Cruise Recalls 1,194 Robotaxis to Address Braking Issues

Introduction

The Cruise automotive car division operated by General Motors will recall 1,194 of its robotaxis, allowing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to close an investigation into braking issues.

Background

The safety agency launched an investigation into Cruise vehicles in December 2022 after analyzing 7,632 hard braking events recorded by the robotaxis. The Office of Defects Investigation concluded that 10 crashes could be attributed to Cruise vehicles. Of these, four involved a vulnerable road user and resulted in injury.

Software Update

While Cruise has denied the NHTSA’s assertion that a recall was required, it rolled out a software update to its fleet last month “intended to reduce the risk of unexpected braking maneuvers, including by improvements to perception, prediction, and planning.” The company has also provided the agency with data that shows unexpected braking events involving its robotaxis occur less frequently than vehicles with a human driver in control.

Ongoing Investigations

Cruise still faces ongoing investigations from the Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission following an incident in which a Cruise vehicle struck a pedestrian in October 2023. These investigations, along with regulatory uncertainty, led to the cancellation of the company’s purpose-built robotaxi known as the Origin.

Future Focus

Despite these challenges, Cruise plans to focus on developing self-driving versions of the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt, which is set to launch next year.