General Motors’ autonomous driving unit, Cruise, is facing a significant setback as it recalls 1,194 vehicles in its U.S. fleet due to issues with older versions of automated driving systems. These systems, equipped with software versions released before May 14, have been found to cause the vehicles to brake unexpectedly when approached by a vehicle from behind, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
In response to the issue, Cruise has already updated the software in all vehicles currently on the road and being driven by human drivers. Additionally, all affected driverless vehicles will undergo repairs before being put back on the road, as confirmed by the regulator. Cruise has reported eight collisions that may be related to the braking problem between June 2021 and October 2023.
The NHTSA has closed the investigation it initiated in December 2022 to look into reports of inappropriate hard braking. However, the regulator has stated that it may take further action if necessary. This development comes at a challenging time for Cruise, as the company had suspended all operations in the U.S. late last year following an accident involving one of its robotaxis in San Francisco. This incident led to increased regulatory scrutiny and the departure of Cruise’s co-founder and then CEO, Kyle Vogt.
Despite these challenges, Cruise has resumed manual driving in Phoenix earlier this year to gather road information, and in Houston and Dallas, Texas in June. However, the company continues to face financial losses, with an operating loss of $1,650 million for the first half of 2024, a 28% increase compared to the same period last year. General Motors also spent $583 million on restructuring Cruise during this time.
The recall of Cruise’s vehicles highlights the complexities and challenges of developing and deploying autonomous driving technology. As the company works to address these issues and improve its systems, it will be crucial for regulators, industry stakeholders, and consumers to closely monitor the progress and safety of autonomous vehicles on the road.
In conclusion, the recall of Cruise’s vehicles underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and reliability of autonomous driving systems. As the industry continues to evolve and innovate, it is essential for companies like Cruise to prioritize the safety of their vehicles and address any issues promptly to maintain public trust and confidence in autonomous driving technology.