As automakers add technology to cars, software bugs follow

Approximately six months after Gary Gilpin leased a Subaru Outback from a California dealer, the display screen suddenly went blank and refused to turn back on. Expecting a quick reset at the dealer, Gilpin was surprised to find that it took a whole month before he got his car back. Running a sailboat chartering and brokerage business, Gilpin decided to take legal action, joining the ranks of thousands of car owners in class-action lawsuits alleging that automakers sold vehicles with faulty entertainment and related systems.

These lawsuits, fueled by plaintiffs’ lawyers, highlight a range of issues, from screens freezing, flickering, or going dark to sound malfunctions and backup cameras failing. Many problems seem to stem from the interaction between hardware and Apple’s CarPlay or Google’s Android Auto software, commonly used for navigation, communication, and entertainment in vehicles.

While buggy car software may seem like a mere inconvenience, plaintiffs argue that malfunctioning entertainment systems can be serious distractions and potential safety hazards. These legal battles reflect the challenges faced by automakers in adapting to the digital age and integrating the latest technology into vehicles. Traditional car manufacturers are grappling with the pressure from new electric carmakers like Tesla, which prioritize in-house software development, and the growing influence of tech giants like Apple and Google.

Settlements for these class-action lawsuits have been relatively modest so far. In 2020, Subaru settled a case, including Gilpin’s, for an estimated $8 million. In December, Honda and its Acura subsidiary settled a similar class action for an estimated $30 million. These settlements, while not comparable to those for issues like faulty airbags, indicate the broader challenge for automakers as they navigate the digital landscape.

Established car manufacturers face difficulties in developing navigation and entertainment systems that match the performance of Apple and Google devices. Unlike Tesla, which controls both hardware and software in-house, traditional automakers often rely on external tech providers, ceding valuable dashboard real estate to Silicon Valley. The lawsuits underscore the changing dynamics in the industry, where automakers must contend with partners that possess greater financial resources and software expertise.

As vehicles incorporate more driver-assistance systems and digital technology, software’s influence over the car industry is expected to grow. Automakers find themselves in a bind, operating on timelines misaligned with the rapid pace of digital technology. While a new vehicle typically takes four years to develop, owners often keep their cars for over a decade. This disconnect creates challenges in designing entertainment systems that seamlessly integrate with constantly evolving smartphone software.

The lawsuits have predominantly targeted established carmakers, highlighting their struggles with software development and integration. Despite challenges, the onus is on automakers to deliver products that work seamlessly, and their difficulties have led to legal consequences. While Apple and Google have not been directly implicated in these lawsuits, the dynamic nature of the automotive software landscape suggests potential future involvement if issues persist.

As technology continues to evolve, established carmakers are improving their technological capabilities, but challenges persist. The potential for more lawsuits looms as flawed software remains an ongoing issue in vehicles packed with increasingly sophisticated technology. Law firms are already exploring potential cases based on complaints from car owners, indicating that the industry is still grappling with the ever-evolving landscape of automotive technology.