Vehicle Infotainment Improving

Multimedia technology in vehicles has been the root of much automotive consumer frustration for years, ranking high on the list of head-scratching nonstarters. Newly released study results shine a ray of hope.

Could infotainment features become reliable go-tos? The latest J.D. Power U.S. Multimedia Quality and Satisfaction Study shows evidence that automakers are making progress in that direction.

Four years ago, problems in multimedia systems per 100 vehicles hit 39 and kept rising until this year, when they reached about 44 PP100, J.D. Power says. It’s the first year in three years, though, that such features don’t comprise a quarter of vehicle problems.

The survey, based on responses of more than 99,000 buyers and lessees of new 2024 models, found that the most progress among the top 10 problem areas has come in voice recognition, USB port scarcity, and inconsistent sound volume.

J.D. Power conducted the survey from July 2023 through this past May, polling consumers after the first 90 days with their vehicles.

“It is great to see OEMs and suppliers taking action on what were typically the biggest contributors to the increases in vehicle multimedia quality problems,” said J.D, Power Senior Director of Automotive Benchmarking Ashley Edgar.

“Previously long-standing issues have been addressed and those updates can be seen in the problem decreases. Looking ahead, to continue decreasing problems, further optimization of Apple Car Play and Android Auto should remain a top priority.”

Respondents ranked the Hyundai Santa Fe in the midsize/large category, Cadillac Escalade in the midsize/large premium segment, Mitsubishi Outlander in the small/compact category, and Cadillac CT4 in the small/compact premium as the best of the bunch.