"Our analysis suggests we're witnessing a shift in how automotive recalls are handled," said a DeMayo Law spokesperson.

While inconvenient for drivers, software patches are quicker than hardware replacements.

According to Ars Technica, in 2014, 34 of 277 recalls were software fixes. The percentage hovered around 12-13 per cent before rising steadily from 2020. In 2021, 16 per cent of recalls were software-related, increasing to nearly 22 per cent in 2022, and over 23 per cent last year.

Chrysler led with 82 software recalls since 2014, followed by Ford (66) and Mercedes-Benz (60). Tesla ranked eighth with 26 recalls, similar to Hyundai and Kia.

The most common issue was electrical systems, followed by backover prevention, airbags, powertrains, and exterior lighting.

Not all of the problems were caused by software cock-ups. In some cases, the software team was called in to fix a hardware problem. Jaguar's recent I-Pace recall involved a software update to limit battery capacity due to assembly damage.

Older vehicles had to go to the dealer to be patched, but newer models can be updated over the air. This means that owners can have the recall performed from the comfort of their own parking space, provided they have connectivity and the update does not brick their car. Last year, Rivian owners' suffered from an update which broke some infotainment screens – of course this could have been a lot worse.