedia remains a persistent challenge,” said Lisa Boor, director of customer success, OEM solutions at JD Power, in a press release. “As vehicles become increasingly software-defined, quality issues are leaning less toward hardware failures and more toward system complexity, software performance, and connectivity.”
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Navigation rises: Consumers expressed growing satisfaction with navigation systems, with the category up 17 points year over year.
Speakers also saw a rise in customer satisfaction.
Top models: The BMW X6 stood out as the top-scoring vehicle for its multimedia system.
The Hyundai Palisade performed best among midsize and large vehicles; the Kia K4 led the small/compact category, and Jaguar F-Pace was atop the small/compact premium group.
Mobis Parts America, LLC supplied the multimedia systems for four of the six top models.
Google’s navigation system in the Honda Civic scored one point better than the HERE system in the Cadillac OPTIQ.
Panasonic in the Acura Integra led the speaker suppliers.
Bottom line: As vehicles get more expensive and complex, buyers are looking for options that fit their lifestyle. Dealers should spend some extra time going over the multimedia systems and noting issues.
“Customers expect these technologies to work seamlessly every day,” Boor said. “Brands simplifying the experience while delivering reliable execution are best positioned to improve quality and satisfaction.”
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