2026's Most Reliable Car Brand Revealed: Lexus Tops Again, Tech Features Blamed for Failures

According to J.D. Power’s newly released 2026 Vehicle Dependability Study, the overall vehicle problem rate has risen to 204 PP100 (problems per 100 vehicles), marking the highest level since 2022. Luxury brands continue to lag behind mainstream brands in reliability, with the gap widening further. Lexus ranked first with 151 PP100, while Buick led among mainstream brands at 160 PP100, followed by Mini and Chevrolet in second and third places, respectively. The study found that nearly half of all infotainment system issues centered on smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and OEM apps. Additionally, exterior-related problems such as squeaks and rattles were frequently reported. Experts urged automakers to prioritize refining basic functionalities over blindly adding new technologies.