Reply #5: Not the floor mats

[bongbong]

It's the software in the myriad computers that now "run" cars. Error conditions occur in car computers because of their harsh operating conditions that are intermittent and basically impossible to track down.

For example, one of the computer modules might sit at -10 degrees overnight. But after startup it could get heated to a much higher temperature within a few moments if it is near the engine. That causes connections to loosen, and impedance to change, just to mention the more obvious non-linear effects.

Mercedes, for another example, has at least FIVE SEPARATE LANs in every one of their cars now. Some of their models have NINE. Each LAN has several computers connected to it.

Complexity breeds problems. My next car will probably be a 1968 Chevy.