Drivers resist with most modern new-car devices

Drivers are exposure more problems with car technology, as the modern features once kept for top cars turn out to be trendier across the listings, according to a yearly automotive superiority revise. More car proprietors are exposure problem with their hands-free communication devices as the technology increases further than high-end models.

About 80 percent of car proprietors and lessees analysis 90 days after their purchase supposed their 2012 car has a little type of the communication. "Technology is becoming increasingly important as a quality differentiator," said Dave Sargent, vice president of J.D. Power's global automotive division, speaking to the Automotive Press Association."This is quickly becoming the battleground of the future."

Ford, which ranked fifth in the study just two years ago, made a pre-emptive defense of its ranking Tuesday, announcing that it upgraded its troublesome dashboard technology after the survey period. Ford owners and lessees of 2012 models reported an average of 118 problems per 100 vehicles, according to the study. "From what we've seen and tested of the new system, it's a lot better than the previous system," Sargent said.

Drivers 35 and younger reported twice as many problems as older drivers, he said. "Younger customers, I think, have higher expectations as to what it should achieve," Sargent said. The number of owner-reported incidents with factory-installed, hands-free communication devices has risen 137 percent since 2008. The most common issue is failure to recognize voice commands.