Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Within the past few years, numerous recalls for software bugs have occurred
in automobiles by Cadillac, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Jaguar, Lexus, Nissan,
Pontiac, Toyota, and others. Some of these involve the same components, but oth-
ers are unique. Here are a few samples of very troubling automotive recalls:
• Buick recalled the LaCrosse in 2005 due to software controlling brakes. A
separate recall for the same model was due to software handling climate
control, which could affect visibility.
• Cadillac recalled the SRX in 2011 due to a software problem with air
bags.
• Daimler recalled delivery trucks in 2011 due to a software problem that
caused the outside turn and indicator lights to stop working after perhaps
10 minutes of operation.
• Ford recalled several 2011 truck models due to software problems with an
integrated diagnostic system (IDS) module.
• Honda CR-Z hybrids were recalled in 2011 because the electric motor
could reverse itself and turn in the opposite direction from the transmis-
sion.
• Jaguar recalled some of its diesel models made between 2006 and 2010
because a software bug prevented cruise control from being turned off.
The engine had to be stopped to turn off the cruise control.
• Four-cylinder Accords were recalled in 2011 due to software problems
controlling their automatic transmissions.
• Nissan recalled some of the electric Leaf models in 2010 due to software
problems with air conditioning.
• Toyota Prius models between 2004 and 2005 were recalled due to a soft-
ware problem that caused the gas engines to stall. The electric motor
could be used to pull off the highway or go short distances. In states with
“lemon laws,” some owners were entitled to replacement vehicles.
• Toyota Priuses and some Lexus hybrids were recalled in 2010 due to a
software problem that caused a delay between pressing the brake pedal
and the brakes actually working.
(Steve Wozniak, the Apple cofounder, owned a Prius and asserted that the
dangerous acceleration problem was due to software rather than a mech-
anical problem. Toyota disputed the claim, but probably Steve Wozniak
knows more about software than most people.)
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