Toyota’s Lexus rolled out an update for some of its cars, including RX350, which broke the vehicles’ navigation and entertainment systems leaving them stuck in a boot loop.
Lexus confirmed that the software updates are routinely pushed out via satellite to cars and that a faulty application may be to blame.
@Lexus this is my current situation. Nothing works and from that email doesn't sound like dealer can do anything yet pic.twitter.com/2kEVxjFX8O
— Juan Rodriguez (@jrodriguez1203) June 7, 2016
Some users have discovered that the only solution to the problem, which is not thought to affect the car’s ability to drive but could be dangerously distracting, is to turn it on and off again – a process which involves physically disconnecting the car’s battery.
Fix this @Lexus pic.twitter.com/gQP2n4g3UR
— Raffi (@RaffiBagdasar) June 7, 2016
If that sounds familiar, it’s because it is. Software updates for smartphones, tablets and computers routinely go wrong, with some devices left in a so-called bricked, inoperable state. So far high-profile names such as Tesla, which routinely updates the software on its cars with new features, have been relatively good at avoiding software errors.
Here's why not to buy a Lexus @Lexus @Toyota #overit pic.twitter.com/yr2WuHV7y7
— Sean (@av8828) June 7, 2016
But as cars become more technologically advanced, with integrated computers that are updated remotely, the possibility of problems like this cropping up is only going to increase. Most car owners are used to their vehicles being finished and correct at the time of purchase with mechanical failure the only possibility.
Now the time has come where software failure is just as likely. The next time you start your car you could be presented with the blue screen of death, you just have to hope it’s before you pull away.
