GM Cruise probe ends; automaker to recall 1,200 robotaxis

GM Cruise recall overview: 

• Who: GM’s autonomous vehicle company Cruise LLC issued a recall for nearly 1,200 of its robotaxis. 
• Why: The recall was initiated over concerns the robotaxis’ automated driving system could command an unexpected braking maneuver, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision from a “close-following road user.” 
• Where: Cruise self-driving vehicles operate in Arizona, Texas and Florida. 

General Motors’ autonomous vehicle company Cruise LLC issued a recall for nearly 1,200 of its self-driving vehicles over worries their automated driving system (ADS) could command an unexpected braking maneuver in the event a vehicle or cyclist suddenly approaches their rear. 

Cruise said an unexpected braking maneuver may increase the risk of a rear-end collision from a “close-following road user.” 

The recall puts an end to an almost two-year long probe by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into allegations of hard braking during certain events, including three reports of rear-end collisions. 

“NHTSA noted that it had received three reports of rear-end collisions with Cruise AVs in situations where the Cruise ADS initiated a hard braking maneuver in response to another road user that was quickly approaching from the rear,” the GM Cruise recall says. 

Software updates ‘significantly’ reduced risk of unexpected brake events, Cruise says 

The braking issue was remedied via software updates made throughout 2023 and during a pause in operations between Oct. 26, 2023 and May 13, 2024, according to the GM Cruise recall. 

Cruise said the software updates “significantly reduced the risk of unexpected braking events with close-following road actors” and “improved components in several systems of the ADS including perception, prediction, and planning.” 

While the recall ends the NHTSA probe, Cruise remains under an active investigation from the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission, reports TechCrunch. 

The agencies reportedly began investigating Cruise after one of its robotaxis ran over a person last fall who had been hit by a human-driven car. The incident caused the automaker to lose its permits to operate in the state of California, reports TechCrunch.  

Prior to that accident, Cruise had agreed to reduce its operations in San Francisco by 50% last year after three robotaxis were involved in crashes — including an accident involving a fire truck — after appearing to stall in intersections. 

Have you encountered a GM Cruise automated driving vehicle? Let us know in the comments.

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