Consumer Reports looks at car infotainment systems

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Complaints are growing about so-called infotainment systems in cars, according to Consumer Reports.

Some drivers find the systems are too complicated or that they don't always work. But simpler systems are coming.

Apple has CarPlay on the market, Google is introducing Android Auto and Ford is coming out with a all-new system.

The idea behind car infotainment systems is simple: Give drivers an easy-to-use way to access their phone, music and navigation - all while still keeping their eyes on the road.

But some systems are very unreliable. The worst, according to Consumer Reports' survey, is Infiniti's InTouch.

"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 of Consumer Reports.

And some systems like the Cadillac's CUE are just plain frustrating. There are no knobs so many functions are done using flush buttons that are temperamental.

Ford's MyFord Touch has been both unreliable and frustrating. So the company is introducing a completely redesigned system called Sync3 in 2016 models.

Carmakers are also working with phone makers to make controls simpler.

Apple's CarPlay intergrates your iPhone into your car. For Apple users, that means the screen is familiar and you can 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," said Mutchler.

Google's Android Auto is set for release soon. Like CarPlay, it works with your phone, meaning Android users should pick it up quickly.

Consumer Reports says that the most intuitive infotainment systems come from Kia and Chrysler. They have easy-to-use touchscreens plus retain some familiar knobs and buttons.