In recent years, in-dash electronics have seen substantial growth and increased popularity among automobile buyers. Not only does it allow drivers to link to their cellphone or connect to an iPod or other music device, but built-in navigation, vehicle controls for climate and lighting, and apps that remind you where you parked or whether you locked the doors have become increasingly popular.

According to Consumer Reports most recent automobile reliability survey, however, in car electronics is also the number one cause of complaints in many makes and models of vehicles. Buyers say that the complicated touch screens and glitches with the systems are frustrating and distracting, and can often be a signal that other electronic problems exist. While older drives complaints say that the systems are complicated to use at first, younger drivers reported the most overall problems.

Because the technology is relatively new, being the first to market has risks. In 2007 when Ford introduced their ‘Syn’ technology, it was quite unreliable at first, and brought down Ford’s reliability scores significantly. Since then Ford has worked to make the technology more user friendly and have hinted that they will replace the system with other software that they expect to be more dependable.

Despite concerns, the infotainment technologies market will continue to grow as global demands increase. Competition among automakers and aftermarket suppliers will make the technology more affordable and easier to use and as wireless infrastructure expands drivers will find themselves relying more on the technology. The automotive sector is used to moving relatively slowly, something that will have to change as modern technology is increasingly introduced into vehicles.