Cars have been around for centuries, and over time, they’ve become more complex and packed with technology. This has made them safer, more capable, more efficient, and overall better.
However, only certain pieces of technology are welcome, as many features prove to be less practical than anticipated. Combine that with strict safety regulations, and it’s becoming rather obvious that cars might not be as user-friendly as they once were.
Here are 14 things people dislike about modern cars and why certain features may have missed the mark.
Too Many Screens
Manufacturers include screens in cars because they align with current industry trends, giving vehicles a modern and minimalist look. Additionally, touchscreens are also cost-effective, integrating multiple features into a single system and minimizing the need for physical switchgear.
Screens also allow manufacturers to update car systems easily without changing hardware. However, screens aren’t universally accepted, as they can make cars harder to use and, according to a study carried out by the University of Utah, dangerously distracting for drivers.
Over-Reliance on Technology
These days, cars come with so much technology that it’s becoming fairly tricky to keep up with it. Even the most basic functions, such as climate control or seat adjustments, are moving toward in-screen controls, which is the complete opposite of making them simple.
Because of this, modern-day cars can become essentially inoperable if they experience a glitch within the software. It can also be hard to understand each function, making the issue even more irritating.
Engine Downsizing
Stricter emissions and efficiency regulations are shifting automakers toward smaller, turbocharged engines. This has caused manufacturers to abandon larger displacement engines while also trying to minimize the cylinder count. Engines are also hybridized and aim to use as little fuel as possible.
Even though this does make engines more efficient and more eco-friendly, it does not make them unique or particularly exciting. These engines also tend to be more complex and, thus more prone to issues. The biggest issue is that these engines lack the excitement of larger ones and people hate that.
Fake Exhausts and Exhaust Sounds
Predominantly led by German brands, the dreaded “fake exhaust” trend is also something people hate about modern cars. Some brands thought it would be a good idea to put fake exhaust surrounds on a car to make it seem more exciting and performance-oriented.
As expected, car enthusiasts didn’t let this deed go unpunished. Even worse than fake exhausts is the fact that some manufacturers are installing speakers on the outside of cars to make them sound good.
Subscription Features
Buying a car used to mean selecting a few options and features, and that was it—but now, it also involves subscriptions. Some modern-day brands are testing the waters to see if they can charge a monthly/yearly subscription fee for certain features.
One of the more famous instances where this was the issue was BMW’s infamous $18 “heated seats subscription,” which, as expected, was abandoned due to public outcry. However, not all is set in the world of subscription car features, as these only seem to be heating up.
No Manual Transmissions
For some, manual transmission cars are simply better because they offer more control over how the car operates. However, manual transmission cars are slowly dying because automatic transmissions are sadly a much more popular option.
That does make sense for standard daily driver vehicles, yet it seems like manual transmissions are also going away, even for the most beloved sports and super sports cars.
Assertive Assistance Systems
Modern-day cars come with an endless array of advanced driver assistance systems that are designed to keep drivers safe even when not paying complete attention. However, some of these systems can be quite assertive and often difficult to fully turn off.
Because of that, drivers can get frustrated with these systems which can actually increase the chances of having an accident. The result? Many drivers just turn these systems off completely.
Similar Design Languages
Many car brands these days are having trouble with design philosophy, as they make cars that simply look too similar, applying to different models within a brand or even between different brands.
This results in a lack of uniqueness and the “wow factor” that cars used to command when manufacturers were less afraid to offer something bold and different. With stricter pedestrian safety regulations, these aren’t likely to change anytime soon.
Overweight Cars
New cars are getting heavier by the day—so much so that, in the EU, their average weight increased by 20% in just one year, and the situation in the US isn’t too dissimilar. This makes sense because EV and hybrid technology add significant weight, and modern cars are packed with comfort and safety features that further increase their overall heft.
This badly affects a car’s handling and agility, which is why some performance cars, like the new BMW M5, gained around 1,000 lbs compared to the old one.
Lack of Spare Tires
There used to be a time when almost all new cars were shipped with either a spare tire or even a spare tire and wheel combo. This was soon replaced with space-saver tires, which weren’t any good except for slowly helping you get to a mechanic.
However, nowadays, new cars don’t come with either of them. Instead, they come with tire repair/plug kits, which are fiddly to use and can rarely be as effective as a true full-size spare tire.
Integrated Components
Many modern cars feature integrated components, making it impossible to replace a single faulty part when it fails; instead, the entire subsystem must be replaced, and that’s extremely annoying.
Headlights are a prime example—replacing a simple bulb is often no longer an option, and dealerships typically opt to replace the entire headlight assembly, leading to significantly higher costs.
Auto Start-Stop Systems
One of the worst things to deal with daily in a modern car is the intrusive start-stop system. There used to be a time when the driver could turn it off, and the car would remember the settings, but now, you have to turn it off every time you start the car.
According to AAA, using start-stop can help boost your fuel economy by up to 7%, which isn’t all that special since start-stop systems exert more stress on the car’s mechanical and electrical systems.
Weird Gear Selectors
Another fairly annoying trend within the car industry is the weird gear selector situation. Almost all car brands have their idea of a perfect gear selector, which means that different cars have vastly different gear selectors.
Some still use traditional leavers, while others use steering wheel controls, rotary dials, sliders, or small basic buttons. This can get confusing and even lead to problems in emergencies.
Keyless System Problems
Keyless entry lets drivers unlock their cars by touching the handle, and some systems unlock automatically with proximity sensors. However, these systems can fail, leaving drivers unsure if their car is securely locked or not.
This is even more annoying when a car has weird door handles, which has also been a trend lately. Lastly, keyless systems are susceptible to signal trackers, allowing thieves to steal a car more easily, sometimes in less than 20 seconds.
First-World Car Problems
Modern cars are full of compromises: they improve safety, comfort, practicality, and ease of use, but they also overcomplicate, overpromise, and often underdeliver.
With some of these features in mind, it’s easy to see why people often feel frustrated. While many modern features generally improve cars, regulations and ever-evolving technology sometimes make it challenging to ensure they are user-friendly.
Lastly, older cars don’t have most of these issues, but they are also objectively less advanced, proving it’s a case of win some, lose some when it comes to providing a great all-around package.
More From Driver’s Drift
13 Phrases Mechanics Use to Up Your Repair Bill
13 SUVs Owners Say They Wish They Never Bought
15 Vehicles With Blind Spots So Bad You’ll Wonder Why They Even Have Windows
15 Easy-to-Miss Signs of Unmarked Cop Vehicles You Should Know About
