Electronic Madness

16 April 2024, recall #REC-005942: "Hyundai IONIQ 5 (NE) & IONIQ 6 (CE) 2021-2024 ... Due to a software issue in the Integrated Charging Control Unit, the auxiliary 12 Volt battery may not charge as intended, resulting in battery drainage and loss of motive power." (Ditto Genesis 2022-2024.) (And similar Kia CV EV6 2021-2024.)

12 April 2024, recall #REC-005935: "Hyundai i30 1.6T (CN7) Sedan 2023 ... Due to incorrect software being installed in the vehicle, the 'fail-safe' mode may not operate when oil pump faults are detected in the dual clutch transmission. If this occurs it may lead to a sudden loss of motive power."

21 March 2024, recall #REC-005926: "Audi E-Tron 2018-2022 ... Due to a manufacturing defect, the high voltage battery may experience a thermal overload if charged over 80 percent capacity. If this occurs, the battery could overheat and lead to a vehicle fire."

20 March 2024, recall #RC3269: "Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS 2019-2023 ... Due to a software issue in the transmission control module, the transmission may not downshift under certain conditions and could result in a sudden loss of engine power."

5 March 2024, recall #REC-005906: "BMW 520i, 740i, i5, i7, iX1, X1, X5, X6, X7, XM, 2022-2023 ... Due to a manufacturing defect, signal interference may occur within the electronics of the brake system. If this occurs, a higher pedal force may be required for braking. The anti-lock braking system and dynamic stability control will not be available."

21 February 2024, recall #REC-005895: "Ram Trucks 2500 & 3500 2013-2018 ... Due to a software issue, the engine control software requires updating for efficient engine emission performance."

18 January 2024, recall #REC-005875: "Tesla Model 3 and Model Y 2022-2023 ... Due to a software issue, the steering wheel may feel notchy when operating the vehicle in cold temperatures."

15 January 2024, recall #REC-005869: "Ford Transit Custom 2023 ... Due to incomplete software update, the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) may not operate as intended. As a result, sensors and cameras yellow warning light will not illuminate in the instrument cluster to assist the driver to detect nearby obstacles or driver errors."

4 December 2023, recall #REC-005843: "Great Wall ORA 2023 ... Due to a programming issue, if the operator removes the charging cable without cancelling the charge, an electrical arc between the charging plug and the vehicle may occur. ..."

13 November 2023, recall #REC-005820: "Mazda CX-60 (KH) PHEV 2023 ... Due to a programming issue, the fail-safe driving mode which helps reduce the effects of failure in the vehicle may activate unintentionally resulting in a loss of motive power."

13 November 2023, recall #REC-005814: "Peugeot Expert Premium 2.0HDI AT8 :w 2021-2022 ... Due to a software issue in the Engine Control Unit (ECU), the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system may not operate as intended. ..."

27 October 2023, recall #REC-005802: "Range Rover Velar and Defender, 2022-2023 ... Due to a software issue, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) may not activate as intended. As a result, the internal combustion engine will not start when required ..."

23 October 2023, recall #REC-005799: "Mercedes-Benz EQS 53, EQS 450, EQS 500, 2021-2022 ... Due to a software issue, the electric vehicle (EV) Drivetrain system may deactivate resulting in a loss of motive power. ..."

31 August 2023, recall #REC-005767: "Kia MQ4 Sorento, MQ4 (P)HEV Sorento 2022 ... Due to a software issue, the turn indicators may not illuminate as intended."

29 August 2023, recall #REC-005759: "Ford Ranger and Everest 2021-2023 ... Due to a software issue, under certain circumstances if the battery level drops below a critical threshold, the transmission may shift into Park when the vehicle is travelling at speeds below 6km/h. This may cause a sudden stop without the rear brake lamps illuminating as intended. ..."

31 July 2023, recall #REC-005734: "Range Rover and Range Rover Sport 2023 ... Due to a software issue, the headlamps may not operate as intended. This may result in a loss of headlights, front position lamps, daytime running lights and direction indicator functions ..."

27 July 2023, recall #REC-005730: "Nissan ZE1 Leaf 2018-2023 ... Due to a software issue, the Cruise Control function may not operate as intended and could cause unintentional acceleration when deactivated."

28 June 2023, recall #REC-005700: "Jaguar I-Pace 2017-2023 ... Due to a software issue, some vehicles may experience a thermal overload. If this occurs, vehicle occupants may identify smoke or fire emanating from underneath the vehicle." (Another one of those smoke problems; see 8 May below.)

21 June 2023, recall #REC-005702: "RAM truck 1500 Pickup 2021 ... The Power-Train Control Module (PCM) software determines if the mixture is rich or lean and adjusts the amount of fuel entering the engine. Due to a manufacturing defect, the PCM software may not operate as intended and could result in the engine shut down causing a loss of motive power while driving."

1 June 2023, recall #REC-005691: "Toyota Corolla Cross Petrol MXGA10R ... Due to a software issue, the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) may not operate as intended. This could result in the vehicle moving or rolling away if the gear selector is not in the "PARK" position."

8 May 2023, recall #REC-005670: "Peugeot 3008, 508 ... 2021-2022. Due to a software program error, the Battery Management System software may cause the high voltage battery to overheat and/or emit smoke." (There are always problems when the smoke gets out.)

8 May 2023, recall #REC-005669: "FUSO Canter [truck] 2019-2022. Due to a software defect, trucks installed with electric brake pad wear indicators equipped on all-wheel disc brakes, the brake pad wear warning light on the dash may illuminate prematurely."

24 January 2023, recall #REC-005607: "Santa Fe, Kona N (OS), i30N Sedan (CN7) & Sonata N-Line (DN8) 2020-2022 ... Due to a programming issue, the 'fail-safe' driving mode may not respond as intended when certain transmission faults are detected. Under certain driving conditions the vehicle fail-safe mode may activate resulting in reduced acceleration followed by a loss of motive power. ..."

7 December 2022, recall #REC-005585: "Volkswagen Golf 2015 ... Due to a software issue, the front windscreen wipers may fail. In the event of rain this may lead to poor visibility[!] for the driver."

25 November 2022, recall #REC-005562: "Tesla Model 3 & Model Y 2022 ... Due to a software error, the tail lamps on one or both sides may not illuminate as intended. ..."

15 November 2022, recall #REC-005562: "Tesla Model S & Model X 2017-2020 ... Due to a recently changed software calibration issue, the Electronic Power Assist Steering system (EPAS) may not operate as intended. ..."

11 November 2022, recall #REC-005553: "Volvo Model Year 2022 and 2023 XC60 Recharge and XC90 Recharge ... A software programming error in the Engine Control Module may cause the combustion engine to not restart whilst driving. This condition, with a depleted High Voltage battery, could lead to a loss of motive power. ..."

17 October 2022, recall #REC-005542: "Yaris Hybrid (MXPH10R) ... 2020 Due to a software error, during sudden acceleration the Hybrid System may fail to engage the limp mode safety feature of the vehicle. This could cause warning lights to illuminate and result in sudden loss of motive power."

12 October 2022, recall #REC-005540: "Mercedes-Benz Vito 2015-2016 ... Due to a software issue, the rear-view camera may not display the rear-view image as intended."

7 September 2022, recall #REC-005523: "Lexus NX350h, Lexus NX250, Lexus NX350, Lexus NX350h ... Due to a software issue, the Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) steering feature may not operate as intended. ..."

3 August 2022, recall #REC-005485: "2015-2018 Liberty / 2015-2018 Outback / 2015-2018 Levorg / 2015-2018 WRX / 2017-2019 Impreza / 2017-2019 XV. Due to a manufacturing issue, the Electronic Park Brake (EPB) adaptor cord connector may not operate as intended. This could result in vehicle moving or rolling away whilst the vehicle is engaged in the park position."

17 June 2022, recall #REC-005466: "Daimler Truck and Bus, FUSO FK6, FM6, FN6 2019. Due to a software issue the rear stop lamps may not operate as intended. This could result in road users being unable to identify when the vehicle is braking."

6 June 2022, recall #REC-005448: "Hyundai Ioniq 5 (NE) 2021-2022. Due to a software issue with the Shift Control Unit (SCU), the parking [brake] pawl (P) may fail. This could result in vehicle moving or rolling away whilst engaged in park position."

9 May 2022, recall #REC-005432: "Mercedes-Benz C63 2018. During a previous service, incorrect software was loaded into the vehicle which could impact headlight brightness, traction control, emissions and engine control systems. ..."

28 April 2022, recall #REC-005411: "Toyota Lexus LX and NX 2021-2022. Due to a software issue, if the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system is turned off, it may not default to the ON setting the next time the vehicle is started. This may result in a loss of vehicle control."

Also, 2 May 2022, #REC-005409, "RAV4 Hybrid, LandCruiser 300, MIRAI and KLUGER Hybrid KLUGER Hybrid (AWD), LC300 (Wagon Diesel), MIRAI, RAV4 Hybrid (2WD & AWD) 2020-2022" with the same fault.

11 April 2022, recall #REC-005403: "RAM 2500 & 3500 2019-2022. Due to a software issue with the anti-lock brake system (ABS). The electronic stability control (ESC) may fail without warning. This may result in a loss of vehicle control."

22 March 2022, recall #REC-005304: "BMW X3, X4, X5, 2016-2020. A software update issue may lead to an engine failure whilst driving and a red Check Control message "Drive faulty" may also appear."

17 March 2022, recall #REC-005077: "Audi Q5 2016-2021. A failure of the central electronic control data network management unit will increase the risk of an accident."

23 February 2022, recall #RC2991: "Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van 2018-2020. Due to a software issue, the transmission park [brake] function may not engage as intended. If this occurs it could result in unintended vehicle movements."

31 January 2022, recall #REC-005044: "Hyundai Ioniq. Under certain driving condition the vehicle fail-safe mode may be activated. If this occurs the EV ready lamp will flash accompanied with reduced acceleration ..."

19 January 2022, recall REC-005043: "Hyundai Sonata 2014-2016. Due to a software issue with the Smart Junction Box (SJB) the turn signal may activate in the opposite direction from what the driver intended."
(Also see Kia, 1 Dec. 2021, below.)

13 January 2022, recall REC-005037: "Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2021. Due to a software issue the engine may turn off without warning and it may also prevent the vehicle from being restarted."
(And ditto for Mercedes-Benz S-580 2021.)

16 December 2021, recall REC-5015: "Mercedes-Benz S450 2021. Due to a software issue with the airbag control unit, the front passenger airbag may become deactivated. ..."

1 December 2021, recall #REC-005001: "KIA YP Carnival 2014-2016. Due to a software issue with the Smart Junction Box (SJB) the turn signal may activate in the opposite direction of what the driver had intended. ..." [!]
(Also see Hyundai, 19 Jan. 2022, above.)

30 November 2021, recall #REC-005005: "Subaru MY21 Outback 2020-2021. Due to a software issue in the pre-collision braking system of the EyeSight® System, the pre-collision braking feature may be activated unexpectedly. ..."

19 October 2021, recall REC-004973: "Nissan R52 Pathfinder Hybrid 2014-2020. Due to improper programming of the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) the engine may stall resulting in a loss of motive power ..."

5 October 2021, recall REC-004965: "Toyota Prius 2021 ... Due to a software fault in the vehicle's Electronic Control Unit (ECU) a loss of motive power may occur while driving. If this should happen, warning lights would illuminate and the vehicle's hybrid system would shut down."

2 September 2021, recall REC-001680: "Porsche Taycan 2019-2021 ... Due to a software fault in the power electronics control unit, a loss of motive power might occur while driving."

19 August 2021, recall #REC-001667: "Toyota Prius 2020-2021 ... The pre-collision system (PCS) software programming may cause a delayed application of the pre-crash brake assist function, resulting in a lower vehicle speed reduction".

2 June 2021, recall PRA #2021/18972: "Subaru Impreza Model Years 2017-2019, Subaru XV Model Years 2018-2019 ... Due to improper Engine Control Module (ECM) programming, the ignition coil may overheat, creating a short circuit which may blow the ignition coil fuse. ..." (and stop the car).

16 May 2021, recall PRA #2021/18925: "Kia QL Sportage MY2016-2021 and CK Stinger MY2017-2019 ... The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), responsible for the Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control System and Traction Control System, can remain live even when the vehicle is switched off. If moisture enters the HECU, an electrical short circuit can occur. ..." (possible fire)

1 April 2021, recall PRA #2021/18937: "Subaru Outback MY2021 ... The stereo camera may mis-recognise roadside objects and/or miscalculate the travelling direction of an oncoming vehicle, resulting in the system unexpectedly activating the pre-collision braking feature. ..."

28 March 2021, recall PRA #2021/18894: "Subaru Outback MY2021 ... The electronic brake booster (EBB) may be incorrectly set up, and may not operate correctly. ..."

4 February 2021, recall PRA # 2021/18794: "Hyundai Tucson MY2015-2021 ... Due to a manufacturing error, an electronic control circuit board in the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) module will short circuit when the components are exposed to moisture. There is a risk of an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off ..."

28 January 2021, recall PRA #2020/18735: "Hyundai Kona EV MY2018-2020 and Nexo MY2019-2020. A software fault in the Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) may significantly reduce braking performance. ..."

13 January 2021, .uk: "Cattle grid sends cars off the road in Somerset after their emergency brake sensors mistake it for a wall" — RAC.

13 September 2020, recall PRA #2020/18439: "Mercedes-Benz AMG G, GT S and C63 Model Years 2015-2018. If the vehicle is shut off for more than 67 hours the engine control unit may not function as intended. ... contact their most convenient Mercedes-Benz Retailer for a free of charge software update."
[?What is so special about 67 hours?!]

6 August 2020, recall PRA #2020/18449: "Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific Pty Ltd - Mercedes-Benz X Class MY2018-2019 ... The Active Brake Assist system may mistakenly detect an obstacle and brake suddenly or unexpectedly. ..."
[Also see 13 Jan 2021 above.]

5 August 2020, recall PRA #2020/18404: "Toyota Prius (ZVW30) Model Years 2014-2015 ... Toyota Corolla Hybrid (ZWE186) Model Years 2015-2018 ... software is designed to put the [hybrid] system into a fail-safe mode if there is an internal component failure. ... In certain situations, such as hard acceleration immediately after a component failure, the hybrid system may shut down ..."

9 January 2020, recall PRA #2019/18091: "Mazda3 (BP) Model Year 2019 ... The Smart Brake Support (SBS) system may falsely detect an object in front of the vehicle, which may initiate the automatic brake function. ... unexpectedly slow down and stop, increasing the risk of an accident ..."
[Also see 13 Jan. 2021 above.]

9 January 2020, PRA #2019/18090: "Mazda3 (BP) Model Year 2019. ... Due to a software programming fault, the engine may not restart after entering idle stop mode until the vehicle is restarted using the Start/Stop button. ..."

24 December 2019, recall, PRA #2019/18076: "Kia Motors Australia - Kia UM Sorento MY2020 ... Due to an error in the Frontal Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) software, the braking assist function may fail when the vehicle approaches a stationary vehicle or a pedestrian. ..."

11 August 2019, recall PRA 2019/17725: "Kia JF Optima Model Years 2018-2020 ... Due to an error in the Frontal Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) software, the braking assist function may fail when the vehicle approaches a stationary vehicle. ..."

 

2 August 2019, recall PRA #2019/17524: "Hyundai Veloster (FS) Model Year 2013 ... The software installed on the engine management unit (ECU) may cause premature ignition, that can result in the engine stalling and with the possibility of a fire. ..."

 

31 March 2019, recall PRA #2019/17430: "Mercedes-Benz A, C and CLS Class Vehicles MY2018-2019 ... The software in the powertrain control unit may not operate as intended. The engine warning light may not activate to warn the driver of the fault. A reset of the control unit might take place while driving. ... the engine may not start again automatically ..."

 

5 February 2019, recall PRA #2019/17325: "Mazda MX-5 (ND) Automatic MY2015-2019 ... The Transmission Control Module (TCM) may incorrectly interpret an electrical signal from the gear selector lever and this has the potential to cause the automatic transmission to downshift unexpectedly, causing an abrupt wheel speed reduction. ... [need to] reprogram the TCM with revised software."

 

31 January 2019, recall PRA #2019/17302: "Mercedes-Benz C Class Vehicles MY2018 ... The ESP software may not meet the specifications. ... the ESP function would be deactivated and the parking brake could no longer be moved from its current position. ..."

 

28 January 2019: Which magazine reported that "Four of the UK's top five best-selling cars [with keyless entry], plus hundreds of other models, can easily be stolen by thieves."

 

23 January 2019, recall PRA #2019/17291: "Bentley Motors Limited - Continental GT MY2018 In specific driving conditions the electric power steering control unit may display an error. This is due to a software fault which could result in a temporary loss of power assistance ..." (Also see Porsche, 9 Jan. below.)

 

9 January 2019, recall PRA #2019/17262: "Porsche Panamera 971 ... Due to a software error, the electric power steering may become unavailable sporadically. ..."

 

10 December 2018, recall PRA #2018/17211: Toyota Lexus LS500 "is equipped with a stop-start system that automatically stops and restarts the engine when the vehicle is stationary (e.g., at a stop light). Due to improper programming of the engine control computer, the engine may stall during acceleration from the stationary position when the engine restarts within a specific time range after the engine stops. ...".

 

18 October 2018, recall PRA #2018/17095: "18MY Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, 18-19MY Mitsubishi ASX, 17-18MY Mitsubishi Outlander ... Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) ... automatically applying the brakes to avoid collision or reduce impact. Due to incorrect operation of the software, the FCM system may continue to apply the brakes even though it is no longer necessary to avoid a collision or reduce impact. ...".
[Also see 13 Jan. 2021 above.]

 

23 September 2018, recall PRA #2018/17023: "BMW E53 X5 4WD Wagon ... Due to a possible mismatch of software and hardware within the airbag control, the front airbags may be activated whilst parking the vehicle. ..."

 

25 June 2018, recall PRA #2018/16841 Automobili Lamborghini SpA - Aventador Coupe and Roadster. "The engine in affected vehicles may stall without warning under certain driving conditions ... arrange for an appointment with an authorised Lamborghini dealer for an engine software update."

 

25 June 2018, recall PRA #2018/16849 FCA Australia Pty Ltd - 2014-2018 (KL) Jeep Cherokee. "Computer software for the Power Control Module (PCM) is faulty. In certain circumstances this may affect cruise control and the possible locking of speed or cause acceleration of the vehicle."

 

5 June 2018, recall PRA #2018/16806 BMW F90 M5 sedan, CPA 48330. "Faulty software may cause the fuel pump to stop working while the car is in motion."

 

19 March 2018: A woman pedestrian, crossing the street in Tempe Arizona, was hit and killed by a Uber autonomous car (with a human monitor on board).

 

6 December 2017 recall PRA 2017/16442 "Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars "C" Class 63s ... Torque peaks may arise in the drivetrain in the vehicle under pulling-away manoeuvres on a wet road. This may lead to failure of the drive shaft. ... Consumers should contact their nearest [MB] Retailer for an update to the software of the ESP control units and, if necessary, the suspension control unit."

 

1 June 2017 recall PRA 2017/16076: "Mercedes-Benz "SLK" Class Passenger Car ... The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) software does not correspond to specifications. In rare cases this may cause the brakes to remain slightly engaged after an automatic brake intervention by a driver assistance system (e.g.. cruise control) which would lead to continuous vehicle deceleration. ... The braking system may overheat[!] ..."

 

31 May 2017, recall PRA 2017/16078: "... 14-14.5MY ZJ [Mitsubishi] Outlander PHEV ... Due to improper engine software, EV software and spark plug specification, the petrol engine may shut down unexpectedly. This will limit the vehicle to EV drive mode only, with no electric charge by the engine. ...".

 

7 February 2017, recall PRA 2017/15890: "[VW] MY2016 & MY2017 Golf Wagon and Passat. ... A software error may cause an inoperative dipped beam, main beam, daytime running light, rear fog light or indicator bulb to not be indicated to the driver. Operative bulbs may also be shown to be inoperative. This may present a hazard to the occupants of the vehicle or other road users, especially in low light conditions or at night. ..." -- .gov.au

 

30 October 2016, .au, recall PRA 2016/15710: Ford Mondeo vehicles built from October 16, 2014 through December 22, 2015. "... due to a software error within the Headlight Control Module (HCM), vehicles fitted with Adaptive LED Headlamps could experience a condition that causes the headlamps to switch off. ..." [which would not be good] "... pull over [and] cycle their ignition off and on again. This will allow the headlamps to be turned on again. ..." !

 

10-12 August 2016: "... we show that the security of the keyless entry systems of most VW Group vehicles manufactured between 1995 and today relies on a few, global master keys. We show that by recovering the cryptographic algorithms and keys from electronic control units, an adversary is able to clone a VW Group remote control and gain unauthorized access to [i.e., rob/steal] a vehicle by eavesdropping a single signal sent by the original remote. ..." -- F. D. Garcia et al, 'Lock It and Still Lose It - On the (In)Security of Automotive Remote Keyless Entry Systems,' 25th USENIX Security Symposium 2016 [www].

 

7 June 2016: Security researchers called on Mitsubishi "to recall at least 100,000 Outlander hybrid cars after exposing a security breach that allowed the hackers to remotely turn off the car's alarm system, control the lights and drain the battery. ..." -- The G.

 

21 February 2016: Volvo was to recall 59,000 cars over faulty software that can briefly shut down the engine. ... The recall affected five-cylinder diesel models S60, V60, XC60, V70 and XC70 built from mid-2015.

 

13 November 2015: Toyota Lexus "ES350 & ES300h vehicles equipped with Pre-Collision System (PCS), there is a possibility that the system could interpret a steel expansion joint or plate that crosses the road surface as an object. If this occurs, the system may sound the warning buzzer and may automatically apply the brakes."(!) -- Recall 2015/15039.

 

2 October 2015: A motoring journalist road testing the new Volvo XC90 SUV reported that it "alarmingly activated the brakes on a number of occasions while passing a car parked on the side of the road."

 

15 August 2015, finally published: 'Dismantling Megamos Crypto: Wirelessly Lockpicking a Vehicle Immobilizer', R. Verdult & F. D. Garcia, 22nd Usenix Security Symposium, Aug. 14-16, 2013, Washington D.C.. Computer Scientists revealed weaknesses in the Megamos Crypto immobiliser, used by Audi, Citroen, Fiat, Honda, Volkswagen and Volvo, that could allow the cars to be stolen. Publication was held up by legal action for two years.

 

11 August 2015: Researchers from UCSD showed how to SMS an OBD2 "dongle" (as fitted by insurance firms and fleets to monitor vehicles) to wirelessly enable and disable the brakes of a Corvette.

 

22 July 2015: In a demonstration, "... hackers took control of a Jeep over the internet and disabled the engine and brakes and crashed it into a ditch. A security hole in [Fiat Chrysler Auto's] Uconnect internet-enabled software allows hackers to remotely access the car's systems and take control. ..." -- The G.

 

3 October 2014: Recall PRA 2014/14356, Mazda 6 (GJ1031) 2.5 petrol, "Due to a programming error, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) may fail to provide an adequate supply of electric power to the fuel pump following i-Stop operation. This may cause the fuel pump to stop operating ..."

 

22 Sept 2014: Recall PRA 2014/14333, Nissan Infiniti V37 Q50, "Due to a software error, the traction motor inverter may function incorrectly and the inverter system may shut down" -- a hazard in EV mode.

 

8 July 2013: Recall PRA 2013/13658, Mitsubishi 13MY 'Outlander', including "Adaptive Cruise Control ... Forward Collision Mitigation" and "the Electronic Power Steering computer may fail" and "when driving in a tunnel with the Adaptive Cruise Control 'On', the system may judge the wall of the tunnel as an approaching vehicle and automatically operate the brakes". That could be inconvenient; also see 13 Jan. 2021 above.

 

12 June 2013, .au PRA 2013/13626: Volkswagens with the "... 7 speed direct shift gearbox (DSG) are being recalled due to possible electrolysis in the gearbox control unit that can lead to a short circuit and blow the gearbox fuse ...". (Causing the car to slow -- very dangerous on a freeway.)

 

2012: Had a Maxda CX-9 hire car with an automatic gearbox having a pseudo-manual option. Touching the brakes on a descent, the box would helpfully change to lower gears to hold the speed -- but only down to the 5th(?) of seven ratios. Beyond that the driver had to use the manual option to get the next lowest ratio. If the speed dropped even further, the box would then automatically select lower gears, right down to 1st, but it then would not change back up. This is potentially dangerous when descending a very long steep hill to a stop-sign at the bottom: The car is now locked in 1st, which the driver (did not command and) may well forget when pulling out into the main road, and will not change up into 2nd.

 

2007: Hired a Peugeot 208 with an "intelligent" automatic gearbox that tried to anticipate what gear would be needed on the basis of what had just happened. Unfortunately its guesses were almost always wrong. This is much worse than a "dumb" gearbox that just follows orders.

 

And doubtless many others.