What Happens to a Car When Its Software Co. Goes Under?

Friday, February 20, 2026

As vehicles become platforms for software and subscriptions, their longevity is increasingly tied to the survival of the companies behind their code. When those companies fail, the consequences ripple far beyond a bad app update and into the basic question of whether a car still functions as a car.

Posted by sentinel at 10:31 AM | 7 COMMENTS | permalink | Comment on This Entry |

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In canceling the Model S, Tesla is effectively walking away from a business it helped create--and toward a totally unproven concept, Patrick George writes:

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-- The Atlantic (@theatlantic.com) Feb 7, 2026 at 5:15 AM

Comments

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Get back to us when this starts happening with major auto makers.

#1 | Posted by Angrydad at 2026-02-19 06:03 PM | Reply

Anyone actually ever seen a Fisker? Now Rivian, on the other hand...

#2 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2026-02-20 12:13 PM | Reply

You get a blue screen?

#3 | Posted by donnerboy at 2026-02-20 12:44 PM | Reply

"Get back to us when this starts happening with major auto makers."

Do you consider any of these to be major auto makers?

Manufacturer ... Impacted Features ........................ Notable Affected Models
Toyota / Lexus Safety Connect, Remote Climate ... 2010-2019 4Runner, Prius, Avalon, Land Cruiser
Acura .............. AcuraLink (Emergency/Remote) ..... 2014-2022 MDX, TLX, ILX, RLX, NSX
Volkswagen .... Car-Net (Remote start/alerts) ......... 2014-2019 Passat, Jetta, Golf, Tiguan
Volvo ............... Volvo Cars App, SOS Button ....... Pre-2016 models and some 2017-2024 without Google built-in
Tesla .,,,......,,,.. Connectivity-based Autopilot* ....... Temporary loss during server outages or for legacy 3G Model S

Of course , those are just some features, but recent cars are even more dependent on software to run properly.

#4 | Posted by sentinel at 2026-02-20 01:40 PM | Reply

This is why we own a 2001 truck and a 2005 car. Minimal computer input and I can repair anything on either of them. I wouldn't take the gift of a new vehicle, unless it was to turn around and sell it and it's oncoming problems to someone else.

#5 | Posted by Yodagirl at 2026-02-20 02:05 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

This is GREAT! Tesla owners will soon be able to use their vehicles as rocket ships, and travel to the moon, or even Mars. As for going to the grocery store, well, that's no longer an option...

#6 | Posted by catdog at 2026-02-20 02:09 PM | Reply

It's only a matter of time before they start selling subscriptions for heat and A/C, just like many do now for heated seats.

Want to open your windows, doors, glove compartment, hood, trunk? There's an app for that, lol.

#7 | Posted by sentinel at 2026-02-20 02:35 PM | Reply