Camilla Jessen
Many drivers say they cause more confusion than confidence.
Modern cars are packed with technology designed to improve safety and comfort.
But for a growing number of drivers, these systems are a source of frustration rather than reassurance.
According to a study cited by Autocar and conducted by DG Cities, one in four drivers is dissatisfied with the technology in new vehicles. Especially when it comes to systems like lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot detection.
Many drivers report feeling unprepared and overwhelmed behind the wheel.
They often don’t know why the car brakes automatically, or why the steering wheel jerks during a lane change.
Lack of Information Breeds Distrust
The core issue isn’t the technology itself, but a widespread lack of proper explanation.
Four in ten drivers said they weren’t given enough information about how the systems function.
And because features like automatic emergency braking and traffic sign recognition vary across brands, switching cars only adds to the confusion.
According to the study, many drivers end up learning about the tech not from a manual or dealer—but from firsthand surprises during real-life driving.
Some respondents expressed outright distrust in the systems’ accuracy.
One in ten said they don’t believe features like emergency braking work properly.
Car Makers and Dealers Share the Blame
DG Cities’ research points to a systemic failure in communication.
Manufacturers don’t see driver-assistance systems as a major selling point, so dealers often gloss over them during handovers.
As a result, many buyers are handed the keys without a proper introduction to key safety features.
This has real-world consequences.
Without basic understanding, drivers may feel like they’re not in control of their own vehicles. Instead of trusting the systems, many drivers are switching them off—sometimes before the car even starts moving.
Among the most criticized features is automatic lane assist, often described as too intrusive.
Others complain that systems either warn too late—or not at all.
Some drivers are so frustrated they wish they had bought an older model with fewer tech features.
One driver summed up the sentiment bluntly:
I bought the car to drive myself, not to argue with it.