Why does an OtA update even have the ability to brick the entire vehicle?
The infotainment system should be completely isolated from the driving system.
The infotainment system should be completely isolated from the driving system.
This is a OTA vehicle update. It has the ability to update the infotainment, ECU, ECM, TCM, and BCM. Multiple manufacturers have been able to release recalls that fix major vehicle defects (safety, reliability, and performance). That wouldn't be possible without OTA updates that update core vehicle computer systems.
Unclear where this idea that OTA = Infotainment came from. I'd go as far as to say that most manufacturers can do this in 2025.
What does that have to do with OP's comment? And their point is still valid, and OTA update should not be able to brick a vehicle, regardless of the system receiving the update. And regardless if "they all can do it".
If OTA updates can update core vehicle computer systems, in ways that can correct safety, performance, and reliability problems then they can also brick that vehicle.
The manufacturer has the ability to push an update that reprograms computers that control how physical components behave in a vehicle. By the very nature of that; they can push good or evil updates.
You misunderstood what OP was saying. They claimed that an update to the infotainment system shouldn’t be able to brick the other systems in the car. The response points out the car’s OTA update subroutine has access to update every critical system in the car by design. It’s flawed logic to assume that OTA updates only affect the infotainment system.
Because to some people, the idea of an OTA update being allowed to change mission critical parts of a machine automatically without a solid rollback system is absurd, and the best way to do that is to never do OTA updates of mission critical parts at all.
First trip the repairman replaced all of the defroster parts and sensors. It failed again with the same code 18 hours later. The second time he replaced the main board and at least one other part. It now works great and I have effectively a new fridge aside from the compressor for less than $400.
Compressor still has three years of warranty left and we expect to move before then. It can (hopefully) be someone else's problem.
Main idea was locking updates to once or twice a year and resort to HomeAssistant.
It's at 33% execution stage so no idea on the feasibility.
Unusable devices are technically the most secure ones.
> The automaker pushed out a telematics update for the Uconnect infotainment system that evidently wasn't ready
Just like dosage can be the difference between medicine and poison, OTA updates that can fix major safety, reliability, and performance problems can also cause them. The power is too great, and simply shouldn’t be allowed.
Why wouldn't it be possible without OTA? It would just require someone to go somewhere, or do something, to get this installed.
While their assumption is incorrect, your conclusion is incorrect.
Now with hybrid or electrical drives, a motor controller is basically a package that runs its own software, which then interfaces with the rest of the car. And OTA updates can overwrite its firmware.
The only manufacturer that has avoided most issues is Toyota, since they have been doing hybrids for quite some time. Other companies are just starting on this path and to catch up, they can't be bothered to do software deep dives and figure shit out.
It's not worth it, but it's necessary.
I can also put the car into valet mode so it won’t go fast. If I forget the valet mode password I am told I have to buy a very expensive replacement because it can’t be unlocked by a dealer.
That is what I surmised from listening to the "don't do this until we fix it please" notice from Stellantis from this weekend.
Also, batteries may need to be preconditioned if too hot or cold. A lot of EVs let you set your ideal departure time in a widget as opposed to using a remote though.
It can be started just like all the other gas cars.
Although even with full EVs, there's a reasonable concept of a "start". Some even let you essentially unlock and allow driving remotely, even if the local driver doesn't have a key. That's useful sometimes.
> The buggy update doesn't appear to brick the car immediately. Instead, the failure appears to occur while driving—a far more serious problem.