Bluetooth connectivity and voice recognition issues are the most frequently reported problems after three years of ownership, according to J.D. Power's 2015 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study.

The vehicle dependability scores industry-wide average 147 problems per 100 or about 1.5 per vehicle. A year ago, J.D. Power reported an average of 133 problems per 100, which was the first decline in more than 15 years.

The annual study that examines problem areas of vehicles also ranked Lexus at the top with the least number of problems (89) per 100 vehicles. Buick (110), Toyota (111), Cadillac (114), and Honda (116) rounded out the top five. Porsche (116), Lincoln (118), Mercedes-Benz (119), Scion (121), and Chevrolet (123) reached the top 10.

Among owners who reported a Bluetooth pairing or connectivity problem, 55 percent say their vehicle would not recognize their phone and 31 percent said the phone wouldn't automatically connect when they enter the vehicle.

Engine and transmission problems remain high. Nearly 30 percent of the reported powertrain problems are a result of automatic transmission hesitation and rough shifting.

Other findings include that six of the top 10 problems are design related as opposed to defects or malfunctions and most frequently reported problems are related to the exterior followed by engine/transmission and audio/communication/entertainment/navigation.

View the J.D. Power release here.

• Among owners who experienced a Bluetooth pairing/connectivity problem, 55 percent say that their vehicle would not recognize their phone, and 31 percent say the phone would not automatically connect when entering their vehicle.

• The number of engine/transmission problems remains high. Nearly 30 percent of the reported powertrain problems are a result of automatic transmission hesitation and rough shifting.

• Six of the top 10 problems are design-related as opposed to defects or malfunctions.

• By vehicle category, the most frequently reported problems are related to exterior, followed by engine/transmission and audio/communication/entertainment/navigation.

• Overall vehicle dependability industry-wide averages 147 PP100, or approximately 1.5 problems per vehicle.

- See more at: http://www.jdpower.com/press-releases/2015-vehicle-dependability-study#sthash.TSC2MPhy.dpuf

• Among owners who experienced a Bluetooth pairing/connectivity problem, 55 percent say that their vehicle would not recognize their phone, and 31 percent say the phone would not automatically connect when entering their vehicle.

• The number of engine/transmission problems remains high. Nearly 30 percent of the reported powertrain problems are a result of automatic transmission hesitation and rough shifting.

• Six of the top 10 problems are design-related as opposed to defects or malfunctions.

• By vehicle category, the most frequently reported problems are related to exterior, followed by engine/transmission and audio/communication/entertainment/navigation.

• Overall vehicle dependability industry-wide averages 147 PP100, or approximately 1.5 problems per vehicle.

- See more at: http://www.jdpower.com/press-releases/2015-vehicle-dependability-study#sthash.TSC2MPhy.dpuf

• Among owners who experienced a Bluetooth pairing/connectivity problem, 55 percent say that their vehicle would not recognize their phone, and 31 percent say the phone would not automatically connect when entering their vehicle.

• The number of engine/transmission problems remains high. Nearly 30 percent of the reported powertrain problems are a result of automatic transmission hesitation and rough shifting.

• Six of the top 10 problems are design-related as opposed to defects or malfunctions.

• By vehicle category, the most frequently reported problems are related to exterior, followed by engine/transmission and audio/communication/entertainment/navigation.

• Overall vehicle dependability industry-wide averages 147 PP100, or approximately 1.5 problems per vehicle.

- See more at: http://www.jdpower.com/press-releases/2015-vehicle-dependability-study#sthash.TSC2MPhy.dpuf

• Among owners who experienced a Bluetooth pairing/connectivity problem, 55 percent say that their vehicle would not recognize their phone, and 31 percent say the phone would not automatically connect when entering their vehicle.

• The number of engine/transmission problems remains high. Nearly 30 percent of the reported powertrain problems are a result of automatic transmission hesitation and rough shifting.

• Six of the top 10 problems are design-related as opposed to defects or malfunctions.

• By vehicle category, the most frequently reported problems are related to exterior, followed by engine/transmission and audio/communication/entertainment/navigation.

• Overall vehicle dependability industry-wide averages 147 PP100, or approximately 1.5 problems per vehicle.

- See more at: http://www.jdpower.com/press-releases/2015-vehicle-dependability-study#sthash.TSC2MPhy.dpuf