Infotainment problems according to J.D. Power: overwhelming touchscreens instead of buttons
from Constantin Hoffmann to Jul 11, 2025

The J.D. power Infotainment problems-Cudie 2025 shows: Less physical controls and ever larger touchscreens transform the cockpit of many new cars into a modern "all-purpose thrust". Despite the easy overall improvement in vehicle quality, users particularly frustrate the cumbersome touchscreen menus for the climate, garage scorer and Co. How manufacturers can again improve the user experience with haptic buttons, you can find out here.
Infotainment remains the biggest problem area
Although the PP100-Walen (problems per 100 vehicles) fell from 194 to 192, the leads Infotainment category with 42.6 pp100 all ten examined sub -areas. Around half of all mentions affect problems with the entertainment system.
Touchscreen functions as stumbling blocks
Earlier systems focused on audio and navigation. Today the screen also controls:
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Climate settings
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Garage door opener
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Glove compartment release
Drivers often have to wipe through several submenus - in traffic jams or at the traffic light, this leads to distraction and frustration.
Physical buttons vs. Monstrous screens
J.D. Power recommends: Manufacturers should put important functions on real buttons again. Enable physical controllers:
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Quick access without a view of the display
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Intuitive service Even with a bumpy drive
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Reduced distraction and thus higher security
This means that the infotainment no longer becomes a "catch-all drawer" in which everything sinks.
Premium vs. Mass-Market models
Amazing: Premium vehicles show 203 pp100 more defects than mass market models (187 pp100). Especially in the outdoor area category (body, paint) the gap. However, the infotainment problems affect both segments equally.
PHEV for the first time in terms of quality
Plug-in hybrids have with 237 pp100 More defects than BEVS (212 pp100) and significantly more than burners (184 pp100). The cause is not only the system complexity, but also the integration of e-components and software.
Ending
The J.D. power Infotainment problems-Study 2025 shows one thing: Handy physical controls are not a relic of the past, but indispensable for a safe, stress -free driving experience. Car manufacturers should urgently think about returning to haptic keys in order to increase user satisfaction and minimize distraction at the wheel.