New and improved!
Earlier this year, my wife traded her 2003 Pontiac Vibe (manual transmission, window cranks) for a 2024 Hyundai Elantra. The Elantra not only has electric windows, it also has a key fob that allows the bearer to open the door and turn on the car without inserting the key anywhere. It has a computer monitor and video cameras and front, back and side radar sensors. It has pressure sensors for all four tires. The software can be updated remotely, but only when the car isn’t in motion. I’m glad she didn’t get a Jeep.
“A software update to Jeep 4xE models caused major malfunctions over the weekend – leaving many owners stranded and some in danger after their power failed.
“The culprit appears to have been a buggy “over the air” (OTA) software update to the company’s uconnect software on Friday October 10, which “bricked” vehicles if owners installed it.”
*snip*
“Some described losing power abruptly whilst driving in the wake of the update. One Jeep owner, Kerry Hollis, who works in IT infrastructure at Wells Fargo, told The Stack: “This was a software change that obviously wasn’t tested thoroughly and was dangerous and could have had life safety implications.
“Fortunately, for me, I lost propulsion while going at low speed in my neighborhood, so I was able to pull over, restart and limp back to my home. I’ve read stories of others that weren’t in that situation, going at highway speeds, and in traffic…
“Stellantis reacted quickly but it shouldn’t have happened…”
“He added: It’s concerning… that most auto manufacturers and new vehicles even have the ability to be disabled by the manufacturer or even worse, someone with a malicious intent.”
I’m still driving my 2013 Honda Fit. Not only does it not require remote software updates, but it’s a stick shift, so nobody under the age of 60 can steal it. It only has 62K miles on it, so I’m hoping to keep it on the road for another ten years.
Jeep software updates “brick” vehicles
“A software update to Jeep 4xE models caused major malfunctions over the weekend – leaving many owners stranded and some in danger after their power failed.
“The culprit appears to have been a buggy “over the air” (OTA) software update to the company’s uconnect software on Friday October 10, which “bricked” vehicles if owners installed it.”
*snip*
“Some described losing power abruptly whilst driving in the wake of the update. One Jeep owner, Kerry Hollis, who works in IT infrastructure at Wells Fargo, told The Stack: “This was a software change that obviously wasn’t tested thoroughly and was dangerous and could have had life safety implications.
“Fortunately, for me, I lost propulsion while going at low speed in my neighborhood, so I was able to pull over, restart and limp back to my home. I’ve read stories of others that weren’t in that situation, going at highway speeds, and in traffic…
“Stellantis reacted quickly but it shouldn’t have happened…”
“He added: It’s concerning… that most auto manufacturers and new vehicles even have the ability to be disabled by the manufacturer or even worse, someone with a malicious intent.”
I’m still driving my 2013 Honda Fit. Not only does it not require remote software updates, but it’s a stick shift, so nobody under the age of 60 can steal it. It only has 62K miles on it, so I’m hoping to keep it on the road for another ten years.
Jeep software updates “brick” vehicles
Are there any new cars that can have remote software updating disabled?
That would be a big selling point. It’s like 1984 where only premium customers can turn off their two way televisions.
I’m not making a point. I’m asking for help.
@rick,
I imagine you can google that. For the Hyundai Elantra, while you cannot fully disable the notification for an over-the-air (OTA) update, you can choose to install it later or not at all. I found that out on google.
rick:
What I have read, they do not recommend disabling or skipping any. Could not find any new vehicles without such a system either except for older vehicles. They also said not upgrading could cause problems and damage. Keep asking. I am sure someone knows.
Some car manufacturers only do updates in the shop at scheduled maintenance, or under recall. I was told the last time I had the eMini in for scheduled service that BMW doesn’t otherwise think it safe. In fact not shutting down while running down the freeway at eighty miles an hour was mentioned, lol
I’m not seeing where this is a problem outside of ‘Muirkan made …