The latest Vehicle Dependability Study from JD Power reveals a worrying trend: car reliability is decreasing. While some brands still perform better than others, the overall number of problems reported by owners after three years of ownership has risen to 204 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100)—the highest level since 2022. This matters because owners are keeping their cars longer, meaning these long-term issues have a greater impact on satisfaction and resale value.
Premium vs. Mass-Market: A Widening Gap
The study highlights a growing disparity between premium and mainstream brands. Premium vehicles are now less dependable than mass-market models, a shift that has been accelerating. The premium segment averages 217 PP100, an increase of eight problems from last year. This means that despite higher price tags, luxury car owners are experiencing more issues than those with more affordable brands. Seven out of nine categories—including features, controls, displays, and the overall driving experience—showed premium vehicles performing worse than mass-market options.
Top Performers and Biggest Losers
Lexus remains the most dependable premium brand with a score of just 151 PP100, while Buick leads the mainstream segment at 160 PP100. Mini and Chevrolet follow closely behind, securing second and third place, respectively, in the mass-market category.
On the other end of the spectrum, Volkswagen, Volvo, and Land Rover are among the least reliable brands, with scores exceeding 270 PP100. The bottom 10 includes luxury names like Audi and Mercedes-Benz, indicating that high prices don’t guarantee a trouble-free ownership experience.
The Infotainment Problem
A significant portion of the reported issues (nearly half in the infotainment category) stem from connectivity problems. Owners frequently complain about faulty smartphone integration, unreliable Bluetooth, ineffective wireless charging, and poorly designed OEM apps. This suggests that automakers are prioritizing feature creep over basic functionality, leading to a frustrating experience for drivers.
What This Means for Consumers
Jason Norton, director of auto benchmarking at JD Power, notes that “as owners hold onto their vehicles longer, the long-term ownership experience matters more than ever.” The study implies that automakers need to focus on refining existing technology before piling on new features. The trend suggests a need for greater quality control and a return to fundamentals—getting the basics right before pushing the boundaries of innovation.
The top 10 most dependable car brands (2026):
- Lexus – 151 PP100
- Buick – 160 PP100
- Mini – 168 PP100
- Cadillac – 175 PP100
- Chevrolet – 178 PP100
- Subaru – 181 PP100
- Porsche – 182 PP100
- Toyota – 185 PP100
- Kia – 193 PP100
- Nissan – 194 PP100
The study reinforces the idea that reliability isn’t necessarily tied to price or brand prestige, and consumers should carefully consider long-term dependability when making a purchase.
