Car Software Patches Are Over 20% of Recalls, Study Finds 13
An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica: Software fixes are now responsible for more than 1 in 5 automotive recalls. That's the key finding from a decade's worth of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall data, according to an analysis from the law firm DeMayo Law. While that's a sign of growing inconvenience for drivers, the silver lining is that a software patch is usually a much quicker fix than something requiring hardware replacement. "Our analysis suggests we're witnessing a shift in how automotive recalls are handled. The growing number of software-related recalls, coupled with the ability to address issues remotely, could revolutionize the recall process for both manufacturers and vehicle owners," said a spokesperson for DeMayo Law.
In 2014, 34 of 277 automotive recalls were software fixes. The percentage of software recalls floated around 12-13 percent (apart from a spike in 2015) before growing steadily from 2020. In 2021, 16 percent of automotive recalls (61 out of 380) were for software. In 2022, almost 22 percent of recalls were software fixes (76 out of 348), and last year topped 23 percent (82 out of 356). Leading the way was Chrysler, with 82 different software recalls since 2014. Ford (66 recalls) and Mercedes-Benz (60) are the two runner-ups. Meanwhile, Tesla ranks only eighth, with 26 software recalls since 2014, which puts it on par with Hyundai (25) and Kia (25).
Electrical systems were the most common problem area, which makes sense -- this is also the second-most common hardware fix recall and would probably be the top if it were not for the massive Takata airbag recall, which has affected more than 100 million cars worldwide. The other common systems affected by recalls requiring software remedies were related to backover prevention -- whether that be reversing cameras, collision warnings, or automatic emergency braking -- airbags, powertrains, and exterior lighting. "It should be noted that not all recalls involving a software fix are to solve a software problem," notes Ars' Jonathan M. Gitlin. "Take the recent Jaguar I-Pace recall, which was triggered by battery fires caused by battery cells damaged during assembly. Jaguar's fix? A software update that sets a new, lower limit to the storage capacity of the battery pack, preventing it from fully charging to 100 percent."
In 2014, 34 of 277 automotive recalls were software fixes. The percentage of software recalls floated around 12-13 percent (apart from a spike in 2015) before growing steadily from 2020. In 2021, 16 percent of automotive recalls (61 out of 380) were for software. In 2022, almost 22 percent of recalls were software fixes (76 out of 348), and last year topped 23 percent (82 out of 356). Leading the way was Chrysler, with 82 different software recalls since 2014. Ford (66 recalls) and Mercedes-Benz (60) are the two runner-ups. Meanwhile, Tesla ranks only eighth, with 26 software recalls since 2014, which puts it on par with Hyundai (25) and Kia (25).
Electrical systems were the most common problem area, which makes sense -- this is also the second-most common hardware fix recall and would probably be the top if it were not for the massive Takata airbag recall, which has affected more than 100 million cars worldwide. The other common systems affected by recalls requiring software remedies were related to backover prevention -- whether that be reversing cameras, collision warnings, or automatic emergency braking -- airbags, powertrains, and exterior lighting. "It should be noted that not all recalls involving a software fix are to solve a software problem," notes Ars' Jonathan M. Gitlin. "Take the recent Jaguar I-Pace recall, which was triggered by battery fires caused by battery cells damaged during assembly. Jaguar's fix? A software update that sets a new, lower limit to the storage capacity of the battery pack, preventing it from fully charging to 100 percent."
GIves a new meaning to "Blue Screen of Death". (Score:2)
Cars for transportation, not smartphone w/ wheels (Score:2)
Have realized that more buttons and more screens and more lights in your face from the dashboard and more 'forced help driving' in modern cars results in
distracted driving.
Having repeatedly rented cars while on a long project and having to get just the basics in each car situated, even for low end rental cars, is frustrating and a time waster. It gives the conclusion that 50% or more of the 'features' of modern cars are not worth using and help to cause distracted driving.
Matter of time (Score:3)
It's only a matter of time until a mass hacking of vehicles happens all at once. You think ClownStrike was bad? Just wait.
Re: (Score:2)
Already happened [cars.com]. It was over a decade ago, but all it takes is one easily "flipped" sysadmin with access to a car maker's remote disabling system to wreak mass havoc.
Consumer protection laws (Score:2)
Is there any chance consumer protection laws can be used to slow down the never ending slow pace of adding new unwanted smart features to cars to only increase their price and to make more profits for the auto industry?
Re: (Score:1)
Why do you hate capitalism?
Re: (Score:2)
The main reason is that there are no real alternatives. Correct me if I'm wrong, but AFAIK, the US/NA market is the absolute worst in the world for choice (for example, if you want a small pickup truck, you basically have to go for a Tacoma, as nobody will sell one of the VW pickups on this side of the pond.) You can't just buy a basic four-banger Hilux with a manual like you can in Mexico.
I don't see government, which is pretty much rife with regulatory capture, and many politicians considering anything
Re: (Score:2)
Ford Maverick ...
Chevy Colorado
Nissan Frontier
Ford Ranger
Jeep Gladiator
Hmmm (Score:2)
We made it too easy. (Score:2)
When fixing these issues is a simple software update that inconveniences the buyer more than the maker, it's no surprise quality is taking a backseat (pun not intended) to speed and cost of deployment.
Like many consumer electronics, back when getting it wrong meant a rather large expense to the manufacturer to replace components, they put more effort into doing the job right the first time.
Number of recalls (Score:2)
Gratuitous Snark (Score:2)
Wish there were better offline patching... (Score:2)
It would be nice if there were a way to just copy the patches onto a SD card, stick that into a slot on the audio head and have the vehicle do the rest, including validating signatures, copying the signed files to a secure area, letting devices on the CAN know there are updates that are fetchable, and working with that, and not allowing an update to complete unless all the parts of the update are present, and the update would be atomic... either everything gets updated, or nothing does, so the vehicle is a