Built-in Obsolescence in New Cars

[Warped9]

I use an old iPod Touch for my music connected by Bluetooth to my 2024 Bronco Sport.

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[GaryS]

I don't know about the software, but I think cars are built much better today than they used to be. In the 70s I owned a bunch of cars from the 60s (I was a teenager and had no money). If they lasted 100,000 miles that was about their lifespan. Spark plugs had to be changed quite often compared to today, and many of my cars, including my 1990 Taurus and 2008 Mercury Mariner started having numerous components replaced after 8 years or so. I have a 2011 Subaru Forester with 176k miles, along with my '21 BS, and the only major things were timing belt and transmission cooler line.
So far, the BS is 3-1/2 years old and the only thing I have to replace so far (besides oil) are the wiper blades. Not even the brakes (so far). 3 years into the Mariner and I had suspension components, a leaking condenser and a rear hatch latch.

 

[Bucko]

I agree cars are built for shorter lifespans these days, but if the software is no longer supported, can't you just drive on the latest version and you won't have the bells and whistles? Parts I understand, but software? Or am I missing something?

Kinda makes me think of my college roommate with the 8-track player in the dash.

My 8 track player still works in my 1967 Camaro. I believe it will outlast the radio and its SW in the Bronco Sport I also drive.
I can easily (and have) replace the earlier spark plugs with the newer platinum plugs, with the old points distributor still in place.

 

[Warped9]

I agree cars are built for shorter lifespans these days…

The manufacturers used to change the cars every year back in the day. They knew very well most of them wouldn’t last more than some years before people would get tired of repairs and want a new one. Built in obsolescence has been a thing for a very long time, since at least the 1950s.

Also back then car financing was based in the idea of paying it off it 24-48 months. Today you can finance it for 84-96 months.—crazy!

Used cars are less hit-and-miss now then they were back in the day.

 

[S Duncan]

I just read an article in the Hagerty Insurance membership newsletter (unfortunately I can’t link the story) regarding the lifespan of new cars. It’s talking, of course, about all brands and vehicles become “classics”, but the interesting part for us is the planned obsolescence of new cars.
Our cars will probably only be viable for 10-12 years, not because of mechanical failures or parts availability, but because the computers/software that run everything will be so dated that they won’t be supported for updates or have parts for repair — sort of like our cell phones.
If you can get to read the article (know someone with Hagerty Classic Insurance) it is quite interesting.
fortunately, for me, I don’t figure I’ll be here or a least not driving in 2036 <lmao>

 

[Dude]

Software (and hardware) obsolescence is a real problem, not as big of an issue with typical vehicles most of us drive but here is a fun article (and a short 4 minute audio) about the USAs Air Traffic Control System

“‘No more floppy disks’: Air traffic control overhaul faces some daunting obstacles”

https://www.npr.org/2025/06/06/nx-s1-5424682/air-traffic-control-overhaul

 

[Brent@ANParts]

I've definitely experienced this in the Tesla world with friends and family wanting to upgrade to new newest model generations constantly, not unlike a new iPhone. I remember one went through almost every variation of the Model S (up to Plaid). At least when you get a new phone the carrier usually gives you a massive rebate or trade-in, meanwhile their Teslas just sink in value like a stone in water.

Obviously this isn't just an EV issue, but so far all of my (relatively new) vehicles have held up well in comparison.

 

[jkernitzki]

If you want to talk about complexity and build quality over the years, I remember my dad’s first and only new vehicle, a 1968 Chevy half-ton.

The day he brought it home, he & I spent the entire afternoon and evening tightening and retorquing everything from the bed to the belts, and drivetrain to lug nuts. Most of it was out of spec. So this isn’t exactly a new issue.

Still, it had the most bulletproof motor I think was ever made, the 292 inline six. Toyota used the same motor in some US-spec Land Cruisers back then.

 

[vetterestorer]

That is hogwash. Yea, the manufacturers may not support vehicles, but the aftermarket will. I continue to see a bunch of OBD1 computer controlled vehicles on the road and that system started in 1989. There is significant aftermarket support up to and including new computers. The largest problem nowadays is the work-around for obsolete computer chips and surface mount components exasperate the problem. But, it is all fixable.

 

[Uncle Brad]

I don't think the computers will be a future issue unless they short out and there are no replacements. But that can happen with physical parts, too.

I have an iPhone 11 Pro. I used it via a bluetooth add on with my 2006 Accord (could've gone back to 2003 MY or maybe further). My 2023 BS has Apple CarPlay which is still running fine on my 6 year old phone. The way iPhones are built, I really don't see a compatibility issue over the next 10 to 15 years. There will be an adaptor to connect whatever to USB-C. CarPlay will be around and if not, Bluetooth will surely be.

I'm afraid there is far more to this problem than the fragility of hardware. Do we have the promise that Ford will keep up the firmware updates, keep their networks and datacenters up for, say, another 50 years? Will Ford promise to keep out exploits to our critical vehicle software? It's not just that related supporting technologies will be very different in 25 years, it's that Ford will intervene with replacement strategies in the years - at low or zero cost. Can we depend upon third-party vendors to come up with longevity strategies so our Bronco Sports are as useful as a 1971 Chevelle is right now? And - if they do - how much will it cost?

Wi-Fi connectivity: wireless technology has changed dramatically, and continues to be evolving. How do you know you will always have access to it? Or the built-in 4/5G LTE hotspot? In 25 years, these will be about as modern as a 1973 Gremlin!

There is virtually zero discussion regarding these (obvious) concerns. We plunge headlong into a tech abyss with nothing but faith and zero planning and virtually no regulation. This is all greenfield stuff that should really concern us.

To directly address your points: Bluetooth is slow, with many limitations (included it's being very, insecure and unreliable). It was never designed to be doing what it is currently being asked to do. Don't believe me: just ask it's inventor (Jaap Haartsen).

Your appeal to USB doesn't make sense. In a few short years we went from A to C, with several intermediary changes to the protocol and physical configuration. Like Bluetooth, it is pressed into doing things it was never good at doing (like passing through video, or use in higher-current applications). In 50 years, USB will be considered positively dinosaur-era. Even now we have to have mini, micro, A and C cables to handle the hardware we have!

Regarding Sync 3 & 4/4A: Ford is already divorcing itself from Android in favor of a proprietary equivalent.

Another thing: all it will take is a massive security breach, with the attendant litigation, to change the landscape here. Also: without cheap Chinese-made adapters, modules, cabling, etc. where will we be in 25 years? What about the continued availability of materials needed to replicate our current tech?

I can go on, but will spare you. This isn't just about you and me - here and now - or whether we will still be here to worry about it in our old age. There is a big picture that we are overlooking that involves those that come after us. This big picture doesn't seem to be coming up in boardroom tables...

 

[Mark S.]

Do we have the promise that Ford will keep up the firmware updates, keep their networks and datacenters up for, say, another 50 years? ...without cheap Chinese-made adapters, modules, cabling, etc. where will we be in 25 years? This isn't just about you and me - here and now - or whether we will still be here to worry about it in our old age.

There is an entire cottage industry of suppliers around to keep your 1971 Chevelle roadworthy, and in some cases greatly improved (see below) due to technological advances. I have no doubt that if demand exists the know-how will follow to keep newer cars on the road once they become classics.

 

[Bucko]

If I'm still around, someone can post a pic of their Bronco Sport 57 yers from now.

 

[Uncle Brad]

There is an entire cottage industry of suppliers around to keep your 1971 Chevelle roadworthy, and in some cases greatly improved (see below) due to technological advances. I have no doubt that if demand exists the know-how will follow to keep newer cars on the road once they become classics.

Unfortunately you missed my point. In CONTRAST to the 1971 Chevelle - which had zero software and very little electronics (none of which being vital to its function) - how can we be assured that we will have the manufacturer and vendor support over half a century later for the Bronco Sport?

Of COURSE there is currently broad vendor support for the Chevelle. That's why I used it in as an example: a comparison to what the Bronco Sport faces (having deep dependence upon software and electronics, most vital to its function).

 

[Mark S.]

how can we be assured that we will have the manufacturer and vendor support over half a century later for the Bronco Sport?

I got your point. MY point is if there is demand someone will make it happen. Where there's a will there's a way. Some people still use Atari game consoles and Commodore 64 computers, both of which use outdated and obsolete digital hardware. There's no modern NEED for these devices, but some people like them enough to keep them functioning.

 

[Uncle Brad]

I got your point. MY point is if there is demand someone will make it happen. Where there's a will there's a way. Some people still use Atari game consoles and Commodore 64 computers, both of which use outdated and obsolete digital hardware. There's no modern NEED for these devices, but some people like them enough to keep them functioning.

Keep the faith. I hope you're right. I hope the economy, regulation and the business argument behind manufacturer and 3rd-party ongoing support in the years to come are in our favor.

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