Vehicle Dependability in 2025: The Winners, Losers & Biggest Surprises
Remember When Choosing a Car Was as Easy as Picking a Color?
Fast forward to 2025, and car buyers have a much bigger problem than picking the perfect shade of blue. Today, keeping your vehicle’s tech running smoothly is the real challenge.
J.D. Power’s latest Vehicle Dependability Study has revealed some shocking trends—some brands are thriving, while others are struggling with a surge in problems.
Vehicle Dependability Is at Its Worst Since 2009
Bad news: Car reliability is hitting rock bottom.
The study shows a 6% increase in reported issues, marking the worst dependability score since 2009. That translates to 12 more headaches per 100 vehicles—a troubling statistic for car owners everywhere.
But the biggest culprit? Technology failures.
The #1 Owner Complaint: Smartphone Connectivity
Have you ever had Apple CarPlay or Android Auto randomly stop working mid-drive? You’re not alone.
For the second year in a row, smartphone connectivity is the top issue frustrating car owners. In fact, five of the top ten reported vehicle problems are tied to smartphone integration.
Manufacturers promised that over-the-air updates would fix these bugs, but 56% of owners report no improvement at all.
EVs vs. Gas Cars: The Dependability Gap Shrinks
One silver lining? Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are improving, with 33 fewer problems per 100 vehicles compared to last year.
But it’s not all good news. Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) have gotten worse, now holding the title for the most problematic vehicle type.
While gas-powered cars still have fewer issues overall, the gap between gas and EV reliability is closing fast—at this rate, EVs could catch up sooner than expected.
New Cars, New Headaches
Thinking about buying a brand-new model? You might want to think twice.
Out of 27 all-new models released in 2022, only four performed better than their segment average. That means most first-year models come loaded with problems that could leave owners frustrated.
The Most Reliable Car Brands of 2025
If you’re looking for a dependable ride, these brands stand out:
- Lexus remains the most reliable brand overall, with 140 problems per 100 vehicles.
- Buick takes the top spot for mass-market brands, with 143 problems per 100 vehicles.
Meanwhile, Toyota Motor Corporation dominates the rankings:
- The Toyota Avalon is the most reliable model in the entire study.
- Toyota and General Motors (GM) tied for the most model-level awards, each taking home six.
Final Thoughts: Tech Is Making Cars Smarter—But Not More Reliable
While vehicles today are packed with high-tech features, they’re also more prone to software glitches and connectivity failures.
If you’re in the market for a car, choosing a brand with a strong dependability record is more important than ever. And if you rely on your infotainment system, you might want to keep a backup plan—just in case it decides to stop working.
