Recall 22E-016

What NHTSA investigated

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ22-001 to evaluate the scope and remedy of Recall 22E-016. Recall 22E-016 addressed a defect causing the Automated Driving System (ADS) to shut down on a vehicle that was being operated by Pony.ai in a driverless mode.  This condition resulted in a single vehicle crash on October 28, 2021. In the submitted recall report, Pony.ai identified the defect as a coding error.  They also identified three (3) ADS units effected by the defect. Additionally, they stated that the relevant ADS code was revised to correct the error on the evening of the crash.  Pony.ai uploaded the software to the affected units the following day. ODI sought more detailed information surrounding the failure and the failures of redundant ADS safety systems leading to the crash, and steps that Pony.ai has taken to prevent similar failures in the future.  In their response, Pony.ai provided additional details regarding the origin and nature of the software error in the primary ADS unit which led to the incident and how Pony.ai became aware of the error.  Pony.ai also provided details regarding errors which occurred in the installation of the redundant system installed in the incident vehicle, which led to the failure of that system. After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by Pony.ai, ODI believes that the company has properly identified both the error and the affected vehicles.  The software upload completed immediately following the incident described above appears to have resolved the issue.  Additionally, Pony.ai identified several process and procedural changes which they have either already undertaken, or plan to undertake, to prevent the recurrence of similar errors in the future. ODI is closing this Recall Query.  NHTSA reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.

Vehicles covered

Source

From NHTSA’s investigation file, rebuilt daily. To report a problem with your own vehicle, go to nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. All open investigations.