Consumer Reports finds car infotainment systems changing to meet drivers demands

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Drivers are complaining about the infotainment systems in their cars.

According to Consumer Reports, some drivers find the systems are too complicated or that they don't always work properly.

The idea behind car infotainment systems was simply to give drivers an easier way to access their phone, music and navigation - all while keeping their eyes on the road. But some systems are unreliable, and the worst is Infiniti's InTouch, according to Consumer Reports.

"More than one out of five Infiniti Q50 owners report a problem with the car's InTouch entertainment system. That's horrible for a brand new car," said Tom Mutchler, senior auto test engineer at Consumer Reports.

Some systems, such as Cadillac's Cue, can be just plain frustrating. There are no knobs, so many of the functions are done using flush buttons that are temperamental. Ford's MyFord Touch has been both unreliable and frustrating for drivers. Now the company is introducing a completely redesigned system called Sync3 in 2016 models.

Automakers are also working with phone companies to make controls simpler. Apple's carplay integrates your iPhone into your car. For Apple users, that means the screen is familiar and drivers are able to use Siri's voice commands.

"For now, if you want Apple's CarPlay, you're going to have to get it on the aftermarket. And that can cost as much as 12-hundred dollars. But it will become available on many brand new cars very soon," Mutchler said.

Google's Android auto is set for release soon. Similar to Carplay, it works with an Android phone and users can figure out how to use it quickly.

Consumer Reports said that most intuitive infotainment systems come from Kia or Chrysler because they have easy-to-use touchscreens and retain some familiar knobs and buttons.