how new are the cars again in these surveys? i should hope their aren't a HUGE number of major mechanical issues...
the transmissions though are worrisome. while yeah, some of it is just shifting and people not liking it, some of it is actual failure. we've replaced a few transmissions now. as a percentage, very very small, but just the fact that there have been any is not helpful....
same cars (cherokee mostly) have been having some electrical gremlins too... now with everything being digital and electronic (transmission, e-brake, steering, dash, etc.) really can create a troubleshooting problem.
while i don't put much weight into these articles/surveys, they still do offer a brief glimpse into things people might find troublesome. just one small tool in the toolbox of deciding on a new car...