Press Release
When was the last time you argued with your car’s touchscreen? You’re not alone. According to the new J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Multimedia Quality and Satisfaction Study℠, car tech complaints are still a major headache for drivers—even as overall multimedia issues slightly decline.
With 92,694 new car owners weighing in, the study reveals a tug-of-war between flashy digital cockpits and what drivers actually want: simplicity and safety.
📉 The Numbers: Progress… with a Catch
- 42.3 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) in 2025, down from 44.1 PP100 in 2024
- 5 of the top 10 complaints are infotainment-related
- Touchscreen and display problems increased to 4.2 PP100 from 4.0 last year
Translation: Cars are slightly better, but infotainment is still driving owners up the wall.
🖥️ The Touchscreen Dilemma
As automakers race to pack cars with bigger, sleeker displays, drivers are asking a simple question: Is this easy to use while driving?
Lisa Boor, senior manager at J.D. Power, explains:
“Vehicle owners desire technology that is easy to use and minimizes distractions while driving. Frustration builds when controls are confusing and screens are cluttered. Data shows that a blend of touchscreen and physical buttons enhances usability.”
In other words: It’s not about having fewer buttons—it’s about smarter design.
🏆 The Best in Class: 2025 Segment Winners
Despite the frustrations, some automakers are getting it right. According to the study, these vehicles ranked highest in multimedia satisfaction:
- Midsize/Large: Nissan Murano
- Midsize/Large Premium: BMW X6
- Small/Compact: Kia K4
- Small/Compact Premium: BMW X4
BMW continues to shine in the premium categories, while Nissan and Kia take the lead in more affordable segments.
🚗 Why This Matters for Drivers (and Automakers)
The findings highlight a big industry tension: automakers want to impress with futuristic, buttonless cabins, but drivers want tech that doesn’t distract them from the road.
With distracted driving already a safety issue, the design of digital dashboards could literally be a life-or-death matter.
For automakers, this is a wake-up call: customer loyalty in the digital era may come down to how easy it is to adjust the AC without taking your eyes off the road.
Final Take: Your Car’s Tech Should Work for You, Not Against You
The 2025 J.D. Power study makes one thing clear—car buyers are no longer dazzled just by giant screens. They want intuitive, distraction-free technology that makes driving safer, not harder.
👉 What about you—do you prefer touchscreens or physical buttons in your car? Share your thoughts in the comments and tag a friend who’s always yelling at their infotainment system.
