Touchscreen Troubles Plague New Vehicles, Raising Safety Concerns

Automakers face recalls and lawsuits as drivers report dashboard blackouts, frozen screens, and software glitches

Feb. 3, 2026 at 8:31am

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A growing number of new vehicles are equipped with touchscreens that control an increasing number of functions, but these touchscreens are also the source of growing driver frustration and safety concerns. Automakers have issued recalls for touchscreen malfunctions, and some have faced class-action lawsuits. Experts say the use of touchscreens has increased because they are cheaper for manufacturers to produce, but they can also be a distraction for drivers and violate federal safety standards when they malfunction.

Why it matters

Touchscreen issues in vehicles are a major safety concern, as glitches that cause dashboard blackouts or loss of critical information like the speedometer can put drivers and others on the road at risk. The increasing reliance on touchscreens also raises questions about driver distraction, as simple tasks like adjusting the volume can become more complicated and take eyes off the road.

The details

Research shows 97% of new cars since 2023 have at least one touchscreen, which automakers have increasingly used to centralize functions like climate control, stereo, and safety features. This shift has been driven in part by the lower cost for manufacturers. However, many drivers are reporting issues with these touchscreens, including system blackouts, frozen screens, and software glitches. Several automakers have issued recalls and faced lawsuits over these problems. Experts say the use of touchscreens violates federal safety standards when they malfunction and cause the loss of critical information for the driver.

  • In 2023, 97% of new cars started featuring at least one touchscreen.
  • Last year, GM issued a Service Bulletin for touchscreen issues in several models.
  • In 2022, a Swedish study found using touchscreens can take twice as long as knobs or buttons, with some tasks requiring up to 20 seconds.

The players

Ben Barrett

A 30-year decorated combat Marine veteran who bought a 2024 Chevy Silverado and has experienced periodic glitches with the touchscreen and dashboard.

Michael Brooks

The Executive Director of the Center for Auto Safety, who says touchscreen issues are a major safety concern and violate federal motor vehicle safety standards.

Congressman Kevin Mullin

A member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee who introduced the Driver Technology and Pedestrian Safety Act, which calls for a federal study on the impact of touchscreens on driver distraction.

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What they’re saying

“It's so dangerous that it's automatically a violation of federal motor vehicle safety standards. It's a non-compliance and it should be an immediate recall.”

— Michael Brooks, Executive Director, Center for Auto Safety

“Given that 97 percent of new vehicles have these screens, we simply don't know enough about what the impact is.”

— Congressman Kevin Mullin

“My own behavior, I know that when I was working with knobs, instead of a touchscreen, I knew where those knobs were, and I was able to keep my eyes on the road.”

— Congressman Kevin Mullin

What’s next

Congressman Mullin's proposed study by the Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would help regulators better understand whether touchscreens contribute to causing accidents.

The takeaway

The growing reliance on touchscreens in vehicles, driven by cost savings for automakers, has led to a rise in driver frustration and safety concerns. Regulators and lawmakers are now calling for more research and action to address the risks posed by malfunctioning and distracting touchscreen technology in modern cars.