The JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study, a prestigious analysis on car durability, has revealed that the average number of problems reported by owners of three-year-old vehicles has increased significantly. The 2026 edition surveyed 33,268 owners of 2023 model year vehicles and collected data from December 2024 to November 2025. The analysis covers 184 potential problem sources categorized into nine areas ranging from drivetrain and suspension to multimedia and build quality. The key performance indicator used is PP100 (problems per 100 vehicles), with lower numbers indicating better reliability.

The findings of the report show that the industry average has risen to 204 PP100, marking an increase of two points year over year and representing the highest level since the methodology was updated in 2022. This trend has raised alarm bells among stakeholders in the automotive industry, suggesting that vehicles are showing more issues than previously observed. The previous downward trend in vehicle defects appears to have halted, leading to concerns about long-term reliability and the potential impact on consumer satisfaction and brand reputation.

One of the most striking insights from the report is that infotainment systems have become the leading source of reported issues, reflecting the growing complexity of in-car technologies. As vehicles become more integrated with digital features, the challenges in maintaining functionality and user satisfaction have intensified. This emphasizes the need for manufacturers to focus on improving the reliability of both traditional automotive systems and new technology-driven components.