For decades, vehicle dependability has been synonymous with reliability. A car that starts every morning, gets you where you need to go and doesn't leave you stranded by the side of the road in a rainstorm – that’s been the historical definition of reliability.

But as modern vehicles become defined by their technology, the definition of dependability is evolving. According to J.D. Power's 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, modern cars are suffering from a growing wave of software and technology-related issues, raising the question: Is the very technology designed to improve our driving experience actually making vehicles less dependable?

The study examines vehicles over a three-year ownership period, and this year’s findings are troubling. Overall vehicle dependability has declined, with the largest increase in problems per 100 vehicles in the study’s history. But what’s driving this trend isn’t failing engines or faulty transmissions. Instead, it’s technology – particularly software defects and connectivity issues – that's causing the most headaches for owners.

What Is a ‘Problem?’

It is important to understand that not all vehicle issues are mechanical failures. Many problems reported in the study fall under the category of “difficult to use” rather than outright malfunctions. For example, many drivers struggle with the complexity of digital interfaces, multi-page menu options and the inconsistent and sometimes irritating intrusions of driver-assistance features like lane-keeping assist.

J.D. Power’s research reveals that consumers often don't understand how to operate some of their own vehicle's advanced systems. The feature may be working exactly as designed, but if the driver finds it unintuitive or frustrating, it still gets classified as a problem. This raises another question: Are automakers prioritizing cutting-edge technology over user experience and simplicity?

Just look at one of the biggest culprits among problem categories: infotainment systems. Modern vehicles are packed with digital interfaces, wireless connectivity and smartphone-integration features, but these advancements have introduced a slew of new problems. According to the study, software defects increased 20% this year, making it the most problematic category. Leading the rise in problems are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which J.D. Power found to be the No. 1 issue reported by owners. Whether it’s connectivity glitches, pairing failures or random disconnections, these technologies designed to make our lives easier are instead frustrating drivers.

To be fair, the tech-related woes detailed in the most recent study might well have been exacerbated by supply-chain issues. It examined owners’ experiences with vehicles from the 2022 model year, a time when automakers were grappling with severe supply-chain disruptions. Chip shortages forced manufacturers to make tough choices, sometimes launching vehicles with incomplete software or poorly tested digital features. These less-than-optimum implementations likely contributed to the spike in software-related complaints.

Electric Vehicles: A Mixed Bag

With the rise of electric vehicles, many assumed that fewer moving parts would translate to fewer reliability issues. While EVs on average do experience fewer mechanical failures, they’re certainly not immune to technology challenges. Battery-electric vehicles saw improvements in reliability this year, but they still report higher problem rates compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars.

Interestingly, one of the biggest complaints among EV owners isn’t software –it’s excessive tire wear. Many first-time EV buyers aren’t aware that the added weight and instant torque of electric cars can cause tires to wear out significantly faster than they would on a traditional vehicle. When owners find themselves replacing tires after just 20,000 miles, it leads to disappointment and a perception of lower dependability.

The Future of Vehicle Dependability

One of the key takeaways from the study is that designing quality into a vehicle from the start leads to better long-term dependability. Automakers that focus on simplifying technology, minimizing unnecessary complexity and ensuring software updates enhance rather than disrupt the user experience tend to perform better in dependability rankings.

As the automotive industry leans harder into software-driven experiences, the definition of dependability is evolving. A vehicle may never leave you stranded, but if its infotainment system is buggy, its driver-assist features erratic or its smartphone connectivity unreliable, does it still qualify as dependable?

Manufacturers need to strike a balance between innovation and usability. Tech-forward vehicles are here to stay, but automakers must focus on making these systems more intuitive, reducing software failures and ensuring seamless connectivity. Consumers don’t want to feel like beta testers every time they get behind the wheel.

Ultimately, dependability is no longer just about mechanical longevity — it’s about delivering a smooth, frustration-free driving experience. The question isn’t whether technology belongs in cars, but whether automakers can implement it in a way that enhances, rather than hinders, the driving experience. Until then, vehicle dependability may continue to decline — not because of engine failure, but because of software that just won’t work the way it’s supposed to.

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