Living in a first world country means we have first world problems: too slow Wi-Fi, the barista takes too long with our coffee drink, too many choices at the grocery store, and now,  a cars reliability is judged by its infotainment system.

Yep, you read that right; infotainment is a determinant in auto reliability.

The link and headline is actually about GM and Toyota being the most reliable brands according to a J.D. Power study. Incidentally, this is in slight contrast to the Consumer Reports rankings from a few days ago which included Audi in the top spot followed by Subaru.
 
Toyota and Lexus reigning supreme is not a huge surprise. What is remarkable about the J.D. Power report is this: “Infotainment, navigation and in-vehicle communications systems now account for 20 percent of all issues reported by customers.”
 
When a consumer pays tens of thousands of dollars for a vehicle, there is a reasonable expectation that everything should work properly—including navigation and infotainment systems. It is true that infotainment is also a major component of what sells a car. Recognizing both of those items, I still don’t think that a phone and vehicle connection that doesn’t go smoothly means it’s unreliable. Is it in an inconvenience? Absolutely.

For me though, and maybe it’s just me, reliability means when I turn the ignition the vehicle starts, brakes work, axles and suspension do their jobs, computers that govern vehicle operation like engine and fuel injectors work, lights don’t short out.  Or here is a good one: vehicle recalls. If a vehicle I own has a few recalls that might factor into said vehicle’s reliability. Of course, I remember cars that could possibly burst into flames if hit from behind, Ford Pinto, I’m looking at you, and cars where things just fell off (Yugo) and a host of other “unreliable” cars come to mind.
 
The other thing about subpar infotainment being a reliability issue is this: If I make an OK car and skimp on mechanics but the infotainment system is great, will that skew the data? It’s an honest question.
 
Am I missing the mark on this? Should infotainment and nav “problems” factor into rating a vehicle for its reliability? Is this part of the future of car ownership?  One other thought: Many times, the infotainment systems' errors are caused by the loose nut behind the wheel.  Just saying. 

What do you think?
 
Post your comments on Twitter: @LaurenFix or on my Facebook Page.
 
My Final Thought:
 
Clearly, Ford’s Bronco concept tease has made it the people’s concept.
 
Of course the slide show features CG renderings, not actual photos since the Broncohas yet to be realized as an actual vehicle by Ford.  The Bronco may be one of the most anticipated concepts yet.  The people want it. Hopefully Ford builds it.

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Lauren Fix, The Car Coach® is a nationally recognized automotive expert, media guest, journalist, author, keynote speaker and television host. To read more of her blogs, CLICK HERE NOW.