Recall Trend
A disturbing trend appeared in the recalls (2015) we tracked since our last newsletter. Six recalls were issued involving automated electronic systems, including safety systems directly and indirectly. And they simply got more troublesome through the course of the month.
- First, GM recalled 51,000 Spark, Sonic models for radio, warning glitch. The warning glitch included chimes that would warn of the keys left in the ignition or of a seat belt that is not in use.
- Next, Nissan recalled 14,595 vehicles for a sticky start/stop button. In hot temperatures, the engine start/stop button in affected vehicles may stick inside the button housing.
- Ford then recalled 433,000 vehicles for a faulty body control module that can prevent affected vehicles from turning off, even if the key is removed from the ignition or stop/start button has been pressed.
- Ford followed that up with a 393,623 vehicle recall for electric power steering assist systems that may shut down due to a sensor fault.
- Subaru then recalled 72,000 cars with its EyeSight active safety system for a brake light switch that can interfere with the software that triggers the automatic braking.
- And finally, as we were putting this item together, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles issued a recall to address remote hacking of some of its vehicles – after hackers took control of Jeep remotely!
Right now, manufacturers expect drivers to put their safety in their hands in an ever expanding universe of new electronic systems. Over time, car makers fully expect that drivers will eventually agree to cede all control of their cars to the car itself, and thus to its manufacturer.
Power steering that could shut off? Braking that is to rely on the car “seeing” what is ahead? Cars that can’t be shut off or a start/stop button that is stuck? Cars that fall under the control of hackers??
A Call to Action
The industry had better get this right, and while the recalls in these cases are supposed to set things right, things need to be a whole lot righter than they are now. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is actively involved in research into in-vehicle crash avoidance systems, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications that support crash avoidance applications, and self-driving vehicles themselves. We truly hope they have their eye on the ball. These kinds of problems need to be addressed before systems hit the streets – before recalls are needed!
And here’s a question we have not seen asked: When your car gets to truly driving itself, will this mean that the manufacturer will then hold accident liability? Hell, do they now for current automated safety systems? Will we get to cancel our auto policies down the road?
We’ll find out soon enough.
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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
A Plea to NHTSA to Simplify Nomenclature
Simplify, Simplify, Simplify!
On February 14, 2018, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Deputy Administrator Heidi King testified before the House Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee on Energy and Commerce. Among the topics was NHTSA’s goal of safe testing and deployment of Automated Driving Systems, and in the question and answer session noted that a simplification of the language used in describing the systems to the public would be a part of this goal.
Ms. King sees potential danger in the use or misuse of automated systems and she is absolutely right. Before we can all let go of the steering wheel or rely on a car to stop on its own when necessary there has to be absolute clarity that vehicle’s systems are actually capable.
Here, we have advocated for simplification from the start as it relates to advanced systems being introduced today. And to be clear, these same systems are the stepping stones to automation. And the buying public is already confused.
Why Drivers Are Confused
On our website, we host well over 400 warning lights and tell tales mostly from vehicles sold in North America. They include symbols for 16 different Stability Control Systems. Actually, its mostly the names that are different. Wikipedia adds another four in their worldwide list. These lists including two that are named for the actual manufacturer, as if this somehow adds weight. We also host four different names for Active Cruise Control, five more for Collision Warning Systems, three for Blind Spot Monitoring, and so on.
To be sure, there can be and sometimes are good reasons for using distinct names for a given, system, since there may be variations in operation and system integration from one manufacturer to another. However, there are also indications that naming is done simply to stand out. One manufacturer calls its blind spot monitoring a BLind spot Information System so that the acronym can be BLIS!
SO NHTSA and Ms. King if you are listening, for the sake of the driving or riding public please do continue to work to simplify the nomenclature. And please, if you can extend the concept to the current crop of cars and trucks, the driving public will appreciate the effort. After all, stability control is stability control, lane departure systems are lane departure systems, etc. The average driver will never be aware of details beyond this, nor will they need them if they all perform to the same standards.
——————————————————————-
Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY