Unreliable infotainment systems affect auto reliability
Complicated infotainment systems have long caused customer dissatisfaction in certain models, as dealers are all too aware. Now problems with the systems are hurting automakersê standing in the Consumer Reports Annual Reliability Survey.
Of the 17 problem areas CR asks about in its survey, the category including in-car electronics generated more complaints from owners of 2014 models than any other category. First-year models from Infiniti, Jeep, Fiat, Ram, Cadillac, Ford and Honda all saw significant problems from infotainment bugs and glitches.
In addition to previous problems of unresponsive touch screens or a reluctance to pair phones, this yearês survey found new problems including multi-use controllers that donêt function properly.
A close look at the results suggests that cars with a lot of in-car electronic issues usually have plenty of other troubles, too, said Jake Fisher, director of automotive testing at Consumer Reports.
Lexus again won for most reliable brand, followed by perennial front runners Toyota, Mazda and Honda. Subaru, Scion and Kia helped Asian brands taken seven of the top 10 spots. Except for Infiniti, most Japanese and Korean brands improved their reliability average score. Buick was the only domestic brand to finish in the top 10.
Some brands improved their ratings by addressing initial problems with their systems, including the Ford MyTouch, HondaLink and Chrysler UConnect.
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