Vehicle recalls are an integral aspect of automotive safety. However, they can also pose a significant inconvenience for owners. Scheduling a trip to the dealership for an unexpected repair or fix adds another layer of planning to your routine. Thankfully, things are evolving. With many of the latest vehicles, some recalls can be conveniently addressed simply by turning on your car.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration , there were 894 vehicle safety recalls in the United States for 2023. While many recalls necessitate hardware updates, others can be addressed with an over-the-air, or OTA, software update. Edmunds’ automotive experts delve into what you need to know.

An OTA update is disseminated to vehicles through a wireless connection and typically installed automatically, resembling updates on your smartphone or personal computer. For example, the 2023 Tesla Model Y has 12 recalls documented on the NHTSA website; at least half of them list OTA updates as the resolution. This presents a win-win scenario for both the automaker and the consumer since offering a swift and cost-free repair contributes to maintaining positive customer satisfaction ratings.

“Vehicles have advanced to a degree we’ve never seen before,” Ivan Drury, an auto analyst at Edmunds, said in an interview with
. He says high-tech features such as self-driving capability and backup cameras are included in a wide swath of issues that recalls cover.

Currently, there are two primary categories for software updates. The first pertains to the infotainment system, a non-critical segment that receives regular updates offering desirable improvements. Drive control, the second category, encompasses driver assistance and essential operating systems; these updates are vital for safe driving.

Kia, a prominent automaker, boasts a comprehensive lineup of electric vehicles and a reliable over-the-air (OTA) strategy for straightforward infotainment update deployments. “With the launch of EV9, we have been able to implement numerous software updates to enhance the standard operational software capabilities,” explains Kia's connected car specialist Sujith Somasekharan. “For instance, we optimized the battery charging pad to improve its efficiency. Updates enhance the car's functionality.”

General Motors' newest vehicles are also designed to continuously improve through software updates for features like the hands-free driving system Super Cruise, remote controls, and infotainment. “Over-the-air updates can enhance performance, security, and convenience, all from the comfort of your home,” says Baris Cetinok, GM senior vice president of software and services product management. “As our technology progresses, GM customers will continue to have the option of in-person assistance through our extensive dealership network.”

OTA updates are not exclusive to all-electric vehicles. For certain 2024 Buick Encore GX, Envista, and Chevrolet Trax models, a November 2023 recall details an issue where the driver information display goes blank and prescribes a software update as the remedy.

It's reassuring to know that vehicle OTA updates will increasingly simplify life for consumers. However, don't discard your dealership's contact information just yet. The majority of recalls still necessitate an in-person repair. For instance, an airbag deployment issue or engine problem will require hands-on intervention from the service department.

Furthermore, distinguishing between an actual recall and a mere software update can be tricky. Not every recall involves a software update, and not every software update constitutes a recall. It's a different type of recall when it's simply an OTA update patch. After all, software updates are routinely pushed out to smartphones. However, it's certain that as vehicles, particularly electric vehicles, become more software-reliant, these OTA updates will play an even more prominent role than ever before.

Software updates are transforming the way vehicle owners manage their cars. When a recall can be addressed with a simple software update, it's a significant time-saver. We anticipate this trend of evolving recall processes to continue.

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This article was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds .

Kristin Shaw is a contributor at Edmunds.