Talking Cars Podcast Highlights Latest Car Reliability Trends

Infotainment, advanced transmissions cause headaches

By Tom Mutchler

Last updated: October 20, 2015

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Year after year, car buyers tell us that reliability is a key purchase consideration. That's why the results of our annual reliability survey, this year featuring more than 740,000 vehicles, are so important. The latest “Talking Cars With Consumer Reports” video podcast takes a look at our 2015 results, highlighting two trends that might make your new car less reliable.

Technology can serve lots of different masters in the automobile. Highly advanced transmissions—automatics with as many as nine-speeds, dual-clutch automated manual technology, or continuously-variable transmissions (CVT) with no gears at all—can improve fuel economy. However, some companies, including Acura, Chrysler, and Nissan are having major problems with these high-tech gearboxes.

Likewise, infotainment systems address consumer demands to stay connected, with cars that attempt to rival smartphones in cutting-edge technology. But car companies aren't electronics companies, reflected by troublesome systems from Honda, Acura, GM, and Chrysler. Our data show that electronic bugs tend to get worked out with time, although it often takes several model years.

Persistence also pays off when it comes to brand reliability, evident from our rankings. Lexus and Toyota top the list again, while Audi comes in at third, reflecting a multi-year push that has seen the German brand climb in the ranking. Likewise, Ford improves to midpack as it works out growing pains from launching multiple innovative, ground-up redesigned models all at once. Finally, Chrysler continues to struggle, with no Ram, Fiat, or Jeep model predicted to be reliable in our survey.