Lexus models in the US suffer faulty software update

Lexus drivers in the US have seen a faulty software update cause havoc with their vehicles’ infotainment system.

An update, delivered wirelessly, has caused units to fail, affecting systems including the satellite navigation, sound and climate control.

Videos posted online by some of those affected show systems in different Lexus models either crash or continually restart when booting up.

Lexus UK said the issues appear to affect cars fitted with the Lexus Enform system, a connected technology service that provides features including emergency assistance, remote vehicle data access and vehicle tracking. Enform is not available in the UK.

A tweet by Lexus acknowledged that the issue had affected “many” units and said the company was working around the clock to find a solution, while the firm’s spokesman Moe Durand told Automotive News that the issue was caused by a faulty update sent by satellite.

He said Lexus hasn’t yet determined whether a fix would require a visit to a dealership.

However, one US dealer, Woodfield Lexus in Illinois, suggested on its Facebook page that the issue affected 2014, 2015 and 2016 cars fitted with navigation, and that it was fixable by the dealer with a system reset.

In a statement, Lexus UK said: “We understand that the Enform system is specific to the US market and therefore would expect it to be an issue that only affects US customers.”

Phill Tromans