The Frustration with Modern Car Technology
Drivers are finding that the smart technology in their cars has become more of a nuisance than a benefit. Automakers have been adding new tech features to vehicles in the 2020s, going beyond the ubiquitous touch screens, assisted-driving systems, and companion phone apps. Some cars now come equipped with infrared night vision, seasonal ambient lighting, and interior ‘fam cams’ that show rear passengers. However, many drivers feel that this is too much technology.
According to surveys of new-car buyers by Strategic Vision, a market-research firm, the percentage of drivers who had positive feelings about the intuitiveness of their car’s controls dropped from 79% in 2015 to 56% in 2024. The trend was similar for drivers’ perceptions of dashboard displays, screen interfaces, and the layout of the instrument panel. Alexander Edwards, president of Strategic Vision, noted that while drivers are still generally happy with the technology in their cars, they want it to be as easy to use as an iPhone – which most current car tech isn’t.
Vincent Dufault-Bédard, a 36-year-old engineer from Montreal, experienced this frustration firsthand in January when he tried to remotely start charging his 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 electric car using its phone app. The car doors wouldn’t open because their sensor-equipped handles were malfunctioning in the cold weather. ‘Just give me a normal door handle,’ Dufault-Bédard said after having to enter his car through the trunk.
The problems with modern car technology are not just inconvenient; they can also be costly. In 2024, owners of battery-electric vehicles reported 3.1 problems per 100 vehicles with their door handles being difficult to use, a significant increase from 0.2 in 2020, according to J.D. Power. Kathleen Rizk, a senior director at J.D. Power, commented that the change from simple door handles to technology-driven ones has introduced numerous problems.
Some premium features like massaging seats and passenger-side screens can significantly drive up a car’s price tag. The average transaction price of a new vehicle was $47,373 in February, according to Edmunds. Drivers like Jake Pratte find touch screens particularly annoying and potentially hazardous. ‘You have to sit there and stare at what you’re doing, which means you’re taking your eyes off the road,’ Pratte said.
In response to these issues, some automakers are bringing back physical buttons and knobs in new models. Euro NCAP, a European vehicle safety organization, will start considering cars safer if they have physical controls for primary functions like windshield wipers and hazard lights, rather than having them buried in a touch screen.
While drivers are enthusiastic about certain tech features like wireless phone-charging pads and heated seats, others like passenger-side screens and gesture controls are less popular. The depreciation of feature-heavy cars can also be a concern, as pricier tech tends to be less valued in the used market. Some drivers feel they’re being forced to pay for technology they don’t want or need.
Ken Larsen, a 59-year-old equipment operator, likes to start his 2024 Toyota Tundra pickup remotely but finds the function unreliable with his key fob. He’s forced to use Toyota’s app, which charges a subscription fee, adding to his frustration. ‘My payment’s $1,000 a month, and now I gotta pay another $15 a month just to be able to start it remotely,’ Larsen said.
In conclusion, while modern car technology offers many advancements, it also introduces significant challenges for drivers, from complexity and glitches to added costs. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, finding a balance between innovation and user-friendly design will be crucial.
