As Automakers Add Tech to Autos, Software Bugs come along

Faulty computer software and systems cause lawsuits by unhappy car owners. This is a symptom of automakers’ irregular shift to the digital age.

Almost six months after Gary Gilpin took a Subaru Outback from a dealer, the screen turned off. Then, Mr. Gilpin took the automobile to the dealer to find a quick reset.

Mr. Gilpin runs a sailboat chartering and brokerage business. He is among thousands of car owners encouraged to join class-action lawsuits. Additionally, these lawsuits accuse carmakers of selling automobiles with faulty corps and systems. 

Their complaints are as myriad as they are various:

• Screens that flicker, freeze, or go dark
• The sound that cuts out or suddenly blasts at a high volume
• Backup cameras that constantly fail

Often the problems involve how the hardware interacts with Google’s Android Auto or Apple’s CarPlay software. In fact, these enable drivers to use their smartphones to navigate, talk or listen to music.

If you’ve ever driven a modern car, you’ve probably experienced the software that runs its dashboard displays, navigation systems, and other systems. Moreover, the software that powers these features is complex and constantly evolving. As a result, there are millions of dollars in damages and many disappointed car owners.

Software bugs and the automobile industry

The automobile industry has long been one of the most traditional sectors in the economy. So, car manufacturers have made millions of vehicles using the same assembly line processes for decades. They have been keeping the same models on the road for years without much in the way of innovation.

Automakers are trying to develop the technologies that will define the future of the automobile. The process includes electric vehicles, self-driving cars, and a host of new technologies to improve the driving experience. For decades, traditional automakers have made cars and trucks. Today, they are working hard to provide mobility services.