Luxury Car Owners Are Growing Less Satisfied - Here’s Which Brands Took the Biggest Hits

A new survey reveals a surprising shift in how Americans feel about their luxury cars. For the first time in three years, premium automakers are no longer outpacing mass-market brands in customer satisfaction. The 2026 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) shows luxury satisfaction dropped 3% compared to last year, while mainstream brands only fell 1%.

The result? Both segments now sit tied at a score of 78 out of 100.

That puts the auto industry behind cell phones, fast food, and even vacuum cleaners, all of which scored 79. Cars did beat airlines at 76, but that’s cold comfort for brands like Lexus and Cadillac, which saw steep declines. Lexus tumbled 10% from its 2025 high of 87 to just 78, losing its top spot to Mercedes-Benz (81) and Audi (80).

Cadillac fared worse, dropping 15% to a last-place score of 69. Buick, also under General Motors, lost 16%, the biggest hit of any brand surveyed.

Not every luxury nameplate struggled. Audi gained 4% and BMW edged up 1%. Tesla, meanwhile, slipped 4% to 78, landing in fourth place. The EV maker’s decision to discontinue the Model S and Model X likely dented its prestige. Across the board, luxury vehicles underperformed in fuel economy, mobile app quality, and even comfort, which fell 1%.

For Boca Auto Care, the message is clear: even high-end owners are feeling the pinch, and keeping them happy requires more than a badge.