J.D. Power 2026 Study: Cadillac Surpasses Mercedes and BMW in Reliability

J.D. Power’s 2026 Vehicle Dependability Study ranks Cadillac at 175 PP100, ahead of Mercedes-Benz and BMW. See the full results and key reliability trends.

The latest results of the J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study 2026 have reshuffled expectations in the premium segment. Cadillac posted 175 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), clearly outperforming the industry average of 204 PP100 and moving ahead of both Mercedes-Benz (235 PP100) and BMW (198 PP100).

The study measures reliability among original owners of three-year-old vehicles — in this edition, 2023 model-year cars. A total of 33,268 responses were analyzed, covering 184 specific problem areas across nine major categories, from powertrain to infotainment systems.

Technology-related issues dominate the findings. Infotainment ranks as the most problematic category at 56.7 PP100. Four of the top five industry complaints are directly linked to smartphone integration. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity accounts for 8.9 PP100, built-in Bluetooth systems for 5.5, wireless charging pads for 5.1, and OEM mobile app connectivity for 4.7. Together, these concerns represent nearly half of all infotainment-related issues.

Over-the-air updates present a mixed picture. Forty percent of owners reported receiving a software update within the past year, yet only 27% said the update improved their vehicle, while 58% noticed no change. The study also notes an increase in problems associated with OTA updates.

The gap widens further when comparing powertrain types. Plug-in hybrids recorded the highest problem rate at 281 PP100, marking a significant year-over-year increase. Battery electric vehicles follow at 237 PP100, traditional hybrids at 213 PP100, while gasoline-powered vehicles perform best at 198 PP100.

Against this backdrop, Cadillac’s performance appears less surprising. The brand continues to rely on established platforms and more conventional engineering strategies. At the model level, General Motors secured four segment awards, including Cadillac XT6, ranked highest in the Upper Midsize Premium SUV category.

Looking at the broader picture, premium brands averaged 217 PP100 overall, widening the gap with mass-market brands to 17 points. Premium vehicles outperform mass-market rivals only in powertrain and seating categories, while trailing in most others.

The 2026 study underscores a shifting reality: reliability today is shaped not only by build quality but also by digital complexity. As automakers accelerate hybridization and software-driven functionality, a more measured technological approach may offer a tangible competitive advantage.