As technology advances in the automotive world, new cars have become increasingly complex.
While these cars may come with the latest features and improved performance, the number of problems reported by owners is also on the rise.
A recent study from JD Power reveals that new cars are facing more issues than ever before, according to Boosted.
In fact, the rate of defects in vehicles under three years old is now the highest it’s been in 16 years.
This year, 34,175 car owners across the United States shared their experiences with their vehicles, detailing the number of issues they've faced.
The findings show a clear increase in problems, especially with newer models from 2021.
The primary issues revolve around car computers, electronics, and software—parts of the car that are becoming more critical as vehicles become more tech-driven.
When looking at the brands with the fewest problems, Lexus and Buick top the list. Mazda, Toyota, and Cadillac also perform relatively well in comparison to other manufacturers.
On the other end of the spectrum, brands like Volkswagen, Chrysler, Audi, and Jeep have seen higher rates of issues.
Although Volvo and Tesla have shown improvements from last year, they still fall below average. Interestingly, Tesla did not participate officially in the survey.
JD Power also points out that the rise in defects can be linked to challenges that car manufacturers faced during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Supply chain problems, staff shortages, and high car prices all played a part in the current state of new vehicles.
The report highlights that the vehicles being evaluated were produced during a time when the industry was under significant stress.
The most common issue reported by car owners is problems with infotainment systems. Many drivers are dealing with issues related to Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and built-in Bluetooth systems.
Additionally, the survey found a trend where problems with electric vehicles are decreasing, while issues with plug-in hybrids are on the rise.
