Photo: Lexus
Lexus engineers are working on a solution for software glitches reported by some of the brand’s customers. We are writing about some serious technical problems with navigation systems, which some owners posted on social media websites like Twitter.
For the moment, the precise source of the problem is undisclosed, but it is a software issue that is possibly linked to the update of the navigation system.
Lexus spokesperson Moe Durand stated that they believed the problem is caused by an over-the-air update from a “faulty application.” These updates are commonplace for modern vehicles, and are usually done at the dealership.
However, some automakers have implemented over-the-air updates. Unfortunately, issues like these can arise, but the method is apparently not at fault.
Instead, the software included in the update probably featured a few lines of code that did not respond adequately to all models, so the navigation system began crashing on some Lexus vehicles in the USA. For the moment, we are not talking about a recall campaign, but the situation could lead to this, as the automaker might have to ask owners to visit service units to fix the problem.
Lexus tops the annual J.D. Power & Associates vehicle dependability study, so this glitch is severe for the Japanese brand. However, the same association specialized in these kinds of ratings and statistics also shows that the most frequent customer complaints come from problems with infotainment systems, in-vehicle communication, and navigation units.
According to the Toyota spokesperson contacted by Automotive News, Cindy Knight, the issue is “kind of widespread,” as customers from several US states have reported it. The Lexus Customer Experience Center had registered complaints from southern US states, as well as California and the Chicago area.
As you can see in the tweet we embedded below, the navigation system of a Lexus RX350 starts up, then goes to a blank, purple, screen and then restarts. In the case of a severe software fault, hardware components might be affected, and this behavior might support this theory.
Lexus spokesperson Moe Durand stated that they believed the problem is caused by an over-the-air update from a “faulty application.” These updates are commonplace for modern vehicles, and are usually done at the dealership.
However, some automakers have implemented over-the-air updates. Unfortunately, issues like these can arise, but the method is apparently not at fault.
Instead, the software included in the update probably featured a few lines of code that did not respond adequately to all models, so the navigation system began crashing on some Lexus vehicles in the USA. For the moment, we are not talking about a recall campaign, but the situation could lead to this, as the automaker might have to ask owners to visit service units to fix the problem.
Lexus tops the annual J.D. Power & Associates vehicle dependability study, so this glitch is severe for the Japanese brand. However, the same association specialized in these kinds of ratings and statistics also shows that the most frequent customer complaints come from problems with infotainment systems, in-vehicle communication, and navigation units.
According to the Toyota spokesperson contacted by Automotive News, Cindy Knight, the issue is “kind of widespread,” as customers from several US states have reported it. The Lexus Customer Experience Center had registered complaints from southern US states, as well as California and the Chicago area.
As you can see in the tweet we embedded below, the navigation system of a Lexus RX350 starts up, then goes to a blank, purple, screen and then restarts. In the case of a severe software fault, hardware components might be affected, and this behavior might support this theory.
Here's why not to buy a Lexus @Lexus @Toyota #overit pic.twitter.com/yr2WuHV7y7
— Sean (@av8828) June 7, 2016
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