A problem with Infiniti’s industry-first steer-by-wire system has forced the automaker to recall a handful of Q50 luxury sedans.
Known as Direct Adaptive Steering, the steer-by-wire setup actually features no direct connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels in normal driving situations. Instead, it uses a sensor to measure steering inputs and convert them into front wheel movement, while a conventional mechanical steering system stands ready to take over if the electronics fail.
It’s an impressive feat of engineering, but as the recall shows, there are still bugs to be worked out.
According to a notice posted to the National Highway Traffic Safety administration’s website, the issue stems from a particular version of the steering software that, when confronted with weather cold enough to drive engine bay temperatures below freezing, is liable to disable the steer-by-wire.
Even worse, it can delay the engagement of the backup mechanical steering system, leaving the driver without any means to steer the vehicle.
Thankfully, only 23 Q50 sedans are impacted by the dangerous software glitch.
Infiniti parent company Nissan has already notified owners of the affected Q50s, and dealers will apply a software update to remedy the defect.
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