Historically, new-car ownership has been more attainable than new-home ownership, but a recent study shows that the script has flipped, and bad credit is a major reason.

In a BadCredit.org online survey of 1,000 U.S. adults, 54% said their credit scores were keeping them from buying or leasing a new car. That's 3% higher than those who said their credit score is keeping them from buying a new home.

“The bar is getting higher and higher,” said company consumer finance expert Bobbi Rebell. “First it was housing, now transportation. This is a big wake-up call that improving your credit profile is one of the best things you can do for your family, and taking proactive steps to do so is non-negotiable.”

The survey found that families are feeling the burden of bad credit the most. Of the demographics surveyed, expectant parents were affected the most when it came to credit blocking new-car purchases at 74%.

“Not having a strong enough credit score has become a ball and chain that is impacting young families in ways that can derail their upward mobility,” Rebell added. “This is an affordability crisis playing out in real time.”

However, there might be some hope for borrowers, as recent data reported by Cox Automotive showed that the subprime share of auto loans jumped 200 basis points month-over-month in March.