Cybersecurity Flaws Considered a Threat to Vehicle Safety and a New Category of Recalls |
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In the 2021 State of Recalls, Recall Masters detailed another record year of dangerous recalls stemming from software and electronics defects. As the core functionalities of the modern automobile more closely resemble a computer than raw machine, software and electronics recalls are looming over OEMs, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), dealers and consumers as a significant threat to driver safety. In 2021, 84 government-mandated software and electronics recalls affected 5,538,685 vehicles in the US. Another 177 OEM "voluntary" campaigns with an unknown number of affected vehicles either did not meet NHTSA's oversight or were not investigated.
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The safety risks go beyond driver assistance technologies like lane correction, auto-braking and others which prevent accidents, when operating correctly. Honda recently became aware of a cybersecurity issue that allows hackers to remote start vehicle engines from a nearby distance. The security threat also extends to a hacker's ability to unlock the vehicle using signals from the owner's key fob. Nine Honda models are affected. Software hacking threats are not new to automotive nor isolated to any one OEM. For years, hackers have breached Tesla operating system through third party software that connects to Tesla's software infrastructure. Tesla has since taken steps to bolster cybersecurity measures.
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As is the case in any technology company or consumer electronics device, cybersecurity threats are on the rise. Since the pandemic, cyber crime is up 600% at a global cost of about $6 trillion per year, mostly attacking corporations. Another 71.1 million individuals fall victim to cyber crimes, losing $318 billion annually. Authentication and "zero trust" measures are often deployed to counter threats from hacking, though tend to make processes more difficult to use for the average consumer. Today's more tech-savvy EV owners are able to navigate security measures, but may prove problematic for the massive wave of consumers expected to adopt EVs over the next 15 years. |
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Tesla Recalls Provide a Look Into Life with EVs
Like a lightning strike, the clap of thunder comes shortly thereafter. And so will the volume of battery, software and electronics recalls once our EV revolution takes hold. While electric vehicles are still a small percentage of vehicles on the road, our nation's gas prices and limited inventory are prompting many consumer to swivel their collective heads towards EVs. A raw materials and chip shortage will remain a deterrent to full-scale production, but Tesla's recall woes since the beginning of 2022 could be a signal of things to come. According to CarBuzz, every single Tesla has been recalled. Four significant recalls have shot holes through a Tesla blueprint that many OEMs contemplated following. While many of these recalls were handled through over-the-air software updates, others require the consumer to seek assistance from a regional Tesla service facility the may not be conveniently located. Read more on the MotorBiscuit.com website.
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NHTSA Investigation Targets Ford Dealership for Selling New Car with Recall
A recent article in Automotive News details a recent NHTSA investigation into a Ford dealership accused of selling a new vehicle to a consumer without performing the necessary recall repairs. Considered a violation under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, the 2021 Ford Escape compact crossover was recalled last August for defects with fuel delivery modules that could leak and cause an engine stall. Almost 14,000 Escape and Lincoln Corsair vehicles from the 2021 model year and 2021-22 Bronco Sport crossover were also attached to the recall. Ford maintains that, in August 2021, it had communicated the recall to the dealership and is cooperating with NHTSA's investigation. NHTSA is seeking additional information to determine whether there was a violation. Read the entire article on the Automotive News website.
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Technology, Recalls and Inevitable Challenges
A Blog Post by Sean Reyes, Chief Marketing Officer for Recall Masters
As vehicles become increasingly advanced, many OEMs are integrating technology that includes the ability to upload software updates by over-the-air (OTA) methods. Tesla has been doing this since its inception. But there are only so many repairs that can be solved from afar. While it is great that some of these recalls can be accomplished without the customer going into a dealership, what happens when they can’t – or won’t? And, even when the vehicle owner wants to comply with the recall notice, does a factory-direct model accommodate service at a local level as a dealer does?
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It is well known that there is a huge issue with recall compliance — whether that is because the owner trashes the notice, doesn’t have time, doesn’t care, can’t be reached– or whatever the reason may be. How about second or third-generation owners that may never get notified?
Consider what happens when the vehicle dies from lack of electricity – it’s not like an OEM beam the car some more? What about when EV owners need to replace their tires? According to Automotive News, this is a big concern as dealerships and tire manufacturers don’t have inventory for OEM or aftermarket tires.
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Can new tires be solved OTA? No. What about the front trunk flying off while being driven? Can Tesla replace the front trunk OTA? No. I’m all in favor of whatever is convenient for the consumer and which promotes safety – that includes over-the-air updates and mobile repair in the consumer’s driveway. Even with EVs and the volume of software/electronics recalls associated with this next generation of vehicles, we’ll still service centers for more complex repairs or those that require a lift...Read the blog post in its entirety on the Recall Masters website.
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In Recent Recall Campaign News |
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Daimler Recalls Vans and Cars that Cannot Dial 911
Daimler, parent company to the Mercedes-Benz brand, is recalling more than 250,000 vans and vehicles equipped with eCall, an emergency calling system that can dial 911 for the vehicle owner in the event of an emergency. A disabled SIM card is the cause of the problem, which the OEM can fix with an over-the-air software update or at the dealer.
Since 2020, the German carmaker received almost 200 complaints in the United States, prompting the recall. No reports of crashes are associated with this recall, though owners will begin receiving notifications mid-July. Models affected by the recall include the A-Class and CLA, followed by the GLA, GLB, C-Class, GLC, E-Class, GLE, G-Class, S-Class, SLC, and SL. The 2017-2022 AMG GT sports car is also named. Read more about this recall campaign at MotorSafety.org website.
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Hyundai Issues Another Recall Over Seat Belt Pretensioners that may Explode
Hyundai Motor America is recalling 281,000 vehicles in North America over seat-belt pretensioners that could explode and project metal fragments. Seat belt pretensioners are used to lock a seat belt in place following a collision, providing additional protection to the driver and passengers. The recall affects some 2019-2022 Accent, 2021-2023 Elantra, and 2021-2022 Elantra hybrid vehicles. After three reports of injuries, Hyundai is now calling on affected vehicle owners to visit their local Hyundai dealer. Dealers will secure seat-belt pretensioners with a cap. Hyundai, which has extensively investigated the issue, may also target vehicles that were previously recalled. Read more about this recall campaign on the MotorSafety.org website.
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More Recall Campaign News
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