The Breakdown:
- JD Power’s latest Vehicle Dependability Study reveals that overall industry dependability fell in 2026.
- Lexus has the lowest score among premium brands, while Buick tops the mass-market brands.
- The gap between the premium and mass-market brands grew last year.
JD Power’s latest Vehicle Dependability Study has recorded the highest number of overall problems per vehicle since 2022. Premium vehicles remain less dependable than mass-market ones, with the gap between the two growing in the 2026 study.
According to the latest results, the number of owners experiencing vehicle problems after three years went up. The industry average increased by two problems per 100 vehicles, reaching 204 PP100. The lower the score, the more dependable the vehicle.
Lexus kept its top spot in the study with just 151 PP100, with the premium segment overall having an average of 217 PP100, an increase of eight problems since last year. Premium vehicles fared worse than mass-market brands in seven of the study’s nine categories, including features, controls, displays, and driving experience. 
Buick had the lowest score among mainstream models at 160PP100. Mini was second at 168 PP100, followed by Chevrolet in third at 178. Despite the lower scores, owners overall complained loudly about smartphone integration. Top models include the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, Subaru Crosstrek, Chevrolet Equinox, and Ram 1500.
According to JD Power, phone connectivity, Bluetooth capability, wireless charging, and OEM apps accounted for nearly half of the problems reported in the infotainment category. Owners also complained about their vehicles’ exteriors, such as abnormal noises.
"As owners hold onto their vehicles longer, the long-term ownership experience matters more than ever," said Jason Norton, JD Power’s director of auto benchmarking.
Motor1’s Take: JD’s latest study shows that the push to offer more technology isn’t resulting in a better ownership experience. Connectivity issues, poor wireless charging capabilities, and inadequate app integrations are worsening as the technology matures, which shouldn’t be happening. Maybe it’s time for automakers to slow down and get the basics right before adding even more software to today’s vehicles.
