281 problems per 100 vehicles. That’s where plug-in hybrids landed in J.D. Power’s 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, up 39 points and the worst score of any powertrain. Gas-only vehicles led at 198 PP100.

The Powertrain Breakdown Tells the Real Story

33,268 original owners of 2023 model-year vehicles were surveyed three years after purchase. Gas: 198 PP100. Hybrid: 213. BEV: 237 (+14 YoY). PHEV: 281 (+39 YoY), the worst on record.

Why Plug-In Hybrids Are Uniquely Exposed

A PHEV stacks a complete gas engine on top of a full EV drivetrain and battery — more components talking to each other means more places for that conversation to break down.

Who’s Actually Getting It Right

Lexus topped premium at 151 PP100 (4th straight year); Buick led mass-market at 160 PP100 (2nd straight year).