Every driver has their own reliability tolerance. For some, anything less than perfect is a letdown; for others, a little less reliability is a worthwhile compromise in order to get a car that’s more fun or prestigious to drive. Again, measuring reliability isn’t always an exact science, but some car brands have seen a higher percentage of owners reporting problems than others.
In a JD Power survey released in February 2026, one car brand received more reports of problems than any other brand, earning it the coveted title of the least reliable brand on the market. The brand, Volkswagen, had 301 problems per 100 vehicles, well above the industry average of 204 problems per 100 vehicles. The study analyzed problems reported by respondents who had purchased a new car within the past three years. It divides them into nine categories, evaluating powertrain, seats, infotainment, climate control and appearance, among others.
Across the study, the two most common complaint categories were infotainment and exterior, with the former being the most problematic. Overall, buyers will report more vehicle problems in 2026 than in 2025, an increase that JD Power attributes in part to the increased complexity of vehicle software systems.
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Volkswagen’s infotainment systems have historically not been drivers’ favorite
Infotainment system in Volkswagen ID4 seen from the driver’s seat – Volkswagen
Given that infotainment system failures were the most frequently cited category in the J.D. Power study, it’s no surprise that Volkswagen scored poorly. We’ve previously included Volkswagen’s recent infotainment systems in our recent roundups, and we felt they really missed the mark, with the lack of buttons being a particularly annoying development. After years of criticism, Volkswagen announced in 2025 that its latest models would return to buttons, so it’s hoped the brand’s future infotainment systems will be better received by drivers.
Although Volkswagen ranks at the bottom of JD Power’s rankings, the study found that it’s not the only brand that’s less reliable than others. Volvo ranks second to last in reliability, which may come as a surprise given the brand’s reputation for vehicle longevity. Land Rover ranked third from the bottom, while Jeep and Audi rounded out the bottom five.
At the other end of the table, Lexus and Buick owners reported the fewest problems. The two brands occupy first and second place respectively, while Mini, Cadillac and Chevrolet also achieved good results. While Lexus performed well, parent company Toyota didn’t score as well, ranking eighth, behind Subaru and Porsche.
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Read the original article on SlashGear.