Lexus and Buick are back on top in their respective segments in the J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). Lexus ranks highest overall and in the luxury brand segment for a fourth straight year, and Buick ranks highest among mass market brands for a second consecutive year. The Lexus IS takes Most Dependable Model (last year it went to the Toyota Avalon.)
J.D. Power researchers say overall, this year's study had the highest-recorded overall problems experienced since the study's redesign in 2022, highlighting an ongoing industry-wide trend in which vehicle dependability has degraded during the past three years. Compared with 2025 results, vehicle problems after three years of ownership have increased by 2 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), resulting in an industry average of 204 PP100. A lower score indicates higher vehicle quality.
The issues driving long-term dependability to new highs: persistent problems with infotainment systems, spotty performance of over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and issues with vehicle exteriors. Of the nine problem categories that comprise the study, infotainment remains the most problematic (56.7 PP100), followed by exterior (27.5 PP100).
“As owners hold onto their vehicles longer, the long-term ownership experience matters more than ever," said Jason Norton, director of auto benchmarking at JD Power. "Software updates and new technologies should enhance the ownership experience over time, yet many vehicle owners cite ongoing mobile phone integration problems and little to no benefit after an update is performed. Much of this comes down to owner education and ongoing communication. Automakers should focus on delivering meaningful improvements and clearly communicating the intended benefits of software updates so owners understand how they are designed to enhance their vehicle and ownership experience."
Also in this year's study, premium vehicles were less dependable than mass market counterparts, and plug-in hybrids and EVS also experienced more problems than gas-powered vehicles.
Following are some key findings of the 2026 study:
HIGHEST-RANKED BRANDS
Premium Brands
Mass Market Brands
Most Dependable Model
Lexus IS
For other model-level awards click here.
Most Model-Level Awards
Toyota Motor Corporation has the top overall model in the study—Lexus IS—and receives the most model-level awards with eight. Model-level award recipients are Lexus IS, Lexus UX, Lexus GX, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Sienna, and Toyota 4Runner. General Motors Company receives four model-level awards for Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet Equinox, and Chevrolet Tahoe.
The study, now in its 37th year, covers 184 specific problem areas across nine major vehicle categories: climate; driving assistance; driving experience; exterior; features/controls/displays; infotainment; interior; powertrain; and seats. The 2026 study - fielded from December 2024 through November 2025 - is based on responses from 33,268 original owners of 2023 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership.
Methodology Updates Planned for 2027 Study
J.D. Power says it plans to update the study in 2027 to address the frustration many owners experience with over-the-air (OTA) updates. J.D. Power says its enhanced study will help automakers identify dependability issues much earlier. With the addition of year-round data collection, continuous reporting, and integrated verified repair data beginning in April 2026, manufacturers can pinpoint and update related concerns sooner and deliver clearer, more proactive communication to owners through in-vehicle messaging email campaigns and dealer education. J.D. Power says this enhanced visibility supports more effective troubleshooting and faster deployment of improvements, ultimately reinforcing trust, satisfaction, and long-term loyalty.