The Worst Features That Automakers Ever Put In Their Cars (And A Few Of The Best)

Best And Worst Car Trends

Not every car upgrade was a triumph. Some changed the way we drive for the better, while others just didn’t make sense. Let’s take a spin through the upgrades that we couldn’t care less about before we go through the ones we are actually grateful for.

Automatic Seatbelts

These were supposed to make safety effortless. Instead, they startled drivers. And occasionally tried to choke you mid-turn. Mechanical failures didn’t help their reputation either. After a few lawsuits and countless awkward exits, automakers ditched them for seatbelt reminders that don’t grab your chest.

Touchscreen-Only Controls

Swapping knobs for screens sounded futuristic, until drivers had to swipe through three menus just to defrost the windshield. Glitches and freezes made simple tasks frustrating. Realizing that convenience shouldn't feel like hacking into a phone, many automakers are now restoring good old-fashioned buttons.

Pop-Up Headlights

Pop-up headlights looked cool, then one decided to wink at you mid-drive and refuse to close. Between rain, snow, and jammed motors, they were more drama than they were worth. Eventually, safety laws, along with a few broken headlight motors, buried the trend for good.

Faux Engine Sounds Through The Speakers

Your car shouldn’t lie, but fake revving piped through the stereo did just that. It was meant to sound sporty, but ended up competing with your podcast. Fortunately, some brands now let you turn off the charade and enjoy a quieter, more enjoyable ride.

Built-In Navigation Systems That Aged Terribly

Before smartphones took over, factory-installed GPS seemed revolutionary. But those maps became outdated fast, and updating them cost a small fortune. They had slow processors, and their confusing directions often led many drivers to reach for their phones instead. 

Rear-Mounted Spare Tires On Compact Cars

Though these looked rugged in theory, in tight parking spots, they were bumper magnets. The exposed tires were easy pickings for thieves, and mounting that much weight on a high, swinging door alters the vehicle’s center of gravity, which compromises stability over speed bumps.

Plastic Wood Grain Interior Trim

Fake wood trim was supposed to say “luxury,” but mostly screamed “discount furniture.” It faded and looked dated faster than people expected. Some drivers tolerated it, but most begged for real materials or anything that didn’t feel like a sticker slapped on plastic.

Push-Button Transmissions

Push-button gear selectors promised sleekness, but just left people asking, “Am I in reverse?” Rental car drivers especially dreaded the guessing game. Misplaced buttons and poor feedback led to some dramatic rollbacks, which is why many automakers have gone back to knobs or shifters.

Gimmicky Gullwing Doors On Everyday Models

With the gullwing doors, carmakers learned that not every idea from the concept sketch belongs in suburbia. Though rare, it looked epic on high-end and niche vehicles, but putting them on crossovers was a stretch. They were also heavy and opened like wings…into garage walls.

Built-In DVD Players In The Age Of Tablets

Once the ultimate backseat flex, built-in DVD players now collect dust. Tiny screens and sky-high repair costs made them obsolete once tablets arrived. Now, carmakers wisely focus on USB ports and Wi-Fi, leaving entertainment to the devices kids already love.

Retractable Hardtops

Retractable hardtops were cool in theory, but in practice? You waited 30 seconds to lower the roof—if it didn’t jam halfway. The mechanisms were bulky and cost a fortune to repair. Eventually, drivers realized a soft top did the same job with fewer theatrics.

Overly Sensitive Lane Departure Warnings

In theory, Lane Departure Warning systems should’ve been a game-changer. In practice, they became more annoying than helpful. Drivers report frequent false alarms, even when turn signals are used correctly, and other non-issues like faded lines, minor swerves, or perfectly legal lane changes.

Apple CarPlay And Android Auto Integration

These systems let you mirror your phone’s apps directly on your car’s touchscreen. You can access maps, calls, messages, and music without taking your hands off the wheel. Voice commands keep things hands-free, while regular phone updates keep the interface smooth, familiar, and always current.

Hybrid Powertrains

Hybrid cars combine gas engines with electric motors to boost fuel economy and cut emissions. The regenerative braking system captures energy as you slow down, helping recharge the battery. And with many models topping 50 mpg, hybrids are becoming a reliable step toward greener driving.

Heads-Up Displays

Heads-Up Displays (HUDs) are one of the most practical tech innovations to cross from military aviation into everyday life. By projecting essential information like navigation cues or safety alerts directly into a driver’s field of view, HUDs reduce the need to look down or away.

Heated And Ventilated Seats

Frozen mornings? Flip on the heat. Sweltering afternoons? Cue the cool airflow. Heated and ventilated seats feel like a luxury you didn’t know you needed until you're stuck in traffic during a snowstorm or heatwave. Even mid-range rides have them installed these days.

Lane-Keeping Assist

Though old versions were naggy, today’s lane-keeping assist is like a gentle co-pilot. It subtly nudges you back if you drift too close to the lines, especially helpful on long highway drives. Thanks to smarter software, most drivers are choosing to leave it on.

Keyless Entry And Push-To-Start

Gone are the days of fumbling for keys in the rain or juggling coffee while unlocking your car. Keyless entry and push-to-start made hopping in and driving off feel effortless. With encrypted fobs and added theft protection, it’s a win for convenience.

Parking Sensors

Parking sensors use ultrasonic tech to detect nearby objects and beep as you get closer. They help drivers avoid curbs, poles, and surprise shopping carts in tight spots. Often paired with backup cameras, they make parallel parking less stressful and reduce the risk of costly fender benders.

Wireless Charging Pads

Wireless charging pads let you power up your phone simply by placing it on the console. They eliminate the need for cords or cables and help keep your interior clean and clutter-free. Most systems work with Qi-enabled devices to make charging effortless.

Automatic Rain-Sensing Wipers

Once it starts to drizzle, your wipers kick in like they read your mind. Rain-sensing wipers also adjust speed based on how heavy the rain is, so no more fiddling with that little stalk mid-storm. It’s one less thing to worry about when the weather turns wild.

Hands-Free Liftgates

Ever tried opening a trunk with your hands full of bags? Hands-free liftgates let you wave a foot under the bumper, and boom—open sesame. Offering convenience one toe-tap at a time, this is magic for shoppers and anyone who’s mastered the awkward elbow juggle. 

Blind Spot Monitoring

Lane changes used to be part mirror-check, part prayer. But with blind spot monitoring, you have an extra set of eyes. The system lights up a warning if someone’s lurking beside you, which is especially helpful on highways or in tall SUVs.